On a walk to El Centro (downtown) yesterday evening, Julia informed us about the rincones, which are common here in Chile. A rincon is equivalent to the Brown Recluse spider in the States! They are called Rincones because they hide in corners and rincon is the Spanish word for corner. Anyway, I now have this profound fear that they are lurking in every corner and creeping in every crack around the Casa. This morning, Gretch and I both vacuumed our bedrooms and I zipped everything up so that no spiders can go creepin’ around in my bags! It was really funny! At breakfast, Gretch thought it would be funny to crack the joke, “Rincones really love the color blue.” Which wasnt very nice, considering my entire bedroom is painted blue! I suppose I will recover.
Speaking, of the color blue, this entire week is suppose to be sunny and blue skies! Its funny how I have felt like I am experiencing fall right now. The smells, especially that of the smoke, remind me of the annual smell of burning leaves; and the crispness of the cool makes me think of Michigan during this time of year. Springtime really is beautiful here though, and when I see all of the buds on the trees, I am reminded that it is actually going to start getting warmer. Nature and the natural cycles are beautiful to witness, no matter which side of the equator I am on.
The thought of nature and the connectedness we all share- “äs one we walk this earth together”- has really sparked my interest since I arrived here in Chile. I have been truly inspired by the work of Judy and all her thoughts on Ecofeminist Theology. She gave Gretch and I both a copy of her book, “Without a Vision, the People Parish,” and I have been reading it the past couple of days with great vigor. I am thirsting for more knowledge on the subject and though I have always considered myself to be a feminist in many ways, I haven’t really explored the topic from this angle. I have learned that I need to look at myself in a new light, as a part of a greater universe and cosmos; and that because of the connectedness we all share with one another and with the earth, I have a much greater responsibility to be aware of others, and also to care for the wellbeing of the environment. The topic has really had me thinking, and now I am full of questions. I am eager to spend more time with Judy and Maruja both and discuss it even further.
Today, we will be sitting in on the Art and Reflection Taller (workshop) that Andrea teaches; and then later we will be going to a circle dance!
