the big change we want to see in society has to happen first inside of us

sabine lichtenfels, co-founder tamera

this summer, I had the privilege to join the defend the sacred conference in tamera/portugal. a confluence of global changemakers and activists from around the world: “leaders of indigenous communities, social movements and systemic alternatives reflected on their experiences at the nexus of activism and spirituality and shared prospects for a global culture of cooperation”.

lisbon – beautiful city of hope

waiting for the fullmoon to rise

it was an empowering experience of coming home to my people. not that I had previously known any of them, but they share with me the same language and understanding on the current societal system we live in and on what is needed to move towards its positive transformation.

deeply inspired & nourished, I take with me

  • the encouraging sense of being part of a growing global network
  • the experience of forces of positive change evolving
  • the knowlege on liveable solutions starting from very deep within each of us and our relationships with each other and life on this planet.

the central highlight to me was our contribution to an arial art action on the hightest point of portugal. to stand against the plans of a nation-wide lithium extraction program, which would destroy not only vast landscapes but the resources and life-forms within them. the action was a greater statement and call to the global community to take care of our planet, invest into regenerative circular solutions; ask before taking, and listen before acting.

photos by volken tokmak – spectral Q

the arial art act created a tremendous energy of human connection with earth & sky, as we sat on the warm earth: tiny specks all together making up the great symbol of the tree of life, open to the clear blue sunny sky above us.

as the ceremony was over and people dispersed, I sensed into the earth and felt a great sigh going through her. as if she had for the first time in her life experienced a true touch on her skin, one of truly being seen, truly respected, truly valued.

photo: carlos gonzalez

I also sensed the global relevance of our standing together for life: there was a wave of resonance radiating beneath the surface to all corners of the earth – other mountain regions and sanctuaries carrying the sacred foundation of life. it seemed that they too, heard and sensed this momentum. a shift in perception, a hope for the beginning of the turning – to a new social system of love instead of fear, peace instead of war, respect instead of destruction.

hohgant | swiss alps | a silent jewel of nature, protected space of healing. sanctuary of the earth spirits, celebrating the beauty of life. 

jebel shams mountains | oman | representation of primordial masculine energy, awakening to respect the feminine in her graceful dance.

chomolungma | himalayas | majestic mountains, origin source of water & life. abode of the goddess & the spirits of high spaces.