Tattooing has deep, ancient roots, especially in pre-colonial Mesoamerica and Mexico. In our cultures, tattoos were never just about physical adornment—they are sacred acts, a way to connect with Spirit and our ancestors. When done in ceremony, the ink doesn’t just mark the skin, it imprints on the soul. It’s a way for our ancestors to recognize us, a symbol of who we are and what we stand for, visible to both the physical and spiritual worlds.

Tattoo artists in these times, often considered Spiritual Leaders, played an incredibly important role in our communities. Their work was much more than physical art—it was a sacred act of bridging the physical and spiritual realms. Tattoos could represent one’s connection to a deity, mark life transitions, or display social status and warrior achievements. These artists carried the responsibility of channeling Divine Energy and ensuring that the tattoo offered spiritual protection, healing, and connection to the wearer’s ancestors. To be tattooed by one of these artists was to be recognized by the divine and your lineage, an act done with great reverence.

I knew I had to get this tattoo for many, many years, and it’s so beautiful how the Creator brought my now Spirit Brother, Thomas, into my life and how our paths have crossed. I’m beyond grateful. When you’re patient and allow Spirit to move, the results are always beyond what you can imagine. I am in awe of what has been created for me, how Loved I am, and how magical this journey is.

Yesterday was a new beginning for both of us as we step into our responsibility as Healers and Leaders in our community. Our time together was timeless and sacred. So much was created, not just in ink, but in energy and Spirit. The alignment, the trust, the patience—it all led to this powerful moment. Thank you, Thomas, for seeing me, for seeing my Spirit, and for being a part of my Spirit team now. I am in awe of what we created together and look forward to everything yet to unfold. Mahalo, Brother. Gracias. I Love you. Aho. Mitakuye Oyasin.

On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the resilience, strength, and cultural endurance of Native peoples while reflecting on one of the most devastating chapters in U.S. history—the Trail of Tears. This forced relocation of at least 60,000 Native Americans from their ancestral lands, starting in the 1830s, is often understated. Historians argue that this number represents only a fraction of those displaced, as Native populations, once in the millions, were decimated to less than 400,000 by the end of the 19th century. Disease, starvation, and exposure claimed thousands of lives during these forced migrations, but the long-term impacts on Indigenous cultures were profound. The attempt to erase their way of life, language, and connection to the land was a clear act of violence rooted in colonization and expansionism .

Despite this, Native cultures have not only survived but continue to thrive. Traditions, languages, and stories persist through oral history, ceremonies, and art. In particular, the ribbon skirts worn by First Nations women hold immense significance, representing more than just clothing—they are powerful symbols of identity, resistance, and connection to the land. Each ribbon, each color, and each pattern tells a story, passed down through generations, reminding the world that Native cultures can never be erased. This form of cultural storytelling is not unique to one tribe or nation but is a universal thread among Indigenous peoples. From the textiles of Mexican Indigenous communities to the beadwork of the Plains tribes, every element of dress and ceremony is imbued with history, meaning, and survival.

As we remember the Trail of Tears and the systemic efforts to eradicate Native peoples, we must also acknowledge the strength of Indigenous women, men, and families who continue to fight for their rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation. Their resilience is proof that despite centuries of colonization and violence, Indigenous cultures remain vibrant and unbreakable. Today, let us share the real history and stand in solidarity with Native peoples in their ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.

Join us for the next 30 days in the Kindness Campaign starting October 14th!

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, creates ripples of positivity both within and around us. When we’re kind, we lower stress, improve our mood, and even boost our immune system. It builds stronger connections, fosters trust, and enhances our sense of belonging. Externally, kindness creates a ripple effect in our communities, encouraging others to pay it forward. Together, we can shift the energy around us and make our world a brighter place.

Let’s commit to kindness and see how it transforms our lives, our hearts, and the world.

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