You and Your Body Are One March 3, 2009

If you have read any of Louise Hay’s books you would know that she believes that emotional/mental pain translated to physical dis-ease. I know that she is absolutely right from personal experience. Stress, unhappiness, disappointment, fear, and regret are just some of the things that cause dis-ease. Mine was not living an authentic life. I had a job I hated and a marriage that was over before it had begun. I knew it was doomed by the end of the first year, but I stayed in it for five years. I hated myself and I hated my life. I had no creative outlet and it felt as if my soul was dying.

If you check out her book, “You Can Heal Your Life”, you may have a better understanding of what is going on in your life. Take this time to learn from your body, listen to it, and then find a way to change your thinking which in turn will change your health. New ways of thinking CAN, without a doubt, change how you feel about yourself and your body. Allow any dis-ease you may be dealing with become your teacher. Learn the lessons before you and see yourself as whole, healed and healthy and your body will too.

Namaste

My Valentine February 17, 2009

Valentine’s Day is perhaps one of the biggest industry-made holidays, in my humble opinion. Between the flower, candy, stuffed animal, and greeting card companies, February 14th has become a pretty big deal. This is a “holiday” that fall into two different camps, men who don’t understand what the big deal is, and women who feel that it is indeed a big deal and hope to be the recipient of cards, candy and flowers.

I am no exception, I love Valentine’s Day, with all its commercialism. What is wrong with an opportunity to tell people we love, they are loved? I’m not saying that this day isn’t commercialism at its best, but there are some who need a little push.

My beloved and I, fall into this category. He doesn’t get what the big deal is, since I know how he feels about me. I in fact do know how he feels about me, but a reminder doesn’t hurt anyone, especially when I’m the recipient of gifts.

For my beloved I gave him a replacement coffee pot, because he’s practical and I know he likes practical gifts. I on the other hand, do not want any kind of gift that is used for work. My mother taught me early on that a gift for housework is not a gift at all.

My beloved who is a hardworking, macho kind of guy bought me a wonderful gift. It is a beautiful ring, white gold with diamonds. I love the ring and I’m proud that he did so well by himself. But, the greatest gift was the fact that he understood and honored what Valentine’s Day meant to me. The bit of “bling” is beautiful and I will wear it in honor of our love. I will also cherish the idea and he went to a mall, shopped, and seems genuinely excited about giving me the gift.

So my message to all you macho types out there, if you want to make some serious points with your significant other, do what she wants, loves and enjoys, your won’t regret it.

Namaste’

“Is You the One?” January 21, 2009

Many years ago I was told a story of a heroic woman named Sojourner Truth. A black woman, born in 1797 as a slave in upstate New York, originally named Isabella changed the course of history. As I recall the story I find it remarkable on so many levels. Not only was she a slave who eventually found freedom, in later years she was both an abolitionist and a suffragist fighting for women’s rights.

As the story goes God would periodically speak to Isabella. One of the first things She told her was to change her name to Sojourner Truth. She traveling the Underground Railroad to the South leading runaway slaves to freedom. Every time she made another perilous trip she would pick up a new baby, raising it above her head to the heavens and ask, “Is you the one? Is you the one”…to lead us to freedom?

Well, it’s been one hundred twenty-six plus years since Sojourner’s death and in that time many African Americans have asked the question,  Who will lead us to the next chapter in our country’s history? When will we, as African Americans, be totally free in the eyes of this country and its citizens. We have had many, many civil rights, political, religious and spiritual leaders over the last century who helped us traverse the defeats, the challenges, the hatred, the discrimination, and the victories. There were the Martin Luther King’s and the Malcolm X’s, who had great exposure, and were well known for their contributions, but there were even more of the William Huffs who were little know, but made a big impact on many lives throughout the country in their own way. Each taking us a step forward in our quest for eqality.

Less than four years ago a young junior Senator for Illinois made a keynote speech for the Democratic National Convention and we all asked, “Who is this young man, Barack Obama?

Today Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th president of these United States. He “Is the One” we have been waiting for. The one person who could not only unify the races, but unified a nation. This nation has had a celebration like no other. We have been able to elect a man for the “content of his character rather that the color of his skin…”, as described in Martin Luther King’s historic “I Had a Dream” speech.

This dream was not reached by any one person, but all of us,back to Sojourner Truth. He is the one, but all of us can also be “the one.” There is so much work to be done, by all of us. but at the end of this night we can all take a collective sigh and bast in the knowledge that we have found “the one”.

Namaste’

The First Day of Your Life January 2, 2009

As I look back on 2008 there is much to be proud of, to lament, to celebrate, to embrace and to reject. it was the best of times and the worst of times. There were prayerful days and reject days. There was birth and death.

There are 365 days to start fresh, or twenty-four hours; or sixty minutes; or sixty seconds at a time. Each moment an opportunity to do something different.

What will you do?

Namaste’

A Time For Giving December 3, 2008

What can you do in 29 days? I was forwarded this information today and I was so moved by it I wanted to share it with others.

Check out the video by Cami Walker and see how she has chosen to challenge the ups and downs of life. I invite you, if so moved, to join in her campaign and see how it changes your life.

December has traditionally been the season for giving, here is a wonderful idea to put your generosity to the test.  

 http://givingchallenge.ning.com/video/video/show?id=2039308%3AVideo%3A13035

 

  Namaste’

 

Mr. President November 13, 2008

After 20 months of campaigning, Barack Obama has been elected our 44th president. I had hoped and prayed, but never imagined he would win in so many states, especially the states that traditionally had been considered Republican. There is no doubt, these United States are ready for change.

After Obama was declared the winner, I was stunned. Dreams really do come true, and there was a sea of people in Grant Park to prove it. All these people were there to celebrate what so many worked and prayed for. There were people representing all walks of life in the park. When the word came out that he had in fact won, there was a tremendous outpouring of love, hope, celebration and relief. Tears flowed freely, and there were hugs and kisses all around. These tears were for all our ancestors that had laid the groundwork for equality from the time of slavery, through the Civil Rights era until today. Many gave the ultimate gift, their lives, and we can now see none of the work and sacrifice was in vain.

I fell to my knees in appreciation. Thank you Mother/Father God for helping this country shift to a higher energy vibration. I felt validation. This country and her citizens were finally ready to work for humanity. I knew President-Elect Obama was special when I first heard him speak over four years ago, as many others did.  His light suggests amazing intellect, humility, fairness, courage, resolve, peace and commitment to service. If I can be so bold, I believe he has been chosen to lead us, by divine mandate. Martin Luther King Jr. saw from the mountaintop a time when our children and grandchildren would be judged by the content of their character. Equality and peace is the mandate for the world.

For those who don’t know, the Myan calendar ends in 2012. Most metaphysicians believe the ending of this calendar signifies the ending of this old greedy, selfish financial energy toward a loving, respectful and peaceful energy. I believe President-Elect Obama is the one to lead the way.

There is much to do, for all of us, and we are at the beginning of an amazing ride. There has been more validation with the picture below. If you recall, there was no rain that night; the orbs are angels and or energy bodies. November 4th, was a time for celebration for all of us! Now let’s roll up our sleeves with President-Elect Obama and get the work started. We all have much to do!

Namaste’

A Joyful Noise November 6, 2008

Almost 24 hours has passed since Barack Obama won the honor of serving as our 44th president of these United States. A majority of the world is celebrating with the millions of us who supported Obama. The laughter, the hugs and kisses, the singing, the celebrating, the phone calling and texting, and the flow of tears was amazing. The tears were of joy, jubilation disbelief, and relief. Knowing that the blood and sweat of our ancestors was not in vain healed many hearts. I personally believe that all of the souls that helped build this country found release. Their sacrifice was not in vain. In these moments, people of all races, religions and sexual orientation have come together for one united purpose, to change the course of our present and to provide promise for our tomorrows.

After almost two years of campaigning, the real work begins for the President-Elect. My concern is that our expectations may be too unrealistic for any man, regardless of how brilliant he may be. To paraphrase Obama, he is an imperfect man and he will be an imperfect president, but he will always keep us, his country, in the forefront of his mind and his heart. The road ahead is long, with many challenges and pitfalls; however, with OUR help, and OUR prayers, WE can make peace and prosperity a reality for ALL members of our global community.

Let’s enjoy each of these moments between now and January 20th, but let’s decide how WE will contribute toward our future. How do WE teach our children about beating the odds, and never giving up on their dreams? I believe it can best be done by setting examples for our children to follow.

Those in my generation and older “have been to the mountaintop.” The view is breathtaking, but its now time to come back to earth and plant the seeds for our future and cultivate the next generation of leaders to continue the work of John F. and Robert Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and my {s}hero, Oprah Winfrey. I predict that when history has been written, Barack Obama’s name will be added to these, our great American heroes, along with Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and other world leaders.

Now BREATHE, take in the moment, and let’s get started!

Namaste’

D.Day November 4, 2008

Tomorrow is election day. If you haven’t voted already, today is the last opportunity to voice your opinion in this historic race. This has been a very long, emotionally charged presidential race. Regardless of who you support, I hope you will join me in praying for the best candidate to lead this country back to a position of respect, compassion, service, leadership and peace.

Neither candidate will be able to change the course of our country on a dime, but with steady leadership we can begin to see some much needed change. This change will require each of us to do our part. I challenge all of us to find a way to serve in our neighborhoods, our cities, our country, our planet. Only you can define how that service will look, but it is something that is not only doable, but necessary. It takes a village to raise a child and to save a planet.

When the election is over the real work begins. Peace be to all.

Namaste’

What Time Will You Take For Change? October 21, 2008

The ending of this historic election is FINALLY in sight. The race is too close to call, yet Barack Obama has the advantage, one that I hope and pray will increase in the next two weeks.

My involvement in Obama’s election is small. I’ve made some calls and made a financial contribution. Although in the scheme of things my input is pitifully small, but when you add my “little bit” with millions of others’ “little bit” we end up with a lot. At last count, Obama raised over $150 million in September alone. There are over 3.1 million donors, and the average donation was about $86 per person. Who said a little doesn’t matter. I believe that one of McCain’s errors (he has many, but one at a time!) was he underestimated what the poor and middle class could do for Obama. He didn’t need the money of the lobbyists, he just needed us, making a difference. The top donors are students and seniors. I’m now closer to a senior than an student, and I salute the diversity of involvement in this movement. My heart swells with love, pride, humility and gratitude. What a historic time we live in!

When I made some calls for the campaign, and added them with the other commited volunteers calling, walking, canvasing, driving, we are making a difference. Each one of us has experienced wonderful opportunities in making a difference in our communities.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, the same needs will still exist in our world, and the solutions remain with us. I challenge all those that contributed with fiances and/or time, continue with the idea of change by giving of ourselves. Only you know what your capacity for service is, but know that anything is better than nothing.

Together, lets make changes that will take us well into the next century. It’s for our children and grandchildren, and NOW isn’t too soon to begin.

Namaste

When its Time to Say Goodbye October 13, 2008

My family had another death in the family; my mother’s oldest sibling. Aunt Dorothy was the eldest of the 12 siblings and had a tremendous love for her family, immediate and extended.

Her death was a shock to the family although she had been in poor health for a number of years. As much as her passing was a blessing to her, it was a tremendous blow to her four children, 26 grandchildren, and a number of great-grandchildren. She was the foundation of her family.

The day of her death started as it normally did, until she began having chest pain. She told her daughter, her primary caregiver, that “something was wrong”. She began to struggle and became combative as the discomfort intensified. One of her grandsons was summoned, and arrive quickly. As a police officer, he was trained to work under pressure and immediately began to perform CPR. He knew it wasn’t working and she was slipping away. As she laid on the floor she said, “Tell everyone goodbye and that I love them.” That being said, she crossed over.

What I found interesting about the recounting of the story was how calm and peaceful Aunt Dorothy became as the end quickly approached. You know what you know, when you know it. And she knew here time was up.

I hope that when my end nears, I too will be able to say ”I love you”, because that is all we have, and all we can take with us. A lifetime is summed up in those three words. It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve accumulated; how many toys you have; the size of your house; your address; or what you drove. Only the love is real and that is the only thing we take with us.

Peace and blessings to all of you!

Namaste’