……Sustainability is one of SWAN’s core values. The tools provided in this newsletter are designed to support you and your organization to persist beyond obstacles, cultural shifts and changes in our political landscape.
……We found inspiration from an artist, Matika Wilbur, who set out to elevate the representation of Native Americans. In honor of Indigenous People’s Month, we believe it’s important to highlight Wilbur’s impact to sustain Native American traditions. From the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes, she sold everything and gave up her Seattle apartment to travel the country to photograph contemporary Native communities.
……Project 562 has been a multi-year endeavor of documenting the living history of the 562 American Tribes. Wilbur has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles across all 50 states by foot, horse, train, plane, boat and in the “Big Girl”, her RV.
……In the 1830s, the Native tradition of hula dancing was outlawed in Hawaii. Those Indigenous people courageously danced in secret to allow for the tradition to sustain through oppression. Despite centuries of persecution, Indigenous people persist to preserve and uplift their cultural traditions. Wilbur understands the importance of sharing the visual and oral histories of the 562 Tribes so these stories will sustain over the course of time.
……Practicing sustainability is another form of art. We all have our own call to adventure to sustain our Earth or cultural traditions. Many of us would be challenged to muster up the courage to sell our belongings and embark upon an adventure. Where do you find inspiration in Wilbur’s story? What call to adventure lies in your heart?
……This month, we invite you to discover the art of your personal sustainability practice. Consider reflecting on what living the art of sustainability looks like for you. The hectic pace of the winter holidays may inspire you to commit to a daily meditation practice to sustain your energy through the season.
……If you need additional guidance on a conscious breathing practice, consider trying this practice featured in last month’s Wellness Corner. The sustainability practices you create for yourself will support you through changes in our political landscape.
……We may not control the changes in our world, but we can change our reactions to the events around us. People like Matika Wilbur inspire us to listen to the call on our hearts and trust our intuition to guide us to take a chance. Change starts with practicing the art of sustainability for yourself.
Identify a practice that best supports your health and wellbeing. Journaling, meditation, exercise, and conscious breathing practices are a few examples. Set an intention of how often you will complete the practice. Consider starting with small goals and working your way up to completing your practice more frequently.
Resist any urges to look ahead or at your past. Give yourself permission to make the decision that feels right for you, right now.
As you grow, your self-sustainability practices may change. Allow yourself to reassess and change your personal goals as you learn more about yourself.
You can’t become a brand new person overnight. Be gentle with yourself as you identify or reassess your self-sustainability practices.