Hello my dear 🌞

In between two eclipses, I’m happy to share with you a selection of conscious events and festivals, as well as an interview with Jaci Meinhold, co-founder of the Indigenous Institution Ainbu Dayá and a facilitator working between Berlin and Brazil with Living Gaia e.V. and Ainbu Dayá. As my heart feels called to support Indigenous communities, I would love to introduce you to Jaci’s work and the association behind it. If you feel called to contribute, they are continuously looking for volunteers and people who would like to support their mission.

Jaci Meinhold is a psychologist, alternative practitioner, musician, coach, and facilitator working between Berlin and Brazil, devoted to reconnecting people with themselves, each other, and the living world. Drawing on psychology, Indigenous knowledge, music, ecology, and creative expression, she creates workshops, gatherings, and immersive experiences that foster self-discovery, collective connection, and ecological awareness. Through her work with Indigenous and local communities in the Brazilian Amazon, she seeks to bridge inner transformation with meaningful action and inspire people to actively contribute to social, cultural, and environmental change.

For someone discovering Living Gaia for the first time, how would you describe the organization and its mission?

The Huni Kuin communities we work with are facing a range of interconnected challenges, including climate change, structural discrimination, territorial pressures, food insecurity, and increasing exposure to drug trafficking and violence.

Climate change, food & water security: Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are leading to heavier flooding during the rainy season and more severe droughts during the dry season. This directly affects traditional agriculture, fishing, hunting, and access to food, making food security an increasing concern. Increasing pollution of the rivers creates a need for new water supply systems. 

Structural discrimination and limited access to education: Structural discrimination continues to limit the communities’ access to functioning public services, particularly education. Limited access to quality schooling restricts opportunities for younger generations and reduces their ability to participate equally in wider society and political processes.

Territorial pressure and invasions: Population growth within the communities, combined with limited territorial space, is increasing pressure on the available resources. At the same time, illegal invasions for logging and hunting are putting additional pressure on the forest and threatening the communities’ territorial integrity.

Drug trafficking and violence: The region’s proximity to the Peruvian border makes it increasingly vulnerable to drug trafficking routes. Drug trafficking groups are bringing substances such as crack and cocaine into the region, exposing communities, particularly young people, to new social and health risks. Limited access to education and prevention programs around substance use further increases this vulnerability.

These challenges are deeply interconnected and affect not only the communities’ livelihoods and physical environment, but also their cultural continuity, autonomy, and ability to shape their own future.

You describe yourself as a bridge between the Huni Kuin and people in Europe. What does being a “bridge” actually mean to you?

My work as a bridge takes place on many different levels: between cultures, traditions, languages, perspectives, and also physically between places. After more than 12 years of working with and learning from the Huni Kuin, I have come to understand many of the differences that shape communication and everyday life, from ways of relating and living to food habits and social structures. My role is not simply to facilitate travel, but to help create the conditions for a meaningful and respectful exchange that is positive and valuable for both sides.

What are the biggest challenges the Huni Kuin communities you work with are facing today?

The Huni Kuin communities we work with are facing a range of interconnected challenges, including climate change, water pollution, structural discrimination, territorial pressures, food insecurity, and increasing exposure to drug trafficking and violence. These challenges are deeply interconnected and affect not only the communities’ livelihoods and physical environment, but also their cultural continuity, autonomy, and ability to shape their own future.

What does a truly equal exchange between Indigenous and Western cultures look like to you?

For me, a truly equal exchange begins with recognizing the other as another human being, not romanticizing or devaluing them based on external circumstances, stereotypes, or preconceived ideas. This also means continuously reflecting on my own internalized patriarchal stereotypes and ways of thinking. It requires openness, genuine listening, and a willingness to accept that there can be many different truths, perceptions, and ways of understanding reality.

It also means valuing another culture and knowledge system on its own terms, rather than constantly comparing it to the one we come from. One does not have to be considered superior or inferior to the other. Instead, they can coexist, complement, and enrich one another.

Furthermore, a truly equal exchange means not only focusing on what I can learn or gain from another culture, but also listening to what the other side needs and finding a balance between taking and sharing. This includes giving proper visibility and credit to the people and communities whose knowledge, traditions, and practices are being shared, while creating spaces for them to speak for themselves. In this way, we can work towards meaningful exchange while actively avoiding cultural appropriation.

How can we receive Indigenous wisdom without extracting it?

Often the lack of own community, spiritual connection and practices in the western world leads to an interest in native wisdoms. This holds a great potential of exchange and valorization, because many native communities practice and carry a lot of knowledge concerning these aspects. Not wanting to extract means first of all reflecting and sharing own privileges. It is essential to give credits, visibility, support and showing solidarity when needed. Furthermore many Huni Kuin people also say that it is not about copying and doing as they do, but about people learning the importance of spirituality and reconnecting to their inner wisdom, spirituality and lands. 

Living Gaia emphasizes supporting Indigenous-led initiatives rather than imposing outside solutions. What does that look like in practice?

In practice, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives means listening first and acting second. This means not only listening to community leaders, but creating space for the voices of the whole community. We recognize that Indigenous communities are the experts of their own territories, cultures, and needs. Supporting their communities therefore also means supporting the Amazon rainforest and the knowledge systems that have protected it for generations.

Our projects are developed through co-creation. We sit together with the community, listen to their ideas and proposals, and jointly decide which projects to pursue and how to implement them. These proposals do not need to be written down. Many community members have limited access to formal education or face barriers in Portuguese, so we also value oral communication and collective discussion as equally valid forms of expressing project proposals and ideas.

An important part of this process is identifying together what the community can implement independently and where external support is needed. Our role is not to take over, but to provide resources, connections, organizational support, or specific expertise where requested by the community.

We also document projects through photography, video, and other forms of documentation, not only to demonstrate their implementation and impact to supporters, but also to make the communities’ work and achievements more visible. Throughout this process, the communities remain the protagonists and decision-makers of their own projects.

For someone in Europe who wants to support Living Gaia, what are the most meaningful ways to get involved?

Of course, financial support is always important. Even small donations make a real difference, especially because many of the communities we work with lack the resources for essential projects such as clean water systems, community infrastructure, or purchasing privately owned land to return it to Indigenous stewardship.

At the same time, because we are a small NGO, we also depend on people's skills, knowledge, and commitment. I truly believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute. We are always looking for people who can help with social media, organize events, connect us with their networks, support fundraising, help sell Indigenous handicrafts, or contribute their professional expertise in other ways.

More broadly, I believe that supporting Living Gaia also means supporting the values we stand for. Whether you are protecting nature, advocating for social justice, strengthening your local community, or raising awareness about Indigenous rights, it is all connected. 

CONNECT WITH JACI & LIVING GAIA :

Connect with Jaci or Living Gaia on Instagram
Support Living Gaia on Facebook
Check the website
Subscribe to Living Gaia’s newsletter
Connect with Jaci / Living Gaia on LinkedIn

Wednesday, August 26th
𖦹 Astro & Tea: A circle to share, reflect and integrate the cosmic energies. This week Jen will highlight the importance of the zodiacal Axis and archetypal squares and oppositions. How to balance energies for a happy and healthy life. Bring your natal chart and bring a friend.
⏰ From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍Deep Blue Studio 💰 15€
More infos here (or send Jen an email to register: [email protected])
𖦹 Silent Plant Yoga: A nonverbal, ritual-based yoga practice that combines movement, music, and the effects of plants. The sessions are intentionally conducted without spoken instructions and are guided by visual cues, plant tea, herbal essential sprays and a musical journey. Each session is dedicated to one element-earth, water, fire, air, and ether-and is accompanied by herbs and plant essences. The focus is on intuitive movement, somatic awareness, and inner alignment. It is about embodying the felt essence of the plant introduced.
⏰ From 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM 📍Ashtanga House 💰 USC
More infos here

Friday, August 28th (performer) - Saturday, August 29th (guest + performer)
𖦹 House of SoulStrip: One Last Summer Night (Guest + Performer experience): On August 28–29, the House of Soulstrip opens its doors for the last summer edition and last rooftop edition of the season. A sober soul & eros dance temple where participants journey through preparatory workshops before sharing their unique soul ritual on our open pole stage. Join us as a performer or witness in Berlin. Whether you feel called to step into the experience as a Soul Stripper and explore your expression on the pole, or join as a witness & guest.
⏰ From 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM📍Private location in Mitte💰 From 44€
More infos here

Friday, August 28th
𖦹 Psychic Development Workshop: This Psychic Development Workshop is a practical and atmospheric introduction to working consciously with intuitive and spiritual perception. Through guided exercises, meditation and experiential practice, you will explore ways of entering altered states of awareness while remaining grounded, observant and present.
⏰ From 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM📍The Fool Berlin 💰 20€-30€ sliding scale
More infos here

Saturday, August 29th
𖦹 Shamanic Ceremony (with Rapé and Blue Lotus): The Shamanic Ceremony typically begins with setting a sacred space, participants will be invited to sit comfortably while the facilitator introduces the steps of the Ceremony, explaining the different elements while serving Blue Lotus tea. Through the harmonious blend of the tea, the ancestral rhythm of the drum, and sacred tobacco, this ceremony provides a safe space for releasing old patterns and setting intentions for the new year.
⏰ From 2:00 PM to 3:30 AM📍Yogiscape 💰 From 33,14€
More infos here
𖦹 Sunset Kirtan Nights under the sky: An unforgettable journey through live mantra music, meditation, and community beneath the stars.
⏰ From 7:00 PM to 10:00 AM📍Lichtenberg 💰 From 9€
More infos here

Wednesday, September 2nd
𖦹 Shavorã in Concert & Conversation: Join for an evening of connection, storytelling, and sacred songs with Hukena Yawanawá, Nãwãma and Kenemani of Shavorã. Experience the living traditions of the Yawanawá through music, stories, and conversation, while learning about the inspiring mission of the Shavorã, empowering Indigenous women, uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, and honouring ancestral wisdom while creating space for positive change. This special evening will be hosted in the beautiful
⏰ From 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM 📍GenezarethKirche - Neukölln 💰 From 27,82€ (special offer 2 tickets for a reduced price)
More infos here

Monday, September 7th
𖦹 Tangle! Mingle! : Not your usual cuddle workshop:
- a cosy (yet tight) container, where communication and consent are explicitely and collectively agreed upon
- clear and slow paced exercises for all nervous systems to have enough time to settle down and tune in
- a queer friendly space where all humans are invited to cuddle with each other, regardless of anything
⏰ From 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM 📍 IKSK, Holzmarkt 💰 20€-50€ (sliding scale)
More infos here

Tuesday, September 8th
𖦹 SHAVORÃ YAWANAWA — SACRED CHANT WORKSHOP : Join for an intimate evening to receive and learn the sacred chants of the Yawanawa tradition, known as Saitis, directly from Hukena Yawanawa, Nãwãēma and Kenemani Yawanawa. You will be learning these sacred chants, as well as one or two guitar versions, offering a beautiful opportunity to connect more deeply with the Yawanawa tradition through song.
⏰ From 7:00 PM 📍 TBA 💰 50€-65€ (sliding scale)
Email to [email protected]

Evolve Festival is a conscious gathering just 1.5 hours from Berlin, bringing together a vibrant community for 150+ workshops, yoga, breathwork, sound journeys, talks, music, and performances. If you feel called to join, you can get 10% OFF with the code THEBERLINFLOW

Ada Divine Awakening is an intimate, substance-free conscious gathering by the sea in Montenegro, bringing together around 500 artists, healers, facilitators, creators, and curious souls from around the world. If you feel called to join us, you can get €40 off your ticket with the code SABRINA.

I’m Sabrina Jeblaoui, a French coach, portrait and documentary photographer, interviewer, community builder, intuitive singer, dreamer, and founder of this newsletter. I’ve been living in Berlin for the past nice years (already!).

At the heart of everything, my mission is all about connection: connection to others on a deep and authentic level. I love creating online and offline spaces where people can meet, feel heard & seen, and express themselves freely.

Thank you for being part of the tribe! 🪶

💌 Love from Berlin,
Sabrina Jeblaoui