Camen in New York City, surrounded by Escher

What does it take to be a Spirit Warrior?

At the Intentional Table, we know. Soon, so shall you!

There is not one single thought, idea, nor concept that I can relate to you that would adequately describe a life as singularity as this story that I am about to 'relate'.

Relate is the wrong word to end the previous sentence. My grammar checker tries to tell me, with that irritating little red line, that it's not correct. That is, in fact, the perfect metaphor for Carmen Baraka. Not correct, perfect. Let's make a distinction right now and get it crystal clear. I have had plenty of opportunities to think about what is correct and what is perfect. They are clearly not always the same, and most of the time, given the current social constructs of our lives and communities and world, correct is the last thing we need. Correct brought us here; revolutionary gets us there. 'Relate' has a special meaning in this post. Read on, rebel soul…

United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Aho Mitakuye Oyasin

This is where the soul of the revolution lives. In Lakota, it means "All my relations." in Carmen's worldview, this was the most beautiful statement of the interconnection of human beings that she could possibly refine or pick from the entire constellation of native wisdom that she carried. This was demonstrated to me so many times that I cannot count it. Her "big tent" and inclusiveness took into account every person that she met as a distant family member and treated them accordingly.

Carmen agreed to, accepted, and retains a unique and special role in Intentional Creativity. It is hard to recall the occasions of her smiling, dancing, dreaming, performing ceremonies, drinking tequila, laughing, and rising all boats with her high tide of excitement because there are simply too many to mention. Her hospitality and gregariousness were completely infectious, and I am amongst the many who felt the warmth of her smile and the touch of her kindness, care, and attention.

Carmen, Shiloh, and Denise

Of course, there is no way that I could create a monologue or other recantation of her entire life because it would be much too large. It includes her professional-level drumming and her incredible perception of depth as an artist, creating paintings of magnitude and exquisite expertise. Way too much to add here, but suffice it to say, it was a mighty catalog for a great mind.

Are you a Spirit Warrior, too?

Would you stand up, speak out, and advocate for the things that you knew were true, beautiful, and proper? Would you love others with your whole being? Would you feel that this was your work to do in this world? Would you consider it a privilege or a burden? Imagine for a moment that you are standing before the entire United Nations, speaking to women from hundreds of foreign nations about the conditions and struggles of the Native Americans. Imagine the look on the women delegates' faces from all over the world when they learn that the condition of American citizens is less than the most impoverished people in the world that they serve. This is what Carmen was made to do. Advocate, rebel, champion, uplift, and have one heck of a good time doing it.

Carmen holding court in New York City

One year, on our trip to the United Nations, she decided that she would drum and smudge every flag of the member nations of the United Nations. She lit a smudge stick the size of a small baseball bat, and Shiloh drummed. An entourage of approximately 20 women marched the entire length of the United Nations while Carmen and the ladies sang; she smudged, said prayers, and they drummed. It was the same week that Russia invaded Crimea, and Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, was visiting the United Nations. Security was intense, and I collected passports and driver's licenses from all the ladies just in case they got arrested so that I could get them out and post bail. (Not kidding)

What lengths will you go to to be a witness and a champion for authenticity, self-agency, and freedom?

Carmen, if you are a student or a practitioner of intentional creativity, you may know, departed this time and place. Here, we call it "walking into your future." She faced some long-term health issues that played her for many years but without complaint. It was not evident to anyone except for those who knew her most intimately.

Carmen and Denise, as wed by Shiloh Sophia

Carmen's life exemplified what we teach at Musea and converse about at the Intentional Table. A life of courage and passion, and life of the "devil may care" adventurer, and an interconnectedness with all beings, along with a desire to end the suffering for the same.

In our heart of hearts, there is no loss greater to us. And, yet, there is no celebration greater than this. In that divine dichotomy lies the answer to whether you, friend, are ready to be a Spirit Warrior.

I'll tell you something now that I have not told anyone but her (not even her partner, Denise, and not my wife, just her…), and it's quite intimate, so please consider it for yourselves. The reason is that I feel her telling me to tell you. It was the last time I spoke to her.

I told her that a human dies three times. The first time you die is when your body perishes and no longer functions. The second time you die is when no trace of you remains. The third and final time is the moment when your name is no longer spoken. I told her that day that as long as I lived, I would speak her name aloud. She cried, I cried. I am now.

It was as beautiful of a gesture that I, a white male from the same people who destroyed her very culture, could offer as a soul friend could make.

But, how will I speak of you? How shall you speak of me? How shall we honor each other by speaking our names into the realness of now?

Below is a video from the deck and in the redwoods above Carmen's Spirit House. It was raining, and the sun was shining off of Humboldt Bay.

When you watch this, all glorious 15 seconds of it, find her in the droplets; find yourself there, too. This is where we will all meet, arrive, and join in peace.

This is the best peace that I, the author, could ever offer you.

You will become a Spirit Warrior, too, by asking your relations (all Earth):

"Is my Spirit enough to serve that which I am here to do and is mine to do?"

Your answer, in case you missed it along the way, is not the answer you think…. it's that you had the courage to ask it in the first place.

From the Deck at Carmen and Denises' house in Arcata, CA. Peace.

Carmen Baraka Carmen Baraka Carmen Baraka

There is wisdom here, my relations. Ask for your guides. Listen to the smallest voice within you, and THIS is where the Spirit Warrior will do her work.

With the finest grains of love and respect,

Chef in NYC before the UN

The Intentional Table is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.