Sobonfu Somé, whose name means “keeper of
ritual,” is an initiated member of the Dagara tribe
of Burkina Faso and one of the foremost authorities on
African spirituality residing in the West. She and her
husband, Malidoma Somé, both residents of the United
States, teach the ancient wisdom of their tribe in workshops
and trainings throughout the world.
Sobonfu’s destiny was foretold before her birth,
as is the custom of the Dagara Tribe. Recognized by village
elders as possessing special gifts, she was given early
education in ritual and initiation, in preparation for
her life's work, which she describes as “a journey
in self discovery and in building community through rituals.”
Dagara rituals involve healing and preparing the mind,
body, and soul to receive the spirituality that surrounds
us. “It is always challenging to bring the spiritual
into the material world, but it is one of the only ways
we can put people back in touch with the earth and their
inner values,” says Somé. Her work has moved
African spiritual practices from the realm of anthropology
to a place alongside the world's great spiritual traditions,
revealing their profound significance and practical applications
for Westerners.
Somé also works continuously to improve the daily
life of her people. Her books include: The Spirit of
Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships; Welcoming
Spirit Home: Ancient African Teachings to Celebrate Children
and Community; and Falling Out of Grace: Meditations
on Loss, Healing, and Wisdom.
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