02/09/2025
There is heightened tension in Australia & globally around culture, race, immigration, cultural and spiritual appropriation.
It is sometimes challenging to join the debate & be a voice for humanity without adding to the atmosphere of division, polarity, and 'us against them'.
I have always seen other people as my kin, no matter the race or religion, and the earth as our human home.
And, I also see the beauty and meaning in cultural, tribal and ethnic communities, where practices and beliefs are shared. I recognise the need to honour the wonder in the diversity of humankind, and the learnings we can take away from witnessing one another with reverence and love.
I studied international relations at university & am not blind to the many arguments for and against globalisation, and I have seen first hand in my travels, 'traditional' societies losing their culture as they become more westernised. I've also seen spiritual practices become so tourism-driven they've lost their essence & power.
In the same breath, I have benefited & healed greatly using the tools and practices of various tribes and cultures from around the world, and have experienced deep healing in the presence of some Australian Indigenous Elders.
I don't have answers to the larger societal debate circling the globe about borders & resources, and I am much too much of a utopian idealist to have my political dreams realised in the current system.
All of this to say, I LOVE my home, Australia. I am also deeply sorry for the pain my ancestors caused to the First Nations Peoples. I have also grieved the disconnection to my own ancestral roots and practices, & have only begun rediscovering that the last few years. Interestingly, when I travelled to Ireland a few years ago, I felt a deep connection to the land & a familiarity that I couldn't explain, especially as I HATE the cold.
Animism is the main spiritual lens through which I view the world, though I have other beliefs that enrich & influence my life too.
In everything I do, I aim to respect & honour the keepers on the land on which I live. So - my reason for sharing my words is in love, respect & unity.
Much love,
Zo
x
