To my Breaking Walls Family,
September 8th, 2018 was my first time partaking in a Monthly Check-In – that’s because it was our very first time doing this. It was so exciting to see many of my Breaking Walls Family for the first time in the two months since our Santiago Summit closed. It was an amazing opportunity to check in and see how everyone is doing and how much Breaking Walls is affecting us in just two months. I also got the chance to be reunited with my global family once more, and hear their amazing writing pieces as Fran guided us through reflecting on a quote by Nelson Mandela.
I’d like to share the quote with you, and the response from Cape Town artist, Jesse:
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learned how to turn our common suffering into hope and for the future.” – Nelson Mandela
Compassion grows among the pigweeds. The roots are set deep beneath the sand – the tendrils of hope and undivulged peace outstretch into the earth, attempting to build a foundation. Branches of empathy and mindfulness stem from this foundation. The leaves upon the outermost branches search for commonalities amongst the other plants.
Despite being surrounded by the harsh, arid environment it fights to stay alive. It lives in symbiosis, altruism; its struggles internalized.
And, in just enough time, another lone fighter, and egalitarian of sorts will dig deep to plant another seed. Day-by-day, seed-by-seed, beauty will be redefined by the plants’ individuality, and its strong, fighting spirit.”
Writing together, and sharing again with my global brothers and sisters was a feeling that reminded me of being home.
I am very excited that Fran decided to initiate these Monthly Check-Ins, mainly because there is no better chance for delegations to meet more than the once a year Summits. I speak for all members of Breaking Walls when I say that these Monthly Check-Ins are a must in order to keep the strong connection between the ever-expanding Breaking Walls Family.
When everyone was packing up to leave on September 8th, no one’s demeanor was dreadful or full of sadness compared to when we end of yearly two-week Summit. We were all excited because we know that we will see each other again in less than 30-days rather than 365 days. It feels great to say good-bye that Saturday because I know it won’t be long until we all see each other again.
I look forward to our October Check-In that will be hosted by Cape Town ambassador, Indiphile and Cape Town artist, Jesse. It will come via Google Hang-Out to us all from Cape Town!
Christian Ledgister – Brooklyn artist