omnivore – Taino Woman Comes Dancing in the spirit of Hatuey!

lizard-1379074_1920 — *Cyclura nubila- Cuban Rock Iguana*

Most of the social and spiritual gatherings I participate in are composed of people from a variety of ethnicities and beliefs. Coming from a multi-cultural background myself, this is usually not an issue. Yet, as years have gone by, I’m finding myself feeling increasingly uneasy at the upcoming of any new event. We all have cultural blind spots and a certain amount of ethnocentricity, yes. Because of this awareness, I try not to look for offense in the ignorance of others; we are all working from our own programming and we are all in different spaces. But this discomfort continues and for the longest, I couldn’t quite pin-point what it was that bothered me so much about non-Indian guests in our gatherings. Continue reading “Ayaca e’ Iguana: Decolonizing Indigenous Diets”

Disclaimer

These writings are offered in recognition of the traditional responsibility of sharing experiences and learning for the consideration of those who may be doing their own work.

These are my thoughts at the time of their writing, based on experience, study, introspection and reflection. These are answers I found for myself, opinions that are true from my perspective.

My truths are mine.

They are offered here as gifts, not orders or commands. They are shared as possibilities, as a supplement to your own work- not to do the work for you.

At this time I will also apologize. I’m opinionated. And I don’t ask permission to have an opinion. That bothers some.

What’s more, my opinion is often not the popular sentiment. Some find that bothersome, too.

Added to this, the topics I choose to write on are controversial, and some truths are so ugly that just speaking of it can be offensive…

All this put together pushes some over the edge.

Feel free to disagree, but let’s discuss the topic. And please, make the time to read, listen and reflect. Disagreement is just noise if you don’t do your own research.

But I understand. Automatic reactions can be invisible. You may just run into that in my writing, too. I do edit and while I re-write, I may miss the mark. Bear with me and please know that while I may want to piss you off, disrespect is never intended.

At your service,

Nanu (TainoWoman)

“A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of idea.” ~John Ciardi