"Learning to speak our language, learning the essence of how this came to be, learning the ceremony, the fire, the smoke, different communications with the land-and all that inhabits it, our mother, the stars; the blaze of the blessings is beyond anything that the mind can grasp. Being taught by our Elders and wisdom holders to work in these ways holds a brilliance all of its own. It’s how we be, where we come from and what we belong to; the weaving of connection, dreaming, heart and light.”

Mel Armstrong

Mel's story

Mel has been blessed with her culture of birth, only being able to connect with this is her 20s, there was much to research to understand different aspects of herself although there were continuing obstacles. Having many experiences and gifts growing up, Mel felt always the “odd duck”, there wasn’t many around that really understood what she was experiencing and saying.

“I grew up predominantly with my grandparents. My Mum was a very young single Mum, she was a breath of fresh air with a huge heart. Her love of adventure was something that called her daily. A bright light to many, she was very service-driven and spent a great deal of her time supporting community. She had many challenges with health in her life and passed away in her 30s.

My Grandfather was my Dad. He was a beautiful man who taught me a great deal about the power of the masculine, the gentleness, the practicality, the focus, a strong work ethic and the wisdom of balance. Dad was a non-indigenous man, his gentleness, joy, desire to serve and humour was a guiding light.

My Grandmother is an Aboriginal woman however it wasn’t until my early 20s that it was confirmed for me. I knew that there was something hidden and different about us but we certainly never spoke about it. I was taught a very rehearsed response about our family background at it didn’t include our Aboriginality.

Spending 25 years researching, digging, asking questions and reading everything I could, we eventually found more missing pieces and were able to reconnect with the country we were from. The difference was vast. So much so on many occasions for months at a time, it took my breath away. There were many things that were experienced simultaneously; grief and joy, love and anger, despair and hope, loss and gratitude. It was like your heart beating fully for the first time in your life, not feeling half a person, but a whole person.

This beautiful and profound connection becomes more expansive every day, growing in love, awareness, consciousness and energy. I’ve had the great privilege of hearing the words of my people, my family and Elders sharing their stories, the stories of our Ancestors and the wisdom of our ways. Being taught and guided in purpose by our senior people is a deeply humbling experience. Learning our language, our healing, and our blessings, working with the elements, the plants, the land, the stars, in alignment with our lore is something I hold very dear.

The depth of the sacred wisdom is clean and clear, not to be taken for granted or played with. Devotion to the sacred, the Ancestors, the spirituality, the vibration and the vast consciousness a wonderous cosmic gift; something to be respected and held in awe. Learning to speak our language, learning the essence of how this came to be, learning the ceremony, the fire, the smoke. Different communications with the land and all that inhabits it, our mother, the stars, the blaze of the blessings is beyond anything that the mind can grasp.

Being taught by our Elders and wisdom holders to work in these ways holds a brilliance all of its own. It’s how we be, where we come from and what we belong to; the weaving of connection, dreaming, heart and light.”

Cultural re-connection

"I grew up predominantly with my grandparents. My grandmother is an Aboriginal woman however it wasn’t until my early 20s that it was confirmed for me. I knew that there was something hidden and different about us but we certainly never spoke about it. I was taught a very rehearsed response about our family background and it didn’t include our Aboriginality."

Mel Armstrong

Cultural learnings

As a forever student, Mel has a great love for the exploration of traditions, working with the essence of the teachings, the energetic transfer and exquisite beauty that comes from this.

Coming home has been a heart opening experiences that has filled many gaps and questions of what the yearning was always about. Coming to see her Senior Elder on country, the conversations are always joyous, beautiful and inspiring. With ongoing encouragement from Uncle to undertake the learning of their language, working with the elements, the fire, the land and blessing these. Mel has been taught and given permission to work with these moving forward.

“Following the instruction of our Elders is so important, it’s a surreal experience, immediately feeling the connection, power and understanding that it’s in the following of the instruction with a deep respect is necessary at all times that brings the love and expansive connection with all things.

The day Uncle gave me this, after reading the first 2 lines, I could feel the tear gently roll down my cheek; it was quiet and beautiful. The love that he is and that he has for his culture, country and people is palpable; humbling is one way to describe being taught by this gentleman, I feel blessed and very grateful to have this opportunity in my life. I understand the responsibility, the purpose and what’s required. To be seen and embraced by an Elder is such a privilege, a welcome home.”

Photo courtesy of Hanumani.