Taino Woods Update – August 2023

Tai Mautia!

August Abundance at Taino Woods Sanctuary!

As the Sun continues to grace the Land with its warm embrace, we welcome you to our August newsletter. The sacred energy of Taino Woods Sanctuary is blooming, and we’re excited to share the abundance of transformative experiences awaiting you this month. 

Becoming a Taino Woods Sanctuary Website Member: Embrace the Calmunity!

We invite you to join our vibrant and empowering online community at Taino Woods Sanctuary by becoming a website community member: Taino Woods Sanctuary. Embrace the opportunity to connect with like-minded souls, share your experiences, and bond with fellow members on a profound journey of healing and growth.

Becoming a member is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit our website at www.tainowoods.com and click on the “Become A Member” button on the top of the homepage.
  2. Choose between our membership options: Community Guest (Free: with limited access to our additional online resources) or Community Member (Paid: with exclusive access to all of our online resources, including our groups, special events, and Taino Social). 
  3. Choose which payment structure you’d prefer (for those choosing Community Membership).
  4. Fill in your details to create your unique profile, and voilà! 

You’re now a part of our thriving Calmunity.

Once you’re a member, check out the exciting features of our website! Our Taino Woods tab has our events, newsletter, programs, and more; while our Taino Social tab has our member activity, groups, and other ways to connect with each other. Share your photos and content taken at Taino Woods Sanctuary via our Taino Social to enrich the community and contribute to its continuous growth.

Let’s strengthen our bond and support each other on this transformative journey. Join our vibrant community at www.tainowoods.com!

Calling All Volunteers: Giving and Receiving Stewardship Workshops!

Our beloved team, we need your help! We’re urgently seeking volunteers to assist us with crucial projects at Taino Woods Sanctuary. Join us for the Giving and Receiving Stewardship Workshop on Saturday, August 5th.

This workshop will run from 10:00am to 6:30pm. Remember to bring your own meals and water for this fulfilling workday.

By generously dedicating your time and energy, you’ll not only contribute to the Land’s well-being but also receive valuable rewards. Attending both workshop days makes you eligible for the special “Los Niños” offering on Saturday, August 26th. Limited spots are available, so don’t miss this unique opportunity!

(If you were unable to attend both of the workshops dates, but would like to volunteer for a second day in this month of August, please email us at: volunteer@tainowoods.com with your availability, or click on the “Join the Tribe” button (under the Taino Woods tab) on our website: tainowoods.com to schedule this additional time. Volunteering for two consecutive days will provide you the eligibility to attend the “Los Niños” offering at the end of the month.)

Let’s create lasting memories, connect with Atabeyra (Mother Earth), and strengthen our bonds as we work hand-in-hand.

If you’re seeking a more long-term commitment, we are also looking for Team Members. Express your interest by emailing us at tainowoodsny@gmail.com

Bo Matum for your unwavering support and dedication! 

Upcoming Ceremonies: Journey of Prayer, Purification, and Plant Medicine

Even in the midst of a wood shortage, we stand united in our commitment to creating sacred and transformative ceremonies. Join us for these upcoming events:

  • Saturday August 19th: Blue New Moon: Setting Intentions
    • Join us in setting intentions and planting the seeds of our desires under the powerful energy of the Blue New Moon.
      • Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 16th
  • Saturday August 26th: “Los Niños” Offering: A Special Thank You
    • An exclusive offering for our most committed volunteers. Overnight stay and meals included. 
      • To confirm your spot based upon your participation in both of the Giving and Receiving Stewardship Workshops and receive all of the information you need to prepare for this offering, please email us at: tainowoodsny@gmail.com. 
  • Weekend of October 7-8th: Fall Equinox Danza with Behike Miguel Sague
    • Immerse yourself in the sacred energy of the Fall Equinox as we come together for a Danza led by Behike Miguel Sague. The Long Dance is a multiple-day sacred process which includes the act of dancing for a prescribed period of time (afternoon Saturday until evening Sunday). The ceremony begins with the ritual lighting of a sacred fire. Groups of dancers and drummers take turns to maintain a constant prayer of dancing around the fire while the drummers keep rhythm day and night. The process is a long communal prayer dedicated to a specific cause that is stated at the beginning of the dance. All participants are asked to maintain a personal state of meditative commitment during the whole prayer.
      • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 26th

To register for these purification lodge teachings or inquire about overnight accommodations, email us at sweatlodge@tainowoods.com. Please note that overnight stays are not part of the purification lodge ceremony, except for the Fall Equinox Danza.

Stay tuned to our website: tainowoods.com for more updates on upcoming ceremonies and events!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers and Groweesha!

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteers who generously dedicated their time and energy to support Taino Woods Sanctuary. Your unwavering commitment and hard work made a significant impact on our land and community.

A special shoutout to our dedicated team who came together to help us transport boulders, handle giant tree trunks, and level the ground for the Teepee and garden areas. Your dedication to creating a sacred space for all to enjoy is truly inspiring!

We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed Groweesha (Madeline Thompson). Your guidance, wisdom, and openness created a nurturing space for everyone to contribute and share their experiences. Your family’s teachings and transitioning journey were both enlightening and empowering.

With your support and contributions, Taino Woods Sanctuary continues to grow and flourish as a space of healing, connection, and Calmunity. Each step you take alongside us makes this journey more profound and meaningful.

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for being an integral part of our community and for helping us co-create a sacred haven for all who seek healing and growth.

Bo Matum and Seneko Kakona!