The ocean is more than 'just an inanimate body of water'. To the Kogi people of Colombia, it represents the amniotic sac of the Earth's feminine spirit—an ancient belief that symbolizes the womb from which all life was birthed. This sacred connection between the Earth and its waters speaks to a greater truth: that everything in our world is intertwined, and how we treat the planet directly mirrors the changes we encounter in our own personal journeys.

In Kogi cosmology, Mother Nature and the ocean—referred to as "Aluna"—is the lifeblood of the planet, its nurturing force. Yet, in our modern age, this source of life is being exploited. Industrial pollution, overfishing, and climate change are draining the ocean of its vitality, just as trauma drains a person’s spirit. As hurricanes like Helene and Milton ravage our coastlines, we’re witnessing the Earth’s wounded cry for boundaries. These storms are not merely natural disasters—they are the Earth’s response to the abuse we’ve inflicted upon her, much like the PTSD a woman might endure after suffering exploitation or violence.

The disturbing presence of microplastics in our waters further illustrates this pain. Once vibrant and teeming with life, the ocean now struggles to support its ecosystems. It's a grim reminder of how societal systems of consumption and waste have pushed the planet to a breaking point. Just as a woman heals by setting boundaries and severing ties with her abuser, the Earth, too, must create boundaries to survive. If we don’t heed this call, the consequences may be dire.

As we reflect on our own personal journeys, it's clear that we must respect the planet's need for healing. Much like hearts can carry on with just a little love, the Earth can recover if we respect its boundaries. The question remains: Will we listen to her cries and work toward healing, or will we continue down a path of destruction?

Call to Action
To truly support the Earth, we must change our systems, our policies, and our lifestyles. This starts with small, conscious actions in our own lives: reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for change. By doing so, we not only heal the planet but also take steps toward healing ourselves, honoring the delicate interconnectedness of all life.

References
Bright, B. (2017). Cosmology, Ritual, and Ecology: A Message from the Kogi Indians about Earth. Depth Insights. [https://www.depthinsights.com/blog/cosmology-ritual-and-ecology-a-message-from-the-kogi-indians-about-earth/].

Carrington, D. (2022). Hurricanes and Climate Change. The Guardian.[https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/29/hurricanes-and-climate-change].

Jamieson, A. J. (2019). Microplastics: A Growing Threat in our Oceans. Nature. [https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02340-5].

About the Author
Nezz Hoo is a poet, author, and sustainability advocate deeply committed to the liberation of the human spirit and the decolonization of minds. Through Groovy Paradox, Nezz intertwines metaphysical wisdom, environmental activism, and creative expression to inspire revolutionary change. With a focus on upcycling, personal empowerment, and the interconnectedness of nature, Nezz encourages readers to embrace sustainable living and awaken their collective responsibility to the planet.