by James Weeks | Sep 27, 2017 | Blog
It’s been a challenging month…
A 7.1 earthquake in Mexico leaves 331 dead.
Meanwhile, back home in the Caribbean, we face the daunting task of rebuilding from the rubble left behind by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
On the island of St. Croix, where I’m from, we’re still trying to assess the damage. Thankfully, my Mom is safe, and as far as I know friends and family are safe as well.
But the financial and emotional strains will be with us for a long time.
The prime minister of Dominica described Hurricane Maria as “merciless” and left “mind boggling devastation” in her wake.
In Puerto Rico, the passage of Irma, then Maria, has left most of the population without electricity, drinking water or food. Many clinics and hospitals are closed. Like elsewhere in the Caribbean, many lives are at risk.
My Uncle Gerry was the first person to alert me when Hurricane Maria was on the way. He texted me over the weekend. “We are in a predicament,” he wrote. “Hurricane Maria formed in the Atlantic and might hit us.”
I haven’t spoken to Mom since the hurricane because with the exception of AT&T, there’s no cell phone or landline service. My Uncle assures me Mom is in good spirits despite the chaos.
In just two weeks, so many islands, economies and hearts have been devastated.
But we will rebuild. We have no choice. Hopefully, we will emerge stronger and wiser. Each crisis reminds us how much we need each other, how everything is interconnected, like it or not. And each crisis is a reminder that each moment is precious and must not be taken for granted.
These hurricanes, in their own way, are also telling us that global warming is a very real, very dangerous and must be seriously addressed. The earth is rebelling, and world leaders ought to take heed because too many poor people are paying the cost.
Many organizations are helping hurricane victims in various islands. Here’s a list of a few of them, but I’ve also included a link for victims of the recent 7.1 earthquake in Mexico.
Thank you in advance for your support. A donation of any amount can help save lives.
Blessings
James
USVI Recovery: https://www.usvirecovery.org/
United For Puerto Rico: http://unidosporpuertorico.com/en/
Direct Relief: http://bit.ly/2ykLOax
UNICEF Earthquake Relief: http://bit.ly/2xmD3Qq
Blessings
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
by James Weeks | Sep 19, 2017 | Blog
I’m not sure what to say…
…Because who knows what’s coming next? These are troubling times.
Just a little over one month ago, the nation’s attention was riveted on white supremacists marching through the streets of Charlottesville and President Trump’s unwillingness to condemn them.
And then Hurricane Irma suddenly appeared on the horizon this month with deadly 185 per hour winds that decimated several Caribbean Islands before creating even more damage in Florida.
….But wait, almost forgot to make mention of Hurricane Harvey’s unwelcome visit to Texas. At least 70 deaths so far. Forgive me. There’s so much mayhem to keep track of these days.
And right this minute, Hurricane Maria, another Category 5 super storm, is on the way…
…Is there no end to our trials?
Back home on St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and elsewhere throughout the Caribbean, we’re praying for the best but bracing for the worse. Just this morning, my sister and I were trying to decide whether Mom will be better off at a hurricane shelter or whether she’ll be safer at home. Who knows? Trying to predict the path of a hurricane is sometimes a bit like rolling a dice.
It’s been a rough year for my people. It’s been a rough year for many people.
How do you stay grounded when so many things, so many forces are beyond your control? There’s no simple answer. But I know this. While you do what you can to help others and your community, you must also make self-care a priority.
You can’t be of much help to anyone or any cause if you’re depleted emotionally and spiritually. Rest when you can, eat a sensible diet, and make sure you maintain some kind of spiritual practice.
I practice meditation and made sure I did twenty minutes of meditation this morning before I got on the phone to figure out what to do about Mom as Hurricane Maria storms through the Caribbean.
…And last Sunday I spent all day in the hills of Oakland working with local filmmakers on my film, Across The King’s River. I intend to keep things moving forward no matter what. I suggest you do too.
Knowing I can guide and inspire others during this daunting time warms my heart. There’s too much on the line. The struggle continues. Lots of rebuilding to do. And we must be vigilant. We all need each other.
Would love to know what’s most on your mind these days and how you’re coping with all the challenges. Be sure to comment on this post and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
May the ancestors continue to guide and protect you.
P.S. Sign up for my monthly inspirational newsletters at the link below and I’ll send you updates about my upcoming book as well.
Blessings
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
by James Weeks | May 8, 2017 | Blog
Your ancestors have a plan for you…
…And their plan might not be the same as the plan you have for yourself – it might be better.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to patterns that have been showing up in your life lately because I’ll bet your ancestors or trying to tell you something or want to send you somewhere.
Recently, Spirit has been sending me to different islands. First Guadeloupe last December, then Hawaii earlier this month, and now I’m on my way to Jamaica.
I’ve never been to three islands back-to-back in such a short period of time…
And I’m 100% sure these trips were planned by my ancestors and I’m supposed to share my experiences on each island in my upcoming book Meditations Across The King’s River, which will be available this fall. My book is a collection of original uplifting affirmations and short, insightful essays of my spiritual journey.
The ancestors have a lot to say….
But they often need to change your environment to make you more receptive to their messages and healing energies. In Jamaica, my host will be taking me to Maroon Country. The Maroons were escaped slaves who fought for freedom and created their own communities.
There’s always something worth fighting for and living for, my friend. Decide what battles are worth it for you.
I’m not sure what messages and experiences await me in Jamaica. But I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.
In the meantime, I would love to hear what you’ve been up to or what you’ve been experiencing lately, so hit reply to this blog and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
And if you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, sign up for my monthly inspirational newsletter at the link below:
Stay Blessed
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
by James Weeks | Mar 1, 2017 | Blog
You can’t say yes to everything…
…So learn how to say no and mean it. Focus on what will bring the most value to you and stick with it.
That’s what I’m doing. I’m saying no to some things because I’m working on my book and my film, Across The King’s River. I’m still doing spiritual readings, however, so call or write if you need one.
James Weeks
My book, Meditations Across The King’s River, will be available by October. The book is a collection of my original spiritual affirmations, but it also includes short, insightful essays of my spiritual journey.
I dedicate a few hours each day to write and to reflect…
It’s not easy but I had to make a decision about what I wanted to achieve in 2017 and getting my book published was high on my list.
…I’m sharing this with you because I’m sure you have goals you would like to accomplish in 2017. If you don’t, it’s not too late to get on track and to set goals that you can hit in the upcoming months.
I’ll admit it took a while for me to get into the habit and rhythm of writing every day but I am so used to it now that it’s easier for me to write, than to not write. Once you set some healthy habits, things will improve for you. I’m making progress and you can too.
Here are some tips to help keep you on track regardless of what your goal is.
- Set a target date for when you want to achieve it.
Set time aside each day or each week to work on it.
Get a mentor or an accountability buddy to keep you on track.
Minimizing all possible distractions while you work.
Plan the night before so that you can execute your plan the next day.
Decide what you will say NO to in order to say YES to your goals.
I would love to hear what you plan to achieve in the next 6 months and how you plan to get there. Let me know by replying to this email and I’ll write you back as soon as I can.
If I can help with anything, let me know that too…
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
by James Weeks | Jan 17, 2017 | Blog
I know I’m a little late…
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
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