Wisdom of the Elders Travel Study

A 12-day travel/study program in Morelos, Mexico

Winter 2009 Dates: February 25 - March 7

Presented by Goddard College’s Health Arts & Sciences Program in partnership with Huehuecoyotl, our ecovillage home base during the course.

Wisdom of the Elders: Traditional Healing Practices in Mexico is a travel-to-learn exploration of traditional healing and alternative community health models in and around Tepoztlán, Mexico. Located one hour south of Mexico City in the Tepozteco mountains and the Chichinautzin bioreserve of the Cuaunahuac bioregion, this area presents a fascinating microcosm for learning about the triumphs of maintaining diverse healing practices, cultures, and biodiverse ecosystems. This tour is available to anyone interested in traditional healing systems and eco-village life in Mexico.

 

The program features an orientation to traditional Mexican medicine and learning activities that include: Mexican cooking, traditional midwifery, and shamanistic aspects of the Meshica tradition. The traditional focus will also highlight the contemporary application of four practices. These modalities include traditional Mexican massage, limpias (spiritual cleansings), temazcal (sweat lodge) and regional herbalism and ethnobotany (plant walks and making preparations). Participants will receive hands-on training and explanations from practitioners and guest speakers who are passionate about defending and enhancing their healing traditions, cultures, and lands at the grassroots level.

 

During the trip, there is time to enjoy the area and to socialize with your fellow learners through such activities as: hikes in local mountains; excursions to museums, archeological sites, and food/craft markets; ceremony and celebrations. Despite ample experiential activities and seminars, there will also be a balance of solo time and group reflection.

 

The program is based in the beautiful, mountain-side ecovillage of Huehuecoyotl, a residential community founded over 20 years ago by an international group of artists and activists. Huehue is devoted to promoting community life while building creative alternatives to economic globalization and monoculture. The community of over 30 people contains inspiring examples of alternatives: eco-construction techniques; water systems; solar energy; consensus decision making; and organic gardens. Our outdoor “classroom” is under the branches of the sprawling amaté tree, the center of Huehue in location and spirit. Accommodations are simple, featuring a dormitory for 8-10 people, plus camping space (bring your own tent). A limited number of private and semi-private rooms are available at Huehue for an extra fee. Delicious and nutritious mostly lacto-ovo vegetarian Mexican meals are provided in the Huehue community center. For variety and logistical reasons, we will eat out twice during the trip. Purified drinking water and snacks are also available.

 

Most of the teachings are offered both in Spanish with English translation and some presentations will be in English. To make the most of this experience, you are strongly encouraged to study basic Spanish in advance of the journey.

 

Participants will meet at a designated location at the Mexico City airport on February 25th and be transported from the airport to Huehuecoyotl via chartered bus, a trip of approximately 2 hours. The bus will leave the airport at approximately 4:00 p.m. Plan to arrive by 2:00 p.m. at the airport to allow for time to go through immigration and customs. Participants will be brought back to the airport in Mexico City on the morning of March 7, 2009 by 8:00 a.m. Upon registration, more information will be provided concerning arrival and departure coordination.