Journey for Knowledge & Growth
Donation protected
In the Fall of 2015 through the beginning of 2016, we traveled to Thailand and Laos for our first time, backpacking through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, Thailand and Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, Laos. Through this life changing journey we were able to relax, reflect and reassess our purpose, legacy and life.
Although the beauty and allure of the landscape blew our minds, and the food - out of this world, what really did us in was the people. The culture, art, spirituality, and love from and of the people captivated us so much. The new friendships and connections we made and left behind left us feeling un-whole (is that a word?).
We connected with many amazing youth, artists, healers, and leaders and were fortunate to be shared the urban and rural Hmong, Thai and Lao experience. We were also blessed to have been shared so many inspiring stories of resilience, strength, community and love. We were left in awe for the entire visit; and are still moved and captivated with the memories.
The few months after our return we both realized that we were no longer the same. Our souls yearned to return to learn more about our roots, immerse ourselves into our international community, experience life in Asia, and figure out how we can support and share our collective knowledge and resources to better the world, and at the same time obtain new knowledge and perspectives for our growth.
We purchased our one way ticket to Bangkok, Thailand scheduled for July 11.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Our 2016/2017 goal is to frugally and minimally backpack through 12 countries in one year. We plan to stay within a budget of less than $2000 a month, living, learning and laughing with the locals.
The countries we intend to visit are: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, the Philippines and France. (These are subject to change.)
All the while, sharing our adventures and learnings with you via blogs, photos and videos at www.soulswithwings.com
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
We believe that spirituality, love and relationships, art and culture, and wisdom and knowledge are what is most valuable during our brief human existence. We believe this all comes from traveling, exploring and familiarizing ourselves the people and cultures that inhabit this planet.
With Souls with Wings, we hope to inspire, empower, and nurture others to define and create their our own happiness, success, purpose, and legacy.
HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?
We are available to consult, speak and lead workshops, or chat and share our expertise and tips around traveling, community organizing, self empowerment, youth work, healing, and the arts.
If you're interested in inviting us, or in supporting or sponsoring our adventure, please donate or contact us at [email redacted] for more information.
WHY $2400?
Great question! $2400 will help cover a portion of our living costs. Particularly housing for the first half of the year.
All donors of any amount will recieve monthly postcards and miscellaneous goodies from our trip!
From Elisabeth:
15 years ago I began to awaken to my full and authentic self and found enlightenment and spirituality. This led me to seek and manifest change in my life and to embrace my identity as a shaman/healer. To this day, I practice ‘enlightenment’, to ‘find the light in the darkness’. I have become aware that everything is impermanent and through whatever obstacles I face to have gratitude for life’s wonderful offerings. This practice allows me to be conscious of who I am, how I show up, and the life and legacy I choose to live and what to leave behind.
Through my spiritual journey, I began to understand and acknowledge my strengths: leadership, perseverance, gratitude, and healing. I became the first in my family to receive a Master's Degree; the first Hmong American Integrative and Holistic Health practitioner; procured my dream job at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing; help lead my Women’s Flag Football team to win four first place championships in international sports tournaments; lead the research and development for the “Peb Yog Hmoob/We Are Hmong” Exhibit at the Minnesota History Center; host individual and group healing sessions throughout the community; and much more.
I have found my purpose and passion--to serve humanity through Integrative and Holistic Health and Healing. I believe in an awakened and ever evolving consciousness, unified, balanced, and whole. I’m determined to create a life full of love and inspiration through optimism, persistence, and resiliency. The work that I’m doing is not only crucial to me and the Hmong community, but also the world at large. I plan to expand my work, providing support, space, and opportunity for others to heal from trauma and transform suffering into love and joy, as I have done on my journey.
In order to increase my leadership and spiritual capacity, I plan to travel, explore, network and research. During this time I will further develop programming and space for healing, and create new content, techniques, and curriculums, in order to aid in building a network of support and communities that invest in holistic healing.
Additionally, I will conduct research, and archive an oral history of alternative, indigenous and shamanic healing, and qualitative research on Hmong Spirituality and Healing, with a focus on Shamanism. The Hmong have an oral heritage with much of the knowledge and wisdom residing in the elders--extinction of these practices may be upon us. I will collect stories and document best-practice models from Integrative, Spiritual, and Holistic Healers throughout the world.
This will inform and transform my work as a leader, educator, and organizer, increasing my ability to show up authentically, rooted in history, culture, and wisdom.
###
Elisabeth Thao, M.A. is an Integrative and Holistic Health & Healing Specialist, Philosopher, Visionary, Spiritualist and Lover of Life and the Universe. Thao's background includes a M.A. in Holistic Health from the University of Saint Catherine and a B.A. in Philosophy and Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Elisabeth is determined to create a life full of love and inspiration through optimism, persistence, and resiliency, and to expand her work through providing support, space, and opportunity for others to heal from trauma, and transform suffering into love and joy. Additional skills and experience includes Mindfulness Meditation, Integrative Nutrition, Shamanic Healing, Breath Work, Guided Imagery, Yoga, and Energy healing.
She believes in an awakened and ever evolving consciousness, unified, balanced, and whole.
From Fres:
Unfortunately it wasn’t until after my father’s passing that I took a long needed leave to be with family and loved ones, re-examine my values and mission in life, and try to find a better balance.
During this time I came upon many new realizations.
I realized that for a long period of time I embraced my role as an arts administrator, leader, and mentor, setting aside my role as an artist, but I need to balance IN my craft because that’s my main tool to heal and reflect. I also realized how crucial it is to put a bigger focus on strengthening my current relationships, as well as networking with more intention - because a happy, and successful life comes down to the quality of people and relationships around you. Additionally, the value of my work and art is in correlation to the prosperity of the people I work for and with.
I also came to understand that I need to allow myself to say no to opportunities, and spend more time with family and loved ones; my foundation is my family, and to be in touch with my roots is to ground myself.
Among many other realizations, I realized that I know very little about where my family and community came from; thus leading to an emphasis on traveling and exploring Asia.
I came to understand that in order to be a more responsible artist and leader, I need to equip myself with knowledge, tools and strategies to improve my resilience, and prevent burnout. I realized that I have the potential, and responsibility to progress and mature my art and leadership, but this’ll take time and focus on self-care, and self-development. And I have only started this part of my journey.
This new move will allow me the time and space to finetune my models and approaches to art, youth and leadership development, and community building in order to be more inclusive, accessible, innovative, compassionate, and encompassing of a larger perspective. This will also equip me with tools to prevent burnout and support my longevity in serving the community, and creating art. Additionally I will set aside time to write, and publish my first works.
I’m ready to seek new knowledge, networks, and resources in order to gain new tools, best practices, and models to become the best leader, and artist I can be.
Lastly, I’m ready to search inward to reassess my life purpose in order to be a more relevant, inclusive, and intentional leader, and artist.
###
Fres Thao is a Hmong American Spoken Word artist/Hip Hop pioneer and founder of national Hip Hop group, Illegoaliens, and Figure Eight Loops Media. He is also the former Executive Director, and a current Advisor for the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT), the first and only multidisciplinary Hmong arts organization.
As one of the first Hmong Hip Hop artist, he's been a writer, producer, performer, and mentor for 20+ years; writing, composing and recording over 75 songs, self-producing and distributing 8 albums, and featuring on numerous musical projects, as well as professional theater and performance projects. With funding from the MN State Arts Board, Fres became the first American-born Hmong artist to release a full length vinyl record album; Mind Full Of.
He is also a teaching artist and mentor for organizations such as Mu Performing Arts, the Loft Literary Center, Essential Sessions Studios, and the Young Author’s Conference, facilitating spoken word and poetry workshops.
Fres believes it is important to produce art that is honest, moral, and empowering, and to utilize art as a means of education, expression, empowerment, documentation, activism, truth telling, and healing.
From Charlie:
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Charles Coal Black, known as Charlie to most, is a half Chinese Sharpei, quarter American Bulldog and quarter Olde English Bulldog who loves food, the outdoors, and his family. During his freetime, he loves napping, chewing rawhide, and running around. Charlie turns 2 years old in May of 2016.
Unfortunately he will not be joining the journey, however he will be staying with loved ones.
From all of us:
Thank you all for your love and support!
Although the beauty and allure of the landscape blew our minds, and the food - out of this world, what really did us in was the people. The culture, art, spirituality, and love from and of the people captivated us so much. The new friendships and connections we made and left behind left us feeling un-whole (is that a word?).
We connected with many amazing youth, artists, healers, and leaders and were fortunate to be shared the urban and rural Hmong, Thai and Lao experience. We were also blessed to have been shared so many inspiring stories of resilience, strength, community and love. We were left in awe for the entire visit; and are still moved and captivated with the memories.
The few months after our return we both realized that we were no longer the same. Our souls yearned to return to learn more about our roots, immerse ourselves into our international community, experience life in Asia, and figure out how we can support and share our collective knowledge and resources to better the world, and at the same time obtain new knowledge and perspectives for our growth.
We purchased our one way ticket to Bangkok, Thailand scheduled for July 11.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Our 2016/2017 goal is to frugally and minimally backpack through 12 countries in one year. We plan to stay within a budget of less than $2000 a month, living, learning and laughing with the locals.
The countries we intend to visit are: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, the Philippines and France. (These are subject to change.)
All the while, sharing our adventures and learnings with you via blogs, photos and videos at www.soulswithwings.com
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
We believe that spirituality, love and relationships, art and culture, and wisdom and knowledge are what is most valuable during our brief human existence. We believe this all comes from traveling, exploring and familiarizing ourselves the people and cultures that inhabit this planet.
With Souls with Wings, we hope to inspire, empower, and nurture others to define and create their our own happiness, success, purpose, and legacy.
HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?
We are available to consult, speak and lead workshops, or chat and share our expertise and tips around traveling, community organizing, self empowerment, youth work, healing, and the arts.
If you're interested in inviting us, or in supporting or sponsoring our adventure, please donate or contact us at [email redacted] for more information.
WHY $2400?
Great question! $2400 will help cover a portion of our living costs. Particularly housing for the first half of the year.
All donors of any amount will recieve monthly postcards and miscellaneous goodies from our trip!
From Elisabeth:
15 years ago I began to awaken to my full and authentic self and found enlightenment and spirituality. This led me to seek and manifest change in my life and to embrace my identity as a shaman/healer. To this day, I practice ‘enlightenment’, to ‘find the light in the darkness’. I have become aware that everything is impermanent and through whatever obstacles I face to have gratitude for life’s wonderful offerings. This practice allows me to be conscious of who I am, how I show up, and the life and legacy I choose to live and what to leave behind.
Through my spiritual journey, I began to understand and acknowledge my strengths: leadership, perseverance, gratitude, and healing. I became the first in my family to receive a Master's Degree; the first Hmong American Integrative and Holistic Health practitioner; procured my dream job at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing; help lead my Women’s Flag Football team to win four first place championships in international sports tournaments; lead the research and development for the “Peb Yog Hmoob/We Are Hmong” Exhibit at the Minnesota History Center; host individual and group healing sessions throughout the community; and much more.
I have found my purpose and passion--to serve humanity through Integrative and Holistic Health and Healing. I believe in an awakened and ever evolving consciousness, unified, balanced, and whole. I’m determined to create a life full of love and inspiration through optimism, persistence, and resiliency. The work that I’m doing is not only crucial to me and the Hmong community, but also the world at large. I plan to expand my work, providing support, space, and opportunity for others to heal from trauma and transform suffering into love and joy, as I have done on my journey.
In order to increase my leadership and spiritual capacity, I plan to travel, explore, network and research. During this time I will further develop programming and space for healing, and create new content, techniques, and curriculums, in order to aid in building a network of support and communities that invest in holistic healing.
Additionally, I will conduct research, and archive an oral history of alternative, indigenous and shamanic healing, and qualitative research on Hmong Spirituality and Healing, with a focus on Shamanism. The Hmong have an oral heritage with much of the knowledge and wisdom residing in the elders--extinction of these practices may be upon us. I will collect stories and document best-practice models from Integrative, Spiritual, and Holistic Healers throughout the world.
This will inform and transform my work as a leader, educator, and organizer, increasing my ability to show up authentically, rooted in history, culture, and wisdom.
###
Elisabeth Thao, M.A. is an Integrative and Holistic Health & Healing Specialist, Philosopher, Visionary, Spiritualist and Lover of Life and the Universe. Thao's background includes a M.A. in Holistic Health from the University of Saint Catherine and a B.A. in Philosophy and Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Elisabeth is determined to create a life full of love and inspiration through optimism, persistence, and resiliency, and to expand her work through providing support, space, and opportunity for others to heal from trauma, and transform suffering into love and joy. Additional skills and experience includes Mindfulness Meditation, Integrative Nutrition, Shamanic Healing, Breath Work, Guided Imagery, Yoga, and Energy healing.
She believes in an awakened and ever evolving consciousness, unified, balanced, and whole.
From Fres:
Unfortunately it wasn’t until after my father’s passing that I took a long needed leave to be with family and loved ones, re-examine my values and mission in life, and try to find a better balance.
During this time I came upon many new realizations.
I realized that for a long period of time I embraced my role as an arts administrator, leader, and mentor, setting aside my role as an artist, but I need to balance IN my craft because that’s my main tool to heal and reflect. I also realized how crucial it is to put a bigger focus on strengthening my current relationships, as well as networking with more intention - because a happy, and successful life comes down to the quality of people and relationships around you. Additionally, the value of my work and art is in correlation to the prosperity of the people I work for and with.
I also came to understand that I need to allow myself to say no to opportunities, and spend more time with family and loved ones; my foundation is my family, and to be in touch with my roots is to ground myself.
Among many other realizations, I realized that I know very little about where my family and community came from; thus leading to an emphasis on traveling and exploring Asia.
I came to understand that in order to be a more responsible artist and leader, I need to equip myself with knowledge, tools and strategies to improve my resilience, and prevent burnout. I realized that I have the potential, and responsibility to progress and mature my art and leadership, but this’ll take time and focus on self-care, and self-development. And I have only started this part of my journey.
This new move will allow me the time and space to finetune my models and approaches to art, youth and leadership development, and community building in order to be more inclusive, accessible, innovative, compassionate, and encompassing of a larger perspective. This will also equip me with tools to prevent burnout and support my longevity in serving the community, and creating art. Additionally I will set aside time to write, and publish my first works.
I’m ready to seek new knowledge, networks, and resources in order to gain new tools, best practices, and models to become the best leader, and artist I can be.
Lastly, I’m ready to search inward to reassess my life purpose in order to be a more relevant, inclusive, and intentional leader, and artist.
###
Fres Thao is a Hmong American Spoken Word artist/Hip Hop pioneer and founder of national Hip Hop group, Illegoaliens, and Figure Eight Loops Media. He is also the former Executive Director, and a current Advisor for the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT), the first and only multidisciplinary Hmong arts organization.
As one of the first Hmong Hip Hop artist, he's been a writer, producer, performer, and mentor for 20+ years; writing, composing and recording over 75 songs, self-producing and distributing 8 albums, and featuring on numerous musical projects, as well as professional theater and performance projects. With funding from the MN State Arts Board, Fres became the first American-born Hmong artist to release a full length vinyl record album; Mind Full Of.
He is also a teaching artist and mentor for organizations such as Mu Performing Arts, the Loft Literary Center, Essential Sessions Studios, and the Young Author’s Conference, facilitating spoken word and poetry workshops.
Fres believes it is important to produce art that is honest, moral, and empowering, and to utilize art as a means of education, expression, empowerment, documentation, activism, truth telling, and healing.
From Charlie:
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Charles Coal Black, known as Charlie to most, is a half Chinese Sharpei, quarter American Bulldog and quarter Olde English Bulldog who loves food, the outdoors, and his family. During his freetime, he loves napping, chewing rawhide, and running around. Charlie turns 2 years old in May of 2016.
Unfortunately he will not be joining the journey, however he will be staying with loved ones.
From all of us:
Thank you all for your love and support!
Organizer
Elisabeth Thao
Organizer
St. Paul, MN
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