by James Weeks | Aug 12, 2011 | Blog
The journey toward this film continues to teach me that the elders, the orisas and my spirit guides truly know what they are doing and do it well. And so I must tell you that I believe your spirit guides know what they are doing too. Don’t be discouraged if you feel you’re not making progress or if you think you’re at a dead-end. Be patient, the key is to listen, trust and follow-through.
See..the heart always knows but the head always doubts. Begin and end with the heart. The heart is a seat of high intelligence and travels far ahead of your logical mind. Every step you take with the heart is connected to a higher purpose – a higher will – that time will reveal to you. When the “appointed time” comes, many events and people that have entered your life will make sense to you. The purpose behind each step will be made clear (once you learn how to listen).
I didn’t always believe that each step we take with the heart is divinely guided. But each day my convictions grows. The more I awaken, the more I realize I’m not the “doer” – only a “vessel.” I feel both awe and gratitude for Spirit. I also feel inspired to share the lessons I’m learning along the way with others.
Know that there are no accidents. And there are no coincidences! Trust that you are being led where you need to go. Blessings!
by James Weeks | Aug 10, 2011 | Blog
“There’s nothing that a master Ifa diviner cannot see – there’s nothing that a master Ifa cannot know.” So says a sacred verse in the Ifa spiritual tradition. But lately I’ve also come to believe that there’s nothing that a highly skilled awo (diviner/priest) cannot do.
I say this because I have encountered “Giants in the South.” Who are the “Giants in the South?” An extraordinary duo of entertainment industry experts who believe so strongly in our film that they will ensure that it gets funded. They are also providing the necessary management and legal support to make sure that the full potential of “Across The King’s River” is realized.
In the book, “The Alchemist,” author Paul Coelho, one of the main character says: “When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” Why am I sharing this quote with you? Because I believe it’s true.
But here’s the key, you must want it badly enough. And you must be willing to support it yourself. You must also understand that kindred souls may have a vested interest in seeing your vision come to fruition – but you’ll never discover this if you surrender to the temptation to give up.
Kindred souls have their own reasons for coming to your assistance. In my case, the “Giants in the South” understand the impact that art has on the subconscious minds of the masses and they refuse to support “shit.” They are willing to support and fund “Across The King’s River” because they believe it will a significant impact in the lives of millions.
I’m grateful for the leadership and the commitment of the “giants” I’ve discovered. They have changed my life and the course of this film……..the journey to the vision of the ancestors continues.
Allow yourself to be guided – you’ll be surprised at how far you can get.
by James Weeks | Aug 6, 2011 | Blog
One of our sacred verses says: “The way of Ifa is very straight – it doesn’t deviate.” I love the sound of this. Yet it doesn’t mean that there’s no room for flexibility in our spiritual practice or worldview; I think it means that we can count on the guidance of this great Spirit just like our ancestors did. The wisdom of Ifa is steady – and sure!!
This verse speaks to me because the power of Ifa and the elders is becoming clearer and clearer to me as I continue on the journey toward this film. After years of working diligently, doors are finally beginning to open. Yet, I know that doors are not opening only because I’ve been working hard – they are opening because I am not working alone.
So much of what is unfolding (and what will be) can be traced to the elders and the powerful that they do every day l’agbara orisa (through the power of orisa). The elders seldom tell me what they do, why they do it – nor do I know when they do it. Over the years, I’ve learned to sense intuitively when they’ve done some sort of spiritual work.
We will never deviate from the mission the ancestors have assigned to us – empower others to return to something they have abandoned a long time ago – the power of their own visions!
by James Weeks | Aug 2, 2011 | Blog
“Eniti ti ko tele eera, ko ni tele Ifa” means “one who cannot follow ants, cannot follow Ifa.” I’ve always loved this Yoruba proverb. On one hand it shows the reverence for nature that’s embedded in the sacred teachings of Ifa.
On the other hand the proverb illustrates the importance of patience – another core tenet of Ifa. “Suuru is the father (and mother) of character,” we say.
Unfortunately, for many, our fast-paced, crazed lifestyle allows no time to reflect on the powerful lessons nature has for us. Nor have most of us cultivated the stillness of mind that’s needed to hear our own voice, let alone the voice of the orisas and the ancestors.
Can you follow ants?
The journey to this film has taught me to slow down. For years we have worked diligently at what seems to be the pace of ants. And yes, many times I’ve wished that the process would move along faster.
But I have learned that things develop when the time is right. I’ve learned to savor the process; I’ve also learned to trust the elders and the guidance that comes from Ifa.
Slow down! Trust the wisdom and the leadership of ants!
by James Weeks | Jul 31, 2011 | Blog
The Owner of Four Eyes
“The Yoruba term olujumerin means the “owner of four eyes.” It refers to someone who can peer into the spiritual dimension. In a world imprisoned by materialism, it’s hard to see with spiritual eyes. But that’s the task before us. Nigerian writer Ben Okri says: “most people are born blind; few ever learn to see.”
The reflection above also appeared in my 2008 Sacred Journey Fine Art Calendar along with this very image of the young girl with penetrating eyes. I wasn’t planning to write about this topic or this photo, or this girl today….but such is the power this child possesses. I feel “commanded” to write about her, even though I planned to write about something else.
This photo was taken around 2005/2006. I was in Ile Ife, Nigeria to undergo spiritual initiation to the orisas Sango, Yemoja, Ogun and Obatala. We were driving around the ancient city when the little girl dashed by the car. I told the driver to stop immediately. We followed the young girl and I ask her family for permission to photograph.
The photo session lasted a few minutes – but the memory and the image will speak to the world forever. This image reminds me of the power of Spirit, the ancestors, and the orisas. It’s also a reminder that we must make the world of Spirit our home.
by James Weeks | Jul 28, 2011 | Blog
A Burst of Light: Sunrise On My Way To Africa
“Turn the ringer off your phone. Don’t answer the doorbell. Tell your loved ones that you cannot be disturbed. If you get distracted or allow yourself to drift, you will never make it to your destination.” – Walter Mosley, “This Year You Write Your Novel.”
I’ve always loved the advice author Walter Mosley gives to aspiring writers in his book, “This Year You Write Your Novel.” I’ve never read the entire book, but I love what he says in the first chapter about dedication.
What does Mosley’s advice have to do with you or me? Everything! I believe part of each day should be dedicated to something that is sacred to you – something that’s connected to your purpose. In order for this to happen, you have to make sure that YOU are on your own agenda. You have to constantly remind yourself what YOU are about, and then you need to ensure that part of each day is dedicated to doing YOU!
Unfortunately, that’s not how many of us live. Too often, we allow ourselves to be tossed about by the demands of society or family and we forget to pay allegiance to the inner voice. That’s why when Stephanie, my wife, asked me about painting the house, I promptly said: “not today. I’ll do it on Saturday.”
See….I take the journey to the film seriously. I’ll paint the house – BUT not during hours when I’m supposed to be working on the film. I have a schedule and I stick to it. (Emergencies, of course, are an exception).
I believe we all should have a sacred routine. Learn to say NO. Learn to honor your sacred space. Make sure that that YOUR vision is part of your daily ritual. (Your family will just have to deal with it).
