Honoring Our Teachers, Upon Physical Death
(in memory of Elder Malidoma Somé)
One of our world’s most honored spiritual teachers, Elder Malidoma Somé, left his physical body on December 9th, 2021. I had the devout honor of learning from him. First through his books and lectures. And ultimately, in person. He was – and will always remain – a holy figure in not only my life, but the lives of countless people across the world.
Elder Malidoma’s life mission was to come to the western world. And “make friends with the stranger (or enemy).” This is the African translation of his name in the Dagara language of Burkina Faso. He arrived decades ago to share the wisdom, traditions and teachings of his people. And thank God he did. For he – and his Ancestors– have helped the world in myriad ways through their courageous and benevolent offerings. Presented through Elder Malidoma and his powerful calling.
His passing from this realm to the next has filled my heart, mind and spirit with deep levels of reflection. As I mourn his passing, my tears – together with those shed around the world – now enter a pool of Universal remembrance. Whose collective energy will assist his most triumphant homecoming. To the Otherworld of pure Spirit.
Elder Malidoma Somé helped me – and countless others – to understand their special gifts, core essence and higher spiritual connectivity. For my part, I can say with certainty, that if my journey did not lead to Elder Malidoma some twelve years ago, I would not be here writing you. During my hardest time – a period of great confusion and epic consternation – where every tether hinging me to “reality” was pulled from my grasp… Elder Malidoma was there to assure that all was well.
As I underwent my Initiation unto the path of Spirit medicine, I was led through sublime teachings which called to me from the Spirit world. But at the time, years ago, it was not without extreme doses of disease, disorientation, pain, trauma and torment. I became sick with daily, blackout seizures. And was ultimately left hospitalized, jobless, penniless and without the support of once close friends and family.
During this period, the western world could not offer the support I needed to quell – and heal – my aching spirit. Or supply the deeply needed guidance for which I yearned. All the while … Elder Malidoma Somé was there. To assist my healing. And reconnect me with the core essence of my eternal truth. To explain – with greater, lucid, ancient and enlightened learning – all I had been going through. To confirm my calling. And welcome me home. To the beauty of what became a precious. And most mysterious, unfolding transformation.
I am fortunate and blessed beyond measure to have had Elder Malidoma Somé by my side through it all. He assisted in reaffirming and reminding my soul. That the fire I walked through was not there to harm me. But indeed, presented a unique gateway of great blessing in grand disguise.
Through his repeated echoes of love, his wealth of Universal wisdom and his own death-defying, grounded and uplifting life experience outside the western world… I was “cured.” Or better put. I was “found.” For if not for my meetings with Elder Malidoma spanning the course of several years, I would surely still be “lost.” Or perhaps – truly gone from this physical world.
In the indigenous culture which Elder Malidoma Somé was raised, when a person in the village “lost their mind” by western standards, the tribe celebrated. Because they knew that although the journey would be a daunting one. On the other end of it, the village would soon have a new healer in their midst. One who could pull transcendent knowledge through the veils connecting our world with unseen realms. And act as a bridge for sacred wisdom and spiritual interconnections. To ground to Earth. And be put to work for the betterment of the greater community at large.
I will always and forever cherish Elder Malidoma as a modern-day saint. Called to Earth to fulfill a most challenging and benevolent mission. Although no words can truly qualify what his presence in this part of the world has meant for me, I am undoubtedly honored to have had the opportunity to sit with his grace. And share sacred space with his bountiful, poignant, honest, laughter-filled and loving Spirit. Humbled beyond words, to call Elder Malidoma Somé a teacher.
In writing this memorial and in commemoration for his entire being, my hope is that you reach out to the Elders who will keep his teachings moving forward in this world. Please visit www.malidoma.com.
And seek out the timeless, ageless and most ancient wisdom. Which Elder Malidoma Somé has planted in the western world. For all to share.
Many blessings. ASHÉ.
