There are few places I’ve been to as tranquil as Taino Woods. While only 2 hours outside of bustling New York City, the energy of the land feels much farther removed. The owners, Chantel and Jesse Rivera create a spiritual experience for each guest that stems from their indigenous Taino culture. In the mornings, the campers are greeted with songs and drums singing songs with lyrics like “Good morning beautiful family. Good morning beautiful ones.” That song is one of my little one’s favorite songs. At night, they close it out by singing to the campers as well. It’s an entire experience.
The land is maintained by the owners and a set of volunteers on any given weekend, who understand how to tend to and honor the land. The creek is one of the must-see parts of Taino Woods. I admit, I’m partial to it, as I’ve enjoyed swimming in that water before. There’s nothing like the feeling of swimming in the creek and reconnecting with nature.
Another enjoyable aspect of Taino Woods is the fire pit. Being able to light the fire and sit around it enjoying our time with loved ones creates moments that last forever. Over this fire is where friendships are forged, healing happens, and much laughter is shared. This fire is where magic happens and we connect to elements of the earth we usually don’t have this type of access to if we live in a big city.
Sweat lodges are another healing aspect of this land where we connect to our indigenous traditions and bring ourselves before the fire to ask Great Spirit to purify us. We can come to the sweat to find healing within ourselves as well as healing with each other. When there are conflicts or wounds, we can sit in the sweat and resolve the conflicts with each other in a good way. We sing together in the sweat lodge, we pray together, we share our hearts, and we share sacred moments and medicine.
While I haven’t been able to make it to the land recently, I’ve been able to see through pictures and video just how much the land is growing and changing. It amazes me how much this land can pull people together from all different walks of life. Reconnecting to the earth is medicine for all of our souls. Connecting with other beautiful souls is medicine as well.
You bring so much joy and happiness to our hearts with this beautiful sharing. Thank you for your support, your laughter medicine and your thoughtfulness, especially with taking the time to express your love for the land and our journey. Bo Matum – Means so much to us! Stay well sister and we look forward to gathering again with you and your wonderful family. May you always have health, stamina, and love🙏🏽 Han hankatu
Guatu Ninaru
Jesse & Chantel
You’re going through what many parents are going through. Trials of being a parent… you can never do more as a parent but what you do is exactly what they need. Don’t beat yaself up… as hard as it may look, you may not know the joys that you bring to your children’s live. They maybe sad today but they are happy to have you as mom. And you may be alone now but God will place the right one in your lives in the right time.
Anytime one can get away from the city of New York is a big blessing. New York is filled with demons and wicked men and women at the top, who aims to attack children parents and culture. Leaving that space and going to a place of peace, is a very healthy thing to do… Go away as often as you can from any environment that deliberately produces such wicked energy.
Taino Woods is a sanctuary and medicine for the soul! One of my favorite places too!