That’s the best advice I can give. We haven’t spoken in a while so I’m not sure what challenges you’re facing these days.
But I can tell you this with 100 percent conviction…
If you follow what your Spirit has been telling you to do, you probably won’t feel as stuck. And you will have more momentum, more peace of mind and more energy to pursue other things that are important to you.
Yes, beloved. Keep it moving. That’s what I am doing.
My upcoming book, Meditations Across The King’s River will be available for purchase in late October, early November. I am excited because I have a lot to share with you. Can’t wait.
I am still working on my film too. Last year, we created a new trailer, assembled a new production team and redesigned our website. You can check it out here: Visit Our Website
Filming in the Bay Area this summer, hopefully the Caribbean this fall, Africa early next year.
Now, I know it’s one thing to say keep it moving, and it’s another thing to actually do it. I don’t know what works for others but I am happy to share what helps me every single day.
Be Patient: Trust in divine timing. Progress does not always mean moving forward, sometimes it means taking a step back, or changing the course of direction. Slow down. Enjoy the journey and allow yourself to be led by Spirit.
Listen Inwardly: Do not let the expectations of others dictate what you should do.The opinions of others are not always relevant to the life lessons you are meant to learn and your soul’s journey. Only you can determine what is best for you.
Renew Your Spirit: Do something to nurture your spirit daily. If you don’t have a daily spiritual practice start one. If you don’t, the negativity of others will throw you off balance and off course. Find a practice that works for you and stick with it.
Chase One Rabbit: My mentors say if you chase two rabbits, you won’t catch any rabbits. But if you chase one rabbit you will succeed. You can’t chase every idea that comes along, even if it’s a good one. Focus on what will deliver the most value.
Eliminate Distractions: Technology should be a tool, not a trap. You don’t have to respond to every single text or phone call immediately. Same thing with the internet. Limit your time. You don’t have to click every update or news feed. Get on and get off.
Hope this helps…
I have to run. I’m busy but never too busy for you. If you respond to this article, I will definitely write you back asap. I guarantee it. Here to support you 100 percent always.
But you must “realize healing is not shiny or pretty. It is not lotus flowers and singing bowls. It is gut wrenching, emotional, mind and spirit blowing,” she says.
However, “once you acknowledge the pain and are able to work within that space, that’s when the healing starts. Healing is a daily process. It is day by day, minute by minute,” says Omitosin.
I met Omitosin at an Ancestral Healing Conference in Seattle last November. She’s a healer and does hands-on Reiki. Omitosin is also a priestess in the Ifa spiritual tradition and does readings in her Seattle office or by phone.
We plan on doing some retreats together in the future. Omitosin studied with the famous Iyanla Vanzant who she says is an “amazing spirit and gives so much love, compassion and caring into everything she does.”
Omitosin
I believe we’re all on a journey of healing – no exceptions…
…We’re either healing from what someone said, from what someone did, or from something we said or did ourselves. Or maybe it’s from an event we had little or no control over.
I believe one of the most important healing we all need is to break free from the opinions of others. Caring too much about what others think is hands down one of the biggest killers of dreams ever.
Fortunately, we can all learn from each other.
I asked Omitosin to share a bit about her life and her journey as a healer. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: When did you first learn you’re a healer?
A: I first learned I had gifts when I was 13. My grandmother Lillie took me to her church (Pentecostal) and I was called to the front. The pastor began to pray and put “anointing” oil on my forehead. At that moment, I began to cry and speak in tongues, something which I had never done before. Then I remember my grandmother taking me home and telling me that I was a special person and that I was blessed with the gift of healing. She then told me her story of how her hands just started getting hot when she was around certain people and then she decided to listen to the messages that Spirit was giving her to touch people with their permission. Once she told me that, I decided to do the same. I would just touch someone’s arm or hand at first, then I would ask if I could touch them wherever the pain (emotional or physical was). I used to also get anxiety in groups of people and not understand why. I learned later that I am also an empath that has the gift of feelings others feelings.
Q: What do you like about doing spiritual readings for others?
A: I love showing people a reflection of themselves from a different perspective. Everyone has some sort of spiritual gift that they are either afraid of, don’t recognize or are in denial of. I feel my job is to show people a different version of themselves, their gifts, and on some occasions, relay messages from their Ancestors.
“Some people just really need to know when they aren’t loving themselves and need to be shown how! It can be as simple as telling someone and showing them that there is nothing wrong with them, or showing them how to connect with their own spiritual higher self via ritual, meditation or other tools and modalities.” – Omitosin
Q: What do you like about doing body work for clients?
A: I actually love seeing and feeling other people connecting to their own energy. Most people who get reiki really don’t believe in it and aren’t sure what they should be feeling. I actually perform small activities with them that allows them to feel and connect with their own energy. After the session, I call them and ask them questions about the systems in their body and generally they will tell me that their stomachs growl more, or they notice the beat of their heart. They also notice their body heating up or cooling down with certain breathing techniques
Q: What was it like studying with Iyanla Vanzant?
A: It was a painful and beautiful experience. Painful in that, I learned how many limitations I had put on myself and how blocked I was spiritually and energetically. I discovered anger that I was holding on to and really didn’t realize that I had. Going through the program with Iyanla was a life changing experience! For the first time, I got to really meet myself! I got to discover who I am, and what I want from my life. Iyanla is a tough love master teacher! She is unwavering in her mission to help people heal, but at the same time, she gives so much love, compassion and caring into everything that she does. She is an amazing spirit!
Q: What three tips can you give to those who are seeking healing?
A: First, realize that healing is not shiny and pretty. It is not lotus flowers and singing bowls. It is gut wrenching, emotional mind and spirit blowing. But once you acknowledge the pain and are able to work within that space, that’s when the healing starts! Healing is a daily process. It is day by day, minute by minute. Those small “a-ha” moments that we have daily become the stepping stones for overall healing and enlightening on a big scale over time. Time can heal if you take baby steps and give yourself small rewards along the way!
Second, be gentle with yourself! You are not as flawed as you make up in your mind! You have had experiences and situations that have colored your perspective of your life and yourself. Free your mind! Last, find some way to be quiet and still every day. Meditation is when Spirit speaks to you! Even if it is only for 5 minutes. If you need help, contact me and I can teach you!
If you would like to book a spiritual consultation with Omitosin, you can contact her at goodworks4u@gmail.com or by phone at 832-282-2485.
In the meantime, I would love to know where you are on your journey of healing or what you’re struggling with. So feel free to comment on this blog and sign up for my inspirational newsletter at the link below.
The email said: “I’m a Nigerian who is learning more about my country, traditions and roots in America. I feel a resonance with your energy and your perspective on African spirituality. I would love to connect with you and talk about your experiences and to look into the possibility of doing a radio interview.”
I was happy Ade reached out to me. I called him and we spoke at length about my experiences in Yoruba culture and my trips to Nigeria, West Africa. We will be doing a FB Live Event soon to share our respective journeys. (In fact, we were supposed to a a FB Live event today but had to reschedule because of technical difficulties.)
…Ade is a life coach, a healer and a sacred drummer. You can learn more about him at: https://www.lifecoachade.com/
His website says: he has a “passion for helping people connect with their unique sense of self. He does this by shining light on hidden fears in the dark recesses of the mind. He is on a mission to bring true love, deep peace and respect to all of humanity.”
Like many Nigerians, Ade did not grow up immersed in his own spiritual traditions and was shocked when he discovered there’s a huge interest in Yoruba culture throughout the diaspora.
I’m looking forward to my FB LIVE session with Ade…
In the meantime, I received a phone call from another Nigerian today. His name is Ola and he wants me to do a spiritual reading for him. He’s never had an Ifa divination reading before and has been doing a lot of soul searching. Like many Nigerians, Ola was raised Christian and was taught to despise his own spiritual traditions. He has so many questions and wanted to know how the divination process works.
It amazes me that Africans are looking to us in the Diaspora to acquaint them with their own spiritual traditions. I feel honored, confident about what we have to say. We are a bridge to the Motherland.
I haven’t done the reading for Ola yet but I told him so many people are benefitting from his culture, one way or the other. Shouldn’t he be benefitting from his own culture too?
The ancestors have returned. The ancestors have never left. The ancestors are speaking…
I made it clear to Ola that it’s clear his ancestors are guiding him to return to traditional ways. It would be wise for him to listen.
I would love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to comment. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter at the link below.
My friend Vanessa messaged me on Facebook recently…
“How does one discover their purpose,” she asked. “Does your Spirit guide or teacher tell you? I wonder if I’ll ever know mine. I want to choose something that makes me feel happy or fulfilled. But I want it to be aligned with my life’s purpose,” she said.
As a spiritual advisor I hear this question fairly often. The search for purpose is universal and it’s one of the core themes of my upcoming documentary feature film, Across The King’s River.
For many, the search for purpose is elusive because the struggle to survive is so time-consuming and draining that it often leaves little time for addressing the needs of our spirit. Yet our souls long to be fed in a meaningful way.
I believe living a more purposeful life is attainable for each of us. Spirit did not send us to earth to drift aimlessly. Here are some tips for connecting to your purpose.
The clues to our purpose are often around us but it’s our responsibility to put the clues together. Ask yourself these questions: What are your hobbies? What causes are you drawn to? If money was not an issue, what would you spend most of your time doing? What problems are you good at solving? When do you feel most fulfilled? What kind of help do others come to you for? Who are your heroes and what do you admire about them?
What kind of jobs have you done in the past? Is there a connection between past jobs and what you’re doing for a living now? If so, what is the connection? Don’t assume there’s no connection. Thirty years ago I worked as a journalist. My skills as a writer helps me to fulfill my current path as a healer by enabling me to reach large audiences through my inspirational writing.
While someone can give you insight into your purpose, no one can tell you everything about it. Why? Because you’re not a cog in a machine, you’re a spirit with infinite potential. Your purpose can change over time depending on the needs of your ancestors and the universe. The spirit world is the employer, your purpose is the task or the mission the spirit world is asking you to fulfill.
Your family members can lead you closer to your purpose. Shortly after I met my wife, Stephanie, she helped me launch my career as a writer. I might not have considered it otherwise. My eldest son led me to my path as a healer. Pay attention to what members in your family are inspiring you to do, but also pay attention to issues family members are struggling with. Their struggles might lead you to your purpose.
Knowing your purpose does not necessarily make your life easier, but it does make it fulfilling. Though I have clarity about what I’ve been sent here to do, I face hardship and obstacles along the way just like everyone else. Malidoma Some, the great African shaman and author of the book “Of Water and The Spirit,” was kidnapped by Jesuit priests as a child and was taken away from his culture and people for many years. He had to go through that experience in order to fulfill his purpose. You have to go through certain tests to bring you closer to your purpose, too, and that’s precisely what your going through right now. Embrace it. Try to see it as a friend, instead of a foe.
Envision who you feel called to serve. What is his or her story? What keeps him or her up at night worrying? What is his/her deepest fear? How can you help? What will happen to him or her if you don’t do what you feel called to do? What will happen to YOU if allow your own fears or insecurities to get in the way of being of service and following your purpose? What steps are you taking on a daily basis to sharpen your skills? What legacy would you like to leave for others to follow?
I have so much to share with you, but I can’t say it all in one blog. I’ll be sharing more in a few weeks. In the meantime, I would love to hear your thoughts.
P.S. Sign up for my monthly newsletters if you’ve enjoyed reading this blog. That way I can send inspirational messages to you via email every month.
We’re rebuilding from the rubble. There’s no other choice…
…And there’s a lot of rubble left in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that swept through the Caribbean last month, as well as from Hurricane Harvey that caused extensive damage and flooding in Texas.
I haven’t been home to the Virgin Islands yet, but thankfully Mom and the rest of my family are doing okay.
But the island, like many others, has been devastated…
For my people, climate change is not an intellectual debate. We see it.The evidence is in all the rubble staring back at us every single day.
“Climate change is the human rights movement of our day,” says Elizabeth Yeampierre, an internationally-known environmental activist of Puerto Rican and African descent.
“Our communities continue to get hit time and time again by climate catastrophe. We cannot choose between a Black Lives Matter protest and a climate justice forum because our survival depends on both of them,” she says.
I’ve only learned of Elizabeth’s work recently but she’s been fighting for environmental justice for more than 20 years. She’s challenging all of us to raise our fists and our voices.
“Our communities know another way. As people of African and indigenous ancestry, we come from societies and ways of life that protect and nurture Mother Earth. Now is the time to reconnect with our old ways. The knowledge is there – it is in our historical memory,” she says
I love what Elizabeth says about reconnecting to our old ways and how the knowledge we need is in our historical memory. It reminds me of something one of my mentors often said when he was teaching me the Ifa spiritual tradition. “When we break the rules of nature, nature breaks us,” he told me.
Professor Wande Ambimbola, a Yoruba scholar says: “To the ancient African mind, animals, plants and human beings were part of one large family. Planet earth is a very sacred place,” he adds. “She was not meant to be exploited as human beings have done for centuries.”
We have a lot of rethinking and rebuilding to do. Yes, we have a lot to learn from the indigenous world, but we also have a lot to learn from each other too. We’re all in this together, like it or not.
There’s something we can all do; we just need to find what that something is and we need to do it.
And we have a choice…
We can choose to see the current crisis as an opportunity, says my good friend, Maria Stiles, an artist and activist from St. Croix.
“Those of us who have been spared have a responsibility,” she says.”We have to restore balance and harmony with the earth. We need to wake up. If this is what it takes for us to look up and see the sky, then so be it.” says Maria.
“We have to plant more; we have to connect more. Times like these force us to realize how fragile we are, and how we’re totally at the mercy of the wind, the earth and the sea,” adds Maria.
Would love to hear your thoughts. Respond to this blog, and I’ll write you back as soon as I can. Would also love to hear what’s been on your mind lately.
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