Is the core that much different from the outside? Is one a reflection or piece of the other?

A few weeks back, I enjoyed discussing these questions with my sons. Yemi argued using the onion example: peeling back the layers to discover it is still an onion. I stumbled into using the artichoke as my analogy. Who does not want to get to the heart? That is where the best part is. Sure each ‘leaf’ has a tiny taste at the tip…but you have to work your way in to get to the ‘real deal’ – don’t you?

There is nothing like a good question to open the doors to deeper or intense conversations…it is a great way to get young people engaged in meaningful discussions.

Many summers back, I organized a lively, dynamic multi-generational dialogue in my living room that involved several families – sometimes sparks were flying, but it was an eye-opening experience for all. We learn so much about each other when we simply ask questions…and then listen.

So, tell me, what’s at the center of your artichoke?

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi

www.mozellaonthemountain.com(blog)

www.loveisamountain.com(website)

The more you look at some things, the less they seem to make sense.

Our youngest son just graduated from high school at TASIS, England – an American International School very near London. I reflect on how much racism and prejudice remains in the educational institutions whose missions strive to treat all students with mutual respect and understanding.

Looking beneath the kimonos of American schools both at home and abroad signals we still have some ways to go. Yes, I hear the echoes of “look how far we have come” – but remember, opening our kimonos is about peering beneath our robes to expose all of what is there.

I watched him standing for his class picture, one of two black faces, the other a girl. I remembered my own high school graduation in Kenya, 39 years ago: I was one of two black faces, the other one a boy. I realized that the prejudices my son faced with some of his teachers and an administration that did not want to know were not much different from mine.

How much longer will it take?

Just wondering,

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi

www.mozellaonthemountain.com(blog)

www.loveisamountain.com(website)

I attended my first red carpet, film premiere night two weeks ago. Except, it was not Hollywood, it was “Nollywood” and I was in Lagos, Nigeria.

My friend Diane cites the phrase “open your kimono” which refers to getting to the core of people, places and things. Exposing what is beneath the surface is not easy, and not always a pretty picture – yet it brings to light the truth of what is.

Michelle Bello’s movie “Small Boy” opened a kimono showing one aspect of the sprawling, diverse, controversial and vibrant city life of one of Africa’s largest cities. Parts of Small Boy reminded me of Slum Dog Millionaire in that it uncovers the plight of street kids – those in Lagos.

On the plane home – after one or two other kimono opening experiences in England – I enjoyed another moving film “Invictus”, a unifying South African tale of hope over hatred. Truth based movies are masterful instruments of storytelling – often providing opportunities for us to open our kimonos and let them touch or transform our understanding.

Consider sharing the life inspiring tales beneath your own surface!

Welcoming more,

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi

www.mozellaonthemountain.com(blog)

www.loveisamountain.com(website)

Last week I shared how we let titles and other ‘descriptive’ words define us — and how they do not reveal who we are as a human ‘being’.

Look at this title, one you have seen me place beneath my name every week. In fact, we are all motivational storytellers. We may not be authors, speakers, or use any specific string of accolades behind our names; yet, we share stories just about on a daily basis – our stories and those of others. We have heard them since we were young – they consoled, encouraged and scolded us too.

Our words and stories are powerful and can have untold impact on both the teller and the listener. Books have influenced our thinking for eons – and though we may not write them, our words and stories also have the potential to imbed positive or negative energy in the minds and hearts of others. One of the most memorable impressions you can leave with another is your own story.

Remember the power of the spoken word and choose well,
Mozella

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi