I view my dear friend Elaine Alec, author ofCalling My Spirit Back, as a sort of spiritual goddess, but really, she is one of the most down-to-earth women I know. A political advisor, women's advocate, and spiritual thought leader and teacher, Elaine is also an Indigenous woman in long-term recovery.
She recovers out loud often and proudly. Her given name is telxnitkw, which means "standing by water." In her culture, a lot of women have names that are tied to the water, because a lot of their teachings are tied to the water.
Elaine was taught by her elders that when she is having a hard time or facing a challenge, she needs to go to the water. I am in awe of Elaine's connection to wise women elders, and I honor her close connection to the water.
Water is also a big part of my spiritual practice; I find a lot of my own answers at the ocean's edge. Getting to know Elaine has reminded me of the beauty of Indigenous wisdom and how applicable it is to recovery.
I am grateful for the women who generously share their cultural teachings; we have so much to learn from one another in recovery.