💬 I’ve been deeply blessed to participate in the Lakota/Zen Peacemaker bearing witness retreats since 2016. I share my gratitude and love with all those who have made the retreat possible, especially our Lakota relatives- Violet Catches and her granddaughter Flo, Manny and Renee Iron Hawk- and their daughters- Claudia, Michon, and Einisha, and grand kids- Neta and Rowdy too, and Wendell Yellow Bull, as well as those who have shared time with us- Arvol and Paula Looking Horse, Cedric Broken Nose and many others, and all the people who have joined us over some or all of the retreats. And the land and sky and water we’ve been with, the chipmunks, moose, magpies, elks, eagles, and mosquitos. All our relatives! In trying to put into words what this retreat has meant for me, I would say that mostly, it has made me more deeply aware of some of the effects of 300 years of American Colonialism and Genocide on the native people, specifically on the Lakota but also on the Shinnecock and Montauket people here on Long Island, and all throughout our country and the world. By offering the opportunity to hear, and see, and feel the stories and lives of our hosts it has been a deeper more immersive experience than I might hope to have otherwise- often heart breaking and not that easy, but very rich. In addition, it’s been heart opening to be exposed to other ways of seeing & being in the world together, in relationship with all of life rather than seeing it as outside of us, as objects in landscapes. This is something we hope to relearn in Zen practice too, but it’s so deeply and perpetually part of our worldview, it is informative to be with people who see and move in the world differently. The community that has grown around this retreat is welcoming, caring, and close, and many come each year to spend a week together. Those who do keep coming back are really important and add a depth and connection and support that give the retreat a warm friendly vibe. Finally, the real reason I keep coming back is for the laughter. Teasing, joking, and laughing are big parts of Lakota cultureAnd I love that very much. So, these are some of the reasons I participate in this retreat. It is not sight seeing or tourism. It is often frustrating and challenging. It is moving and transformative. If this sounds good, please come and join us- you will be very welcome. Michel Engu Dobbs