Playing my double flute in Machu Picchu, Peru in Spring 2008
I come from a musical and spiritual background where the two combine to offer what I believe may actually be one of the universal truths, which brings emotional and spiritual healing to individuals. The gentle melodies of the flute can inspire deep contemplative feelings for those who are willing to listen. As R. Carlos Nakai says:
"We all have a song, what is your song?"
My Tribe (Raramuri or Trahumara):
The Raramuri people are the oldest known living tribe in the Americas dating back over 10,000 years with a consistent population of approximately 60,000 people. Their understanding of the relationship between life and death is unmatched by any other culture even with today's technological advancements.
They are known as a quiet and considerate people who are expert farmers and runners. Rarámuri has been translated to mean "runners" in their native language. Due to severe drought in northern Mexico, the Raramuri have suffered famine in the past few years.
Today
the Raramuri or better know as the Tarahumara (their given name by the Spanish) live in The Copper
Canyon of Mexico East of Chihuahua under cliffs in caves and in small
wood and stone cabins in remote areas. They have lived a simple life
undisturbed by modern technologies. Today however, these wonderful people are
being threatened by increased tourism through their native villages as
more outside interaction is influencing their basic way of life. Their native way of life is becoming more and more challenged as they fight to find ways to survive.
Understanding the
plight these Native People who live so far from us can be difficult to
comprehend.
My goal is to send relief when I can to help ease their burdens. When I perform, I have donated a portion of my proceeds in the past to help ease their burdens. If you resonate with these people and are drawn to offer financial aid, simply click on the donate button below and I will see that your donation makes it to relief organizations to help these beautiful people. Thank you.
