Firsthand: Reports from the Field

(Page 5 of 5)

October/November 2003
By Deanna Kawatski 
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The success of this lifestyle comes in direct proportion to the amount of energy expended. Yet how naive of us to think we could survive forever without the balancing energy of alike-minded community to help us maintain our humanity and humility. Jay and I were each other's best friend, companion and work crew. We had no neighbors, friends or family to pitch in or rescue us when times were especially challenging. Community can offer support so people don't have to grow so strong that they lose their flexibility.

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What a prominent part this valley played in shaping who I am today! Since leaving, I've echoed its voice in writing two books. The lessons that I learned here—patience, perseverance, humility, reverence, a deep sense of my own purpose and a greater ca pacity to love—gave me the courage to embark upon a whole new life.

Mosquitoes sing and poke at my ears. In the distance I hear the roar of the Ningunsaw River. With a surge of insight, I understand how necessary it is for us to honor the sacred places, people and moments of our lives. In a society obsessed with "getting over it" and "getting on with it," acknowledging one's own past as a teacher is crucial to completing the circles.

I needed to return to our former home to say goodbye to my life as a wilderness mother, and to reclaim bits of my soul that I dropped on my flight out of here. But now I see: Some of my soul will remain here forever.

You can find Deanna's book, Wilderness Mother, on MOTHER'S Bookshelf, Page 120.

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