The global shift towards prioritising being ‘present’ in our lives and honing the art of noticing is now embedded in the collective consciousness. Current world events have made it imperative to find small moments of peace and to switch off the external noise. Nowadays, our home is indeed our castle in every sense of the word. Thinking of my special place at home, I want to encourage friends, family, and readers to share their own safe spaces. Perhaps it will inspire you to create a sacred space if you don’t already have one.

I’ve named this feature Kumbla because it conjures up my idea of a sacred space. The word ‘kumbla’ comes from the work of Erna Brodber, Jamaican writer (sociologist and social activist), entitled Jane and Louisa Will Soon Come Home  where the ‘kumbla’ represents protection .

Is there any cosier in a home than a good book nook?! When Modadeola didn’t see books with girls like her, at just four old she decided to write her own. She and her mum, Ronken got to work and Kulture Keepers books were born. In this feature, Ronken, Mo’s mum shows us the book nook in they created in their home.

Mo’s special place is the little reading spot in her bedroom, where every night before bed, stories become adventures. It is a small space, but to her it is everything. This is where she first heard the tales of Africa that inspired her to write Mo and the Heart of Africa at just 4 years old. She doesn’t need much — just her books, her imagination, and the quiet belief that her story deserves to be told.

I hope you enjoyed this feature and are now inspired to create a reading space for your little one. You can order Kulture Keepers books and merch from their website.  Follow them Kulture Keepers on Instagram.

If you missed the last Kumbla feature, visit the Kumbla page to see them all. Would like to be featured in Kumbla? DM me on Instagram @xpatathome or email: maria@xpatathome.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.