The contrast between the incredible blue sky and the redness of the rock continues to transfix me when I come to Alice Springs. The intense heat of the day becomes the extreme cold of the night, the sunshine that fills the clear air replaced by millions of stars.
This country is labeled ‘desert’ on the maps, yet it is far from barren, filled as it is with the smallest of daisies emerging from red dust and stone to the grandest of ghost gums whose roots go deep into the earth. The ‘dry’ riverbed yields water when you dig, the bush tomato yields moist fruit when you look underneath its spiny branches.
Around 10 generations of white settlers have been on this land and at least 5,000 generations of indigenous people have also been the stewards and custodians of this country.
Then there are Sue Gregory and Frank Ansell, with whom we have just spent a weekend. Sue is a leader, coach and facilitator, practiced both in the art of healing and in leading. Frank is a traditional indigenous healer (nungkari) and lawman from the Eastern Arrernte country in Central Australia.
Sue came to Alice Springs knowing she needed to be in this country yet not knowing what that would look like for her life. Frank comes from this country and understands that he has an important role in his community sharing his teachings and wisdom with others.
Coming together was not coincidence and what they offer combines their worlds in an effortless flow. In the time you spend with Sue and Frank, you are invited to, and begin to, appreciate and understand the power of the land. You also start to connect to your own infinite potential.
Meeting Sue and Frank was no coincidence for us either. Our principle of stewardship is underpinned by appreciation of and respect for indigenous custodians across the world and the desire to better understand their deep connection to the land. Yet, as Sue and Frank have also taught us, as we gain this understanding we too can take responsibility for our own healing and that of our country and the earth as a whole.
Healing is about body, mind, spirit and soul – not just the aches and pains we normally connect to in our physical world. It is about changing the language in our mind – changing what we say to ourselves about who we are and what we can achieve.
Healing is also about becoming aware of the country we are in and the contrasts around us. It is about becoming aware of what we pay attention to and what amazing gifts can be presented if we are prepared to look. Most of all it is about what all these things can tell us about ourselves.
Gayle
What a wonderful experience, Gayle. Thank you for sharing.
On another (yet related) note, I thought you might like the below quote:
“If diversity is a source of wonder, its opposite – the ubiquitous condensation to some blandly amorphous and singulary generic modern culture that takes for granted an impoverished environment – is a source of dismay. There is, indeed, a fire burning over the earth, taking with it plants and animals, cultures, languages, ancient skills and visionary wisdom. Quelling this flame, and re-inventing the poetry of diversity is perhaps the most importent challenge of our times.”
― Wade Davis
Thanks Luke
What an important quote for this time.
That is a lovely share Gayle. I feel touched and refreshed in reading it and wanting to hop onto a plane…
And Luke your quote is very well expressed, sadly true, but great to hear this shock expression as it helps people ‘get it and for those of us who ‘get it’ remind us, Thank you.
Sarah