Sunday, July 26th

GCC Reflection - Palomino and Kogi Visit

Geographic Description:  Balmy, beautiful geographical area!  Small roadside shops...many shut down - not sure if they are closed, or vacated.  Incredibly nice people, very warm, open and demonstrative!  

Difficult terrain on the hike.  Incredibly beautiful scenery.  At Kogi village met two young men who teach culture and tradition to the students.  School serves the population until 5th grade.  It operates from Monday through Friday.  Many students travel between 3-12 hours to get to the school.  If they travel great distance they stay in the village during the week.  The age range of students varies as some will be much older regardless of "grade" level.  The young men were quite thoughtful in their descriptions and gave careful thought before answering questions.  A woman who grew up with the Kogi shared her story with us about what life was like leading up to the school.  Her father actually started the school when he chose to live amongst the Kogi and wanted to educate his children in basic reading, writing, and math.  He invited the Kogi children to join...and essentially that was the birth of the school that exists today.  The school was opened 5 years ago.  

When we were listening to the young men talk about the education offered at the school I was inspired by their desire to maintain their culture and traditions despite the encroachment of the materialistic world around them.  I feel as if too often individuals are judged based on unjust comparisons.  Who is to actually determine what "intelligence" may be?  It really resonated with me when Marianna and Lucas were talking about the difference between knowledge and intelligence.  To be truthful, I honestly feel as if the Kogi are much more intelligent than I am.  They are able to be in tune with themselves, nature and the greater universe!  They have the unique ability to trust in the universe and allow the energy to motivate their actions.  It doesn't strike me as if they feel the pressure to conform....or to live a life as others believe you should...but to live a life that you feel you were destined to live.  What a phenomenal concept!  All too often in the world in which I live, I find myself surrounded by so much interference and noise that it is difficult to hear the voice in my soul speaking.  I am hopeful that I will find a way to quiet the noise and hear the "soul of the universe."  So...before I continue to ramble...there are so many interpretations of the word "educated."  Who is to truly determine the meaning.  The meaning is what you believe it to be.  The ability to understand yourself and nature seems like a much deeper form of education to me than simply reading books and taking exams.

The hotel at the beach was quiet, secluded and a bit of paradise.  Beautiful beaches, warm, friendly people and an aura of peacefulness.  At dinner we had an opportunity to meet the man that had actually decided to live amongst the Kogi.  I felt as if I was meeting a spiritual guide!  He exuded a sense of peace and calm that filled my spirit with hope and inspiration!  I have to admit, I was a bit jealous of his courage.  His willingness to let go of societal norms and venture out on a path that he knew he had to pursue.  He described it as more of a calling...that he didn't have a choice.  I guess I understand what he is saying...but I envy the fact that he was able to quiet the noise and follow his heart.  I too have many existential questions that I grapple with.  I feel as if there is some greater purpose for me...I'm just trying to figure out the path that will get me to where I can feel that sense of inner peace and spiritual wholeness.

The hike to visit the Kogi was quite difficult!  It challenged me emotionally and physically!  I knew I could do it...but there were times when I doubted myself and wasn't sure if I could go on.  Then I heard Marianna say...live in this moment....just one step at a time and see where it leads.  That actually sent shockwaves through my body!  Yes...that is exactly it!  I'm often so concerned with what comes next...or how something might appear...when the reality is that what is most important is how I am growing...what I am learning...and trusting in the universe to guide me to where I need to be.

At this point on the journey, I feel as if I am learning so much about myself as well as about Colombia, the educational system here...and the people in the group.  I'm still not really sure what the true purpose might be for my actually being  here...but after spending time with the Kogi...I think I'm beginning to catch of glimpse.  This path that I am on is one of new experiences and adventures.  My job is to remain open to the messages from the universe and to allow myself to let go enough to embrace them!  

I can only wish that everyone gets the opportunity to explore their emotions and challenge themselves to find their true purpose. :)