Found In Translation
Lessons From The Lands Of Japan
open your hands.
receive all you can.
seek not to understand.
just open your hands…
- excerpt from a mantra I recorded in Japan
I no longer relate to the phrase that we are lost in translation. Instead, I discovered I’ve been found there.
As we — at sanctuary — found ourselves hosting our first international divine dinner for our beautiful and loving host Sei-Chan and her wonderful Osaka family, I was met with the challenge to lead in breath and conversation around trust, passion and community.
Let me paint a clearer picture:
It’s me and two other co-stewards and keepers of sanctuary — Mauzy and Mishijah — in the room with 6 other guests, who all speak different languages. Our other co-stewards and keepers — ✴︎ zi starchild and Bonnie — were in the kitchen creating a divine meal.
Meanwhile in this room curated for breath and dialogue, we have some who speak a little English, most who speak Chinese, a few who speak the country’s native language — Japanese — and one guy who speaks all three plus Korean. Go off, King.
Then there’s me… leading this loving and open breath with minimal understanding of any of these Asian languages. Just there with my knowledge of English and ages of wisdom from the language comprised of the heart and soul. A language that can’t be quantified in the usual linguistic sounds or symbols.
What I learned from this experience is that sometimes words get in the way of what really matters. Often times, what we are trying to translate can be found in the way we love, the way we care, through the breath and through a beautiful smile.
It was so beautiful to lead in this way and I thank my community for entrusting me with such a task.
I even wrote our prompting in both English and Japanese, which we usually share at our home base experiences in stone mountain, georgia solely in English. Our guests were so grateful that we went to such great lengths to meet them where they are in their home country.
Often times, foreigners retreat to these sacred lands without any consideration of the natives who occupy ‘em. It is always my responsibility to meet people where they are with love and care, to adapt to their way of living and to leave with even more wisdom.
It truly was a one of a kind experience that made me a better listener, leader and facilitator of loving breath practice and thoughtful conversation.
As soon as I put down the Goo*le translate app and listened to the sounds of the hearts around me, I could easefully express and exchange in this practice that has truly transformed my life.
One of our beautiful guests was simply brought to tears at the love and vision shared in the room.
I’m so proud of me and the 5 of us who are on a mission to bridge heaven on Earth. I am also feeling super affirmed in my own gifts and talents. And that there are like-minded individuals around the world who share in our vision of love and care for ourselves and this land. That we are not alone. That our energy is felt, seen and appreciated. That we are cared for by simply being ourselves authentically and with passion.
God is the greatest gift in guiding us to these people, these lands and these experiences. And I’ll continue to shout THAT at the top of my lungs.
You don’t have to rush to translate with words. Trust in your feeling. Trust in your heart. Trust in the breath. That is universal.
From under the sea,
OPNSEA 🌊
UPDATES:
Accolades, Achievements & Awards
Two films I’ve been part of recently are making their rounds around the world.
Playlist was admitted into a shorts program at Africa Film Society (AFS) in Accra, Ghana. It’s a series of short film blocks at a local theater in Ghana.
Dreams In Black: From the South to Los Angeles just won Best Documentary in the USA in Toronto’s International Black & Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF).
So blessed that my talents continue to take me…
Across Seas, Again
In case you missed it, I recently spent two weeks in Japan. :)
From Tokyo to Osaka, we really immersed ourselves fully and learned more about ourselves and each other. I’ll be sharing more on this journey in the coming weeks as I continue to process it all.
‘Til then, check out our time in CDMX celebrating my birthday last March.
Without travel, I may not find inspiration to create or worse…
Writer’s Block
I have been extremely blocked as a writer. I’ll start something and have a really great streak. And then, boom… nothing.
I have been questioning everything. Should I continue writing? Should I just pursue something else?
I feel like I’m good at so many things and a true Jill of all trades. I wouldn’t say I haven’t mastered any of these skills, but I do find myself letting them go often and feeling the urge to pursue something else.
Any encouragement or advice on how to stay the course would be appreciated. I often find myself motivating others, but I’ve been having trouble encouraging myself.
I know traveling feeds me and my pen. My latest travels to Japan has inspired the vision of…
Durty Chai Farmhouse Studios
Sippin on Japanese tea. From Wazuka to Sayama, we got it on us.
I’m still on a high, crafting the perfect OG Durty Chai blend. And great news: it will be available on our website very soon.
The herbal blends we create and offer will fund the larger vision of Durty Chai Farmhouse Studios as a sanctuary for conscious consumption to thrive.
We are healing from the inside out. We understand that what we feed our bodies, informs what nourishes our minds. The same way that what we feed our minds, informs how we nurture our bodies.
Take a walk with us on a journey to funding a one of a kind place — Durty Chai Farmhouse Studios. I won’t stop ‘til we see this vision of 333 acres through. This is our legacy and I strongly believe it will be done with this dream and our community by our side.
Visit our site and stay in touch.
Til next time my friends and family. Love y’all fr. Comment some things you may want to read and learn more about in the future.
Sounds from me, my Guatemalan flute and the streets of Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan. Enjoy the “open your hands” mantra that came from the heart and soul.
what a great reminder that our energy, kindness, & wisdom are our greatest tools wherever we go. lean in & embrace what is foreign and allow spirit to do the connecting! I’m inspired and so proud of you!!
I love the Montreal! So beautiful.