By Chantelle Pence.
There are many different versions of Crestone. There is the surface layer that one experiences as tourist or newcomer. The obvious beauty. Dirt streets. Festivals and fun events at local establishments. The hippy vibe. 420. The vague overlay of spirituality. A growing population of residents who are attracted for common and diverse reasons. But under the surface of what can be seen is one woman and a dream.
Hanne Strong came to the San Luis Valley in the 1970’s with her late husband Maurice Strong, a diplomat and global leader in sustainable development. Their story is widely known to anyone who has done a bit of research about the history of Crestone/Baca. In short, Hanne was guided to facilitate an anchoring of the spiritual traditions of the world, to serve as a place where people come for healing, instruction, and accelerated evolution of consciousness. Prior to COVID, 20,000 people came and went from Crestone, annually, to participate in the offerings of the various spiritual centers. “I think we made a difference.” Strong reflected.
She embodies the spirit and character of someone steeped in traditional wisdom. It is due, in part, to her own “old world” roots. Born in Denmark in 1941, she is now an Elder. Everyone grows old, but it takes deliberate intention and training to become an Elder. Her home in Crestone is warm and inviting, with a variety of indigenous elements and art from around the globe. Her property hosts a sweat lodge that hasn’t been used for quite some time. Sitting at her kitchen table I was struck with the sense of being in a different version of Crestone than many see. It felt old and deep. Not “new age” or airy fairy. True Elders are grounded in reality, and are full of good humor and lightheartedness. Even when contemplating things of a gravitas nature.
Strong poked fun generously. “Don’t take yourselves so damn serious…!”
She continues to hold a serious vision for the Crestone/Baca region, but she does so with relative ease. All things in Spirit’s timing. One vision is the creation of Thunderbird Lodge. A “house of original thought” that would be a place for Indigenous people to take the lead role in addressing and finding solutions on issues impacting indigenous communities worldwide. Nature, and the people of nature, bear the brunt of the first signs of illness in a world out of balance. What is good for nature is good for all.
Strong is particularly interested in the future generations. She would like to see more pockets of support for the children, and fears that too many feel unwanted in a culture driven by consumeristic desire. She emphasized the need to empower young people through values education, mentorships and skills training that are applicable today. “With the challenges we face such as the climate crisis and ecological degradation, young people need the resources to emotionally, mentally and spiritually meet these challenges. We need to rethink and reimagine education so that young people are equipped to drive the change we need to realize a sustainable future,” she said.
All things change. But cultivating a connection to the slow and steady ways of nature is nourishing, and provides stability. Strong hopes that those who are new to Crestone will take the time to know the land intimately. “Stand on the ground barefoot.” She encourages personal responsibility, in terms of spiritual growth and healing. “Breathe.” Strong likes the idea of a welcome wagon, where new residents receive information about the roots and deep culture of the community from those who have been here for a while. A connection to the land and the past can be a guiding force for future growth.
More information about Strong can be found at Manitou.org.