WISDOM FROM WEST AFRICA

A daughter of the Dagara people of Burkina Faso, Sobonfu Somé is one of the first voices to bring African spirituality to the West. Her remote West African village of some 200 people provides a support system encompassing virtually every area of life. Her people believe all humans have a "life purpose, which is a unique gift we bring to the world." This purpose is discovered through a ritual before one is even born so that the village can provide a space for the new soul and ensure his or her unique gift will flower. Somé finds that, living in America, "I am always looking for a community and finding I have to go out there and create my community if I want to have one." Somé also explains her tribe's views on romance, marriage, sexuality and the deep connections to the Earth and ancestors.