Since June 13, I have lived and worked on Eagle Island, a camp for girls and young womxn, in the middle of Upper Saranac Lake, surrounded by water. Each morning on the island, I take my first waking moments with the lake. I usually talk to the lake, my Abuelo, or other ancestors. Sometimes I am there for minutes, sometimes my whole morning routine is dedicated to whatever clarity the water brings.
When my Abuela and I have hard conversations, she places a glass of water between us. She says, “There’s nothing clearer than water.” The water placed is used to purify and enhance our communication.
Before camp, I would meticulously plan each day. I was notorious for notebooks, lists and timelines. On island time, I am beholden to the…