My Magic Bracelet: What Some Belizean Seeds Taught Me

The first morning we met Filberto, our C.E.L.A trip instructor and a local to Cayo, Belize, he said that he had a present to give to us. He also told us that we had to give him presents in return. Our present to him would be asking at least one question during our time with him. In return, Filberto’s present to us was a string bracelet, one for each student. On the bracelet was what looked like nine beads, ranging in color from black to brown to red. However, Filberto informed us that each of these “beads” were actually seeds directly from plants in Belize. Each seed had a different meaning to it, and Filberto described it as our “magic bracelet.” When I first put it on, I figured it was cute and vacation-y, and did not think much of the meaning that Filberto had placed on this bracelet. However, as I reflect on our week studying, learning and experiencing in Belize, I am realizing just how relevant each seed on my bracelet truly was.

The first seed that we learned about was the Guanacaste seed. The tree that grows from this seed is known for its size and the way it supports life around it. Having the Guanacaste seed on our bracelet was meant to remind us to focus on where we are and to live in the present. There were many moments throughout the week when I really felt like I was living in the present. The moment that I most felt connected to what this seed represented was during our canoe ride on the Macal River to San Ignacio. I made the tough decision to leave my cell phone behind during this trip in order to not risk any water damage. Towards the beginning of the ride, I found myself thinking “I wish I had my phone so I could take a picture of this!” However, as the ride wore on and I got more and more used to focusing on my surroundings as opposed to how I could document them, I realized the value of what this seed stood for. In a world that is so dominated by keeping up with others, it was priceless having the chance to just focus on myself and the world around me.

Photo by Tara Wyckoff

The second seed on this bracelet was the “Unknown Seed.” Filberto would not give us the name of this seed and encouraged us to ask locals what it was. By doing this, we would have a great way to interact with locals. The point of this seed was to teach us to be open during our week in Belize. This was certainly important to be reminded of because even though they speak English and take American cash, it is most definitely a different culture than what we were used to back in State College. The food we ate during the week really emphasized the importance of this seed to me. I often found myself confused on what to order, and also a bit nervous about trying certain foods. However, by asking locals what their favorite dishes were or what foods I should try, I was eating great foods as well as making even better connections.

The next seed was the Flamboyant Seed. This was to represent that throughout the week, we all had the potential to flourish in Belize. By delving into the local culture as opposed to just viewing Belize through the lens of a typical tourist, I truly felt that I was able to flourish. I returned to State College with a wider lens on life. I have the itch to learn even more about Belizean culture as well as to travel to more places and flourish in new environments.

The Soap Seed was the second to last seed we learned about. This seed used to actually be used to make soap. It was on the bracelet to remind us to take care of ourselves. It was very important because it is so easy to become distracted by new surroundings and forget about simple things like healthy eating and washing your hands. I felt myself understanding the importance of self-care during many parts of this trip. The part when it was most important for me was with drinking water. Water was not as readily available in Belize as I was used to back home, so it was easy to forget to buy a new water bottle or refill it. However, with the heat and constant walking around I could tell how much more energetic and healthy I felt when consuming water. This simple act of self-care truly fueled me throughout the trip and helped me to be at my best each and every day.

The final seed on our bracelet was the Tzite seed. This seed was on our bracelet to remind us that throughout this journey we were never alone. It was an extremely important message for me because one of my greatest fears going into this embedded course was not feeling close to the people around me and growing homesick during my time in Belize. However, this worry seems silly to me now. I truly never felt alone during this trip. Going through such memorable experiences with my professors and classmates helped us to create a bond that I had certainly not anticipated, but am so grateful for. We were able to encourage each other to venture outside of our comfort zones and to embrace each and every day together.

What had started out as just a string bracelet has become a tangible memory of every obstacle my classmates and I overcame during our week in Belize as well as the memories we made. I have never been a “nature lover” but these seeds are much more than just seeds to me now. Each experience I had in Belize can be categorized by the meaning of one of the seeds on this bracelet. I was able to learn, grow and connect to the culture and the people in Belize in a way I had not expected. I know now that each time I wear my “magical bracelet,” I will be reminded of this.

Kerry Brennan

Photo by Tara Wyckoff