Address: Greenwich Cove Marina
3 Division Street
Second Floor
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Upcoming Event Sunday, November 22nd
Ayni Despacho: A
Ceremony of Thanks
Thanksgiving asks us to acknowledge what we’ve been given. Ayni asks what we give back.
Limited to 25 participants
DATE TIME LOCATION SUGGESTED DONATION
Sunday 4:00-5:30 3Division Street $10
November 22nd East Greenwich,RI
2026 02818
Ayni is an Andean word for sacred reciprocity: the earth feeds us, and we feed the earth. For centuries, the Q’ero people of Peru have expressed this through the despacho, an offering built by hand with elements from nature, such as seeds, flowers, and sugar, along with leaves carrying our prayers and gratitude.
The offering bundle is then returned to Pachamama, Mother Earth, by burning it off-site. Jessica has studied with teachers practicing this tradition, and it’s an honor to share this beautiful ceremony of gratitude and beloniging with our community.
Sacred Reciprocity
What to Expect
Everyone is welcome
The despacho comes to us from the Andean tradition, yet its heart is universal. No particular heritage, spiritual belief, or prior experience is needed. Ayni, the sacred practice of reciprocity, speaks to something we all share: our connection to the Earth, to Pachamama, and to one another. Whether this is your first ceremony or your fiftieth, you are welcome here.
We build it together
Each person adds their prayers to a shared offering. Coca leaves held with intention, flowers, seeds, sweets, and other symbolic elements of nature are laid on a paper mandala. Each one is an expression of gratitude for the gifts of the Earth and the blessings in our lives. The finished despacho is wrapped and offered to Pachamama, carrying our prayers for ourselves, each other, and the world.
Bring something small (optional)
You’re welcome to bring a small item from nature to add to the despacho, something that holds meaning for you. A flower from your garden, a feather you found on a walk, or a few leaves or seeds would all be lovely. Each one adds your own gratitude and intention to the offering. It’s also perfectly fine to come empty-handed. We’ll have everything we need to share, so you can simply arrive as you are.
The water in our bodies once fell as rain. The iron in our blood was drawn from the earth. We are not separate from nature. We are made of it, and the despacho is a way of giving thanks for that gift.
Modern life has distanced many of us from that belonging, so returning to it may feel deeply settling, or a little unfamiliar. Both are welcome.