Listening quietly to my liyan (spirit)

Often, the quiet things go unnoticed. The small acts of care, the stories we each carry, and the quiet strength we hold within ourselves and for those around us. These are the responsibilities that are not always spoken about, yet they shape who we are and how we move through the world.

As a Djugun and Jabbir Jabbir saltwater woman, being the eldest daughter, the big sister and the aunty to many little ones carries a gentle and quiet responsibility. It is not something spoken loudly, but something felt deeply within. Cultural obligations are not separate from everyday life. They are woven softly into how we live, how we listen, and how we guide the next generation with care, intention, and respect.

Growing up, we were fortunate to be surrounded by Dreamtime stories and dreaming. These were not just stories. They were living teachings, shared softly around us. Sometimes spoken in quiet conversations, sometimes held within moments that required no words at all. We were taught that Country speaks if you are ready to listen. Sometimes through the wind, sometimes through the ocean, and sometimes through our dreams. We learned to listen carefully, to trust our intuition, and to understand that our ancestors continue to guide us in gentle and meaningful ways.

Our grandmother and our mother shared gentle rituals that helped us stay connected and grounded. Smoking out the house when things felt uneasy. Grounding ourselves when life felt busy. Singing in language to bring Country and our ancestors along with us wherever we went. These practices were never forced. They were simply part of everyday life, shared quietly, respectfully, and with love.

Today, we continue these moments with our little ones. We share stories softly and listen closely when they speak about their dreams. We encourage them to trust their feelings and honour their intuition. We show them how to slow down, to feel the land beneath their feet, and to sit in stillness. These small and gentle moments become powerful teachings that stay with them as they grow.

Remembering where we belong is sacred. Belonging is not just about place. It is about responsibility, respect, and continuity. It is something we carry gently and share with care. By making these rituals part of our everyday lives, our little ones begin to naturally incorporate them into their own journeys. The circle continues, and culture lives through our liyan (spirit), and our stories.

Mi.lang.ka Collective was created with this intention. A space to honour the wisdom passed down from our grandmothers, mothers, aunties and Elders. A place for reflection, grounding, and connection.  We share gentle practices that nurture liyan (spirit) and belonging, softly weaving culture into everyday life.

Culture does not live in the past.
It lives within us.
In our liyan (spirit).
In our story.

And through Mi.lang.ka Collective, we continue to carry it forward gently, respectfully, and with deep intention, so that our stories remain alive, sacred, and following our bugarrigarra (dreamtime).