The following conversation was part of the Resilience and Possibility series. To access the recording, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
On September 11, the global Pachamama Alliance community gathered to hear Andean ceremonial leader, healer, and author Arkan Lushwala share his profound insights on how humanity can navigate the turbulent times we face today. As part of the Resilience and Possibility series, the conversation focused on the urgent need for a cultural shift—away from human supremacy and toward living in harmony with the natural world.
Arkan's message was clear: “Humanity is aware of white supremacy, but humanity is not so aware of human supremacy,” and if we don't change that, we will continue to destroy life on Earth.
A Call to End Human Supremacy
Arkan began by recalling a message he shared years ago: we are entering a new cycle that calls for the end of human supremacy. While progress has been made in addressing issues like white supremacy, Arkan emphasized that a far more pervasive and unnamed challenge remains—human supremacy, or the belief that humans are superior to all other life forms on Earth.
To preserve life on Earth, we must shift from a mindset of superiority to one of equality with all living beings. He urged people to approach nature with humility, not with superiority, but as equals, ready to both give and receive. This paradigm shift is essential for getting at the root cause of the environmental destruction we see today.
"When people come to my place in New Mexico or here in Peru, [I tell them]: go talk to a tree, to a little plant and be equal. Don’t put yourself above. Say your name, introduce yourself, say hello, be respectful and feel equal to whatever that is," he said.
This simple act, Arkan shared, can be the beginning of a larger transformation. By listening to the wisdom of nature and recognizing our place within it, we begin to dismantle the structures of dominance that have led to ecological devastation.
The Danger of Overreliance on Technology
Arkan also warned of humanity's growing reliance on technology to solve our problems. While acknowledging that technology has an important role to play, he cautioned that it must not be treated as the sole solution.
Technology is not the answer if the culture doesn't change. It’s not enough to change our tools; we must “continue changing the way we see ourselves in relation to nature,” Arkan emphasized.
Without a deeper cultural shift, even the most advanced technologies could reinforce the same destructive patterns fueled by greed and unchecked development. He urged us to recognize that while technology can be a useful tool, it can never replace the ancient, natural wisdom of the Earth.
Real solutions require a shift in consciousness—moving away from exploiting resources and toward a symbiotic relationship with the natural world, where we use technology in harmony with Earth’s ecosystems, not in opposition to them.
Listening to Earth’s Wisdom
At the heart of Arkan's message was the idea that the Earth, and all forms of life on it, possess a wisdom far greater than human intelligence alone. Those working to avert global catastrophe relying solely on technology and human intellect are doing so without a key ally: the voice of the Earth.
"Human intelligence is not developed enough to find a solution… There is way more wisdom and intelligence in the Earth herself, in the minds of all the creatures, all the forms of life that live on Earth and also in the universe to which the Earth belongs,” he said.
One of the most profound aspects of Arkan’s message is that listening to the Earth is not a practice reserved for a select few; it is a birthright, accessible to all, regardless of background or experience. "We all have a birthright to this sacred wisdom," Arkan reminded us.
This invitation to reconnect with the natural world doesn’t require any special skills or training—only a willingness to quiet our minds and open our hearts. By doing so, we can begin to cultivate a deeper, more intuitive relationship with the living planet, allowing it to guide our actions in these critical times.
In Indigenous cultures–and for most of human history–this guidance has always been a vital part of life. Arkan shared that Indigenous peoples never placed their own intelligence above that of nature. Instead, they recognized themselves as part of a greater whole, constantly learning from the Earth and the cosmos. This humility and receptivity, Arkan explained, is a path back to harmony with nature and a means to address the deeper roots of our current crises.
The wisdom of the Earth, as Arkan taught, is available to anyone who seeks it. It's a practice that involves more than just listening to words or sounds—it’s about sensing the subtle ways in which the Earth communicates through its rhythms, patterns, and the deep interconnectedness of all life. This, he said, is the guidance that can lead us toward true healing for ourselves and the planet.
A Call for Volunteers
As the conversation neared its conclusion, Arkan spoke of a new beginning—a time of great creative potential emerging on Earth. He described this period as the return of ancient wisdom and a cosmic alignment that presents humanity with an opportunity to build a new world. However, this new beginning requires volunteers—those willing to receive this wisdom and serve as "antennas" for the light and knowledge being sent by the Earth and the stars.
"We are here to receive that light. The only thing we can do is work with ourselves, with the people around us, [and] hopefully with our community,” Arkan said.
As the event concluded, the urgency of Arkan’s message resonated deeply. We stand at a critical crossroads in human history, where the choices we make today will shape the future of life on Earth. Arkan’s wisdom calls for a path forward rooted not in domination, but in humility, collaboration, and the wisdom of the living world around us.
Join Us in Practicing Earth Listening
If you are interested in learning how to host an Earth Listening Circle with your community, you can register here to join our global initiative and access all of the facilitator materials that you can use and adapt to your context.
Recording with Arkan Lushwala
