Surrender Steps Closer: Unwinding in Abidjan

COTE D'IVOIRE

Surrendering at the Sanctuary

To pack it all in, I awoke for morning mediation.  Following a speaking gig, I randomly found myself being gifted a facial by an audience member (who owned a spa) … that’s another great thing about travelling, you never know what the day will bring! Eyes closed, I could sense surrender step closer.  While there must’ve been nearly a dozen steps and solutions applied, I had no clue what was upcoming on this splurgey self-care ride.

I was tickled to think how a facial mimics the uncertainty that life brings – unveiling its scents or stings only as it brushes up against you.

Deep cleaning and exfoliating from the outside in

Following a visit to a mosque, we slowed our steps and sentiments at an outdoor church. There, we saw not only a statue in architectural and philosophical communion with the spiral chapel, but also, within its walls was a carving of a black Jesus.

The Marian Shrine of Abidjan dedicated to Our Lady of Africa, Mother of all Graces welcomes 3k pilgrims/week

With soul food on board, we opted to take a picnic lunch and walk in what was touted to be the ‘second largest green space’ within a city. A far cry from cities with notable parks and gardens, the only highlight here was the school children being children, buzzing around in organized chaos with the older ones initiating a twerking party in the eye of the storm.  In trying to take a photo with them, I was nearly buried underneath, narrowly escaping only after being petted by a few dozen kiddos who were as intrigued by my hair as I was with their lives.  

The energy mounts as we see what amuses you, and what amazes me! (Photo by Jimica R)

Before some downtime and more community connection, we hit the local outdoor markets.  Telltale umbrellas wrapped in black bags double up to afford sun protection and delineate one ‘store’ from another.  I dig these experiences where music, mayhem and magical moments melt together.  Around me I see sleeping babies slung on mamas’ backs, people sipping water from plastic square packets, slanted structures and stalls serving as shelter and employment depots (often with larger-than-life names). The movement and music makes me muse – which came first? Some older ladies break into random dancing and joking, and I realize that it matters not…

Here, the colourful walls and clothes are only a trailer to the colour that shines through their heart and souls. What a gift it is to be amongst these hues..

Stained glass murals in the sanctuary remind us of the brilliant imprints we can create on our own journey

May surrender step closer through contentment and colour abroad or at home,