January 31st Full Moon Eclipse - Manifest!!!

I feel like the boy who cried "WOLF!" as I write this blog proclaiming the powerFULL celestial fertility of the coming moon, bc truly I declare that EVERY full moon cycle is fertile ground for manifestation. But in THIS moon cycle we have several separate events all taking place on the same day, so the block will be HOTT for manifestation over the next 3 days, and even beyond, like a giant fan blowing our work, goals and aspirations up, up, up to the heavens!! Seriously. Not only is January 31st a full moon, but it's the second full moon in a calendar month...and that second full moon just happens to be a lunar eclipse...bananas! So the key here is to spend the rest of the day and evening today clearing your mind and spirit in preparation for proper meditation tomorrow and this week, the height of the full moon cycle. (beginner's meditation here: Meditate.)  My theme for this fertile cycle is BALANCE IS KEY. Because the sun is in Aquarius and the moon is in Leo, it's a onederfull time to channel our thoughts towards balance and order...in EVERY aspect of our lives from relationships to finance. We must find the center between that which truly requires our full attention in order to fulfill our purpose, and that which we need to give less (much less) of our time to in order to make time for what truly matters. Too much folly happening. Spirit speaks now more than ever that there is way too much low-frequency energy overshadowing the necessary high-frequency love energy we need to manifest LIGHT. On Wednesday I will be journaling with the intention of making my focused intentions plain to God and the universe. I will light 7 white candles to represent light, love and purity of spirit. I will lay prostrate in humble prayer like Job did asking God for forgiveness for what I failed to do and courage to do what I must do. I will perform libation for the past (Angels/Ancestors), present (the living mother and fathers, sisters and brothers) and the future (our children and the unborn). I will release any lingering angst or resentments bc I need room for God's blessings. As I meditate on these things, I will chant and sing affirmations into the ether and record my prayers in my journal to God. For my fellow students of scripture, the scripture for this time is Philippians 8,9: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—meditate on such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
...And then...I continue the work and practice patience and allow God to do the amazing things He does on my behalf...without fail. Ase.

As we are half way through this full moon cycle, my three lil monkeys were the subject of my first meditation of the year. I found them a while ago on a road trip to Arkansas in a tiny "swap shop" way down in the cut. They traveled with me all the way to Chicago. They spoke to me all the way home. I dusted them off, washed them in florida water and gave them a new home on a shelf above my plants.. As I meditated yesterday I considered what it means to love unconditionally as it relates to the message my monkeys are conveying; "Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil." What is the spiritual significance of this ancient symbol?
Well when we hear/see evil, we ingest it, and when we ingest it the evil becomes a part of us. We then need to release it from our being, which often results in our poor choices. Hearing about/seeing violence causes us to act more violently and if left to fester in our psyche, the evil wreaks havoc on our bodies and minds. Thus, the wise maxim “Hear no evil, See no evil” reminds us that when you ‘dance with the devil,’ that energy will consume you.
Speak no evil, however, refers to the outcome the first two. Hearing and seeing involve our receipt of information into the body, while speaking is our expression as a result of the information we received. Henceforth, if you see no evil and hear no evil, then you will ultimately speak no evil because your spirit will be free of the negativity you did not allow into your space. It’s simple mathematics, 1 +1=2.
Here is the deal…the evil that’s all around us…in the TV, on the radio, movies, music, etc…. is much more damaging than we can fathom. It’s having more of a negative effect than we realize. It’s creating cancer in our bodies and in our minds!! Our children are constantly exposed to tremendous evil; and because we don’t realize the damage it’s doing we are not mindful of it and fail to consciously dispel it. Moreover, we are willing participants in its consumption…not out of choice, but because it’s the new normal. Our babies are born and raised into this mind-controlled society, into this corrupt system. We don’t even realize that it has all been purposely designed to destabilize us mentally and physically; keeping we, the sheeple, under control and keeping the masses sick, depressed, fearful and violent. Being somewhat unplugged (no TV or radio), I can SEE the takeover now more than ever.  Grateful to my lil monkies for the reminder. “Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil.” I choose LOVE. All love. Only love. At all times.

#Ijustmightlevitatein2018

To say that there is no beauty in darkness is to believe that there is no beauty in this world.
Leave it to Yasiin Bey (Black Dante) to bring the message to me for the new year...if folks thought I was already over the top in the LOVE dept, it gets better...Taller, wider and deeper. From this moment forward I will ONLY SEE LOVE in the darkness. I choose love. At all times. Through prayer and meditation I've gotten pretty solid at deflecting negativity, even when I find myself in spaces where it dwells deep. I cannot control the actions and thoughts of the people around me and the wicked webs they weave, but I can MOS DEF control ME. Here's to Love and MORE LOVE in 2018... and beauty even in the dark. I am that light. <3

The last few days have been such a time of reflection as I envision what the future holds in my heart. My visual piece (I am fond of visual aids to assist me in my intention setting), is one of my favorite sacred images of Black Jesus and is the oldest known Coptic (Egyptian) image of Black Jesus to date, and pre-dates even the image of Black Jesus in the church of Rome from the 6th century. Spiritually, I am kindred to the Coptic Jesus-followers who originated in the city of Alexandria and believed that Black Jesus was one man who was both divine (soul) as much as He was human (ego). Following this example, I strive to be just as much divine as I am human, exemplifying the image of GOD, exuding the fruit of the Spirit, and mastering the duality of the human nature (ma-at/balance). This, according to the teachings of Coptic Christianity, is the plight of mankind.
My prayer this holiday season and beyond is that, regardless of the spiritual path, we as a people learn to bring the soul and the ego into a harmonious relationship. This life is far more spiritual than natural, and so many humans claiming anxiety and depression by Western terms are really suffering from a deep-seated misalignment between the soul and the ego. This is personal torment. The soul desires to fulfill our karmic debt/purpose while the ego seeks to enhance our human experience. Unfortunately, many popular Christian denominations seek to eradicate the ego altogether, but ironically this is not Spirit-U-Well at all. True Spirituality charges us to work consciously and with divine intention towards reducing the conflict between the soul and the ego as we travel the narrow path towards karmic fulfillment in tandem with human expression of the ego. My ego and my TRUE self (soul) have more good days than bad together as I strive each day to relax my ego-mind so that she gives way to my soul-authentic true self...because you see, the way my life purpose is set up, we're all in this thing TOGETHER and for the LONG haul. And the Church said...Ase! Amen! So shall it be!

Meditation for the Final Full Moon of 2017

It's December 2nd and the final full moon of 2017 is upon us. I get excited this time of year because we have this really powerful tool given to us by GOD called the MIND, and guess what? The mind works in tandem with the natural laws of the universe, namely (and one of my favorite), The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy, which is a fancy title for the power we all have within us to change the conditions of our lives beginning with thought. Higher vibrations consume and transform lower ones; thus, each of us can change the energies in our lives by understanding simply that we can...then doing the WORK.

So here it is...whether you prescribe to the hugely flawed gregorian calendar or not, the fact remains that there is power in numbers...so the fact that thousands of humans are inclining their thoughts towards making real lifestyle changes around this time of year means that it's a great time to tap into the collective synergy and draw from it. Many of my peers are struggling with habitual change because, truth is, the older we get the more difficult it becomes for the mind to re-prioritize that which it desires. But we have an entire month to prepare to leave some thangs that no longer serve us in 2017...so let's begin with the breath, a vital source of human energy. Come on and join me in my full moon meditation...RAISE THOSE VIBRATIONS! I just might levitate in 2018!!! ;-)))

8 Minutes of Mindfulness

PSA: Check In With Your People

Mental illness comes in all shapes, colors and creeds. I don't know what's happening in the world exactly (although I have my many theories), but today people (young and old) are extremely distracted. I spend a great deal of my time in folks' faces just like the photo above...wondering where exactly people are in their minds. Seriously. Simple solutions become mountains of obstacles. Situations that should warrant love and compassion instead incite mockery and ridicule. Patience is replaced by instant gratification, and parents are increasingly unable to connect with their children. Man, Im gonna say it until the end of days: We need LOVE and more LOVE in this world. It pains my heart every time I hear someone say they have no one to trust or rely on. We must become more connected and NOT through social media. I love this platform but only as a means to REINFORCE the love I live, not replace it...

SMILE at people, man. Ask folk how they're doing/feeling. Give your loved ones a call and pay them a visit. Touch hands. Hug. Say I LOVE YOU whether the gesture is returned or not. I had to get out of my feelings when I would show love that was not reciprocated too. It was hard because it's a battle with the ego, but we've got to remember that its not about self every time. Often times to attain the greater good, we must meet people where they are and some of us are in very different mental spaces and thresholds. GIVE LOVE...it will always come back to you even if not from the people you gave it to. Just check in...check in with your youth and neighbors and family and friends. Many people's lives depend on it, including your own actually; the greatest gift to ourselves is the gift of giving, and the greatest thing we can give to another is time. Ase.

Love Your Enemies
Meditative thoughts for a meditative life

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons and daughters of GOD in heaven; for GOD makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you only love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers/sisters only, what do you do more than the others? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?'" ~Matthew 5:43-48

Message: Be the LOVE you want to see in the world. By loving those who spite you, you change the narrative that they seek to create. Let us remind ourselves and the world that it is African people who first brought life, light and lessons to the world, as love, and expanded the horizon of human thought, practice and possibility. Indeed, it is our making and movement thru history that serves as the sacred narrative of the everyday and extraordinary things. The teachings of Black Jesus are in direct correlation to the teachings of the Husia, the sacred Wisdom of ancient Egypt. #foodforthought #fuelforaction

God created the moon. The moon belongs to God. Is there anything made by God that is made in vain? I think NOT! Just as the insect and the seasons have purpose, so the moon has her divine resonance. Today is the second day beneath the first quarter moon, or half moon. It is very cloudy out so we will have a difficult time seeing her in Chicago, but her presence is definitely felt, especially if you CHOOSE to feel her. This phase of the moon is often underplayed or overlooked, but truly each phase is of equal significance and rolls into the next like a divine wheel. As for meaning, you ask? The half moon is a GREAT time to give mind to the future. Now that you have set your intentions during the New Moon, what are your long term/short term goals as you move forward? The only constant in life is change and the moon is a celestial wheel of change that our ancient Ancestors paid attention to. The work requires that we turn ourselves towards fulfillment, pay close attention to the incoming tide of possibilities that present themselves, meditate on them, pray over your choice-making and be diligent in making bold, confident, spirit-led decisions in your life.

A Sacred Space: A good place to begin your moon phase ritual will be quiet, uncluttered, and will feel positive and peaceful. If you already have a prayer alter, this is the BEST place. You need a writing surface ( or your lap will suffice), paper that you love, and your favorite pen or markers. Because this is a ritual, make sure everything you use is something you find pleasing. Light a candle. Diffuse essential oils. Add crystals or anything else that feels good to you (see photo).

Intention: Center your energy with a few minutes of meditation, quiet steady breathing and let your thoughts come to rest. Think about where you are in life and listen to your inner guidance to help you decide what you most wish to manifest and receive.  Write out your intentions. For example:
“I am ready to receive ______ into my life for my greatest good and highest purpose with perfect divine timing, complete harmony, and with grace and ease. Thank you for this blessing.”

It's a good ritualistic practice to place a quartz and other crystals on the paper to increase the energetic vibration as we channel manifestation...especially freshly charged ones. Symbols are a form of universal communication so draw a symbol such as a heart, Adinkra, star, or anything else that has meaning to you.

I am hoping those prayer alters are coming along. We should all have one. It's not a matter of religion, but spirit. We are communal, ritualistic beings so we must be cognizant of what "rituals" we partake of. What better ritual than prayer/deep thought/meditation. To the ancient Blacks of the Nile Valley, to reach Maat (truth, justice, balance and morality) was the highest ethical goal for the spirit. The natural law that we must subscribe our mind to in order to attain Maat is the Law of Reciprocity; The Most High God the Creator gives us life, and in return we offer our life-sustaining gifts back to the Creator in the form of prayer and supplication (worship). That's the significance of having a prayer alter in your personal space...it serves as a sort of portal between our world and the next and, according to the ancients, this ritual in itself is Maat. And of course, Maat is one of the foundational requirements of manifestation.

Sunday Meditation "Ah ha" Moment:

The last few weeks of my life have been pivotal. Comfortable in my own place and purpose, I now reflect on the relation-ships that have come and go. I know for certain that what most people call relationship is actually dependence. What we call relationship could be great now and a conflict later; it can be loving today and hateful tomorrow. There is no stability in it, because many of us are regulated by the external...but what is TRUE & REAL is not subject to moods. I have learned through trial and error that I exist in my highest self, with balanced relationships across the board, when I remove the flagrant whims of personality from my interactions. Just like truth and love are independent of personality, I try to relate to people in a space beyond likes/dislikes, beyond good/bad and reside in a space in which anything can be reconciled or, at best, perceived in a positive light. Call me crazy, but I feel the elevation in my spirit as a result.
In my own meditations I have come to know that if I am condemning, blaming or accusing someone it stems, for the most part, from a shortcoming within myself. I have to figure out what ignorance or fear or motivation is within me that makes me feel offended. My mantra to assist me in this spiritual work is:
"Everything is good. I can be hurt by nothing but my own thoughts." I chant this to myself, and instead of correcting another person, I simply correct my own feelings about them within myself. I have recently found myself in situations in which, had I not had the ability to discard my thoughts about another person and simply address what's going on inside of me, the outcome could have been less than favorable. There's that turning the other cheek theory Black Jesus preached about; most people see this as a weakness, but I find great strength in my self-control. Reacting, as most of us do, relinquishes control to other people and situations. Once I have had time to think and ponder my next move, I am no longer reacting, but simply moving in a direction that I choose. Think about it. If everyone practiced this ancient principle, what harmony we could sustain in our relationships. I'm starting with the (womb)man in the mirror. LOL.

7 is Divine Completion

I love everything about this photo. I mean, aside from the fact that Jay Electronica is just the coolest Emcee ever (https://www.youtube.com/watch…)...and aside from the fact that he's sportin his supa fly NOI suit-up and holdin up our North African predecessors (Moors)...check out them 7s. On the jersey and on the neck piece. The number 7 represents completion and has been quite prevalent in my life. In scripture, for instance, 7s are often found in contexts involving completeness or divine perfection. Flaws and all, everyday I take time...sometimes a little, sometimes a lot...to place my mind on the divine and think of what completion means for me in that moment. Every day. So according to the natural laws that govern this earth in which we dwell, that means that I am creating completion around me. Anything I start will come full circle. Contentment will always be in arms reach because with my mind I manifest a vibration of completion. The more complete one is in and of themselves, the less baggage they carry around. The less baggage one carries, the more peaceful they feel. The more peaceful one becomes, the more love and even more peace they are free and open to draw to themselves. It's really that simple. Such is life...much of what we wanna obtain is right at our fingertips, but the path to personal success is SO simple that we make it complex. We walk around the forest in search of the pond, but the pond was right there in front of us. Western culture has turned our eyes away from the light so we walk in darkness in search of the light...when the light was already shining on us. At some point one has to sit still long enough, painstakingly enough, to SEE what's already given to us. GOD is perfect and we are naturally made in God's perfection, but Western culture has lied to us and we believe the lie...
I love this picture because Jay is straight representin.' He understands where the truth lies and he embodies his truth in word and culture. When I say #RockYourCulture or #RockYourCrown that's what I mean. Cover your temple with your truth. The heart is the lamp and the body is the lamp shade. I don't know about you but in my crib the lamp shade is everything! The lampshade translates how others interpret the light, feel me?
Brothers, Sisters...complete your own self first. Find your inner 7...find your own light and find your own path. This is the FIRST rule of engagement for any soldier. How can we lead another being to the light when we ourselves have yet to find it?

November Super Moon Grounding Meditation

Guided Grounding Meditation

Find a comfortable space to sit in for at least 15 minutes. 

Allow your eyes to resonate within the peaceful tone of this picture.

Observe everything in it.

Look at her eyes, the eyes of the spiritual mother, the Great Mother.

Rest your eyes at the top of her forehead.

Envision yourself standing at the top of the white line.

Now walk down the white line and stand in the center of her chin. 

Leap from her chin into the center of the large bubble above her head.

You have entered the bubble of past memories. 

Stand in your past. Think about how you feel.

Run and leap into the second bubble, the bubble of present life.

Stand in the present now. Think about how you feel in this current paradigm.

Take the quick jump into the bubble of future manifestation.

Stand in your future. What does it look like? How do you feel? Are you content or anxious?

Suddenly a beautiful Sankofa Bird with big, beautiful wings comes and carries you off into the birth of your next life. You are a new person/being. What is the first thing you see? 

(I saw yellow flowers the first time, in a window!)

Open your eyes and journal your experience. Just write about your experience, create a poem or get super creative and paint/draw it.

Peace Be With You.

Foot Prints: Thank you, Nana

Paradise Garden Affirmation Meditation...in Trinidad

I am love.

I am power.

I am a manifestation of all

that is good and pure and light.

I am free,

I am happy as can be.

GOD is my source.

To GOD and GOD alone do I 

lift up my voice in prayer and supplication.

I am FULL of gratitude & joy

for every moment GOD has afforded me.

I am thankful,

and I offer my spirit

as a living sacrifice

to improve and build the Kingdom of Heaven

right here on earth.

LOVE.

This temple that houses the soul
is subject to the wear and tear of life...
but the soul itself...the soul shall transcend
beyond this earth...
beyond this existence...
into the ethers and the heavenly places.
Eternity.

Calming Affirmations from the Heart & Soul

Soul consciousness is infinite. Although each unique soul is energetically connected to the Divine, we appear separate. Our perception of one another as separate energies is just an illusion. We are all connected by the air we breathe, the earth we stand on and our invisible connection to and within the the universe. Indigenous cultures throughout the ages have understood that humans exist not as solid matter but as vibrational beings in direct contact with the greater source of energies surrounding us. Spiritual practices, rituals, astrology, philosophy and transformation bear witness to this understanding. In the past all these things were closely entwined into the everyday lives of our Ancestors.  They did not view themselves as separate from their environment, but functional parts of the whole. They were able to learn about themselves in what they saw and felt. Ritual is important.,,It is how we learn. Rituals were the scientific experiments of our predecessors. By returning to the ways of our Ancestors we can learn to live in harmony with ourselves and our environment.

Lunar Eclipse Manifestation Meditation