World building from Within.. poetics with cohort guide, zochi
Mindfulness Guide, Zochi Alonzo Young reflects on FREEDOM LAND’s Mindfulness & Healing Justice Cohort in 3 poetic offerings:
-
A storm, filled with unpredictability, cloaks its potential wrath, leaving none aware of the intensity or destruction it might unleash. Amidst the chaos, we instinctively gather with intent, seeking sacred havens—a sanctuary where dreams can be recast, rest can be found, and new strategies devised. In these temporary shelters, a profound sense of community can emerge, though fleetingly.
The Gathering of Intention:
In the initial moments of gathering, roles present themselves with clarity and assurance. Individuals stride in, firm in their purpose: some in search of refuge, others bearing remedies, and many yearning for healing. But unforeseen transformations await. Engaging in this cohort means an inevitable role exchange, where participants confront their reflections, encounter shadowy fears, and unaddressed needs. Through this alchemy of closeness and awareness, they receive unexpected gifts of transformation. Here, amidst the storm's chaos, everyone finds themselves exactly where they are meant to be.
The Alchemists:
As the storm rages both outside and within, its uncertainty attempts to sow fear even in the stoutest hearts. The alchemist, however, steadfastly maintains a sanctified space—an oasis for all. With skillful hands, they weave together the frayed strands of both visible and invisible worlds, crafting pathways for the weary to explore. Welcoming participants to reflect, share, engage, and harness the concealed talents each carries, the alchemist embraces grief, fear, and rest, transforming them into profound teachings. What appear as toxins may, in actuality, herald paths to internal remedies. The alchemist offers a realm where masks drop, armors fall away, and individuals can transcend perceived confines. By relinquishing entrenched ties to shame, failure, or disappointment, they unveil and dismantle the illusions binding them, thus enhancing their healing potential. In this space, attendees are summoned to evoke the spirits of the forgotten and the unarticulated, drawing upon the deep well of indigenous wisdom.
Thus, the cohort dynamically fine-tunes its unique alchemical medicine, adapting to ever-changing conditions and situations. Continuously adjusting the dosage, it self-corrects the prescription, ensuring each participant receives exactly what is needed in the unfolding moment.
“For to the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders”
-
i sit
upon the
earth
planting
a single
seed
within
me
i nurture
it with
breath
as it
roots
and
gestated
in the
stillness
of spirit
raising
within the
depth of
my being
it grows
tingling
the senses
bubbling
with life
until
it emerges
in a
single
smile
-
For a moment...
Close your eyes, Imagine the world you desire to live in — a world where peace, joy, and unity prevail
Take a deep breath …
Feel the air, as it circulates through your lungs and around you, sensing each and every sensation — expanding your capacity for embracing transformation.
Take another deep breath…
Visualize your own transformation. You are the change, you have been waiting for, and through a mindful state of being, you can embody a world of harmony and liberation.
Movement for Movements
Envision yourself entwined in the limitless flow of universal energy, creating a graceful, synchronized dance with the all. Each gentle, flowing motion brings an inner stillness, like calming waters that both heals and rejuvenate. These movements wash away generational wounds, calms the mind, and fortifies the body, nurturing a profound inner peace.
Embrace “the fearless art of becoming.” Let it support you in embracing your authentic self. Offering a pause from the chaos and stress in your life. This practice fosters deep breathing, spiritual awakening, and a reconnection with your life purpose.
Alonzo “Zochi” Young
we, he, him | Founder, Tenesu
FREEDOM LAND’s Mindfulness & Healing Justice Guide
Alonzo “Zochi” Young is a pioneer, master teacher, consultant, author, and embodied trauma informed/healing-centered facilitator. For over two decades, he sought answers to the question, “How do we evolve well?” Through observation, study, and intense examination of various cultures and healing modalities, definitive answers seemed elusive until he examined a key obstacle: the infrastructure and framework of imperialism and colonialism. He realized that holistic healing is almost impossible in harmful conditions and environments. At best, we can provide triage. Our communities need safe spaces and infrastructure that reflect their sensibilities to heal; otherwise, efforts become akin to triage on a battlefield, where we are merely patched up and sent them back to face the same micro-aggressions, stressors, and traumas. We need environments where we can lay down our burdens and recognize the armor and baggage we carry that keep us in a continuous state of stress and trauma. These legacy environments require a major shift away from invisible, weighted conditions that strip away our humanity and create division and separation. Yes, we are resilient people, but there is a cost. With this understanding, Zochi began forming a strategic plan, which involved moving to Africa and reviewing and modifying his framework of teaching and being. This created a paradigm shift toward a more integrative and interdisciplinary process of teaching and learning. Thus is the origin story of Tenesu! And the vision for creating conditions for true healing to occur.
