I recently gave birth to a son and the perception I had of life changed!

On some days, I am consumed with work but on other days I sit in stillness and watch his expressions. I admire his growth. I listen to his voice. I learn his language and I observe his essence. I started to shuffle my thoughts and assess my actions. I wanted him to know who he really was but before telling him who he was, I had to ask ‘who am I?”

Embracing My Cultural Identity

The chopping of coconuts until the essence water flows from it
The pristine beaches which surround our coastline
The singing of redemption songs fills the ears
The laughter of children playing by the riverside
The movements of hips being one with nature
The dancing of the elders as pure as the Master
The love of the land is – the truth of the Man

There is great value in embracing one’s cultural identity – for me, this is my Caribbean identity. The Caribbean is ripe with love and beauty. There is a unique soulfulness in the eyes of the people. Each one will try to help the other and this creates a wonderful feeling of belonging in the hearts of the people. Our landmasses are filled with people who know and are proud of their heritage that spans across the oceans to a country of greatness – Mother Africa. Sometimes I wonder if we truly understand the significance of this heritage.

Centuries ago, there lived kings, queens, princes, and princesses. The order of respect, gratitude, and love was all we ever knew and understood. Planting food to feed a village was the pride of the people. Keeping deadly animals away was the great task of our men, and nurturing the young babies was the essence of living. At this time, we were able to create kingdoms and we lived in unity with a spirit of gratitude. This same love still lives in the hearts of the people of the Caribbean. It created and defined our true cultural identity. We live by love! This is our heritage.

Embracing this identity (of love and kingship) has created a network of hardworking men and women- who- despite the atrocities existing – still manage to survive and thrive. This was an identity of greatness and abundance! We were True Survivors in every sense of the term.

Embracing Humble Beginnings

 We are but one soul connected to the whole.

The writings of the Dhammapada say “every man has a duty to his own soul”. It is this duty to one’s self that creates a sense of belonging and lovingness which is shared amongst Caribbean people – our Caribbean identity and culture. ‘Humble beginnings’ for me meant that one was more connected with nature than with vanity. We are living in a world where, unfortunately, materialism supersedes the love for humanity. Employers will exploit employees to have a flashy lifestyle and to increase their worldly gains. Store owners will increase prices to gain more profit for personal greed. Politicians will take more from the country’s purse whilst giving very little to the service of the children of the land.

As I grew, I became more and more delighted at my humble beginnings for it taught me the true success of the soul. I was connected with the soil – from dust, man was formed!

So with time, I grew to understand that:

1. Love is a very special experience. From our very core, we were made to LOVE. We were made to spread JOY.
2. When we pray for forgiveness for ourselves, we must be kind enough to ask forgiveness for others too (for we are but One).
3. As humans, we do not ‘need’ much. Life’s true balance requires a PURE heart, a KIND soul, and a GIVING spirit.

Despite our career achievements and accomplishments, we are still just a fraction of the universe which needs more love and kindness. Our heritage and culture showcase love and care. Now as I reflect on and embrace my culture, I realize that it has shaped my survival and my knowledge of Self. I can now look soulfully at my son (whilst he is asleep), and whisper to him and all children of the Caribbean soil:

I want you to follow the path of PEACE
The world can be a rough place, but–
For every breath and life
I want you to LOVE DEEPLY
Don’t use people as a means to an end
See in them the same joy you see in yourself
Altogether we can make a CHANGE

CARE FOR OTHERS
Never do good for the eyes of others!
DO GOOD because every man has a duty to his own soul.

GIVE
Give of yourself with sincerity and love
Never hoard money
Despise vanity
See the beauty in nature – find your joy in it
Keep your food PURE

REMEMBER
Never forget who you are or where you come from
Embrace the diversity you will meet when you leave these shores
And wherever this life takes you
Stay connected to your roots
Never forget there is no place like home

This is your legacy-

A Righteous DNA!

About the Author 

Cieanna Smith, LLB (Hons) is a proud Jamaican graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Faculty of Law, and The Norman Manley Law School. Since being called to the bar in 2014 in her home country she has done more than just practice law. Cieanna was amongst the first set of youths in her country to receive the Governor General’s Youth Award for her excellence in education, community service, and gracious personality.

Her passion for service is evident in her involvement in many prestigious societies including the University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor’s Corp, Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (UWISTAT). Founder of The Little Red Dress Initiative which focuses on complex etiquette and life skills for women, Cieanna has demonstrated her passion for women empowerment. She serves on several committees and boards; all geared at the enhancement of humanity and the care of children.

Previously an Associate at Abendana & Abendana Attorneys-at-Law, Cieanna is now a Consultant in the firm’s Estate Planning and Administration Department. Following her dreams, she is now transitioning into private practice – Smith Robinson Miller, where her focus will be on Wills, Trust, Estate Planning & Administration. Her other areas of practice include Intellectual Property, Corporate & Commercial Law, and Robotic Technology and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.