Season 1 Ep. 28 - The Power of Art and Storytelling with Celestine Aleck

In this powerful episode, Mariel and Josh are joined by Celestine Aleck, a renowned author and storyteller, to explore her incredible personal and professional journey. Celestine, who has authored eight books, shares how a chance encounter with Holly Bright at a book launch led to their collaboration on a contemporary dance project that brings her stories to life.

Celestine delves into the challenges she faced while setting up the dance project, "Sun and Moon," amidst juggling two jobs and full-time schooling. Despite facing verbal and mental abuse at her job, she persevered with the support of Holly and secured the necessary grants for her project. The joy and happiness of the dancers reignited her passion for teaching and inspired her dream of working behind the desk.

The trio explores the significance of cultural practices in healing, with Celestine sharing her family's traditional medicine practices. They acknowledge the impact of residential schools on First Nations people and discuss the role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. Celestine offers insights into her culture's healing rituals, such as crying and bathing, and the broader process of healing through self-discovery and alignment with one's true worth.

Celestine shares a haunting vision shown to her by her grandfather, Ronald Alec, depicting the pain her family would suffer if she committed suicide. This profound experience shaped her life and storytelling journey, which began at the age of four. Mariel and Josh express their admiration for the wisdom and care demonstrated by Ronald Alec and recognize the significant influence this vision had on Celestine.

Throughout the episode, Celestine emphasizes the importance of self-love, seeking help, and practicing forgiveness as continuous processes. The discussion highlights the need for individualized self-care strategies and the potential negative impact of misaligned values on one's authentic self. Celestine's journey of overcoming depression and suicidal ideation serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.