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The Tale of Marisol: A Journey of Nature and Heritage

In the vibrant heart of the island of Boriken, now known as Puerto Rico, lived a young couple, soon to be a father and mother. 

One day, due to an occupying force on the island, the couple came to realize they could no longer afford to live on the land where they and their ancestors had once flourished. So in search of better opportunities for their soon-to-be-born child, they moved away to a distant land, far, far from their home—a land very different from their own. The day came when the child was to be born and she was named Marisol, a tribute to the sea and sun of their treasured and missed homeland.

Marisol grew to become an artist by trade and spirit, but her heart carried a weight of disconnection from her roots. Marisol grew up hearing stories of her Boricua ancestors, but the tales felt distant, and her connection to her heritage seemed more like a whisper than a song. Marisol yearned for a deeper connection to her culture and the land of her ancestors. She began her journey by seeking out ways to immerse herself in nature, hoping it would help bridge the gap she felt. 

Her first step was to listen to stories that had been passed down through generations. Her parents told her of ancestral heroes, stories of the land’s spirits, and the wisdom held in the mountains, rivers, and forests. She also began learning the stories of the traditional stewards of the land on which she lived. The combination of these stories became the foundation of her quest.

One day, guided by the tales she had heard, Marisol ventured into a local forest. There, she practiced mindful observation, allowing herself to be fully present with the sounds, smells, and sights among the trees. As she watched a butterfly flit from flower to flower, she saw a metaphor for her own journey—seeking, exploring, and transforming. This moment of soft fascination opened her eyes to the lessons nature offered.

Marisol also engaged in land-based rituals. She remembered a story of how her grandmother would engage in a personal ritual at a river that was known to bring healing. Since Marisol wasn’t able to visit her grandmother’s river, she sought out a river where she lived. She acknowledged the spirits of the river and the river’s ancestral stewards, both past and present. She then thanked the land and waters for having her as a guest. She requested permission to perform her grandmother’s water ritual, explaining its significance for her, and once she received permission, she gently began pouring water over her hands and face while softly calling out to her ancestors. She asked for their guidance and strength and expressed how much she missed them and her ancestral land. She shared with them her gratitude for how the spirits of the land she lived on were tending to and caring for her while being so far away from home. This ritual became a practice of remembrance and healing, helping her to grieve the disconnection she felt and honor the resilience of her lineage, while also finding a sense of connection and place in this unfamiliar land.​

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Her journey then led her to the practice of nature journaling. She wanted to learn all she could about the spirits that lived across this land, so that she could pay her respects in the same way she would have on her traditional homeland. Each morning, she would sit by the river and write or draw in her journal. She chronicled her thoughts, feelings, and the things she observed in nature, such as various plants, birds, stones, trees, and waters. This practice of reflection allowed her to connect deeply with herself and the world around her. Through her drawings, she captured the essence of the forest and the spirit of the river, finding a visual language that expressed her inner world.

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Marisol’s exploration of her identity wasn’t just about nature; it was also about reclaiming her culture, particularly language. She began learning words and phrases, understanding the stories and wisdom encapsulated within the language. She discovered that each word was a vessel of history and tradition, a link to her ancestors. As she spoke these words aloud, she felt a profound sense of connection and empowerment.

 

To deepen her connection to the land and culture, Marisol participated in local traditional practices. She joined a community group that taught her foraging, wildcrafting, and place-based learning, immersing herself in local heritage, cultures, and landscapes. Through these activities, she learned to gather wild herbs, fish sustainably, and understand the cycles of the moon and tides. This hands-on engagement with the land, although different, brought her closer to the practices of her ancestors and instilled in her a sense of self-determination and resilience. It encouraged her to learn her own traditional ways while incorporating the diversity of her local bioregion.

 

As the months passed, Marisol noticed a transformation within herself. She felt more grounded and connected, not only to her heritage but also to her sense of Self. The practices she engaged in—mindful observation, land and water rituals, nature journaling, learning her language, and traditional practices—had woven a beautiful blend of resilience and curiosity within her. She had explored the impacts of colonialism on her identity, grieved the losses, and found healing and empowerment in her self-determined expression of identity.

Marisol’s journey was not just about personal growth; it was also about community. She began sharing her experiences and the wisdom she gained with others, helping them reconnect with their roots and the land. She created a space where people could come together, share stories, and engage in nature-based practices. Through this, she found her place in the world, a place where she could honor her heritage and help others find their path.

 

Maybe you’re like Marisol. You’ve experienced disconnection from your roots and your true self. You yearn for a deeper connection to your heritage and the natural world. You want to feel grounded, empowered, and whole. At Eutierria Therapy, I can help guide you on a similar journey.

 

I’m Javier, and I know what it’s like to feel disconnected and to struggle with identity. I began Eutierria Therapy to help people like you reconnect with nature and their true selves. My journey through personal challenges and my own connection to my heritage have shaped my approach to therapy.

At Eutierria Therapy, I offer a range of services to support your healing journey:

 

  • Traditional Talk Therapy: For those who prefer a conventional approach to explore their thoughts and emotions.You prefer a more conventional approach to explore your thoughts and feelings.

  • Eutierria Therapy: My personal approach of combining nature-based practices with therapeutic techniques to foster deep, transformative healing.

  • Group Therapies: Providing community support through shared experiences and collective healing practices.

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Utilizing the therapeutic benefits of ketamine to address severe mental health challenges.

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If Marisol’s journey resonates with you, and you want to reconnect with your true self through nature and cultural heritage, I invite you to Eutierria Therapy. Step into a journey of healing and transformation, embraced by the wisdom of the Earth and your ancestors. Contact me today to begin your journey to wholeness.

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