Sacred Reciprocity

I have studied and embraced the Ancient Ways of Indigenous Ancestors for much of my life. Some of my earliest childhood memories are wrapped around knowing Nature and Earth always were present with me , providing a safe haven of protection and love over the dysfunctional, confusing actions of adults in many areas of life I observed in the world. On the land where I grew up tall pines decorated with resin coated pine cones, fragrant mimosas adorned with fluffy pink flowers and orchards of apple trees were my abundant protectors. Today as an elder in an even more confusing world comprised of prevalent separatism I am more dedicated than ever to honoring the wisdom of Earth and Nature. I am very sure my intention and desire to cultivate personal relationships of equality stems from the teachings of Nature.
Long before I was introduced to Shamanic practices, I considered fields of clover, stones and rocks, crystals, creeks and rivers as living friends. I often gifted these friends with flower petals, shiny pieces of mica, and wild honeysuckle orange blossoms after exploring solo for an afternoon. Back then I had no idea I was returning gratitude to the Earth in sacred reciprocity. I only knew I was grateful for Nature’s amazing gifts freely shared with me.

Sacred reciprocity is an Indigenous Spiritual principle of giving and receiving. The Q’eros Shamans of the Andes use the term “ayni” for sacred reciprocity. We must give and receive equally and in Nature it is an imbalance to take more than we give back. When we are practicing being greedy taking more than we give back, the Q’eros believe suffering and illness will manifest as consequence as a result of disharmony with nature. Thus, the principle is that giving and receiving is similar to the flow of inhaling-exhaling. It is never about I give to you then you give to me. It is about living by the code of being loving, compassionate, giving with nature AND with each other. When this is our ongoing practice Nature and each of us living beings will be filled with harmonious, balanced abundance void of a sense of lack!
Instead of living out of a sense of personal entitlement of always taking more or all of the pie, we can learn to flow in giving-receiving both to the Earth and to each other. Instead of thinking because we offered kindness, love, and generosity we are entitled to be praised and glorified, we can practice flowing back and forth in an equal state of healing fueled by love itself without expectations.

By shifting our thinking from self centered and selfish motives we are more able in our constantly changing world to stop demanding to get what we want when we demand it. This principle and practice is not only demonstrated in the Amazon Jungle but is present in many global cultural traditions. As we continue awakening also to the need not just to give until we are depleted, resentful but also being the giver as we can be filled with gratitude for receiving too with a wide, open heart; we will be co-creating a species of honoring, bonding, and mutual respect for the Earth and for each other.
We are each an integral , connected part of the Web of Life, and our thoughts resulting in our actions will continue to have either positive or detrimental results.

I invite you to join me in claiming and acting out of this : when the wisdom and teachings of Ancient Ways is activated and remembered the empowered authenticity of Sacred Reciprocity will be a Divine link for creating harmonious balance with humility and a shared thriving of equal abundance for every single being on our planet.

“When you take and take without giving back soon there will be nothing left . This is as true for the garden as for people.” – Francisco E. Alvarez