"The sacred medicines, they have a tradition, they have a root. They have a design and a story.  Cultural appropriation is just taking things that have an entire tradition behind them, and then changing them to suit a different narrative. That's why at Aniwa, we're passionate about that about teaching people to learn from the elders directly, and simply to take that message and embody transmission."- Vivien Vilela on The Modern Spirituality Show Vivien Vilela is the Co-Founder & CEO of Aniwa, an organization amplifying the message of indigenous leaders through a digital platform and in person gatherings. In addition she co-founded The Boa Foundation, a non profit organization working in alliance with indigenous leaders to preserve land and culture.  Born and raised in Brazil, Vivien has dedicated over a decade to her spiritual studies and the preservation of indigenous culture and wisdom. Vivien has been initiated in the ancient traditions by some of the most respected indigenous elders from South, Central, and North America. She is currently a student of world-renowned Ashaninka leader Benki Piyãko. Attend Aniwa GatheringAniwa Gathering is a non-profit event produced by The Boa Foundation bringing together 40 of the world's most respected indigenous leaders and elders to share their wisdom over 4 days of cultural exchange and sacred ceremonies. https://www.aniwagathering.comUse PROMO CODE benxaniwa for 10% off the registration price.Book a trip to Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica on June 18 - June 25, 2023, a special retreat hosted by Benjamin W. Decker.Experience Ayahuasca Plant Medicine at the First Ever Medically-Licensed Resort to offer this sacred shamanic experience.  Enjoy a week of deep transformation with four plant medicine ceremonies led by shamans trained in the Columbian tradition and plant medicine preparation and integration workshops.https://bendeckermeditation.com/retreatsDeepen Your Meditation Practice with Books by Ben Decker:https://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-W-Decker/e/B07C9WKP8JWork with Ben Decker:Follow Modern Spirituality Show on Instagram:Watch the episode on YouTube:Contact The Modern Spirituality Show:Host/Executive Producer: Ben DeckerTwitter.com/BenDeckerInstagram.com/BenjaminwdeckerProducer:Ansley WellerAnsley@ModernSpiritualityPodcast.com