But wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and wishing you and your family good things in 2017.
Don’t know about about you, but I’m glad 2016 is behind us and I’m looking forward to the challenges of 2017.
Just got back from an amazing two week trip to the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Had a chance to work on my film, Across The King’s River and connected with some powerful souls and a culture that enriched me in many ways.
Hanging with my friend, Omitola
Grateful to my friend, Omitola, for inviting me there. Guadeloupe was a new beginning for me in many ways. I’ll be sharing some experiences I had very soon.
Hanging With Omitola
For now, I just want to encourage you to follow your inspiration in 2017. Don’t know what your plan is for the year but that’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it. I believe in the power of inspiration more than I ever did before; I also believe it is our sacred duty to follow it no matter the cost.
To say NO to inspiration is to say NO to happiness, NO to fulfillment, NO to peace of mind. Why not say YES? I firmly believe inspiration is right 99.99% of the time. We just have to follow through.
But keep this in mind…
Following inspiration does not mean things will work out the way you want them to work out nor does it mean it will work out in the time frame you have in mind. What I’ve learned is that inspiration is a seed you plant today, but sometimes that seed does not germinate until later. Sometimes years later!
Vicky Gaydu, My Director of Photography in Guadeloupe
There’s a purpose behind the inspiration that has come to you, but you’re not going to discover it if you give up to soon. Go the distance in 2017, my friend. You’ll be happy you did.
This is all for now, but I would love to hear what your plans are for 2017. Comment on this blog and I will respond as quickly as I can.
Until then, may the ancestors bless, guide and protect you and your family.
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
P.S. If you enjoyed reading this blog article, sign up for my free monthly inspirational newsletter below.
There’s a difference between needing help and wanting help…
That’s what my friend and mentor, Willy, was explaining the other day. Lots of folks need help, he says, but not everyone wants help. You gotta know the difference.
Willy knows what he’s talking about. He used to be a drug addict…
It was bad. He even attempted suicide decades ago because it was the “brightest idea” he had at the time.
Fortunately, he reached out for help and got it, and he was humble enough to accept it. Then, he took massive action. “I was willing to work on my own rescue,” he says.
Photo: Shutterstock image
Looking at Willy’s beaming smile and self-confidence today you would never know the trouble he’s seen. Not only is Willy drug free, he’s a successful businessman and spiritual leader. He’s also a committed husband and father who does what he says he’ll do.
He shares his story bravely and openly with all who will listen because he wants others to have hope. No matter where you are in life, no matter how much you hurt, no matter how much you’ve lost, change is possible, Willy says. Your blessing might be right around the corner.
Willie is teaching me some kick-ass business strategies for 2017. But he’s also teaching me about life. I’m not the only one. He’s a mentor to tens of thousands.
Raised in the projects of Queens, NY, Willy is part Irish and part Puerto-Rican. His father was an alcoholic and regularly abused his Mom. The police visited their home often. Willy never made it to high school and was in his thirties before he read a book from cover to cover.
But the past is behind him…
Willy’s an avid reader these days. He’s big on self-development. He’s big on God. He’s big on me. He’s big on you. Believe, says Willy.
I’ve been inspired by many, but Willy’s story touched me deeply because it reminds me that anything is possible. Anything is still possible for me, anything is still possible for you.
And the bit of wisdom about knowing the difference between needing help and wanting help – I will always remember it.
What about you?
I would love to hear what you think, so send me an email, and I’ll be sure to respond.
Until next time, may the ancestors walk with you, guide you, and protect you each and every step of the way.
Believe
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
P.S. IF you’ve enjoyed reading this article, sign up for my monthly inspirational newsletter below.
Anyway, I was totally surprised and honored at the same time. Steel Pulse has always been one of my favorite bands. I knew about the upcoming film, but I never imagined that the director would reach out to me personally.
Yoni wanted to know if I have footage or photos of the band that they can review for possible inclusion in the film. I don’t have footage, but I have a few photos and lots of great memories.
Amazingly, I still have a 90 minute audio interview I did with lead singer David Hinds back in the 80’s. As it turned out, that interview might be exactly what they’re looking for.
“That’s incredible!” Yoni said. “This is really great news! We are searching high and low for audio of David in the 80’s. Thanks so much for digging and for having the foresight to hold on to it for all those years.”
I first met David Hinds back in 1986 when I worked as news reporter on St. Croix. Then, I caught up with band in 1991 to cover them for the San Francisco Weekly. I even got a chance to ride with them on their tour bus from Oakland to Santa Cruz.
David Hinds of Steel Pulse
But my first meeting in 1986 evokes the most memories…
That’s because I was learning to play guitar at the time and David was kind enough to teach me the chord progression for his song, Save Black Music, as we sat in his hotel, talking the day after his concert. He also taught me the intro to Raid Blues Dance!
I’m happy I still have this mini-jam session to share with you. My only regret is that I didn’t follow his advice and practice my guitar every day. Surely, I would have been a bad ass by now. LOL
Looking back, I had no way of knowing Steel Pulse would go on to such great heights. Hundreds of bands have come and gone but Steel Pulse is still on the road, fighting the good fight.
Globally, their musical legacy has impacted hundreds of millions. They were the first reggae band to play at the White House and their messages of hope, love, justice, resistance and activism are still relevant today. Maybe even more relevant because the system that oppresses us is shrewd, resilient and determined.
“We’re still in the streets fighting for liberty, justice, freedom and equality,” as David sings.
I still practice the songs David taught me years ago, but his impact in my life goes beyond the guitar lesson. From afar, I’ve learned lessons of courage and dogged determination, to keep rising up after endless trials and tribulations. And I’ve made up my mind to make time for others, the way he made time for me and many others when he didn’t really have to.
For sure, I’ll continue to draw inspiration from Steel Pulse as I continue to work on my own personal documentary, Across The King’s River.
I hope you have the opportunity to meet David and the other band members one day, but in case you don’t, let me assure you of one thing. They believe in all of us.
Don’t count yourself out! It’s not too late to make a difference. Give what you have, give all you’ve got and be who you are. Find your passion or a cause you believe in and stay the course.
Steel Pulse started a revolution and they’re counting on you to continue it…
I told Yoni, the director of Dreadtown, that I would look around for old photos and will send the audio interviews as well. I found another cassette as I was writing this newsletter. Yay.
In the meantime, Yoni needs a HUGE favor from you. Please visit the Dreadtown Facebook Page and hit the LIKE button and share with all your peeps so we can spread the word about this important film. Here’s the link to the Dreadtown FB Page.
And while you’re at it, send Yoni a word of encouragement to keep pressing forward. A personal comment from you on his Facebook page will warm his heart and stoke the flames of inspiration that feed all artists. He still has lots of work to do on the film so show him some love and tell him I sent you.
Would love to hear what you think about this upcoming film and would also like to hear what you’ve been up too lately. So respond to this article and I will write you back asap!
Until we talk again, know that I am thinking of you, praying for you and I believe in you.
Stay blessed!
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this article, sign up for my monthly inspirational newsletters and have them delivered to you by email.
Bumped into my friend, Tobe Correal, about 2 months ago.
She’s the author of the book, Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa. If you haven’t read her work yet, check it out. You might enjoy it like I did. Here’s the link: Finding Soul On The Path of Orisa
Anyway, Tobe was at my neighbor’s 40th birthday party. Turns out they’re cousins.
It was great to see Tobe and to catch up again. She’s very philosophical.
We spoke about the wisdom of going slow. Not being in such a rush all the time, having the understanding that things happen in divine ways and in divine timing. Nature, for sure, is not in a rush.
Love it…
I love it because American culture seems to hate the word slow. Every Everything in this culture is expected to happen fast. So naturally, folks are on a fast track even though things that are meaningful and lasting and powerful rarely happen fast.
Everyone thinks they should be somewhere else, that life somehow is passing them by.
Hey, I understand. I really do.
But I’ve learned to appreciate going slow. I had no choice. One of the biggest challenges for me over the years has been delays with the funding of my film, Across The King’s River.
On the other hand, the biggest blessing has been the very same thing: delays with funding for my film. Did I like it at the time? No! Hell No!
I am grateful for the delays because I know for a fact that if my film had been funded years ago, I couldn’t have made the best possible film. Sure, I could have made a film, ut not the best one.
The delays worked in my favor because I have more insights now, more wisdom, and more clarity about what the film should be. I know what I want. I know who I want; I know what to do.
Armed with these insights, we are planning a major shoot for the film in early 2017. Looking back at all the ups and downs over the years, going slow was the best thing that could have happened for me.
What about you?
Are things moving along the way you like? If so great. If not, maybe it’s a blessing. You cannot miss what has been destined for you. It is written by Spirit, sanctioned by the ancestors.
Either way, I would love to hear what you’ve been up to and/or what you’re working on these days. Would also like to hear what you’ve been struggling with and/or what you need help with.
I miss you. I think of you, and I truly wish you peace and success in all that you do.
Let’s talk soon!
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, sign up for my free inspirational newsletters and have them delivered straight to your email address.
You’ll find me under a tree in my backyard. O.K. I’m not outside all day but I’ve been spending a lot more time there.
It’s addicting…
I’ve fallen in love with the butterflies, the constant cooing of pigeons, and for the first time in many years, I’ve planted tomatoes, strawberries, eggplant and a blueberry bush.
It’s healing…
But I can’t take full credit for my decision to spend more time outside.
It came up in a spiritual reading I had recently. I was told my schedule is about to get super busy and the energy of my garden will keep me grounded.
I’m sharing this with you because I know you can benefit from a closer connection to nature too. Granted, you might not have a garden in your backyard, but I’m sure there’s someplace close to you, where you can connect to nature.
Don’t brush this off as being trivial…
You could be overlooking the medicine your soul needs, and it’s powerful and free.
If you’ve been feeling drained, depressed, uninspired, bogged down by the craziness in our world, a closer bond with the earth might be part of the medicine you need.
Indigenous cultures know this because their spiritual worldview revolves around nature.
But we’ve lost our way and it’s literally killing us, spiritually, emotionally, physically.
I have to admit that I had totally neglected my garden until it came up in my reading. It’s all about balance. Turn off that cell phone, turn off the T.V. or social media and venture outdoors more often. Simple changes in your daily routine can make a huge difference in how you think and feel about your challenges and your future.
I’m glad I listened. I feeling more energized. I love the solitude and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Enough about me. What steps are you taking to connect to Nature? I would love to hear about it. So reply to this blog and I’ll be sure to write you back.
Until next time, may the ancestors bless you from the north, the south, the east and the west.
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, sign up for my free inspirational newsletters below.
“When you live by Spirit, there will always be a way made out for you,” says filmmaker Dalian Adofo, co-producer of the documentary Ancestral Voices, a film that combats misconceptions about African spirituality.
I’m interviewing Dalian by phone, and he’s telling me about his experiences working on Ancestral Voices 2, the sequel to his first film.
Dalian and Verona
It was a journey that took him to Brazil, the U.S., Haiti and South Africa…
Yet, despite the language barrier and other cultural and logistical challenges, things fell into place: the right guides stepped forward to assist in miraculous ways, and he was granted access to interview legendary healers and elders.
I love talking to Dalian, and his wife (and co-producer) Verona, because I know firsthand how challenging it can be to work on a film with very limited resources.
“The biggest lesson has been perseverance,” says Verona. “Filmmaking may look like fun, but the reality is much hard work goes into it. Trying to keep motivated with family commitments and financial challenges has been a major learning curve and a test of my own determination and commitment,” adds Verona.
Ancestral Voices 2 isn’t finished yet, but you can support their work by ordering Rituals For Living today and by spreading the word. Your support can help them go a long way.
Rituals For Living is a vignette about African rituals taken from Ancestral Voices 2. The proceeds from Rituals For Living will help them complete Ancestral Voices 2.
During a visit to London several years ago, I was lucky enough to meet and have dinner with this dynamic couple. At the time, Ajani, their first son was 3 years-old. Now, Nshira, their second son is here.
Dalian is originally from Accra, Ghana, and Verona is of Jamaican ancestry but was born in the UK.
“Our stories were not being told,” Dalian tells me. That’s what got them started on their filmmaking journey. “Our stories tend to get disregarded for the most part or our stories are intentionally misrepresented. Our stories deserve to be told, and it’s essential to get a proper understanding.”
What do they want viewers of Ancestral Voices 2 to understand?
African rituals are not as portrayed in Hollywood and can be life-affirming and self-sustaining.
The role that nature plays in African spirituality and in our lives.
African spiritual traditions are not monolithic but are inspired by a common source.
Their mission is not only to educate but to empower viewers by sharing simple rituals one can do at home. “You are your own solution,” Dalian says.
I’m a fan. Who’s ready for more empowerment?
To me, once you no longer trust your Spirit all is lost. Or, if you’re led to believe that you have no connection to the divine, all is lost.
We’ve got to get back to the basics…
I would love to hear what you think so feel free to send me an email, and I’ll get back to you with a response. In the meantime, you can learn more about Dalian and Verona by following them on Ancestral Voices Facebook Page:
You can also visit them their website at this link: Ancestral Voices
Until next time, may the ancestors bless you from the north, the south, the east and the west.
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
P.S. To join my new VIP club, text kingsriver to 55469 to take advantage of special offers and exclusive invitations
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog article, sign up for my inspirational monthly newsletters below.
