So proud of my cousin Jessica for making such a difference with Tewa Women United for a decade. My cousin is a doula and it was an honor to see women from various backgrounds at this event becoming doulas as well. Jessica is a special woman and it’s wonderful to see a woman with Lujan roots making a difference in our community.
☆~☆Photos taken from that spot in my yard where I find complete peace and I’m free to be consumed by stars.☆~☆
Sista got me a gift from the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. Love that gal and the market too.
Today we hiked in a state park that has been around since the late 60s. Hopefully a lack of funding won’t shut it down. I shared the love by leaving the quilted heart I found in a parking lot last month. I wanted to leave it somewhere special that was also a challenge to get to.
Villanueva State Park is right off the banks of the Pecos River and has: spectacular red and yellow sandstone cliffs; beautiful trees; rocky, steep climbs; and soft, sandy trails. [park elevation 6,110 ft above sea level]
My ass, hams and quads are usually on fire for the first mile, which is a steep, verticle climb. This site is good for a day hike and is in between Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nature is so healing for me. The sun, wind, water, mountains and trees nourish my spirit.
We went to Starbucks after the workout for a green tea frap.
picture the warmth
the sun
pure joy
when gold boldly
meets your eye
a field of bliss
sun kissed by God
and sweet clouds
in painted skies
feel the love
precious daffodils
surround your heart
with light
a field of gold
sun kissed by God
and the power
of His might
by Felicia Lujan
3.25.2017
♡Photograph of flowers from my mama. She recently told my sister and I, “when you feel stressed out, think of a field of daffodils.” The flowers she sent us, opened beautifully. She was also my inspiration for this poem.♡
If it wasn’t for the gym, stress levels would surely cause my brain to implode. It was a very hectic day and I pushed a super late leg sesh, but I still put in work. I didn’t squat heavy opting to focus on higher reps and form. I’m glad I went… even if it was really late. The gym is my medicine. It always makes me feel better!
“Break every chain of mediocrity that confines you.”
•×XוIsraelmore Ayivor
•×XוShaping the Dream
For the past couple of weeks, Hatebreed has been driving me (mad) in the gym. I am always thankful for the iron. I need it! I love it! Being mad in the gym keeps me relatively sane outside of the gym. Hatebreed puts me through the roof. As of yesterday, the song of this savage is “In Ashes They Shall Reap.”
Good God, I straight murdered the treadmill yesterday. It was my day off and I killed 2.5 miles running during lunch like nada. My eyes glossed over and my mind was weightless. I followed that up with a murderous session of abs on my day off from the weights.
Today I loaded the leg press with 450 to start. I pushed 10 plates in a non-stop drop set of 66 reps. I’ve been hitting at least one non-stop drop with each workout. That was after squats, stiff legged deadz and standing calve raises. I drew strength from my burns and inflictions along the way.
One thing I love about myself… I have no problem converting negative energy into gainz because “I was born to bleed, fighting to succeed… built to endure what this world throws at me.” Iron reminds me everytime that “those who sow in flames in ashes they shall reap.
♥Dried hibiscus flowers steeping♥
♥Finished hibiscus brew with honey and lemon juice.♥
One of the directors I work with recently brought me some fresh hibiscus flowers. He buys them all the time in Las Cruces, New Mexico and said he’d bring me some each time he goes there. The flowers are a great way to make a tea with many health benefits. He left them hanging on my door and they were a mysterious surprise, but I’m so glad he gave me a new introduction to these lovely flowers.
“The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as digestive, immune system, and inflammatory problems. It helps to cure liver disease and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals and various antioxidants, while also helping in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety.” From: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/hibiscus-tea.html
••Pre-blend pic of my concoction. This shake had almond milk, frozen blueberries, flaxseed oil, 40gz of protein, and ice. I need a new Bullet though!••
Twice a week, I’ve been putting two tablespoons of cold pressed flaxseed oil into my protein shakes. The Omega-3’s support heart health, as well as healthy skin, hair and nails. I don’t think it’s a supplement for daily consumption, but it’s good to take on deadlift day because it assists in the transmission of nerve impulses. That’s the main reason I’ve been using the oil on the day my CNS is severely tapped (especially since I moved dead day from the weekend to the work week to focus on bench and squat). The oil also helps recuperate my joints. Read more about flaxseed oil.
••Whole Foods makes good, cold pressed flaxseed oil that you need to keep refrigerated.•• 
Today I had a pleasant surprise from my beautiful cousin, Jessica. She is a very special woman and is the moderator of the Sacred Garden Doula blog. This afternoon she sent me a text message to tell me that Tewa Woman United was using a photograph I took on their Facebook page. I was honored to learn that this group of “indigenous woman united in heart, mind and spirit” used my image of a very special moment in time.
I took one of the most beautiful photos I have ever taken last year at the Gathering for Mother Earth in Pojoaque. I grew up in the Pojoaque Valley. Participating in the gathering was an extremely spiritual and touching experience for me. I wrote about it in The Spirit of Place. In this piece I explained how I felt that day. I was definitely moved in so many ways.
It really is an honor to have my photo selected by Tewa Women United. They obviously agreed that it captured the spirit of place.
*********************
“Insanity” by Felicia Lujan
A digital composite used to demonstrate the personification of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The symbolic image is comprised of 4 layers including: a mandrake root; human hair; a heart; and a tornado.
*********************
Mandrake roots have been used medicinally since at least AD 60. Dioscorides, the Greek physician seems to be one of the first to actually explore the anesthetic use of the roots of the mandragora plant. These long, brown roots from the nightshades family were used in a special tincture to help heal those in need. This may be the earliest example of the use of mandrake roots in medicine, however, the most interesting use of these roots has been associated with love charms, potions and magic.
In medieval times “insane root” was believed to be a root which caused “madness in those eating it…” This root has long been correlated with insanity for both concrete and mythological reasons. After researching, I believe these reasons are numerous and depend on the source. The most logical is the fact that the root acts as a natural drug. Mandrake roots contain “deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids.” Those who consume the root become intoxicated. This explains why it was used as an anesthetic. Maybe this is why it was used not only to induce love, but possibly to ease love pains?
Mandrake roots often grow to look like a human figure. For this reason, the folklore and mythology surrounding the root runs deep. The root has been used to make love charms and to concoct magical love potions. According to the Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend, “insane root” is also called a “love apple.” The “fruit” symbolizes fertility and has been identified as a personification of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Consequently, love potions made from mandrake were considered aphrodisiacs.
Sounds like an interesting root to experiment with ha? The Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend also says that “insane root” or “love apple” or mandrake “will cure barrenness.” Barrenness? Maybe I was right about the root being used to ease love pains? A mandrake “love charm” also has the power to “make the wearer invisible, or reveal hidden treasures.”
Hum…I guess if you’re looking for me, you can find me scouring the local herberias/yerberias for the magical root which causes intoxicating madness.
SOURCES
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend (Funk and Wagnalls Standard)
Myths and Mandrakes by Anthony John Carter~ Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine~ Vol.96 (2003)
Wikipedia
The morning was crisp and I could feel the winter slipping into my bones. On Saturday, I got up while the stars were still twinkling. All night long I had various dreams about the special gathering I knew I was going to attend that morning. After making breakfast, I poured up the last cup of flavored coffee and headed out the door into the darkness.
The drive to the valley seemed different. The Pojoaque Valley looked peaceful early in the morning and I really couldn’t remember the last time I had that thought. During my descent I wondered what the Gathering for Mother Earth would be like? My cousin Jessica had invited me to the gathering last year, but I never made it. She insisted it was something I would love. I was happy to be on my way down to my home town. At one time, I said this was the place where I grew up, but I actually grew up several years later. I still continue to grow.
Upon approaching the gathering site there were several invitational signs. The signs carried depictions of the sun and moon. There were also handmade signs which featured the symbolic turtle totem, one of Creator’s creatures who burrows into Mother Earth. The gathering is held not far from my childhood home. I would say maybe five miles away. There was a long, bumpy dirt road leading to the sacred space amongst the moon, trees, and the spirit of place.
~° Photograph of the moon in the Pojoaque sky by Felicia Lujan °~
When I got out of the vehicle, the first thing I noticed was a painted sky. The sky was alive with shades of pink, purple and blue and had two beautiful teepees in the distance. People were shuffling and beginning to gather. I was hoping I hadn’t missed the ceremony to usher in the sunrise. My cousin had told me that “the grandmothers would sing the sun up in Tewa.” I made it just in time. The moon was still high west in the Pojoaque sky.
I walked up a small embankment into a large circle of rocks. The grandmothers called to us and invited us into the circle. Within that circle there were two centered small circles of rocks. One of the small circles contained a pile of dirt which was likely symbolic of Mother Earth. The other had a fire burning. There were offerings of wood, corn meal and water near the fire. During the course of the gathering handfuls of these offerings were tossed into the fire in prayer and to ask for blessings.
There were about 40 people gathered into the circle. The ceremony started with the thoughts and prayers of the grandmothers. All of those in attendance were spiritually cleansed with a smudge stick. The smoke smelled like a combination of sage and lavender. One woman went around and ran smoke up and down each person’s body. Some people gave thanks. Some people stayed silent. Some people pushed the smoke into their lungs with their hands. A few different people spoke thereafter. They spoke about respect for Mother Earth and fostering an appreciation of her gifts.
When the rays of the sun started shooting over the mountains to the east we were asked to face that direction. While I waited for the sunrise, my heart heard the most beautiful prayers, songs and instruments. The drum, a rattle and a flute complimented each voice. The song of one particular woman brought tears to my eyes. I was moved and touched in ways which seem indescribable. I experienced overwhelming warmth once the sun was in full view. It seemed as though I was seeing the sun for the very first time. In a way, I was.
When I turned back to face the fire, I looked right past the flames. I was overcome by the enchanting beauty of the Black Mesa. The natural light cast a surreal glow from one end of the mesa to the other. Again it felt like the first time I had seen the mesa that I have seen a million times. It is hard to explain how all of this lifted my heart. I felt connected to the strangers experiencing this beauty with me. Lastly we participated in “a short version” of the cinnamon roll hug and then we were released from the circle with blessings.
~° Photograph of the sunrise and the spirit of place in the Pojoaque sky by Felicia Lujan °~
This may be one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. It made me feel good. It made me feel connected to people and place. It made me feel complete. The experience was nothing like my dreams. It was so much better and more beautiful than the mind of the creative could imagine. When the sun came up, I took a picture. In my photo, unexplainable red markings appeared around the sun. There is also a glowing red orb directly below the sun. I don’t know about you, but I believe I captured the spirit of place that day. I believe. The Gathering for Mother Earth was so amazing.
~° Natural products made by my cousin Jessica °~
This afternoon I had a horrible headache. I really started feeling it right before I left work for the day. When I got home, all I wanted to do was lay down and pass out. I tend to over think things and it can really be mentally exhausting. My eyes seriously felt like they were going to pop right out of my head!
I figured I would turn in super early and try to sleep off the pounding headache. Sometimes it’s torture for me to insist on dealing with aches naturally. I put on my headphones and started with some slow music by Tank. While I laid there I realized that a good sweat may be better for the ache. With a flick of the switch~ Fire Hive by Krewella got me up and out the door.
I was so right. A good workout took my headache away. I actually cranked out an awesome outdoor workout using: the wall (stiff legged deadlifts); a scaffold (pushups and pullups); pieces of flagstone (hammer curls and kickbacks); rebar (straight bar curls); a swing set (external hip raises and squats); and a lawn chair (scissors and crunches).
Next time you feel bad, try a workout. Sometimes we need to move in order to feel better. Now I will listen to Tank again and peacefully slip off into dream land. Fitness is indeed curative.
I have been taking some time to learn more about my chakras. I want to better understand myself emotionally, physically and mentally~ how I feel inside and out~ how I think. Chakras are energy locations within our bodies. Hinduism and Buddhism both teach that these energy locations can be manipulated to make us better and whole people. Some people refer to the chakra as an energy wheel or vortex.
The chakra I am interested in starting with is my heart chakra. It is the strongest energy source. The green energy vortex of the heart is the central point of balance which corresponds with unconditional love, the acceptance of self and others, and true connection. Learning about and manipulating the energy of my heart chakra will allow me to better understand myself, as well as my connection with others.
This chakra is at the center of all relationships. It involves those who give love and those who make love. Buddhists believe that this energy center provides for the integration of a person’s physical and spiritual connections. Since I was in high school I have experienced shortness of breath, which is indicative of tension in the heart chakra. It has become much better with exercise, but I am starting to see that some form of meditation or Reiki would probably help. I had several expensive lung tests years ago and they all came back saying my lungs were perfect. Maybe it has always been a blockage of energy?
I have learned that Reiki may be a good way to balance my heart chakra. Energy can be stimulated by absorbing nature through hiking, gardening, or working with plants and flowers. Floral design does make me feel good, so that could be a great start. Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative medicine to promote the healing of energies. It is a natural, holistic, approach to well being.
There is also another reason that I think it is important to learn about my chakras. On January 29, I posted Eye 2 Eye. In that piece I talked about the “eye of contemplation” or the “eye of the spirit.” It is said that this eye of knowledge is only open when we become fully illuminated with spiritual insight. This is really the highest level of consciousness. I do want to be fully awake, real, and free.
~The 7 Chakras~
~The Heart Chakra~
On Sunday my sister and I took our mom to the movies. This week is her birthday and she has been wanting to see the new movie Bless Me Ultima. The movie is based on a book written by Rudolfo Anaya. The novel took the writer many years to finish, and he is said to have employed spirit guides and his subconscious mind to complete this work. It was published in 1972. The book has been used in classrooms for many years because it is well respected in the world of Chicano literature. I was also very anxious to see the film because I knew it featured a curandera and that it would be filled with love, magic, history, land, nature, herbs, and witches. What’s not to love? A curandera is a female folk healer who uses faith as a weapon. She also employs good magic using herbs, spirit guides, and the power of the natural world around her. The story is not that of Ultima’s. It is the story of a young boy named Antonio Márez y Luna, an outside spectator who is contemplative of many things.
Our Tickets to Bless Me Ultima on 10.28.2012
Photo I took of Ultima “La Grande”
and Antonio in the movie Bless Me Ultima
At first I was surprised to learn that the movie was two hours long. I must say that there was not one moment of the movie that didn’t capture me completely. We laughed and we cried as a New Mexico story graced the big screen in a way that I have never seen. I have one of the original runs of Anaya’s book. When I was a girl I remember reading the book in school, and in college we did chapter studies. I felt that the film flawlessly embodied and conveyed the heart of the original story. We all loved the film. I always feel so blessed to have people in my life who understand me. As we left the theater, I explained to my mom and my sister that I was taking notes on my phone. My mom said “I know,” and my sister said “I figured.” In some movies I have attempted to take in a notebook, but it is hard to see what you are writing in the dark and have found it much easier to jot down thoughts in draft form on my phone. One day I aspire to complete a full literary analysis of this novel, but for tonight I will deliver the symbols I derived from the film.
Photo I took of the funeral procession
of a Trementina witch sister
in the movie Bless Me Ultima
When we were leaving I told my mom that I saw so many symbols in this film. I adore my mature and intense mind. My mom was very curious about the symbols I saw, so I dedicate this to her. Maybe with any luck I will make her and my sister just as crazy as I am! If you have or haven’t seen the film, or even if you have only read the book, look deeper. In my mind, symbolism is about connection. A symbol is a connection~ usually from sight to an object or idea (with the mind)~ to a feeling (with the heart)~ and then ultimately to a person, place or thing. Following are the symbols I ascertained from Bless Me Ultima. This was not Ultima’s story, however, she embraced symbolism like no other character in Anaya’s novel does. The end of the movie brings the strongest and most poignant quote. When “La Grande” dies, Antonio laid her to rest and said “I did not cry~ her voice is everywhere.” The quote confirms a connection of all symbols in the book and film.
Symbols in the Movie
Ultima or “La Grande”~ was a symbol of love, sacrifice, life, death, land, faith, respect, acceptance, forgiveness, nature, power, protection, knowledge, tradition, and healing
Ultima’s Owl~ was a symbol of protection and sacrifice
The Moon~ was a symbol of mystery, land, time, magic, and knowledge
The River, Rain and Water~ were symbols of life, death, healing, abundance, and the seasons
The Land, Herbs, and Farming~ were symbols of home, family, tradition, knowledge, continuity, and healing
The War~ was a symbol of evil, change, vice, and sin
Death~ was a symbol of fear, evil, mortality, and immortality
Religion~ was a symbol of connection and disconnection
Be Part of An Ancient Story
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