Farafina Mousso — by Lubiana
“If the earth is a woman, if the sea is a woman, if the moon is a woman, I know God is woman. If a man needs a woman by his side, a superwoman. If we all love a woman, then shall we respect our women’s daughters, sisters, mothers, warriors.”
Pachamama. For a month now I’ve been in Cusco, soaking in the mountain energy, connecting with locals who speak about her: Mother Earth. I admit, I still feel a little nervous when I bring up the topic of energy in conversations. Often, I expect dismissive responses or people calling it nonsense. But here in Cusco, ‘la energía’ is simply a given. It’s refreshing. Locals openly talk about Pachamama her energy, and about the importance of giving to her and respecting her.
Tonight, I went to my favorite spot for dessert to eat picarones. Every time I enter, I feel genuinely welcomed. The place is run by native women who speak only Spanish and Quechua, and you feel a pull towards them that invites connection.
So I talked to them. Our conversation started casually, but soon I shared how deeply visiting Machu Picchu had moved me. Two of the women responded immediately, “la energía de Pachamama.”
The eldest woman began explaining how Mother Earth energy helps her for example when she’s sick or in need of something. What struck me was when she gave me her advice about respect: whenever you enter a sacred place, temple or ancient ground, you must always ask permission to enter. “Pachamama, ¿me recuerdas?” she said, relating it to someone entering your home uninvited. It’s the same with Mother Earth.
This all feels so right. I know it might sound strange, but embracing nature’s energy by dancing with Pachamama’s gifts, acknowledging her presence, and living by her rules feels so right. Simply because of one single fact: I am nature too.
Sometimes I think we humans forget this. We treat nature as something outside of us. The mountains, the ocean, the trees, when in truth with every breath and heartbeat, we are just as much a part of nature as anything else. So why not start living like it?
These four women with their grounded, feminine presence and deep wisdom left a mark on me. Walking out of the restaurant, I felt stable and connected to my own light and love for the world. I smiled, recognizing that familiar feeling of being seen and understood on a whole new level.
Cusco has given me so much. I received energy like a hummingbird singing inside my heart. I feel lighter, brighter, happier. A calm presence has settled within me. Something I haven’t felt for a long time. I believe this month in Cusco was necessary. It planted a seed, and now it’s time for the roots to grow deep and wide into the earth.
