Reflections from the Edges of Time

Reflecting over the past three years, I’m reminded how healing and transformation often come through great challenges and the support of others.

In 2022, when illness forced me to step away from my work and business, I found myself surrendering to what is and surrounded by unexpected allies. My beloved, medicine practices, friends, and healers became my anchors, helping me focus on recovery and hope as an adjective.

During this time, and while receiving healings from Maestro Luis Quispe, I felt called to gather a small group of people to learn from Maestro Luis about his vision for the teachings, his grandfather Don Manuel Quispe, and the traditions we share. Even though I was debilitated, I reached out to my friend Hamilton, a trained guide in Peru, who agreed to translate our conversations. He brought in his friend Yvanna, fluent in Quechuan, to help bridge the language gap. My dear sister - friend Sally, who has journeyed many times to South America and works within our tradition, joined as my grounding rod - her clarity and steady presence kept our discussions focused and meaningful. Thankfully she agreed to join us. Karina, Maestro Luis’ daughter who also speaks Quechuan, Spanish and is becoming fluent in English joined. 

Together, we held four Zoom gatherings from November through December 2022, connecting people across two countries and three languages. These meetings planted the seed for “The Way of Ayni ~ Teachings of Reciprocity and Connection with Pachamama.” The support and wisdom of this group gave me strength and meaning during my most challenging days.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me - whether through a message, a meal, or simply holding space. You know who you are, and your fierce depth of kindness made all the difference.

In 2023, Karina, Maestro Luis’ daughter, and Maestro Luis himself invited me to help share these teachings with the world. Though my health was still fragile, I wholeheartedly agreed, trusting that the right time would present itself. Even when a medical setback postponed our plans in early 2024, their response was full of patience and steadfastness: “Whenever you are better, we will be ready.” The seed was planted, and it would grow when the time was right.

After months of recovery, we finally recorded the teachings in September 2024. Coordinating with my Magical Assistant, a translator fluent in Spanish and English, Karina, who translated Quechuan to Spanish, our video editor, Maestro Luis, his wife Maestra Sebastiana, and myself - all on Zoom, each in our own unique circumstances. We overcame technical challenges by sending camera and microphone equipment to Peru, and together, we created a living teaching that people from all over the world can now access.

During the recording, Maestro Luis asked what we should call the program. After a despacho ceremony and prayer, the name came to me as I was in that liminal space between sleeping and waking: “The Way of Ayni ~ Teachings of Reciprocity and Connection with Pachamama.”

In September 2025, after finding a new video editor, and organizing the final touches, we released the program during the Fall Equinox.  “Thank you, Dan!”  This era of friendship, healing, learning, and creation has given me the inspiration to remain steadfast and determined to live my best healthiest life regardless of the twist and turns.  The medicine path is always here, guiding me as long as I remember to walk with it.  Thank you to my love Eli, my family, my friends, and all the medicine people who supported me during this time and this vision of Maestro Luis.

In inspiration and love - Munay & Ayni - thank you for reading this reflection.

Munaycha (Quechuan - Unconditioned Love & Sweetness),

Rosemary ~ Chaska Mayu (Quechuan - River of Stars)