Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead
It has been a few weeks since our United Nations trip and I find myself sharing the story about what happened with so many. When I share about it, they want to see photos and hear the key points of my talk. I thought I would share them with you too.
The talk arose out of these inquiries:
If I only had ten minutes to share my deepest wisdom with a room full of people who serve the world…what would I say?
What is my core insight that could make the most difference in the lives of those that they serve? As in, what can they take with them?
How can I communicate the power of Intentional Creativity without doing a creative process?
What will inspire and nurture those who do so much to keep going….
These are the inquiries that dropped me into my deepest heart…and when I went there, I found an incredible link between trauma and imagination. Something I have used before…but never quite been able to speak to as clearly as I did that day and in my paper for the event (which I handed out). For me, links like this are the revelations I live for. I shared 4 ways that trauma and imagination are linked, and why that is important.
Before my article, I want to share the words of my teacher and friend, Carmen Baraka, Spirit Warrior about her experience.
Thanks for listening...
Photo from UNCSW63 in March, including Carmen Baraka Spirit Warrior and native youth, Alexis Estes and our Intentional Creativity and Shakti Rising team.
Thank you to our support sponsors for helping us make this experience possible and to bring the voice of native women and children to the table at the United Nations. As well as my talk!
This Letter from the Red Thread Cafe Includes:
A share and poem from Carmen Baraka Spirit Warrior
Message of Gratitude for my travels to New York for the Herstory Project, UNCSW63 and our Support Sponsors
Article I wrote on behalf of UNCSW: Transforming the Impacts of Trauma through Storytelling and Creativity ~ An Artist’s Perspective
Upcoming Happenings ~ both online and on-location
Carmen Baraka – smudging ALL the United Nations member flags.
Yes this happened.
A share from Carmen Baraka : Spirit Warrior:
It was a great honor to once again speak at the United Nations for the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, speaking on the healing powers of Intentional Creativity and Storytelling. And then to once again smudge the flags of the U.N., this time with Alexis Estes on drum, and our sisters walking behind us in prayer, so good! A huge thank you to Shiloh Sophia McCloud who has truly stepped up to acknowledge the plight of Native American women and have their voices heard. Something she does for all women and girls and I am proud to call her my sister, friend, family member. “She who fearlessly stands in her light.” Her husband, Jonathan McCloud who pretty much holds up the sky while all of us do our thing, a great example of an enlightened progressive man.
It was truly wonderful to have Alexis Estes from Native Hope join our circle, thank you to Mam Mac for bringing us together, we also had two awesome women from Shakti Rising …… and to the many I.C. Sisters that showed up to support us thank you all so much.
I was also able to speak at the U.N. about Saving Oak Flat, Apache-Stronghold.com. I put information about it in 100 folders and I am hoping help will come. I wrote a poem to unite the women in the room and ten of the IC sisters read one line each, each line ending with “We Stand” it was powerful to say together! Thank you to all the sisters who supported us from afar we felt you with us. Aho Mitakuye Oyasin, We are all Related.
~ See Carmen’s poem below
There were many wonderful experiences, and so much energy and focus, that it’s hard to put into words what occurred…
I had the pleasure of leading a 5 day Herstory Workshop, exploring women’s art such as Hilma Af Klint at the Guggenheim and an amazing Frida Kahlo show at the MET (Brooklyn Museum). It was so great to be in the company of Intentional Creativity Teachers!
On the last day, I spoke at the UNCSW alongside my dear friend Carmen Baraka Spirit Warrior, and native youth, Alexis Estes. The room was a full house – of course we began our talk with Red Thread Circle, rearranging the room of 70 people into circle-like fashion.
This was our 6th year attending UNCSW and every time I feel so very grateful for how Intentional Creativity is making an impact, even in a board room at the UN. I am also very grateful for the native women in our community who are speaking up to educate us and share stories of their people and this land.
I want to especially THANK Shakti Rising and our Support Sponsors for your generous donations which helped make it possible to bring native women voices to the table. It truly does take a village!
many blessings,
Red Thread Cafe in a horse drawn carriage in Central Park in our last few hours of the Herstory project in New York ~ sending hugs to all my sisters with much gratitude for a great experience!
A few photos from New York and the UN event
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
We Stand
By Carmen Baraka
March 2019
May we recognize our sister, when we look into her eyes
May we see her pain and angst, her wonder and her joy, and be with her, in that we all know what it’s like to be a woman and fight the good fight
For the rights inherent to all women and girls
We stand!
For the women and girls who are abused, beaten and sex trafficked
We stand!
For the ones that are forced to marry and bear children before their time
We stand!
For the ones without rights who are persecuted at the whim of men
We stand!
For those who fight for clean water, air, and healthy food for our children, grandchildren and future generations
We stand!
For those that are persecuted for their race, color or gender
We stand!
For the heartbreak of the women who have had their children ripped from them on reservations, at borders, in too many circumstances
We stand!
For our future in a world where women are equal and full empowered
We stand!
For the truth of how these Americans came to be and for schools to teach that truth so that we may all heal
We stand!
For the rights of women to make their own decisions about their bodies and personal space
We stand!
For all those who have realized that to serve others is the highest form of spirit progression and awakening
We stand!
For the mother of us all mother earth we are sisters in unity
Red Thread Guide starts April 4th. For those called to lead circles, conversation and rituals of transformation. Payment plans available for up to 12 months as needed.
Sonoma CA: July 19.20.21 – Revealing Magdalene: Reclaiming You ~ a Healing Journey with Shiloh Sophia and Dr. Kayleen Asbo – Save the Date!
Upon my return to New York, I taught a Diva X class at Musea Studio in Sonoma. WOW! What an awesome time we had uncoiling our bodies and painting our Diva X!
Photo from UNCSW63 in March, including Carmen Baraka Spirit Warrior and native youth, Alexis Estes and our Intentional Creativity and Shakti Rising team.
Carmen Baraka – smudging ALL the United Nations member flags.
Red Thread Cafe in a horse drawn carriage in Central Park in our last few hours of the Herstory project in New York ~ sending hugs to all my sisters with much gratitude for a great experience!
May LOVE be at the CENTER of all CHOICES
