Campfire Girl

Déjà vu.

I was a Campfire Girl in the 70’s. I was a bluebird first in grade school and then I graduated all the way up to junior high. My Mom was the leader of our little local troupe of 10 in Newark, California! We collected beads for tasks instead of badges - it was more about honoring the earth and principles of Native American tradition than any kind of competition.

I remember my first big camping adventure far away from my family and friends. I was terribly homesick for most of the time. It lasted a week, which felt like a lifetime, and I hated some of it, but I did enjoy being surrounded by so many new faces and personalities.

I was unsure of myself. There were lessons in independence, facing fears, personal responsibility, trust, and certainly there was occasional drama between some of the girls (periods where a topic of conversation, but mine was late so I was an outsider). 

My biggest takeaway was during the final evening ceremony before we all departed back to our real lives the next morning. We were all wearing ceremonial gowns draped with our many colored beads - each bead told a story of triumph and accomplishment. Standing in a circle holding hands after an evening of silly skits and awards, we sang Lean On Me together and to one another.

It was time to say goodbye, and I just didn’t want to. 

With the passing of Bill Withers last week, I’ve thought about his beautiful signature ballad of humanity and unconditional love. It took me back to that ceremony where we went from little girls to future female leaders.

“Lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend.”

It was the first experience of understanding power - not just the power of group energy - but of the strength that is felt in a circle of women. That night I understood something profound that I could not put into words. I wasn’t alone. We all felt something deep under the silent stars that night because we sincerely meant it and we knew Lean On Me was the only way to fully be of service. It is the anthem of our time then - and even more-so today.

Déjà vu.

This time of rest and reset has made me look inward. I’m seeing new ways to be in the world now.
Lessons are being learned anew by many, and the time for the Divine Feminine Energy supporting Mother Earth can come from this tragedy if we choose.