Lisa Blue
Adorn Piercer
Portland, Oregon
I'd like to share with you all a tiny bit of my experiences with the One project. First to speak of is the land, an ethereal space many sacred souls have practiced ritual on for decades. Upon entering the gates to ascend the mountain I felt different in my skin. One may experience a similar sensation when first standing on the edge of a cliff over looking an ocean or a gorge, or stepping into a cathedral for the first time.
Knowing for the next week you are to sacrifice all the comforts of home, some of us sacrificing our carnivorous ways.
Leaving behind electricity and many of our other vices. Imagine preparing to sleep under the light of a full moon, in the high desert, covered only by a grove of scattered oak trees. Ok so I did sleep on an air mattress, but only on this mountain have I felt safe enough to sleep under the stars.
When all the guests arrived we were joined by folks from all walks of life. Many piercers, tattoo artists and modification enthusiasts from all over the world. As well as massage therapists, computer programmers, home mothers, professional chefs, ect. All joined together to create one community consciousness. Throughout the week we performed different feats of physical sacrifice. These activities included the monumentous overcoming of great fears, some integrated since birth, some ingrained in our genetic memory. All equally as frightening.
Our visit by an Indian Chief who's most influential words were, to be careful of what you pray for. The universe will deliver what you ask if you pay attention. Although the answer won't appear as you would expect it to. My personal sacrifice came in the form of walking across burning coals. I came across the fire with intense burns, these wounds ensued a major shift in my world. Within the healing process, my life turned a complete 360. Two weeks later, by the time I walked without bandages, I changed the studio I worked for, the city I lived in, the people I surrounded my self with and the direction my life was going. All of this happened a year ago and to this day the magic is still working. Today I am happier, healthier and more focused on my future than ever. Manifesting my dreams every day.
Coming together with such a strong community and sharing similar experiences through energy pulls, suspensions, fasting, ritual cuttings and group sweat lodges, for me, brought focus back to the fact that, we are fighting for a cause. Many great injustices are being committed upon humanity around the world. It is necessary to remind yourself by sacrificing those things we take for granted everyday. We as human beings are obligated to fight for what is true and just, to stand with those who cannot stand alone, and to feed those who cannot shelter themselves. For we are all human, we are all ONE.