Meeting Naima Shalhoub

Those who know a few things about me, know that I work with an organisation that seeks to properly reintegrate women and girls from our correctional institutions back into the society and in schools. In my line of work, I have had the privilege of doing some pretty awesome things like speaking at the UN last year December. It's humbling to speak to great minds on a way forward in a so forgotten and stigmatised sector in this country.

That said... On Mondays I am usually at the office for team updates and meetings that determines my workflow for the rest of the week and Thursdays I go for midweek updates but other than that I am always on my feet going somewhere or school. I do both parttime. School and work I mean. And spice it up with motherhood and what life brings onto my path. Where was I? Oh... meeting Naima :D

This Monday the office was hosting guests from Restorative Justice from Oakland California. The tradition is to be in the office by 9 am and have an hour as a team then guests come in by 10 am and we keep them upto lunch and feed them before they leave. This was taken as we break in one on one's if one has something personal to say to another across teams.

I had the honour of meeting among the purest soul I have ever met, Naima. She's a Lebanese American vocalist and an educator with Restorative Justice. She's also a survivor in a relatable and that's why we were talking. Ever seen compassion in a stranger's eyes? The pain of whatever unjustices there are in the world welled up her tears and she asked me how we can teach the world to love.

What impressed me is how it felt right to trust her with details I rarely open up about with anyone. My unclothed truth and wounds. That never happens... I channel shit via dark poetry but I rarely talk to people about some things. I felt a bit freer when it was followed by pure understanding... like I hadn't betrayed myself.

Her soul is so reassuring and I'd definitely plead guilty to overdoing this but my soul rarely feels reassured by most souls so I am blessed to have felt the right kinda energy. I have met cool peeps while doing this but she's among those which will stand out. She's a proof to me that people can be so different and same at the same time... It was so nice to have met her

Oh... and she gave me her live album!!!♡♡♡

Her website if you would like to know more of her... Naima Shalhoub.

My favourite of her songs;

Probably because it was a part of her healing and I am looking to heal. Wish me luck... ♡♡♡

Whaleshares

BQ