Sumak Kawsay: Living in Harmony with Nature and the Andean Concept of the Good Life
Updated: Aug 26, 2023
Hey there, in this blog entry, I am so excited to begin exploring with you the concept of "Good Living" or Sumak Kawsay in the Kichwa language.
As someone who was born in the Andes, in Quito, Ecuador, I have a deep connection to this way of life that emphasizes living in harmony with nature.
For many Indigenous people in the Andean region and the Amazon rainforest, Sumak Kawsay is not just a concept, it's a way of life. It promotes the idea that the collective well-being of the community is achieved through harmony within nature.
This way of life is integral to their cultures and it's something that not always I have felt connected to.
The Western idea of development often emphasizes profit, commodification, and infinite growth, but Sumak Kawsay instead emphasizes respect and care for nature and how this relationship is the basis of a "good life".
This stems from an Indigenous cosmovision that sees nature as a living being and humans as a part of an interdependent community that includes all other life forms.
For some Indigenous groups, specific cultural practices and traditional knowledge are also crucial components of Sumak Kawsay.
Maintaining these traditions and knowledge systems are key to achieving Sumak Kawsay, not just for their own communities, but for all living and non-living beings.
When I was 33 years old I did my first pilgrimage to a mountain with the guidance of Wachuma (San Pedro).
This experience was profound as my intention was to give thanks for my life and the vision I carry, and to pray for the support and the blessings of the Apus.
It was a turning point in my life and after that magical journey, I was inspired to integrate pilgrimages and rites of passage to help my students.
That's why I founded VisionaryTRiBE, a school of shamanic arts.
In the next part of this series, I will be sharing more about my personal experience with Wachuma and how it has helped me to deepen my understanding of Sumak Kawsay.
I will also be sharing about how we incorporate pilgrimage and rites of passage into our VisionaryTRiBE community to help our students connect more deeply with nature and their own spiritual journey.
In the VisionaryTRiBE community, we support each other on our journey of self-discovery and healing, and we share in the magic of plant medicine.
I invite you to join us and experience the transformative power of Sumak Kawsay and Wachuma (San Pedro) for yourself.
If you're ready to embrace the magic of plant medicine and find your true path, join us on this journey of self-discovery and healing as we explore the transformative potential of Sumak Kawsay and Wachuma (San Pedro).
Together, let's create a world where we live in harmony with nature and find true fulfillment in the good life.
We are a modern indigenous culture of Spiritual Rainbow Warriors on Pachamama.
Want to learn more about this powerful concept?
In my upcoming post, we're delving deeper into the powerful concept of Sumak Kawsay and the transformative potential of Wachuma. It's a guide to personal growth and spiritual awakening that I can't wait to share with you.
Sumak Kawsay, the indigenous concept of "good living" and harmony with all life, resonates deeply with our longing for connection and purpose. Paired with the wisdom of Wachuma, the sacred cactus of the Andes, this post is a roadmap to expanding your consciousness, awakening your spirit, and embracing the journey towards a more meaningful life.
So, get ready to ignite your curiosity, open your heart, and join me in this exploration of Sumak Kawsay and Wachuma. Together, we'll uncover the insights that can guide us towards a life filled with joy, purpose, and profound transformation.
Stay tuned, my friends.
The journey continues, and I'm honoured to have you walking alongside me.
With love and gratitude,
Soniko.
