Born and raised among the Dagara people of Burkina Faso, Sobonfu Some was nourished in mind, body, and soul by a small West African community. During one of their interesting rituals the elders of the tribe ask the unborn child in the mother's womb why he or she is coming to earth and what the village can do to meet his or her needs. Some points out that everything is then organized around the individual's "life purpose" — the unique gifts he or she brings into the world.
Using material from her book, The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient Teachings in the Ways of Relationship, the author reveals that marriage is centered on two individuals using their special talents in service of community. All aspects of the relationship are under the auspices of "spirit" including sexuality. Some also talks about the importance of staying in touch with one's ancestors, and how community supports and strengthens marriage. Or, to put it another way, it not only takes a village to raise a child — it also takes a community to keep a marriage thriving and prosperous.