Witness Tree Life Lessons
by Elise Mott
Life Lesson: The power of friendship and the hope of strangers during difficult times from Kwasi and the Power of Gracious Space by Seth Akomeah -"Yonko bi sen nua" (Some friends are more than siblings). "Hu Mani so mame nti na atewen mienu nante" (Two deer walk together for mutual support). What spirit do you carry or bring on board when you see strangers? How do you treat strangers?
Life Lesson: Our elders speak to us through stories from The Power of Identities by Olivia Williams -“Storytelling is deeply ingrained in our culture, playing a vital role in shaping my identity as a Ghanaian. Traditionally, this practice takes place during nighttime gatherings around a log fire, where elderly family members share tales with children seated around them.”
Life Lesson: Our Ancestors give us strength we need to honor their memories Excerpted from: Letter to my Ancestors by Elsie Pontes -
“I honor you in every drop I pour on the earth,
In every word I speak of your courage and grace.
Your journey guides me down my own winding path,
And I hold your memory close in this sacred place.”
The blogs are like going on a walk near beautiful nature. They’ve inspired me to think about a walk near the river I took recently:
Life Lessons: Our experiences become part of us and help up feel hopeful- Excerpted from my poem Do We Write Poetry When We’re Waiting?
Do we write poetry when we’re waiting?
Meanwhile, bubbles pop on the driveway puddles
Each raindrop promising a burst of energy reflecting the slate sky
When walking near the river,
Listen to each drop acquaint itself with the surface,
As if to say, I’m here and will become part of you,
And we can flow with the current
believing in the sea that sways us forward.
The Witness Tree Institute is so much more than an educational experience; it is trusting in friendship and strangers, it’s grace and solidarity. It’s hope for what ails us.