From Robin “Come along with me on the magical journey of a story!”
Through my storytelling, speaking, writing, art, and Peace Ministry, I seek to build bridges of harmony and kinship from human to human and from humans to the natural world. Here among the flora and fauna in rural Eastern PA, the perfect setting for quiet, personal reflection, I practice "deep listening" to capture the wisdom that is always present in nature.
At an early age, writing became a favored pastime and means of expression. when I was eight I wrote, illustrated, and constructed my first book, Sammy the Seal, a story that depicts how cooperation is a critical path to peace. A few years later I created and performed plays and variety shows with neighborhood friend, taking advantage of the church basement where my dad was the minister. I found joy and an outlet for my (then) introverted personality by taking on several lead roles in junior and senior high school. My passion was re-ignited at age 40 when I began writing and telling my own stories to children and published a quarterly newsletter covering Native American wisdom and issues.
For six years I worked alongside local Native American people in my area whose main purpose was to bring awareness of the culture and Mother Earth. Upon meeting three revered Iroquois elders at the Turtle Museum in Niagara Falls, N.Y. I volunteered as one of a small handful of liaisons raising awareness in an attempt to save the Turtle from having to close its doors. Ultimately local politics in Niagara thwarted efforts and the beautiful Native designed, and operated museum closed its doors.
After two years I was surprised and humbled to be elected vice president of my local organization though I have no Native ancestry. My main duty was accompanying our elder president as we attended meetings and gatherings with the intention of finding and securing land for a cultural center where members planned to teach sustainable living and introduce visitors to Native cultures and traditions. Though the project did not succeed, the group learned how to navigate within the politics of the area and persevere in whatever way possible to keep Native culture on the map.
In 2006 I was invited to develop and offer a pilot school program at Jemez Pueblo. Though I did an all day sample program, once again, politics of the region placed barriers on the project that proved insurmountable. In 2018, it was an honor to be invited to a Zoom meeting called by Lyla June Johnston, musician, public speaker, and internationally recognized performance poet of Diné (Navajo) and Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) lineages. The call took place to pray for all Water Protectors, police, and anyone involved in the protests at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation - this after Lyla June herself had been tortured as means to stop the protest. Lyla June offered one of the most beautiful and inclusive prayers I have ever heard and was privileged to be part of. She prayed with love not only for people on the side of Standing Rock and all living upon Mother Earth, but also for her torturers, participating police, and anyone not understanding the value of clean water.
During my 20 year career as a massage therapist, I enlisted in a four-year intensive in Rubenfeld Synergy where I formed a deeper understanding of the mind/body/spirit/emotional connection. The training and subsequent personal sessions aided in understanding my own psychology as well as others and informed my creative efforts in uncountable ways. Out of these endeavors grew a greater fervor for writing and sharing personal stories and workshops in hopes that the passion and child-like wonder of listeners and participants is sparked; that they are inspired to find their own unique, expressive gifts.
Diary of a Man Called Jesus - His Life and Missing Years, a NOVEL, An artifact has been discovered that can change your view of history...a diary that fills in the missing years of a figure whose life was the inspiration for a 2000 year old religion. Ms. Reichert takes you on a journey few have dared to envision: the years of Jesus' life that are absent from Christianity's most cherished sacred text. Included is an entire chapter devoted to the youthful Jesus who learns from indigenous people he spends extended time with. Read more about the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JBKQVSF
Earth Divine - Adventures of an Everyday Mystic, my second book, contains individual stories from my personal growth journey that depict what is possible when we reconnect with nature and heal the accumulated wounds that life hands us. It is my hope that by reading about my journey new worlds of possibility may open to you. Buy here: www.amazon.com/dp/1535471824
Writes of Passage, Award winning anthology, Robin's story The Great Jello Scandal adds a bit of humor to this wonderful collection of short stories, essays, and poetry from authors from the Greater Lehigh Valley Writer's Group. https://smile.amazon.com/Writes-Passage-2021-GLVWG-Anthology/dp/1733678611
Currently Unavailable, Mystic - Stories of Magic and Wonder," CD contains a few of my favorite stories from Earth Divine as well as some new pieces. Buy here: www.amazon.com/dp/B075ST8MZ3
Feather Gifts for all Ages, my children's book grew from a simple sentence that was shared with me by a Native American friend who said, "A feather is a messenger." From that point on I was on a quest to uncover the meaning of her statement and feathers were strewn on my path in numbers so great that I had to pay attention. Meditating on many of those feathers led to a profound personal awakening and understanding that I wanted to share with the world. I believe there is an encyclopedia of wisdom available to us all when we become silent and still, whether it be in a grassy, flower-filled meadow, walking deep into a forest, or sitting at the base of a tree in our own backyard with sunbeams caressing our being. What is shared in Feather Gifts is only the beginning of what is available to us. EVERYTHING we need to know is outside, away from technology and daily stress, placed there at the beginning of time. The book is available directly from me or through my website store.
As a Minister of Peace with the Beloved Community, my constant focus and desire is on becoming the best expression of joyous living and finding my "inner sanctuary and Light," in order that my life is an inspiration for others to do the same. This is no simple undertaking, not without it's pitfalls and back steps. Yet it is one I have found to be the most fulfilling and well worth the effort so that what I bring to this world is a positive influence. James Twyman's Beloved Community members and ministers still meet several times per month, though the official group has evolved into something new. To learn more about how you can go on this amazing journey to peace, please visit: http://www.worldpeacepulse.com/
As a field representative for Earthwatch Institute I keep my eyes peeled for opportunities to share the wonderful experience of my expedition studying gray whales in the Baja of Mexico. earthwatch.org/ I recently joined Tree Sisters as an advocate for saving, planting, and protecting our trees. www.treesisters.org/ From the depths of my heart, may you discover Wisdom and Wonder, true Peace, and the greater meaning of Love through stories, old and new, and connection to the natural world that is our home.
Many Blessings,
Robin
