Seed, Time, Harvest

Every month, the Culturally Committed community gathers in virtual circle with three of our treasured Mentors to ask questions, share dialogue, and seek understanding. During these gatherings, we strive to uphold Coast Salish protocols, as Culturally Committed is founded on Coast Salish territory.

In every circle, we participate in introductions. We invite folks to share who they are, where they come from, whose territory they are calling in from, and anything else they’d like to share. Over time, this practice has cultivated an environment of connection and relationship – a community of people who care, and who care about each other.

Seeing the connection and safety that have grown in our circles, some in our community wish to bring this practice into their own workplaces and communities. We are honoured by this – it is the ripple effect!

That being said, we understand that challenges can arise when these practices are integrated into workplaces, especially with those who are unfamiliar with the practice. It was these circumstances that inspired the question explored during our July Community Call:

How do we navigate relationship-building in spaces where sharing personal stories – such as who we are and where we come from – is often a starting point?

For some, this kind of sharing can be deeply difficult, especially when their family history involves trauma or harm. In situations like a sharing circle or cultural gathering, how can individuals who carry painful pasts participate meaningfully without feeling the need to disclose deeply personal or triggering experiences? Are there alternative ways to show up and build relationships with authenticity and respect?

In response, our newest Mentor, Kalila George-Wilson of Tsleil-Waututh shared a teaching that was taught to her by her Alabama Papa–the teaching of Seed-Time-Harvest:

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“Everywhere you go, you are planting a seed. And once you plant that seed, it’s your responsibility to take care of it. You have to water it. You have to watch it. You have to nurture it. You need to know when is the right time. Is the land ready for it? Did you prepare it? Did you plow it? Even if your seed is just to say, I’m going to acknowledge one thing today, I’m going to take care of that one thing – over time that’s going to bloom. And you’re going to have something, because you put that time into it.

We come from this red dirt. This blood runs through your veins, and you need to know where you come from… because when we’re not here, who else is gonna know? Where does our history go? That’s your responsibility to carry on what has been here since time out of mind. But you have to meet people where they are at in their journey. It’s not about forcing them to look at their pain. Sometimes people aren’t ready, and sometimes they are. One small seed nurtured with care can bring a bountiful harvest.”

~ Kalila George-Wilson

This week, may we each take a moment to reflect on the seeds we are planting in our lives and work right now. How are we nurturing them? Are we rushing to harvest before they have rooted and grown strong? What might it look like to slow down, to tend to the soil with care, to water with intention, and to trust that growth will come in its own time? Hands raised to you, Kalila, for reminding us that meaningful change is not about planting as many seeds as possible – it is about nurturing each one with love, patience, and care so that it may bloom into something that nourishes us all.

🧡 Kim