19th October 2026 Beena

 

Recently, I had the privilege of joining a sharing circle devoted to weaving as a shared heritage. Sonia from HAUS Kuching, the organiser, invited me to bring a woven item, but as a complete novice, I chose to attend as an observer. Stepping into the gathering, I was struck by the electric energy and optimism radiating from the young participants—a reminder of the generational shifts shaping our world. The only other attendee close to my age was a professor, herself still much younger than me. Yet, what stood out most was the extraordinary diversity—participants from New Zealand, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey, Tanzania, Senegal, Botswana, Nepal, Switzerland, and Malaysia, each weaving their own perspectives and stories into the fabric of our circle.

We gathered cross-legged in a circle on the floor. I caught myself worrying: could I really sit for nearly three hours? The prospect of needing help to stand again made me smile inwardly. Soon, each of us drew a number and received an object woven by another participant—a silent invitation to share and reflect. Our challenge was to speak about the item’s meaning for both creator and recipient, and to field questions about weaving itself. As the last to speak, I absorbed a mosaic of powerful stories—each narrative a vibrant thread, binding us closer together. In my closing remarks, I stressed that no matter our origin, skin colour, or personal history, we are all interwoven, just like the pieces before us. Life may be unpredictable, but our unity, like a tightly woven basket, is our strength. My deepest gratitude goes to Sonia and every participant whose openness turned the weaving circle into a profound shared experience.

One piece that captivated me was a woven basket adorned with elephants—a striking detail, since elephants are not native to Sarawak. Crafted masterfully by Mr. Fedrick Ding, a local artisan, the basket stands as a testament to creativity transcending borders. To me, it embodies the urgent need to look beyond divisions of geography and identity, and instead see the world as a single, interconnected tapestry. It is these imaginary barriers that often fuel the unrest and separateness we witness today. I’ll be sharing more of these extraordinary creations as a series on this website, hoping they ignite reflection and connection. I left the weaving circle with a light heart, feeling unexpectedly at home among the younger generation—and, to my relief, rising easily from my seat. Above all, the experience filled me with hope for the future.