About

Welcome!

I give thanks to my Ancestors, who’s spirit of survival are the reason for my existence. I give thanks for the teachings, the guidance and the blessings of All my Relations, from the furthest to the nearest. I give thanks to the Spirits that guide me, those that surround me and those of the lands in which these words are written and read.

I’m an Indigenous Woman, descendant of the Orginal People of this hemisphere, of Abya Yala, particularly the Circum-Caribbean area. History books call my Ancestors Taino and Arawak. My ancestry goes back to the island of Boriken, known today as Puerto Rico. Most who know me call me Nanu.

Growing up, we had a foot in each world, the western colonized ways of American dominated Puerto Rico and “family” ways. And these ways varied depending on who was present. This is not unheard of in the age of colonial dominion and the Urban Ndn, it only means things are one way at home and totally different in the western world. And while life has had it’s difficulties, I’m lucky to have been exposed to the fluidity of perspective at a young age. It’s given me a path to follow, a path that’s truly mine and for that, I am grateful.

I strive to be the best version of myself possible, and I fail. A lot. There is no excuse, but there are reasons and that is that, like many, I have work to do. I am on a path of Spirit and Awareness, of Being and Creating, of Healing and Discovery. I’m on a path of seeking and sharing and asking lots of questions. I am Holy and I am of Service, but in no way, shape and form am I perfect. I am subject to the human condition and I screw up plenty.

Still… I bring “the gifts that my ancestors gave” and rise to walk a path of Beauty and Spirit as best I can.

My conclusions are my own, and shared freely. My opinions are not popular opinions, but I’m not interested in popularity. I’m not looking to convince anyone I’m right, but I’m most certainly sharing  my perspective and I add many links and studies in my writing. I’m not making decisions for you but sharing my own decision and why. I encourage others to think for themselves, even if we disagree. I enjoy deeply contrasting views, sharing the possibilities and comparing notes, but I don’t suffer fools easily. Really consider my points And compassion and patience are not always at my disposal, especially for those who waste time.

In the end, I don’t have all the answers, not even for myself. I am in constant process, but the topics are on the table and we can allow for possibilities. We can’t create answers without asking questions, without being willing to compare and consider alternative perspectives. I offer some ideas, and the arguments to support it. Thoughtful debate is welcome, keeping in mind that rudeness is not an intelligent rebuttal and that unity doesn’t mean lack of diversity. Disagreement is not disrespect.

My personal interests vary greatly, from the fantastic to the deep. I read quite a bit, watch a lot of documentaries and listen to audiobooks. Youtube is another favorite.

I have an active spiritual life and am of service to my Taino community, Higuayagua. love indulging the Spirit of Creativity, and having grown up in the island’s version of the powwow trail, I’ve had the opportunity to experience different crafts under the guidance of Maestro Artesanos, the Master Craftsmen, back home.

Having turned 49 recently, I’ve begun a new bodily cycle and something in me has changed. Having experienced huge losses last couple of years, new family additions and even a complete change of state, adjustment has been a little bumpy, but exploring the offerings of my new surroundings has been interesting.

To any inconvenienced by my absence and lack of follow up on the promise of a monthly post, my sincerest apologies. These go as well to those whom I have not replied to during this time; please be aware I took an electronic leave and pretty much disconnected from the internet in general.

Life is experiential. Most of it happens real-time and off-line. Sometimes that part of our experience demands our full attention. At other times, it offers nurturing and growth. I’ve been privileged to have experienced a rainbow of teachings during this time.

I’m eternally learning. 🙂

Hope we can share in that.

N.

 

 

(c) A.Nanu Pagan, Sept 2017, March 2018, May 2019