Ecopoetics as Ritual, Part 1

ABOUT FACILITATOR

Alma (they/them) is a trans herbalist, landworker and poet who is from northern New Mexico. They have resided in NYC going on 9 years and are forever committed to making connections between land being, surviving and dreaming. Their practice emerges from Audre Lorde’s question, “What words do we not have yet?,” and Natalie Diaz’s assertion that “the answer is Palestine.” They are committed to thinking and making work as survival.

OBJECTIVE

How can we place ourselves and make space for ritual in the daily? How can we collectively reflect on the fantastic of the mundane? In this practice, alma leads us in an exploration of ritual-making within somatic movement to nourish self and nourish community—both human and more-than-human. How can we collectively reflect on the fantastic of the mundane? Remember to take notice of what is all around you.

By reflecting on place and purpose, the group will create a safe space for making a portable altar that reflects self and surroundings. Each session will end with a poem and a writing prompt for reflection.

Reflection by Joy Harjo

Obligations 2 by Layli Long Soldier

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Sachets
• Dried herbs

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING

• Notebook and Pen
• A special object you’d like to carry with you

CURRICULUM

“World as Foraging Field”

The inspiration comes from poet Angel Dominguez, who reminds us that we can engage the world as a foraging field. We can forage from spaces we engage with—dreams, bugs, plant kin and more.

Fostering energetic nourishment through plants, dreams, connecting and grounding in place is possible. Everything around us is something to engage with, something to talk with and commune with. In working with plants though one must come with thoughtfulness and honor the space. Ask the plants if they want to commune. Ask them if you can harvest. Bring offerings. Think of taking photos of plants as a way of foraging without “taking”.