What does it mean to belong somewhere? As a person of European descent living in the United States, I've often wrestled with this question – how to honor the indigenous peoples of the land I call home while also nurturing my own sense of place and belonging.In this special narrative episode, I step away from my usual format to share a personal written reflection titled "We Are All Indigenous." The story begins at a Taoist meditation center where, instead of the familiar crystal singing bowl that typically concludes our gatherings, we receive unexpected visitors from the Center for Indigenous Arts. Their presence creates a beautiful synergy between Eastern spiritual practices and Native American traditions, culminating in a profound message from an indigenous woman: "We are all indigenous to this earth."This statement – at once simple and controversial – becomes the centerpiece of my reflection. I explore what it might mean to claim a shared indigenous relationship with the planet without diminishing the unique cultural heritage and historical wounds of specific Native peoples. I contemplate the experience of my herbalist friend with Irish ancestry who feels "like a woman without a land," and my own connection to ancestral places I've never known alongside the American West where I was born.The reflection touches on historical erasure, the devastating impact of colonization, and the impossible task of undoing past harms. Yet it also offers a vision of healing through recognition of our shared humanity and collective responsibility to the Earth. It's a fragile, imperfect meditation that asks more questions than it answers – but these are questions worth asking if we hope to create a world where everyone feels at home.I welcome your thoughts, stories, and perspectives on this complex topic. How do you navigate your relationship with place and belonging? Connect with me at shannonwills.com and continue this important conversation.

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