Wisdom of the Elders Travel Study

11-day travel/study program in Morelos, Mexico

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

 

The next Wisdom of the Elders Travel Study will take place in 2012, check back for more details.

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.

 

For more information, contact Suzanne Richman at 802-322-1651, or email suzanne.richman@goddard.edu.

 

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.

 

Optional College Credit

This study program can be adapted for students seeking 3 regionally accredited college semester credits. If you wish to take this program for 3 BA or MA semester credits, you will be sent additional information on the requirements. If you are a student of Goddard College, you may be eligible for financial aid. For information on associated fees for credit please contact Suzanne Richman or 800-906-8312. (Note: students enrolled in the Health Arts and Sciences program at Goddard College will not pay extra fees for academic credit as this study program is considered part of their academic semester.)