What Happens When We Move Beyond Observation and Begin Participation?

What happens when we move beyond observing a place and begin participating in it?

It’s a question I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately. Many of us move abroad seeking community, connection, adventure, or a different way of life. Yet belonging often takes longer to develop than expected.

We can learn a great deal about a culture through books, articles, museums, language classes, and conversations.

But some things can only be learned through participation.

Through showing up.
Through sharing food.
Through attending community celebrations.

Through being willing to enter spaces where we may not fully understand everything, yet remain curious enough to listen, observe, and learn.

As Inti Raymi approaches, I’ve been reflecting on what festivals and traditions can reveal about a place — not only about its history, but about its values, relationships, and ways of understanding community.

This Wednesday, I’ll be hosting a free online conversation exploring what participation, reciprocity, and cultural traditions might teach us about belonging.

We’ll use Inti Raymi and the Andean Raymis & seasonal calendar as a starting point, while exploring how living traditions continue to shape relationships between people, place, and community today.

📅 Wednesday, June 17
🕒 3:00 PM (Ecuador Time)
💻 Online

Whether you’re planning to attend Inti Raymi, interested in Ecuadorian culture, or simply curious about community and belonging, you’re warmly welcome to join us.

Send me a message for the Zoom link.