"oUR LAND HAS BEEN CRYING"
With all the recent buildings of hotels, chopping down the mondi to build residences, huge increase in tourism lately: our land has been hurting.
Our sacred little island has been overcrowded with flocks of tourist and living expenses have skyrocketed. All for the sake of our people getting richer? It doesn't feel like it.
The pain of watching our island change so rapidly has been felt by the majority of the locals here on Aruba. Zoë Loefstok, a free-spirited island girl, wanted to transmute this pain by honoring the earth by gathering Aruba's locals. Thanks to Zoë, a large sacred gathering took place at the Alto Vista Chapel on Earth Day.
Before starting the hike from the chapel to the beach, Zoë wanted everyone to take a moment to truly ground themselves with the earth by walking barefoot to the beach. Everyone walked in silence to deeply connect to earths frequency. This was a peaceful meditation.
It was amazing to witness so many loving souls come out on this afternoon to gather in community, under the full moon. During the walk I felt so much joy to see people from all ages and backgrounds to come together. For the first time in a long time I felt this sense of deep loving community.
choosing to peacefully walk in silence as a way to listen and connect deeper with our land
everyone gathered flowers, stones, seashells, seaweed, coral, sticks and beans to create this masterpiece together.
After the Earth Altar was created, we all sat in a circle and participated in a guided meditation led by Zoë, which deepened our connection to the Earth's frequency and to each other.
Natusha Croes, a local artist known as Caricia, then offered a profound prayer for our land. With her fiery and vibrant spirit, she inspired everyone to sing, clap, and dance.
Through storytelling, we connect with our ancestors, and Roxanne, a local medicine woman, did just that. She shared a meaningful story with a powerful message about the wisdom of our Earth.
To conclude the night, Andrea Herrera, a holistic entrepreneur, sang with her angelic voice. As the community closed their eyes, they were transported by her enchanting melodies.
our children need a community that can protect what is theirs. let's rise together.
Thank you Zoë for organizing this sacred gathering. Thank you Aruba for coming together and praying deeply to our land.
If you would like to come together for community gatherings like this, you can follow Zoë's journey here: Zoë Loefstok.
