Life lesson: The importance of #community should never be underrated.

It is, in fact, essential for surviving the hardest of times.

What #RealLife #traditions does your community have?

Here in #Merida, the tradition if the #Andean #paradura is alive and well. Yesterday we celebrated the last ones of the year spending the day in collective prayer, catching up with neighbors, and sharing the tastiest of food. My heart is full, my roots have been nourished, and I know my place is here.

We're in full on #paradura season here in #Merida. This simple yet beautiful #tradition is one of the highlights of my year. I don't consider myself a religious person, but it feeds my spirit and brings meaning to my life when I join my neighbors and their families in song and prayer.

I often ponder about #ritual in modern western society, where families are spread far and wide and social or political issues keep communities divided.

But those are thoughts for another day...