Hey From the Kootenays
Nelson is something special. View from Lyon’s Bluff.
Four weeks in(!) and I still can’t believe my eyes every time I look out my window, step out my door, or drive on the highway in any direction. I’m constantly surrounded by rolling hills of forested mountainside, punctuated by staggering snowy jagged peaks and moss-covered boulders. The shades of green are innumerable. The lake running through the region changes from deep blue to dark teal, depending on the sun and clouds, and is sometimes so still that it reflects every needle on the trees lining its shores on its glassy surface.
Highlights from the month
Loob came to visit!!!
I saw the fucking Aurora Borealis, a bucket list dream come true.
Blasting tunes and sky gazing through the sun roof, four of us drove up to White Water ski hill to catch the colours against the snowy peaks. The colours aren’t as vibrant to the naked eye but were just as mesmerizing in the way the glowing waves rippled across the sky beaming portals of goodness and shapes of mermaids.
Free Palestine
Image by the abundantly talented Maria Fratangelo @film.by.melo
Israel is continuing its massacre of Palestinian people. If you’re unaware or against the call for an immediate ceasefire and arms embargo, I encourage you to learn more.
I’ve joined a small but caring group of people who are raising awareness about the genocide and occupation, as well as fundraising for Islamic Relief Canada. Recently, we held a teach-in at the United Church with speakers who discussed the current situation, as well as life in Palestine before and during occupation, and the student protests + interconnected oppressions bred by imperialism, colonialism, and capitalism. Over 50 people showed up and we raised almost $2,000 to sponsor an orphan in Gaza. It’s been uplifting to connect with members of the community who are committed to peace & justice.
To support the end to genocide and those standing against it:
1) Email your MP to demand an immediate arms embargo
2) If you’re able, donate to
Islamic Relief Canada
The Toronto Community Justice Fund, contributing to legal fees for people wrongfully arrested for standing in solidarity with Palestine
Not taking long to Belong
It can’t be emphasized enough that the people here make Nelson what it is. This community is consciously created and cultivated by people who have felt called here for one reason or another. It’s somewhat rare to meet locals; most people are from other parts of Canada, including many Torontonians. I think I’ve met more Toronto OG’s here than are left in TO.
There are “truths” about Nelson that have been echoed by many whom I’ve encountered:
Nelson will test you. It will chew you up and spit you out. Many experience a “dark night of the soul” while trying to find their place here. You’ll face trials and challenges, but if you’re able to embrace them and pull through, you’ll find a place here.
That all said, Nelson is the “perfect place to figure it out.”
The level of talent and creativity here is unparalleled.
Given the first two truths, it’s unsurprising that the third arises. People here are in a league of their own; there’s a culture of local fame that celebrates those who bring their whole authentic selves to their craft. And to be your true, authentic self, you have to face some shadows.
It seems like everyone here is any combination of: DJ/woodworker/painter/potter/jewelry maker/yoga teacher/reiki healer/school teacher/biologist/tree planter/gardener/community builder/activist/chef/photographer/aerialist/circus performer/burlesque dancer/fire spinner/nature guide/musician/student/weaver/crochet-er/set designer/therapist/spirit healer…
At events and festivals, it seems everyone has something to offer; be it music, a performance, or workshop. So, over the past month I’ve been humbled, inspired, and intimidated, as someone who doesn’t feel like they’ve ever had a “thing” they’re good at. What am I doing here? How can I contribute? I know nothing is expected of me, or of anyone, but it’s such a beautiful way to express gratitude and I was feeling inadequate because I didn’t know what I could offer.
The capitalist, patriarchal mindset of “money is worth” kept sneaking in, layered with a sense of moral obligation not to waste resources and space on this land and in the community if I wasn’t going to give back. Of course, I wasn’t giving myself time to settle in or reconnect with my Self, which was one of my main intentions for this time.
My first Healing Waters Oracle pull, thank you to the lovely MP for this gift ✨
But, I’ve experienced a shift this past week. After all signs from the Universe (including astrology, oracle cards, loved ones) told me to slow down, rest, and be present, I’ve finally relented. I’d resisted these mellow suggestions because I’d still had that pervasive patriarchal voice in my head telling me I’d been “resting” for 8 months since quitting my job.
Which,
a) Is far from true – though not all my work was paid, I’ve volunteered hours of time creating content and showing up for justice. I’ve also worked five writing contracts and two hospitality jobs.
b) Even if I had been resting, rest is a worthwhile way to spend time, and it shouldn’t end if you’re not ready.
So, I’ve let go of the pressure to “do,” embracing that being will lead me where I need to go. Staying present and in my senses, knowing my Self well enough to tune my intuition, allowing what feels good and aligned to guide my actions and creations. I’ve tried to drop the “shoulds,” and I’m taking the time to fall in love with my Self. To admire and celebrate my unique and awesome nature.
Of course, I’m immensely grateful for the privilege I have to do this: with the money I have from giving up my apartment, Mom & Dad housing my belongings, and a reasonably priced car “rental” from a friend, I’ve been spared the necessity to earn income while here.
A moment of rest in the sanctuary at Re-Unión
This shift was accelerated by the music festival I attended last weekend. Camping in the backwoods of a property in the Slocan Valley (the most stunning stretch mountains), wandering through the paper maché mushroom-decorated forest, resting the sanctuary dome adorned with lilacs, lilies, and marigolds, mesmerized by fire spinners and aerialists and the toasty, cedar-scented campfire and, most of all, tearing up the dance floor bouncing to the deep, crisp, resonant bass.
The vibe at Re-Unión was one of the friendliest, funkiest, and freest I’ve experienced at any event. The organizers are truly conscious, prioritizing inclusion and safe spaces overtly without virtue signalling. Everyone greeted one another with smiles on our faces and more often than not passing “hey’s” would turn into conversations. Authenticity was the trend. Creative self expression ranged from groovy-casual to wonderland costumes and au-natural. I felt so myself and received lovely compliments, including “you belong here,” and “we need you in the Kootenays.” I felt it. I felt a stronger sense of belonging than I’d ever expect one month into a new place. Mind you, acid undoubtedly amplified these interactions and feelings, but I also know there’s deep truth in them. My style, my earnest energy, my care for beings and my surroundings, my adventurousness, my activism, my openness, my ability to dance for nearly 24 hours…I see these qualities in others and feel welcomed and inspired by their genuine personas.
The ability to feel pure, unbridled bliss was deeply therapeutic. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt pure happiness — pre-2023, but the genocide in Palestine has of course distanced me further from despair-free joy. In fleeting moments of ecstasy, when a beat drops and the vibrant connection coursing through souls on the dance floor illuminates, the most painful realization in those moments is knowing so, so many will never experience that level of joy again, or ever. While bearing all that is good & evil, I was grateful to be able to access euphoria and prayed that the electric love cultivated here would ripple across the world.
Between the impeccable vibe, abundantly friendly humans, and connecting with bliss — not to mention the endless lineup of sexy, bassy, fun sets — the weekend was full of self- and community-love, and marked a shift into the next chapter of this journey of living fully and freely. We danced until the sun rose over the mountains, eagerly awaiting its first golden rays on our faces for hours past dawn. “I just have to tell you, I love your energy,” a new friend told me. I replied, “It’s a reflection of all the love and energy from everyone here.”