Each tribe has their own time of the year that they consider being the beginning of the new year. For my tribe, Diné , we celebrate this in October and call it Gháájí’. It is considered a time for great change , self reflection, and the creation of a new future. For other tribes it may be at the winter solstice or well into January. Each have their own way of honoring the new year and what it brings. Some may have a fire ceremony, special songs and chants, and of course food.
Isn't food a common gathering place for all of us? We all must eat and through this action we are all connected. It was through this basic need that whole communities rose together and became strong. Nourishing plants inspired songs of their gifts and origin. These plants were seen as so powerful they had their own deities and people called out to them, singing their prayers. Food was seen for what it was. A part of everything and the seed to life. How could we love as deeply as we do without food? How could we honor the land without a reason why? Well fed bodies meant well fed minds and spirits.
The more we are connected to what food we eat and where it came from, the more we care about the earth we walk on. The more we care, the more we are willing to invest our time and energy. The current system in which most food is delivered has given us ease and access but has also taken away so much meaning and purpose. Current generations of people have had so much taken from them without even truly understanding what they are missing. Yes we may be able to immediately ease the hunger with food but it comes at a cost.
My thought is, if we are spending less of our energy and thought into our food then where is our focus going? If food is a part of the building blocks of everything we are on this planet, and it is the way we continue our walk here in this reality, doesn't it deserve our respect and time? This is a beautiful time for many to reflect on these question and ask, am I making choices that serve my highest good? What is important to me and how can I honor it through my actions?
Ch'il Indigenous Foods is my own personal way of creating more connection to our food.
A way to bring community back to the deeper meaning of food. To reach the beautiful people who realize food is more than just something to shovel in their mouth mindlessly and continue on without a thought. These things must be said, must be heard, must be spread so our future generations do not go without. It may be harder for them to find, but if it is available, these teachings can be found.
Plants are such an amazing gift given to us. The variety on this earth is mind blowing. The many ways we can use them. From food, or topical medicine, to simple inspiration.
I am in awe of all that we are given.
This year I hope to honor the plants and to explore a deeper and more connected relationship to them. I will share my journey with you all and hope to hear about your own journey as well .
May you walk in beauty in 2023.
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