Although the small village in the Dominican Republic where Noris Binet grew up lacked a church, the locals often turned to her aunt, Tita Tina, the pueblo’s medicine woman and wise sage, for spiritual guidance.
Born 62 years ago, Binet is now a lakeside resident, artist and spiritual counselor. She leads spiritual gatherings – all inspired by the profound teachings of her aunt, from whom she learned about the power of prayer and how to live in a place of spirit, mystery and ritual.
“My aunt died when she was nearly 90,” says Binet. “Dedicated to the spiritual life, she would pray multiple times a day. She was my first introduction to prayer, silence and contemplation. With our deep connection, my aunt encouraged me to do what I loved. My choice has been to live a spiritual life.”
Leaving the Dominican Republic in 1976 had a strong impact on 20-year-old Binet. She chose to escape her homeland, with all its political turmoil, to see the world.
“I arrived in Guadalajara to study architecture but ended up switching to sociology,” she says. “I wanted to understand the dynamics of the world’s political systems and classes.”
Four years after her arrival, Binet was faced with the shocking news of a leukemia diagnosis.
“I was 24 and the doctors gave me three months to live. Fortunately, a healer I had met recommended a naturalistic clinic in Guadalajara, where I underwent a 14-day cleanse. Afterward, I continued to follow a strict treatment, and had no need to return to a ‘regular’ doctor for ten years.”
It was at that point in her illness that Binet became curious about death and dying — a curiosity that led her on a spiritual path, while seeking a healthier lifestyle.
“Having lived in Guadalajara for six years, I was ready to disengage from the pollution and big city life.”
Binet moved to Ajijic, having been hired to work for the Auditorio de la Ribera as manager and organizer of their cultural events.
Upon seeing how the lakeside area was all about health, culture and beauty, she remained there for several years before heading off to Nashville, Tenn., with her first husband, a musician who wanted to be part of that city’s vibrant music scene.
In Nashville, Binet experienced her first silent retreat, led by Gangaji, a spiritual teacher.
“That magical retreat in the Black Mountains of North Carolina was where everything shifted for me. It’s as though I entered into another level of existence where everything felt synchronized. I saw how the life I’d been living was a lie.”
The retreat also helped Binet get through her divorce. “I released every attachment I had, lived alone by a river and attended week-long silent retreats four times a year.”
Disconnecting from her art world and from her friends, she shaved her head, followed a strict vegetarian diet and entered into seven years of silence.
“Deepening into silence is like being in a resonance that takes you deeper and deeper. I felt like I was in a constant meditative state.”
Binet broke her silence when she was able to undo her ego structure and belief system. “It was time for me to break loose. Plus, I wanted to find a life partner.”
During her last silent retreat in Nashville in 2007, she met her future husband.
“Tim gave me a ride home and we kept in contact – me in Nashville and he in Sonoma. The following year I moved to Sonoma. We got married shortly after.”
It was only when Binet felt her work in the United States was done that the couple moved to Ajijic, in January, 2016.
“My 20 years in Nashville consisted of helping heal communities by overcoming racial discrimination, creating art and showing women their capacity to be sacred and create sacred environments. Tita Tina was my inspiration.”
Binet continued her healing work while living in Sonoma, working as director of Community Development for a non-profit, social service organization that aided Hispanics.
Today, a big chunk of her time living at lakeside is spent working with 25- to 50-year-old Mexican women.
“These women want to learn more about women’s spirituality and self-inquiry, both of which are big movements in Mexico, particularly at lakeside. At 62, I ask myself how I can offer the younger generation a place where they can flourish, particularly spiritually.”
Her answer has been to host monthly spiritual gatherings – one in Spanish and the other in English.
“I see how many expats are exploring their sense of self-awareness, yet without wanting to belong to a particular spiritual tradition. By putting on these spiritual gatherings, free of belief systems, I show spiritual seekers of both cultures how they can live from awareness and in the present moment.”
Contact Noris Binet at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.