The African Sankofa principle is the idea that one must look back in order to move forward. As we sit engulfed in Winter, nature gives us a beautiful opportunity to reflect and slowly deal with unresolved stresses and strains from the past. We usually have a gutteral sense of what those things are...but deciding to really deal with them is another matter all together. I think the Winter drags on and pushes us to embrace ourselves and each other for warmth precisely to mirror the kind slow and methodical holding it takes to unpack our pasts. We need to do our reflection in baby steps, one thing at a time like the layers of clothing we pull over our heads again and again throughout the winter. Sometimes we will need to ask for help. But make no mistake, your NEW YEAR will be lighter and brighter if you do even a little bit of honest personal reflection allowing your inner self to begin a healing process that will benefit you well into the future.

Thanks for reading....

Darice Jones © 2007