So, sitting here on a muggy, summer August day on my favorite Maine island, reflecting on what "Tribe" means to me......
I have spent the last 8 years as a stay at home mom, aka "housewife" (Just so you know, I Fucking hate that term). Over these 8 years I have been so busy....homeschooling, pregnant, nursing, gardening, postpartum, book keeping....5 kids....lobsterman's wife....the list of chores is frightening to most (especially said lobsterman). Recently, I made a huge decision to go back to work. I have many amazing, healing business ventures in the works, but my goal is to have my very own studio space to offer these gifts. So, for the sake of my sanity, and to bring in more money for the budget, with the goal of freeing up funds to acquire a property...I have returned to the world of bartending.
I have just finished up my second week back after 8 years away. Let me tell you, momma is tired. I am sitting here surrounded by 5 busy, messy, starving (always!) little loves between 3 and 12 years old. I am sitting here catching up on bills and all that wicked fun stuff....reflecting on this concept of Tribe.
These last 8 years I have been surrounded by my little tribe. However, it has felt incredibly, and overwhelmingly lonely most of the time. And, there was my 18 month stay on a remote island....You have never felt so lonely.....I spent 2 weeks in my house unable to leave my driveway because it was so icy that my car wouldn't make it out. We spent 2 or 3 days of a Maine February iced in. No boats were able to come or go....
It is unfortunate to me that the majority of our culture has strayed so far from such an ancient concept of being part of a tribe. Many of us spend our days immersed in the rat race that we are conditioned to think is the correct way of life. Days are spent living in our own heads barely a meaningful conversation to be had, let alone a close connection.
This. Is. Sad......We NEED each other!!!
Not only have I returned to a CHEERS like version of a tribe, which feels really great. The world of bartending lends you an extended family. Many of the people I am seeing now, are the same people I developed relationships with when I was previously serving up the spirits. We have picked up right where we left off as thought there were no 8 year gap in conversation.
I also spent three days last weekend immersed in a brand new tribe of women. We gathered in the most magically wooded place I have ever experienced. We were surrounded by trees, herbs, vegetables, wild medicine, and beautiful nourishing food. I knew only one other person at the start of the journey. Yet, somehow, I had known them all, my whole life. We came together to form a supportive, warm, almost ancient connection. Ladies were comfortable enough to bare it all and swim naked in the magical pond.
I found myself in a state of extreme awe. Never have I experienced such a caring, non-judgemental, open armed group of women. Despite only knowing each other a short time I have no doubt that these women have my back, even from across the country, or over the Canadian border. We gathered, we connected, we shared fire, food, tears, healing, ceremony, and the most amazing chocolate EVER!!! We are connected for life.
The most beautiful part is, we are here for you too. A group of women determined to offer a sense of Tribe to all who are open.
My ONLY caution is this.....Leaving the company of such beautiful souls may leave you SO full of love that anything less is hard to swallow. Upon returning to "the real world" I spent a couple of days coddling a sense of grief. It was so hard to come out of the sacred circle we formed and return to everyday life. I feel such a connection to my beautiful new Tribe that I am sad to be away from them. Yet, I have a new strength that is unbreakable. Even from far apart we walk together.
To all of my new sisters, Should you need me.......I am here for you.
To all of my readers, find your tribe and love them fiercely! The world needs more LOVE!!!
Blessings to you.
Thanks for reading,
Kelly