“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
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“Wisdom comes from the sea,” says famous South African spiritual leader, Credo Mutwa, in the film, Dolphins.
“The Zulu people of South Africa believe that centuries ago, a race of intelligent creatures chaperoned humans into this world. Members of this race returned to the sea to become dolphins. Over the centuries, dolphins and whales sent knowledge via dreams to human beings. The whales told us all about God. The dolphins told us about wisdom and art and other forms of positive creativity,” Mutwa says.
“We black people believe that dolphins are not fish. They are people. They are saviors. They have kingdoms under the sea. They have stories that they tell their children. They have hopes for the future, ” says Credo Mutwa.
I love what Credo Mutwa is saying; I love the image of him strolling along the beach, and I am moved by the Zulu notion that dolphins tell stories to their children and have hopes for the future.
What are your thoughts and hopes for the future? I really would like to know…
For me, this clip stirs up memories of my home, St. Croix, Virgin Islands and the close connection my ancestors had to the sea.
But it makes me think about other things as well:
How African spirituality revolves around the reverence of nature.
How much we can learn from indigenous wisdom.
How disconnected we have become from nature.
How dolphins are held in captivity in amusement parks.
How we must become better stewards of both land and sea.
Credo Mutwa says the killing of these holy creatures must stop…
Our powerful stories must continue: “Many are the mysteries of Africa,” says Credo Mutwa. “Many are the mysteries of my country. Many are the stories that have yet to be told. Many are the stories that will never be told.”
Dolphins, Credo Mutwa Speaks, is a film by Indrid Pendris, and you can order the DVD here: Dolphins
Let me know what you think of this clip, and let me know if you’ve had any moving experiences in the past with dolphins or other beings. I’ll be sure to write you back.
Until then, may the ancestors guide and protect you and your family.
Blessings,
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“I write exactly what comes into my head,” my friend, Keisha, tells me. “I honor whatever comes. When I’m writing the poems, I’m listening. I go into a different zone.”
Keisha is a poet and a rising force in the literary world. She “wields her pen like a Samurai swordsman,” says master poet, Abiodun Oyewole, a founding member of the legendary group, The Last Poets. “Her poetry deals with the personal us, the intimate us, and the history of us.”
Her latest book is entitled, Gathering The Waters, and you can order it by clicking here.
Being creative, says Keisha, means: “listening well. To yourself. To the world you can see and the world you can’t see. It means being open enough to translate and transcribe the information that comes to you without judgment or censorship. Being a conduit for inspired words is not to be taken lightly.”
I hope you’re paying close attention…
You might not be a poet but what Keisha is saying can help you on your path of self development.
We’re all connected to Spirit, and something sacred is trying to flow through you, too. Don’t judge it! Don’t censor it! Just let it flow, like Keisha does.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Rosedale, Queens, Keisha currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Her first love has always been writing.
“The only thing that has ever moved me on a really deep level is art, and the particular art form of literature and poetry. It’s a place where I can feel completely myself,” says Keisha.
“My job is to be the best at my craft as possible,” she says. “Not being in competition with anyone else. Not preaching a particular idea. You can believe whatever you want to believe. That’s my road of development.”
Keisha’s advice to aspiring writers is profound and can be useful to anyone who’s soul searching. “It’s so important to know what you want,” she says. “Why do you want to do what you want to do? It’s hard to know what you want to do because when you’re born, you are told what to want.”
“There comes a time in your life when you have to ask, ‘Why do I want what I want?’ Then you must reprogram yourself so you know what you should want authentically.”
For more information about Keisha visit: Keishagaye.com, and you can connect with her on FB and Twitter at the following links: FacebookTwitter.
But back to you. What moves you on a deep level? Or, who moves you on a deep level? Are you committed to being the best you can be with your talents? I really want to know, so reply to this email and I’ll be sure to send you a personal response.
Until I hear from you, may the ancestors bless you from the north, the south, the east and the west.
Blessings,
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I fell in love with Tobe Correal’s book immediately.
Tobe, an initiated priestess, is the author of “Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition.”
She’s a talented writer: “Yoruba religion is a way of life. It is seeking to know the sacred nature of life – the breath of God flowing through all things. It is the holistic integration of all aspects of our being – bodies, feeling, thoughts and energies – in order to restore wholeness where there is fragmentation and balance where there is disarray.”
Tobe is also very brave and very honest, and this is why I think her book is such a gem.
“I saw how some people misused the tradition to live on the surface of their lives. Some used ritual as a way of avoiding responsibility. I became aware of great pain in myself and others. I lived with a gray cloud of depression hovering over me. Behind closed doors I was a mess,” she writes.
“While paying homage to the ancestors, we must also face our personal demons. While honoring deities, we must also learn to love ourselves and treat each other with greater kindness.”
Tobe tells it like it is…
I had the good fortune of meeting her recently. She spoke of many things: her battle with chronic illness, her commitment to the ongoing process of spiritual re-initiation, the challenge of dealing with loss. Her 40’s were all about loss, she confesses.
But her losses came with blessings too: “I was able to find hidden jewels because I kept on digging. I learned that I don’t need to get rid of the negative side of life, I need to learn how to work it because there’s something of great importance, something beautiful that’s going to make you richer. Light and darkness come together.”
She tries to look for something good and beautiful every day, she says…
I like that approach. If you look for something good each day, you’ll probably find it. And if you look for something negative you’ll probably find it too. Be careful what you look for.
I asked Tobe what she wishes for you and here’s what she said: 1. A deeper encounter with the truth of what lies in you and the willingness and the courage to face it. 2. To take the necessary steps toward healing and transformation, which requires a warrior spirit and a willingness to work.”
In the meantime I would like to know how you deal with loss or what jewels you’ve been finding in your struggles. Send me your answer and I’ll be sure to send you a personal response.
Until then, may the ancestors continue to guide and bless each step you take.
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And I hope you’re ready to take massive action to achieve your personal and spiritual goals!
There’s no time to lose if you’re serious about making 2016 your best year ever. You’ve got to be laser-focused.
My goal is to complete my book by end of year. It’s called “Meditations Across The River: African-inspired Wisdom for Life’s Journey.” And I’m also working diligently on my film.
I only have 15 seconds for foolishness in my day…
What about you? What are you working on? What sacrifices are you willing to make? Do you have a good mentor to show you the way and to help keep you accountable?
Do you have a good diet? A daily spiritual routine? Are you getting adequate rest? Are you open to opportunities the ancestors are sending your way?
How are you feeling? Mostly positive or mostly negative? So So?
These are important questions. Feel free to answer them and send me your response. I would love to hear what’s on your agenda for 2016. I’ll help to keep you on track.
Here’s what I know for sure! Most people give up way too soon, sometimes when they’re on the brink of success, when the door of opportunity is about to swing wide open.
Sometimes all that’s needed is one more phone call, knocking on one more door, sending one more email, writing one more poem, taking one more class, taking one more chance.
Give yourself time to succeed in 2016! No looking back! No more excuses!
Blessings
P.S. Don’t forget to reply to this email to share your dreams for 2016.
2016 is here…