what is tounché?
pronounced /TOON-SHEI/
[Tounché means SHIFT in the Yorouba language of Benin & Nigeria.]
“In these challenging times, we long for connection, meaning, and purpose. We yearn to rekindle our spirit of inquiry, share wisdom, and collectively shape a better future.
Inspired by this need, I founded Tounché. This initiative is dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering communities of change.”
Our Initiatives
(1) ANNUAL GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS SUMMIT
Reconnect with humanity, nature, and your deepest self.
Immerse yourself in a powerful gathering of global visionaries, healers, artists, and wisdom keepers. Together, we embark on a transformative pilgrimage – a journey to heal ourselves and, in turn, our communities.
Experience the Power of Collective Awakening:
Renowned Facilitators: Learn from internationally acclaimed consciousness teachers, yoga instructors, healers, and more.
Diversity of Wisdom: Engage with the richness of global perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.
Holistic Flow: Dive into a meticulously curated program designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
Sacred Atmosphere: Connect in a safe space filled with soulful music, open-minded collaboration, and transformative experiences.
Leave Inspired and Empowered:
This isn't just a summit, it's a catalyst for personal and collective awakening. Awaken new levels of self-awareness, ignite your inner spark, and discover your role in creating a more connected and harmonious world.
(2) Response to Crisis Community Circles: Where Healing Meets Action in Times of Crisis
Global issues can feel overwhelming, leaving us with a sinking feeling of helplessness. But within our Tounché Circles, you'll discover the power of agency – the ability to take action, no matter how big or small, and make a real difference. These weekly gatherings are your sanctuary, a judgment-free zone where diverse voices can connect, share experiences, and delve into the complexities of the crisis at hand. But Tounché Circles are more than just a place to talk. We believe in the power of agency – your ability to take action, no matter how big or small, and make a real difference.
We Don't Shy Away from the Tough Stuff:
Unlike superficial discussions, Tounché Circles go deep. We explore the root causes of the crisis at hand, fostering a genuine understanding that dismantles simplistic narratives. Together, we transform hopelessness into action.
Empower Your Voice:
These circles equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to own their power and become agents of change. Through sharing experiences, developing skills, and taking action, they learn to navigate challenges and advocate for themselves and their communities, particularly in response to the specific crisis at hand. Tounché Circles empower you to move from feeling helpless to becoming a force for good. We:
Share experiences, fears, and anxieties in a safe and supportive space.
Expand knowledge of the underlying dynamics of the crisis – conscious and unconscious biases included. We'll also equip participants with resources to continue their journey of understanding.
Confront internalized biases and how they may contribute to the problem. This self-reflection is the key to dismantling the system from within.
Learn practical ways to foster unity in daily life, paving the way for a more equitable world.
Unleash Your Inner Changemaker
Within our circles, you'll discover the power of agency. This isn't just a fancy word - it's about taking control of your life and making a difference. We'll support you in:
Discovering your role in creating positive change, even in the face of a global crisis.
Navigating the system: Learn how to navigate complex challenges and find impactful solutions within your own community.
Finding your voice: Gain the confidence to speak up, advocate for change, and inspire others to join the movement.
(3) ECUMENICAL PRAYER MARATHONS
Tounché's Ecumenical Prayer Marathons are powerful acts of global solidarity that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.
These extended prayer sessions unite people of diverse faiths and backgrounds in a collective expression of hope and unity in the face of challenges.
By coming together in prayer, participants not only offer support for those in need, but also amplify a shared intention for peace and healing.
This powerful act of connection fosters a sense of community and reminds us of our shared humanity, creating a ripple effect of positive energy that can inspire change.
the experience
What makes Tounché unique?
The uniqueness of this event is its DIVERSITY and INCLUSIVENESS both in terms of SPEAKERS, ATTENDEES and TOPICS covered. In this polarized world, a time dominated by cancel culture where mass media and algorithms shape our visions of the world, it is important to allow all voices to be heard without shaming and be open to listen to all perspectives, reflect on our triggers and find our truth within.
The agenda contains "hard talks" (panels, talks), spiritual activities (yoga, meditation, healing) and arts (music, dance, visual arts).
In the Ubuntu spirit ("I am because we are"), we aim to have 1/3 of our participants fully sponsored. They are generally people from the community who would benefit from the exposure to such an event but would not have had the means to attend otherwise. In our inaugural event we sponsored abused women, youth gang leaders undergoing values training, aspiring yoga teachers from the townships and university students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They mingled with all including big CEOs and country leaders and we did not put any spotlight on them so they could feel fully part of the whole. No one could actually tell who was who.
“Tounché is an expansive experience of the potential we have as humans. It’s the opportunity to expand your mind, deeply connect with others and yourself and safely let go of what is not serving us anymore. All while surrounded by beauty, creativity and inspiration.”