Well, he’s gone but not really gone; he’s making his presence known in many ways.
The accident happened last month in Bermuda when his motorcycle collided with a car.
Leric is the son of one of my clients. He was only 21. He left us on his sister’s birthday. She’s only 25.
We’re still in shock.
I learned about his passing almost in real time via Whatsapp.
One minute, I was talking to his Mom, Angela, about my upcoming trip to Bermuda this month to perform a spiritual ceremony for her.
Then, some sixty minutes later, she called back to tell me there’s been an accident, and it doesn’t look good.
“We need some prayers,” she said.
While she was on the way to the hospital we were messaging each other back and forth. She managed to get there in time to see him still breathing. But a few hours later he was gone.
Angela is a strong woman — yet no parent is ever prepared for the loss of a child.
“I’m struggling with abandonment, and the loss of my son, my blood, my responsibility, my true friend. Someone who was not just good company, but deep company. I’m boring myself to death with these tears but they won’t stop. I definitely need help.”
I’m sharing Angela’s story because even in the midst of all her pain, she is a healer. She wants to use her loss as an opportunity to bring wisdom and encouragement to others.
Angela is a rare soul; God put her together in a different way than most people I know.
In her September 26 eulogy to Leric, Angela said:
Leric’s death is not a tragedy but a radical invitation to explore our connection with spirit and to begin to focus on the deeper meaning of our lives. Leric’s death is a dramatic revelation of not just the continuation of life but the glorious elevation of it.
She added that:
“The fact that Leric may very well have successfully passed all of the requirements his soul endeavored to achieve on earth, and has graduated to the next level of existence with flying colors and the highest honors, and it only took him 21 years to do it — amazing!”
This morning, Angela sent me photos of Leric. They were taken on one of their many walks in nature. She loved how the sunlight mystically enveloped him in each snapshot that day.
Although Angela is struggling, she’s trying to get back on track, doing the things she’s always loved. She still makes time to do spiritual readings for clients using her favorite deck of orisa-inspired tarot cards.
Her advice to others who are grieving the loss of a loved one?
“I love the African indigenous perspective of no separation between worlds. There is no loss. It’s an illusion. I know that we’ve all been through this before in countless lifetimes, but we just can’t remember. Stay close and strong in spirit. Keep your spiritual practice up even when you don’t feel like it because that is truly where our empowerment comes from.”
She’s been encouraged by signs of of Leric’s presence.
About one week after his passing, Angela asked me to do a reading to see what Ifa, the deity of wisdom can reveal about her son.
Using advanced divination techniques I’ve learned over the years, I was able to tell her what family member he was spending the most time with, what his core mission on earth was, and how he is making his presence known that week..
“Pay close attention to butterflies,” I told her.
Rather than tell you about the astonishing encounters that Leric’s family and friends have had with butterflies, I’ve attached two audio files that you can download to and listen to yourself. (See below) I love the enthusiasm in their voices. You MUST check these audio clips out.
AUD-20200918-WA0004(1).mp3
Spiritual messages are real. They happen more often than we think.
Our loved ones do indeed speak to us.
Does this mean all loved ones in Spirit might be communicating via butterflies? Not necessarily — I shared other ways in my book, Meditations Across The King’s River (see the chapter, “Return of the Matriarch.”)
Spirits can choose to communicate in an infinite number of ways such as dreams, memories, songs, inspiration, fragrances, intuition – they can even manipulate photographs, electrical appliances, garage doors, lights, alarm clock and cell phones.
From what Angela tells me, Leric was a quiet soul who loved gardening and had a deep respect for nature. He was employed by the Bermuda Land Development Company, and his entire department shut down for his funeral to pay their respects. Three of his co-workers were pallbearers.
“They talked about his dedication and hard work — that he came to them fully knowledgeable, professional, prepared and ready to work. That he was mature and respectful, and if he stayed he would have gone far. They said the place will never be the same again.”
“Leric’s transition is prompting many people to delve deep into spiritual matters, the possibility of life after death, what it’s like on the Otherside — all the things that people never like to take into consideration.”
This is all for now, .
It’s clear that Leric was a master teacher. Honored to have been in his classroom. Job well done.
We can’t take this moment nor our loved ones for granted. Of course, we all know this — the challenge is to remember it.
The challenge is to also remember why we are here, and to treasure each blessing we’ve been given.
Sending love to you and yours.
I’m on my way to Bermuda but will be thinking of you.
Let’s talk soon!
James
Author Meditations Across The King’s River
P.S. Still available for spiritual readings.
P.S. Meditations Across The King’s River can be ordered here:
We spoke of many things — the spiritual experiences in the Caribbean that inspired me to write my book, the forces that led me into the Ifa spiritual tradition, why I decided to include chapters on technology and finance in Meditations Across The King’s River.
Jeanette, who lives in Southern California, shared why the book touched her deeply: “I felt like I was with you in Guadeloupe. I felt I was with you in Jamaica. I felt I was with you and your son in Nigeria. It felt like part of my own healing journey.”
“It was the first book I read cover to cover during the stay at home order. For me, it was a way to release the pent up anxiety, the pressure, and the concern that has been growing since covid 19.”
…Jeanette also shared one of her favorite affirmations from the book:
“When the story of your life is told, let it be said that you went after your dreams. That you had vision and could see what others could not see. That you had courage and did what others did not do. That you had faith and persevered to the end.”
My time with Jeanete went by so quickly. I didn’t have time to say everything I was hoping to say.
But now that Jeanette has inspired me, I’ll be doing more intimate Zoom calls with readers and scholars, and I’ll be doing my first FB live event soon as well.
If my work has impacted you in some way, and you want to talk to me about it, let’s make it happen.
I know you have wisdom that others can benefit from too.
You can’t stop now, , and neither can I.
The world needs your gift, your vision, your presence. There’s so much at stake, and you can make a difference.
2021 is right around the corner…
Don’t walk in fear. Tap into what inspires you and focus on that.
So many things are still possible for you.
Let me know what you’ve been up to, and I will write you back ASAP.
Talk soon,
James Weeks
P.S. Still available for spiritual readings.
P.S.S. Meditations Across The King’s River is available at the link below:
Meditations Across The King’s RiverMeditations Across The King’s River
Like the rest of the world I was shocked and saddened by the passing of Chadwick Boseman — our beloved Black Panther.
…Yet I am also inspired by the incredible legacy he left us all.
My son, Diallo, broke the news to me late Friday evening. Then, over the next 48 hours, I learned what had been hidden for so long.
Mr. Boseman had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, which eventually progressed to Stage 4.
Yet, Chadwick
“persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love,” his publicist said. “From ‘Marshall’ to ‘Da 5 Bloods’, August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
And Oprah Winfrey said:
Chadwick was a “gentle, gifted soul. Showing us all that greatness between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like.”
Chadwick Boseman as Tchalla, The Black Panther
Even “during this summer’s wave of protests against systemic racism and police brutality, he expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and joined other black entertainers and executives in calling on the industry to cut ties with police departments,” says the New York Times.
To prepare for his role in Black Panther, Chadwick studied the speeches of Nelson Mandela, grooved on the music of Fela Kuti, interviewed a Yoruba diviner, trained in the African martial arts, and traced his African roots through DNA.
Then, in the final months of his life, Chadwick married Taylor Simone Ledward.
“Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you,” Chadwick told her during his acceptance speech for Outstanding Actor.
How did Chadwick do it all? How did he stand tall, and perform at peak levels as his body was failing?
One quote by Chadwick circulating on the internet gives us a clue:
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope I would not have a single bit of talent left, and can say I used up everything you gave me.”
In passing, I can’t help but feel Chadwick is challenging us all.
What are we willing to endure? What excuses are we willing to drop? What will we contribute to the world? How can we make the best use of the time we have left TODAY and every day?
If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed that’s understandable. After all, 2020 has presented daunting challenges none of us could have foreseen.
But knowing what we know now, surely we can imagine that Chadwick Boseman often woke up to challenges that felt overwhelming.
He gave us his all, and in passing he is challenging us all.
I think you might agree that the legacy of the Black Panther will be etched into our memory forever.
And it’s a legacy of majesty, brilliance and wonder!
Rest in power, good brother. The ancestors are proud.
I would love to hear what Chadwick or the Black Panther meant to you. So feel free to respond and I’ll write you back asap.
I included a chapter on balancing spiritual and financial growth in my book, Meditations Across The King’s River because I felt it was a conversation we need to have.
…I still feel that way.
And that’s what I said when I was interviewed on the radio show Africa Today about two years ago. If you missed it, you can listen to it here: https://kpfa.org/player/?audio=302530
It’s plain to see how important wealth conversations are now.
…The health and economic crisis that has shaken our world has made this clear.
Recently, a writer for the New York Times said, “the work force that powers our economy today is a low-wage work force that is disproportionately made up of Black women and other women of color. But we don’t take care of them at all.”
The article goes on to say: “Many jobs that were lost may never return. Too many of us could end up working along a Walmart or Amazon supply chain, while not earning enough to shop there.”
I don’t know what your financial situation is, but I do know there are many things we can all do to improve our financial situation even as we continue fighting police brutality and racism.
…I shared a few practical steps in my book.
But it’s not enough to have more information; it’s crucial to act on information.
…And we must also must understand where we are wasting precious time, money and energy.
My life has changed dramatically since I wrote Meditations Across The King’s River.
These days, every single day, I teach others what I am learning — how to make money in the largest financial markets in the world. I’m a trader, and I love it. If you would like more information about trading, reach out to me. I would be happy to mentor you.
My journey has taught me that some communities are light years ahead and others are light years behind when it comes to finances. Not good.
I’ve also learned that you – yes you, can probably be wealthy if you have the right tools, the right discipline, the right mentors, and the right mindset.
Can’t go into everything right now but here are some tips.
1. You must be intentional:You can’t just pray about financial improvement. You must know what steps to take and you must take them consistently. Think about how can your invest your money or save more of it each week.
2. Educate yourself: I teach others, but I also study from successful mentors every week.
3. Expand your circle: If no one in your circle is talking about wealth and/or taking steps to achieve it, expand your circle.
4. Examine your beliefs about money: Too many people have been led to believe that it’s not spiritual to want wealth or strive to achieve it. I disagree. We are all being called to build a nation and we can’t do it if we are constantly struggling. If you want to travel, fund projects you believe in, or buy a home, you’re going to need money.
5. Watch your relationships: If you’re in a troubled, toxic relationship it will be difficult to build wealth because you’ll be too emotionally drained to make wise decisions. Let toxic friends go too.
6..Get a mentor: A mentor can accelerate your learning curve and get you to your goals much faster than you can on your own.
I love talking about wealth. But I also love short newsletters.
So I’ve got to go…
Keep your spirits up.
You deserve better and it’s not too late. Let’s manifest those dreams.
Send me a message and I’ll respond to you asap.
Love
James
P.S. Still available for spiritual readings.
P.P.S If you would like to order a signed copy of my book let me know.
Even though these are uncertain times, even though we’re in a pandemic, even though not all family members approve.
“I’m following the signs in front of me,” Maya says. “I’m going where the river is taking me.”
I first met this bold business woman several months ago…
…And when I did a spiritual reading for her back then, I told her what she already knew — her ancestors want her in Ghana. (Ancestors have their own reasons.)
Maya says she felt a spiritual and cultural connection to Ghana during her first visit years ago.
Even though she grew up in Florida and has Jamaican and African-American roots, when she stepped off the plane in Ghana, it was like watching a movie reminding her this is home.
I’m sharing Maya’s journey because I hope it inspires you. Here’s what I’ve learned. Our souls don’t like stagnation.
We can’t keep living the same life over and over again, then wonder why we feel unfulfilled, like something big is missing.
Something must change.
Sometimes we need to let folks go, things go, jobs go, or even a country go. My own journey has taught me there’s never a perfect time. Never.
When I went to Nigeria in 2008 to start working on my film, we were in the midst of a major recession. My Mom didn’t want me to go. She felt I should save my money for something else.
Every time I listened to Mom my heart sank. I stopped listening to Mom. Here’s the thing, if you’re looking for a reason NOT to do what you feel called to do, you will definitely find it.
Some reasons are valid. But let’s face it — some reasons are based on fear. We need honesty and wisdom to know the difference.
Maya says she refuses to be scared. “It’s weird,” she told me. “I feel happy for the first time. I’m looking forward to every day.”
My tips for following your calling during tough times? I shared many in my book, Meditations Across The King’s River, but for now I will say:
Don’t try to do everything. Focus on what will bring the most value.
Eliminate distractions. You can’t spend more time on social media than you spend on your goals.
Align yourself with mentors and/or folks that can genuinely help you.
Be patient. Allow things to develop in their own way and at their own pace.
Find a way to fund your dreams. That’s what Maya did. Several months ago, she started an online business of Ghananian imports to support her move this year.
I’m going to miss my friend Maya. I told her to keep the faith and to remember the ancestors will be there to support her.
Your ancestors will support you too. Move with Spirit.
I have to go. Working on a new trailer for my film, Across The King’s River, and my director will be here soon.
All my love
James
P.S. Still available for spiritual readings. P.S.S. If you would like to purchase a signed copy of my book, write me back. Blessings
