Oaxaca, the colorful capital of the Mexican state of the same name, sits in a broad valley at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. Its history includes a long struggle to maintain independence from the successive rule of the Aztecs, Spaniards, and Mexicans, who prevailed in the area we call Mexico today. 

Comprised of Zapotec, Mixtec, and other smaller groups, Oaxaca state is the home of some 17 distinct languages and has more indigenous language speakers than any other Mexican state.

The workshop includes a visit to Teotitlan, an indigenous Zapotec village most known for its traditional handwoven wool rugs and tapestries.  We will spend an afternoon at the weaver’s houses, learning the dyeing of their yarns and observing their focus and body-mind integration as they create their visions.

Teotitlán’s citizens actively steward 20,000 acres of their forest and watershed, as well as organically cultivate corn, squash, and beans on 10,000 acres of fields surrounding the town.  Hiking or driving through oak at 6000’ into pine and fir forests up to 9000’, one marvels at centuries of sustainability.