Luz

It is such an honor to be taking on the sacred responsibility of stewarding Kawoq Forest. As a dual citizen of both Maya and European descent, I grew up between El Salvador and the United States, delightfully exploring many mountains and forests on this continent.

I first came to this cliffside sanctuary in February 2016 for a month-long 200hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with the Kula Collective. At the time, I was living & working outside of Antigua, Guatemala serving as a midwife in a local clinic. Throughout my midwifery career, the practices of yoga, asana & meditation have supported me tremendously in being able to serve birthing families safely and with integrity.

The art of midwifery relies on many similar principles - embodiment, presence and compassionate awareness. Nearly seven years later, as I take on the tending of Kawoq Forest, I bring my midwifery training to this task.

I see Kawoq Forest as a multidimensional ecological entity which requires the same devotional presence and reverential care as would any birthing family or newborn. I am committed to continuing the transformational legacy of the Forest as a sacred gathering place for people of all nations and genders to be able to come, play, pray and restore.

My greatest dream is to be able to subsidize my own birth work and those of other indigenous midwives through the Forest so that birthing families may receive peaceful and safe midwifery care irrespective of economic circumstance.