Rebirth
Time for Renewal and Growth
During the past months, I decided to take a well deserved and needed break from writing blog posts. As many of you all know and have experienced, we now find ourselves in a time of great transformation and growth. Many of us feel unsure and frightened, and have no idea where this will all lead to or what the future will hold.
Allow me to gently remind you that there is a gift in not always knowing what the future will hold. And as scary as this may be, please know that you are capable of co-creating your future. Chaos and disorder are often necessary for something new and wonderful to emerge.
It does not matter which belief system you may or not follow. The days before and after Easter are powerful. And can be used best to say good-bye to the old that no longer serves us. Thus making space for the new to emerge. My Beloved Spiritual Master taught me that the time of the Resurrection can happen for us each and every day. I am looking forward to seeing what each day will bring. I promise to keep you posted!
Rainbows
The past months have been quite challenging for all of us. However, for BIPoC, indviduals, these challenges have taken on an additional layer.
Not only has the global pandemic known as Covid-19 taken a toll on our communities, but the ongoing pandemic of racism as well. Not only in the USA, but in other parts of the globe too. Those who identify as individuals of African descent particularly know the constant stress and strain of dealing with racism in all its various forms. However, the horrific visuals of members sof our communities being openly murdered and or tortured in public, has taken many of us over the top. It has just been far too much to stand.
And while I have no idea how this will all end or what our world will look like by the end of 2020, I have decided to listen to the words of the great Dr. Maya Angelou.
One of her great quotes speaks to the fact that we all have times in life where we experience more darkness than light. And the best way to bring some light into the cloudy skies above our heads – “is to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”.
I have committed to being just that!
Will you?
Honouring the Ancestors
The past months have been filled to the brim with numerous challenges. Not only have BIPOC communities been ravaged disproportionately by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also by the pandemic of racial and social injustices. This pandemic is not new. BIPOC communities have been struggling for far too long to combat the virus known as racism.
In looking at all that has happened since the beginning of 2020, it occurred to me that looking to and calling upon the help of those that travelled this long and weary road before us, may just be the assistance we need right now. We cannot forgot upon whose shoulders we now stand. I believe that now more than ever, that the veneration of our ancestors should be a part of our daily self-care practice. And for those of us who have not yet given this much thought, there are various examples and sources of knowledge and instruction that can help us to make ancestor veneration a beautiful and uplighting element of our spiritual & self-care practice and our lives.
The Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh speaks of the connection between our bodies, mindful breathing and our ancestors. He states that it is possible through the practice of being conscious of our bodies and aware of the breath, that we can recognise the presence of our ancestors in every cell of our bodies.
By incorporating some form of ancestor veneration, we not only enter into to contact with them, but also uphold that for which they stood. With breath work and meditation, we calm our minds and bodies and become receptive to diverse forms of information.
I am certain that our ancestors have important messages for us to hear. Let us take the time to quiet our minds, breathe and take a moment to listen.
The ancestral connection and the ability to communicate with them is one of the themes that we will discuss and work on in the next Circle of Oyá session in September.
Stay tuned for more information.
Wishing you all a wonderful week.
And may you enjoy the protection of your ancestors!
Alchemy of Resistance – Second Kitchen Table Talk
Due to the current health pandemic, our second event will take place on Zoom. We are delighted to welcome author, activist and spiritual seeker Olumide Popoola: https://www.olumidepopoola.com/
Date: 31 May 2020
Time: 14:00h-16:00h
Moderation: Annapoorna Ellerbe
Language: English & German
The event is only for Black womyn and womyn of color.
Keeping Our Vibrations High During Challenging Times
During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to keep the vibration of our mind, bodies and spirits in an elevated state. We are all composed of energy. And all forms of energy has a specific vibration. That is why it is so important to do our best to make sure that our energy vibrates on a high level.
In order to do this we have to practice discipline with our self-care rituals and making sure that we maintain balance on all levels. Daily meditation, yoga, journaling and breath work are only a few of the many ways we can do this. Being part of a community where we can share these practices with others is beneficial and necessary, especially during times like these. This is particularly true for womyn of colour. Our last online gathering of the Circle of Oyá proved to me that this is definitely possible – even when done virtually.
Being creative in whatever form you like is also very important. When we are creative and find ourselves in the “zone”, our vibration is high and we are able to attract other high vibrational frequencies and things to us. And while each and everyone of us will have a moment where we feel this is not possible and will feel ourselves being overtaken by worry and fear; just take a moment and stop and breathe. Mindful breathing is very powerful and can quickly bring us back to a state of calm and peace, which is key to lifting and keeping our vibration clear and high.
On that note, remember to practice self-love by taking care of your “Self”. Your happiness depneds upon it!
Have a wonderful week!