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 | Jul 11, 2017 | Blog
I had an amazing experience with an 82-year-old healer in Jamaica recently…
She’s a most unusual healer; she puts her hands gently on your body as if you were about to receive a massage, but then she starts removing objects from your body.
…Things you wouldn’t think could possibly be in your body.
She placed her hands on me and gently removed two small chains from my right torso. Then, she removed a stone and two nails from my stomach. And yes, I saw them with my own eyes.
I wasn’t the only one…
Ten people came with me, and she removed objects from each of us: a spark plug from the head of my client’s son, tobacco from the chests of a couple from the USA, a stone from the left foot of my client and a padlock from the chest of a construction worker.
And I’m 100% certain she would remove an object from you if you’re ever blessed with the opportunity to meet her in person.
But how is this even possible? How could such objects be inside one’s body?
Not sure. In my case, she said I’d been the target of a spiritual attack. I don’t doubt this. Spiritual attacks are prevalent in African culture. But surely everyone that sees her cannot possibly be the victim of a spiritual attack. At least, I really don’t think so.
So how does one explain this?
Could it be that some of these objects come from the negativity or envy of others or from our own fears or negative thoughts? I don’t know, and the healer was way too busy to entertain any questions.
My experience taught me that there are dimensions to healing that modern science may never understand. And while I cannot explain the miracle I experienced, surely there are many things we can all do to improve our physical, mental and spiritual health.
And letting go of anger and others things that are clearly beyond your control is one of them.
You’ve got to work at letting go of other things you’re attached to that are clearly not healthy for you: a job you hate falls in this category. Are you working yourself to death? What about toxic relationships? Sorry, it’s time to cut some folks loose. Are you battling addictions? If so, how long has that been going on? How long will you allow it to go on?
What about blame? Are you blaming someone for where find yourself in life right now? If so, you’ve given your power away and it’s time to take it back. You DO have a say in your future. Claim it!
Finally, a commitment to a daily spiritual routine will help you immensely along with a good diet, adequate rest and regular exercise.
Healing isn’t an event, it’s an ongoing journey.
What are your thoughts and what are your plans for healing?
Would love to hear from you, so just respond to this email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Until then, may the ancestors guide and protect you always.
Stay Blessed
James Weeks
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by James Weeks | Oct 3, 2016 | Blog
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
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by James Weeks | Aug 8, 2016 | Blog
I moved into my new office recently…
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
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