THE GROVES SHALL RISE — History is made, and hearts are set ablaze as Project Sequoia (PS) concluded its first ever face-to-face Mentoring Session on 23 and 24 January 2024 at the Cardijn Hall of the SLU Ladies’ Dormitories.
The program kicked off with the PS Leaders removing their shoes for a Grounding Session. Barefoot, they were reminded of how it feels to be vulnerable, and how, at the end of the day, we are all on equal footing, stepping on the same ground. This shared experience is where genuine connection can be nurtured.
The Leaders then explored the project’s roots and heard heartening stories from the PS Pioneers. Their struggles, triumphs, and life lessons further emphasized the importance and healing properties of listening, being present, and moving towards inter and intrapersonal understanding. Afterwards, the Pioneers exercised these practices by huddling with the Leaders for a group sharing. Day one ended with gratitude, budding relationships, and hope for a meaningful movement.
On the second day, Ma’am Ellami Refuerzo of the Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW) facilitated a “wounded healer workshop” for the Leaders. They delved deeper into their brokenness, and faced their personal vulnerabilities. Pruning themselves as they go, they opened their healing and arthropod-esque hearts to the blessings and wonders present in their lives. They listened to each other and practiced genuineness in preparation for the kwentuhan sessions they will lead in the future. The session concluded with a prayer and a reminder to move through the ebbs and flow of life with love and unconditional kindness.
Project Sequoia Mentor, Justine S. Latawan expresses that CCW is excited to help the Louisian community heal through the power of stories, as they believe that we yearn to build profound relationships, promoting sincere care for each other’s well-being. They also noted that though the future remains uncertain, we will never have to face it alone. Justine S. Latawan further emphasized that we are heard, we are the movement, and together we shall rise.
Project Sequoia is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being.
Join Project Sequoia. Learn more about us here: https://projectsequoia.my.canva.site/mentoring-program
