Learning From Monico

Behind the Smile, He Knew What I Was Looking For

In Belize, I met Monico Sho, a bushmaster of the Maya tradition, whom embraced me as a son, a role left largely unfulfilled in my life up to this point (if you believe our roles are kind of already laid out for us, I now know why), and, perhaps even more importantly, his apprentice—along with his contemporary bushmasters, herbalists and spiritual leaders (shaman). I needed to understand what they knew; I needed to learn as much of what they knew as I possibly could.

Monico was able to help educate me, and I felt very much at home in the rainforest—as I do to this day. We spent literally months on end—many times, over a period several years—in the rainforest as I learned the ways of the Bushmasters of Belize, and my respect for the area and the way of life grew to be as much a part of me as my own skin. As days and weeks turned to months and years, I applied his teachings to develop my inner abilities—how to see, smell, listen, feel, touch, interpret and feel our planet on levels many people tend to ignore. I still use these abilities in life and each time I find myself in the jungle again, as I often do for long interludes. He was truly brilliant; always smiling as if he knew something that we all did not. I know now that indeed he did! What he shared with me and allowed me to access within myself is invaluable, indescribable and of such consequence that it will impact the entire planet. I know it. I think he knew it, too. Maybe it was a part of the reason why he smiled.

I realized through this experience that something should be done to allow indigenous peoples to maintain their traditions, but still be able to feed and clothe and house their families without having to exploit themselves. The lands we all need to survive in a global sense are their physical homes (and, honestly, I feel that the planet is a spiritual home to everyone on it, right now, in the past, and in the future).

That said, I also saw the amazing knowledge stores and wisdom of traditional healers. I thought, why can’t I bring this benefit to the western world, and give these people who have embraced me so fully a way to preserve the things they hold dear as well? I know that herbals are used in a western sense already, but I wanted a better way. I wanted to heal both people and planet. A noble goal, if a bit lofty (my mother has always told me I must have a reason for being here, since I tended to be a very accident prone but very lucky teen. Here I am Mom. You were right).

Now I Have To DO Something…

My core being, childhood root doctoring, and apprenticeship with Monico has blossomed into an individual with an insatiable quest to raise consciousness, heal, educate, grow and to effect the positive change inherent in the appropriate alignment of energies. I work with traditional healers and teaching plants to accomplish these things in ways of unprecedented import and will continue to do just that! This is my path as a healer.

…But I Am Not Alone

I was beside myself at first when I found out that Monico has passed away (in a physical sense) before he could see the dream he inspired in me come to fruition…but what he taught me is really a huge part of what I do, and I know that he is proud of Earth Healers, what we are, and what we will become. I have since recognized that he still guides me in my actions of today just as he did in the rainforests of Belize long ago. I strongly feel his presence—even now as I write this! Every expedition I go on, all of them, I feel him with me. Is this how a person who had lost a mother or father feels in their own daily lives? I’d like to think so.

What healers or traditions have you learned from?