Monkey Beach Essay

The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of life are intricately entwined in Indigenous spirituality, which embodies a holistic philosophy of living. These beliefs offer a viewpoint on the interconnectedness of all things, providing insightful proficiency and guidance that can uplift and guide Indigenous peoples. In Eden Robinson's novel Monkey Beach, Lisamarie Hill, the protagonist, possesses the gift of communicating with the spirit world. At the beginning of the story, Lisa struggles to understand the messages conveyed by the spirit world. She confronts numerous internal conflicts and battles, grappling with the challenges of growing up as a young Indigenous woman in contemporary society, including social and spiritual facets.

Throughout Monkey Beach, it is clear how different figures in Lisa’s life treat her differently and judge her because they are disconnected from their Haisla roots and cannot empathize with Lisa’s struggles. Lisa and her Ma-ma-oo, however, share a deep connection in spirituality and lineage. Therefore, she is the only one who can truly guide Lisa in understanding her gift. Ma-ma-oo is one of the few family members who positively influence Lisa by exposing her to Haisla culture, through the sacred traditions, songs, and stories. Ma-ma-oo likens the spirit world to a medicinal plant with great power but can be lethal if you do not know how to handle it, she

We are made up of three parts: spirit mind, and body. As we are born, our spirit leaves the Creator and the spirit world, complete with its information containing innate gifts, talents and destiny. Spirit enters the baby’s body and life begins. The child enters four stages of life: childhood, youth, adulthood, and elder years. During the lifetime, each person’s challenge is to find the Creator, celebrate the Creator and be of service with one’s gifts to one’s people, to all of humankind, and to all life in Creation. [...] Afterlife The spirit can be seen and felt leaving the body. It travels westward across prairie grass, over a river and into the mountains. It ascends the mountains to the high clouds where a bright light guides it to a place where loved ones wait to embrace it. The spirit lives forever. It takes its place in the spirit world according to the deeds completed on earth. The spirit completes its journey in the cycle of life to return to its place of origin. (Longboat et al