Cindy Rodriguez has prioritized bringing focus and respect back to the land. As a Peruvian Indigenous teacher and journalist, she understands how to help others tell their stories in written form and through grounding practices. She's the founder of Reclama (which translates to reclaim) based out of New Jersey. Hikes and Retreats are offered as a spiritual healing method, where Rodriguez helps the everyday Latina tap into the magic of nature.
Rodriguez's Indigenous roots have always incorporated respect for the land. Also known as people of the Andes, her Peruvian ancestors knew no other way, but to honor the elements of Earth and the elements inside all of us.
Rodriguez has some suggestions on how we can take inspiration from our ancestors. "Sharing love and respect for the land, so that other women of color can reclaim who they are, heal in community and step out of survival mode into a thriving one," she tells us. "We ground in nature, connect with our highest selves and heal parts of ourselves that can only be done in community." She emphasizes, "It's how my family in Peru heals. We gather to spend time in nature, dance out our grievances, honor the dead, and call for our ancestors' protection through remembering. Reclama is no different."
Her advice for how Latinas can begin to honor their Indigenous roots through spirituality is focused on self-empowerment. "A simple way to start is with your own family. If your parents aren't up for sharing, ask a Tia or a prima back home. Someone in your family is the holder of these memories, oral history, medicine but sometimes they aren't as vocal," Rodriguez adds.
"But make time to be still and listen to yourself. You are the holder of many knowings and medicine yourself because it's in your blood. But you have to make time to listen."
Where to Find Her: recla.ma
