HEALING WITH THE KOGI: ANCIENT INSIGHTS REVEALED
I recently had the privilege of journeying to the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Colombia to visit the Kogi people, an indigenous community known for their profound traditions and perspectives on healing. I am delighted to share some of the insights and experiences from this trip with you.
The Trek to Sewiaki Village: The journey began with a 2.5-hour trek through the incredible terrain of the Sierra Nevada. Guided by a knowledgeable local guide, I ventured through lush forests and rugged paths, crossing streams and ascending mountains to reach Sewiaki village, a remote and tranquil community nestled in the mountains. There are no roads to get there and only a few mules can make the journey. It was quite a challenging trek for me but the natural beauty of the flora and fauna kept me motivated and inspired.
Meeting the Kogi People: Upon reaching Sewiaki, I was greeted by the Kogi people, a community known for their deep spiritual connection to the land and their traditions rooted in harmony and balance. The village is constructed of all natural material, each building constructed of woven leaves and in the center, a beautiful 150+ Coca tree, recognized for it’s powerful medicinal benefits. They have been in isolation for most of the last several hundred years but they’ve opened their village to foreigners, so they can share their traditions with us. To them, it’s necessary to connect with us because they believe we need to learn from them for our own health and survival.
Blessing from a Woman Healer: During my visit, I was blessed by a woman healer from the Kogi community. She game me a simply woven bracelet with black and white strings. In Kogi culture, the black symbolizes protection for the night, while the white represents protection during the day. It was a powerful symbol of their desire for my safety and well-being.
Ceremonial Hut Gatherings: The heart of the Kogi community is their ceremonial hut, where they regularly come together to discuss challenges and offer support to those in need. The Mamo, or spiritual leader guides these conversations and ceremonies to heal the members of the community. I was struck by their loving support of each community member and how they see the health of each member as a reflection of the health of the community.
Five Takeaways on Healing from the Kogi People:
Interconnectedness: The Kogi people believe in the interconnectedness of individuals within the community. Healing is viewed as a collective effort, where the health of one person affects the well-being of all.
Balance and Harmony: The Kogi emphasize the importance of balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Healing is about restoring this equilibrium within oneself, the community and the planet.
Community Support: Healing is a shared responsibility within the Kogi community. Support, rituals, and ceremonies play a central role in assisting individuals on their healing journeys.
Nature and Spirituality: The Kogi have a deep connection to nature and spirituality. They recognize the healing power of the natural world and incorporate it into their rituals and practices.
My visit to the Kogi people was a deeply enriching experience that resonated with my holistic therapy practice. The insights on healing, the deep sense of community, and the spiritual connection to the natural world serve as reminders of the many dimensions of well-being.