Sankofa - a series + June Offerings

Coalesce Atlanta
5 days ago
5 min read

Sankofa - a concept and Adinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana that translates to “Go back and get it!”. A command to pay due regard to the lessons and practices of the past and to draw on them to inform the present and the future.

A practice of remembering.

One of the book clubs I'm in just finished Love Letter to a Garden by Debbie Millman . She talks about her childhood experience with nature. It prompted a sweet memory of one of my own first experiences with plants and nature. I spent some time reflecting, remembering, while tending the garden one morning. watering, weeding, repotting and cleaning up after what squirrels and chipmunks dug up since i’d been out last. This time I remember to sprinkle cayenne pepper on top - like i’ve seen Granny do.

cayenne pepper has worked well to keep critters from digging in the pecan & fig propagations.

When we were little, one day my grandmother helped us plant grape seeds from an afternoon snack in the back yard. My grandfather didn’t know and sometime soon after he accidentally ran the mower over what had sprouted up. Misunderstanding and disappointment managed, we started over and built a makeshift barrier around the new batch of planted seeds.

After replanting, I don’t remember anything past sprouts growing. But I remember the lessons, and the encouraged whimsy. Seeds, soil, sun with Granny and Angie- my sister. I remember how Poppy diligently avoided the patch when he cut the grass, once he knew what to look out for. I even have a faint memory of him removing a branch from the tree above it, maybe so the patch could get better light. I'm not sure that part is true, i'll keep it anyway.

Granny kept a small garden along the back side of the house when we were young. Peppers, tomatoes, greens and such. And potted plants all over. She befriended and battled wildlife at the same time. Would buy nuts for the squirrels and sprinkle cayenne pepper over the top of potted plants to stop them from being dug in or up. Recently, I called her to ask about the garden, trying to remember all she grew in it. I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t her who started it. She was coaxed into it, mainly by her nephew, and he was the one who got it going. Prepped the land and put everything in the ground. Between him and my grandfather, they made sure it was ready for her each season (my dream honestly lol).

Having grown up in a sharecropping family, she knew few full the time and effort required to grow food. She was a busy woman with a full life, a reason she didn't start a garden herself was. She worked full time, was heavily involved in her church, and spent plenty time caring for me and my sister. In addition had those potted plants and of course every window inside had houseplants in it. The day to day care of the eagerly installed backyard grocery stop was hers alone. She said she was the only one out pulling weeds daily. Combating critters and the like. It was more work than she wanted to do, but said she enjoyed it mostly.

Still, every now and then she’ll get it tilled and plant some greens for that years holiday season. They are always well received and greatly appreciated. May we always recognize and appreciate how nourishing it is to consume food that is grown close to home and heart, in soil that is spoken to and cared for.

Thank you Granny, for carefully tending the garden of these memories. It is a gift to remember your lessons and to remember being in the warm sun with plants, land, critters, and each other. AND to have you still here !

this year we planted muscadines in the front yard

I've been propagating the sprouted pecans i find while weeding. thanks critters

the wildflower patch will always be one of my favorite spots in the yard

Current Reads

The Web That Has No Weaver - Understanding Chinese medicine - Ted J. Kaptchuk
Out of Silence, Sound. Out of Nothing, Something. A Writers Guide - Susan Griffin

Listening to lately on repeat

Conclave (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Volker Bertelmann
Pretty Girls Like Trap Music - 2 Chainz
Red Clay (Official Motion Picture Soundtrack) - 2 Chainz

Enjoying lately

mornings outside watering plants
walks before the humidity gets thick
watercolor journaling
GF buttermilk biscuits. i make a few dozen at a time and freeze them to bake fresh whenever.

June offerings & where you can me find me

June books open for massage, bodywork, & Energy work at the Coalesce home studio near east Atlanta.

Schedule your time on the table at CoalesceWellness.com

Book me for a group sound bath meditation. This is a thoughtful, unique and relaxing experience to consider for a corporate workplace event.

Inquire here !

Mid morning meditation setup at Deloitte

Saturday & Sunday, June 6–7, you can turn a meal into something meaningful.

Future Perfect Integrative Wellness and The Grief House — two Atlanta-based nonprofits supporting cancer survivors and communal grief healing — are partnering for Brunch with Heart, a dine-out fundraiser in honor of National Cancer Survivors Day.

Here's how to participate:

🌙 Saturday, June 6 Make a reservation at: 👉 Bovino After Dark — an intimate, one-of-a-kind culinary journey 👉 7th House — a multi-sensory dining experience unlike any other.

☀️ Sunday brunch, June 7 Walk in or make a reservation at: 👉 Scout (Oakhurst) — creative American cuisine & craft cocktails 👉 The Daily (Inman Park, Midtown or Buckhead) — bold coffee, toasts, pastries & house-baked breads.

All four restaurants are donating to support both nonprofits. No special ticket needed — just show up and eat with heart. 🧡

Saturday, June 13th

Dragonfly Healing Arts

east Atlanta

JOIN WITCH MAMA, PORTER and the witches as we take flight with sound vibration.

Seating is limited in the bell tent, register today.

To sign up:

VENMO: WITCH-MAMA

WITH EMAIL IN NOTES FOR CONTACT

Sunday, June 14th

Conjure Yoga -1530 DeKalb Ave NE c

enter at Flying Biscuit then through Candler Park Chiropractic + down the hall.

Celebrate the Summertime with us by experiencing deep rest and relaxation through gentle grounding techniques, guided meditation and sound.

This offering is near the solstice, a moment of peak light & illumination. We can use this gathering to mark our transition into the dark half of the year through ease and support.

There will be plenty of time to settle in, release a little effort, and integrate.

Things you might bring:

A mat

A blanket or pillow to build a nest

A Journal / Notebook

or on Mindbody here!