Journey to Benin: A Creative’s Spiritual Exploration in West Africa

It all begins with a trip to the continent of Africa to the country of Benin.

I traveled for the first time with my brother, Richard, to Benin. He was heading to a festival, and for years, I had told him I wanted to join him on a trip—this was finally the time to make it happen! It had been over five years since I’d taken a vacation, and this was the perfect moment to do it.

From the moment we landed and stepped onto Benin’s soil, my life began to change. Every experience, every encounter, every moment spent in this beautiful country left an imprint on me. I’ve tasted the freshest food I’ve ever had in my life and met some truly incredible people.

When I met Chief Allomanhin, I knew immediately that he was different. He carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who had nothing to prove—his presence alone commanded respect. Chief Allomanhin is more than just a leader; he is a protector of his people, a guardian of wisdom passed down through generations. His name, Dah Allomanhin, means The Untouchable what the hand cannot keep—and in many ways, that is exactly what he is.

From the very first moment we spoke, he told me I was special. Not in a casual, surface-level way, but as if he was simply stating a fact. He saw something in me before I had fully seen it in myself.

Then, on the night before our departure from the country and return to America, he handed me something that took my breath away—a wand. But not just any wand, one that only a king or a chief could carry.

This wasn’t some decorative piece or a casual gift. In his culture, this wand is a symbol of leadership, wisdom, and authority—something that’s passed down to those chosen to lead, to hold power, to guide others. It is never given lightly. It is never given to just anyone.

And yet, he placed it in my hands.

I felt the weight of what that meant immediately. It wasn’t just an object; it was a statement. A confirmation. A recognition of something in me that even I hadn’t fully stepped into yet. By giving it to me, he was telling me—You already are what you are becoming.

That moment changed me. It wasn’t about the wand itself, but what it represented. It was a reminder that I am walking in something greater, carrying something deeper, and that it’s time to own it. Because when a chief acknowledges you as worthy of something that only rulers hold, you don’t question it.

You rise to meet it.

Join me on this transformative journey! What places have inspired your creativity and growth? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s connect over the power of culture, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more insights—subscribe to my blog for updates on my experiences in Benin and beyond! ✨