Kalichi Lamar shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kalichi, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I love this question! I think my life has been a mixture of walking and wandering. Although I have often felt like a constant wanderer, Creator seems to always put me on a walking path without realizing it – as if the universe conspired to make small deviations to redirect my focus. I walk a path – the path of my lineage and culture and the path of creativity and healing, as I continuously strive for growth within my spirit and family. Although I walk a path, I enjoy the journey of wandering. I think it’s important to remain curious and enjoy the hidden trails along the way. Sometimes those hidden trails have gems that will aid in your walking path. Stop to smell the flowers and be present while remaining focused.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kalichi, which is Indigenous for “fountain of the high mountain,” my birthname given by my parents. I am from the island of Borikén where my roots are tied to my name and my connection to nature. I am an Artist and Healing arts practitioner with 10 years of experience designing and facilitating integrative arts programs in medical, community, and virtual settings. My experience includes being involved with Indigenous language preservation, program development, and providing my expertise for an article submission for an international journal focusing on arts and wellbeing.
As an Artist, I run a small shop where I create woodburnings for the home and sacred spaces. Each piece is a representation of repurposing and alchemizing nature – a connection to roots. As a Healing Arts Practitioner, I provide creative wellness sessions for individuals experiencing grief and loss, as well as to promote relaxation and mindfulness through the creative process. I have collaborated with fellow Indigenous Taino artisans and organized creative wellness sessions for clientele of a local small business and university organizations. My hope is to inspire viewers of my work to examine their relationship to earth and to cultivate ways to connect with their own roots, nature, and spirit.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that shaped how I see the world was when I witnessed my father wither away from his Pancreatic cancer diagnosis. I was only 15 years-old when he took his last breath. Before that, I viewed the world and my future as possibilities and full of dreams. There was nothing I could not accomplish and my parents, especially my dad were my cheerleaders with every dream I wanted to fulfill. After his passing, my world changed. Responsibilities and family became priority, and my dreams became just that – dreams that would never come to light. Even though this was my reality for most of my young adulthood, new dreams would arise when I least expected. Dreams that would not remain in the ether, but would be born into this reality.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I found my purpose. After experiencing multiple loved ones take their last breath, I developed a new relationship with death. Rather than fear, I began to understand the spiritual aspect of transitioning in a way I did not comprehend before. I looked to how my ancestors and culture viewed death and illness. I also used creativity during my grief period to alchemize my pain. This new understanding is what inspired me to work with individuals experiencing cancer, grief, and loss through creativity. When I remembered how I felt during those moments, it opened a door, a dream to help others the same way – to give others a voice, and a way to express themselves when words are not enough. My past experiences and new spiritual understanding became my power.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Rather than one, there are a number of values I will always protect as a Boricua. One of the most important values I will always protect is respect for our Elders. Our Elders hold our histories, wisdom, medicine, stories, and spirituality that encompass who we are as a people. They might not be perfect, and might be set in their ways because of generational experiences and trauma, but it doesn’t negate the treasures they hold to guide us and our future generations. More importantly, I will always protect our collectivist nature and passion to uplift each other, and I will always protect our fight for sovereignty.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am sitting quietly in nature. I do not enjoy large, noisy crowds; rather, I enjoy the silence of mind. When my mind is silent, I can fill it with sounds that soothe me and be more connected to spirit. There is a silence that exists in the forests. A silence that envelops you in its blanket. It is not the absence of sound; rather a new way of hearing. When this occurs, the trees and foliage begin to speak. And as you walk, the leaves flutter behind you to acknowledge your presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kolibriembers.com
- Instagram: @kolibriembers @raizcreativewellness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalichiartandwellness/
Image Credits
Kalichi Lamar
