A lot has happened since the beginning of the year.  We’ve had many reasons to come together, many reasons to give thanks and many reasons to change.  We’ve had four earthquakes, heart-wrenching tragedies, but also awesome blessings that have allowed us to globally connect to the energy of compassion, responsibility and self-assessment.

As we refresh, let’s reflect on the reasons that we are in the places and positions we are.  Let’s reflect on the gifts we’ve been given by God/Goddess.

As we recharge, let’s dig deep into our spirits, minds and bodies to clear away the rubble that we find ourselves under at times.

In renewing, let’s take steps to move to the next level by focusing on our priorities, so that we will be able to have a clear vision of the future.

In refreshing our bodies minds and spirits, let’s pay attention to what our bodies are showing us.  Many have had the flu, colds, sinuses and other health challenges.  Let’s commit to a 3, 7, 14 or 21-cleanse.  By juicing fruits and vegetables, drinking detoxifying herbs, daily meditation, getting plenty of rest and committing to exercising for at least an hour, we welcome in Spring.

As we cleanse our bodies, let’s cleanse our surroundings, as when things are clear around us we think clearer and function better.  Take a minute to organize your space by the decluttering of old clothes and things you no longer use that can be given away to those in need.

Let’s renew and focus on the things that matter the most.  Let’s take time to find out what is distracting us and realign our vision with our priorities.  Let’s overcome any hindrances that are challenging our relationships, our careers, finances, resources, physical health, environment, and spiritual life.

For more information, order my cd “Benefits of Fasting”.

Let’s say these words daily as we refresh, recharge, and renew:

“I am a magnet for financial success, abundant and radiant health, wealth and independence.”

“Longing for the past is fear of the future.”

Have an enlightening Meaningful Monday!

I prepare with excitement the lesson plans that will give the students historical facts, stories, games, songs and regalia of the rich legacy of Africa.  It seems to me that the information I share with the staff and students never gets old. I have as much fun if  not more than them.

This year I focused on the similarities and differences between Modern Western Culture and Ancient African Cultural systems.  We talked about the differences in the educational and social systems of the West and of Africa. We showed the value of the extended family, the benefit and strength that children have when they are raised and  educated separately by gender.

The students found it very interesting when I shared the fact that traditionally in many indigenous cultures of Africa boys are separated at age 7 from living  in the same house with their mothers and other female relatives.

The daily activity, education and training is turned over to the male relatives such as Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, and older male siblings.  With the guidance, nurturing and assistance of their male elders, the young men develop long-lasting friendships, confidence, strength, and great understanding of their role as the future men of their society. This confidence can assist the young men in developing great skills as leaders and role models for their community.

The girls are raised, nurtured, and educated by their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and older female relatives of the community.  They too are taught the many skills that are necessary to become successful, confident, self-assured, and strong leaders in their families and community.

After each of the presentations, the children were excited and thought it would be “cool” to go to school with  friends of the same gender.

Before adolescence, most young children are interested and focused on making friends, having playmates who share similar interests and have respect of themselves and each other.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our social and educational  system in the West adopted some of the teachings of African sociology?

1) Imagine if boys and girls were very secure, strong and rooted in self-awareness of their own gender power
2) Imagine young men and women going into middle schools rooted in self-confidence and self-awareness
3) Imagine the choices our High School students would make as it pertain to peer pressure
4) Imagine the success rate we would perhaps have as husbands, wives, and parents

This Black History month again I am exhausted, inspired, uplifted, encouraged, and hopeful that all children have a rich legacy to inherit.  As we continue to share the culture and traditions of Ancient Ancestors we make all our children proud.

Have a proud, satisfied, “Each one teach one” Meaningful Monday.

This session is free of charge, however registration is required – please call 305-348-2408

Today is Monday (Moon’s Day), the day that we dedicate to the essence of life….Yemonja.

The ability that all living things have….to birth new ideas, to nurture all living things, and the potential for giving life.  Both men and women have the ability of  Yemonja the mother, since we all have her essence.

Let’s dedicate this day to the unanswered dreams of our Mothers.

Let’s imagine our mothers as little girls playing house with their dolls and sometimes even tea sets.

Let’s imagine them without their innocence lost.

Let’s imagine them as young women, afraid and insecure.  Lets imagine them overcoming these insecurities and blossoming into beautiful women.

Women who had dreams, plans, hopes for a glorious life.  Let’s envision them achieving most of their hopes and dreams.   Many of them married and fulfilled their wishes.  Some became mothers without marriage.  Some never conceived and others conceived and lost.  Some chose never to marry or conceive.

Let’s imagine what it must of been for them at your age and how they would handle what you are challenged and blessed with today.

Lets visualize our Mothers walking beside, under and over and all around us.  Reminding us of their connection and essence in us.  Reminding us that we too have the ability and right to have dreams.

The dreams that have been unanswered for us, still have the essence for life.  We can all choose to use the essence of life that was given to us by our mothers to create and manifest a reality.

Today let’s light a candle on this  Moon’s Day, Yemonja Day, Monday, in honor of the essence of our life…..Our Mothers.

Have a Meaningful essence-driven Monday

- J.Donald Walters

As we reflect on our life, it’s only natural to sometimes dwell on our failures and mistakes because some of the feelings have been with us so long that we’ve become familiar and attached to them.  It’s a dark place where we can connect to our addictions, private pity parties, old feelings and at times destructive behaviors.

At times we sometimes spend a lifetime dwelling on the “WHAT IFS” and not on the “WHAT IS”.

Today I re-collect my life as a mature woman, daughter, mother, grandmother, teacher, and student of life.  I am visiting some of the ghosts of my past.

I question “IF” some of the mistakes I have made with my life was due to fact that as a child I had very few elders who understood, believed, and encouraged me.  Or was it because I usually chose the unbeaten, untried path.  Or was it because my heart and spirit usually connected to a stubborn inner voice?

This morning I ask “what IFS” – What and who would I be today:

1)  If I had married Craig straight out of High School.

2)  What if i had been inspired to remain at A&T University after my Junior Year.

3)  What if I was not swept by the energy and power of the Black Liberation and Black Power movement of the 1960’s

4)  What if I had not got Initiated (Ordained) into the Ifa Religion and soon after married and became second wife to a King.

5)  What if I did not choose to wear and mark my self and my children’s faces with the tribal marks of the Yoruba People of Nigeria.

6)  What if I had worked for years for a company which would today provide me with health Insurance and a retirement, or pension check

7)  What if I did not have  my 3 beautiful healthy children and their families

8)  What if all of the above makes me “WHAT IS”

Then today I choose to REFLECT and not RE-COLLECT to the  “what IFS”.  I accept, embrace and cherish “What IS”.
Please have a Meaningful, Divinely Rich, Monday along with me.

In our lives we sometimes meet and develop long-lasting relationships built on mutual respect, support and love. I know that we sometimes think that our blood relatives and family have a “carte blanche” or free card because we look like each other and share a common family tree.

I’m certain that I’m not the only person who has relatives who are not as close to them as their blood relatives. There are some relatives you (or they) choose not to be close for one reason or another and we sometimes try to justify the relationship.

I believe that sometimes we are given friends and loved ones because we are both in need of the relationship. These bonds provide us with a connection to the world that is deeper than blood. If we are all connected to the divine energy of the universal source, God, the all knowing (whatever you choose to call it) then I believe we are all connected through that common power.

Family and friends, to me, are those people who choose to be apart of each other’s life, lovingly, respectfully, continuously, constantly growing into realizing the need and value for each other’s worth.

Have a friend/family filled Meaningful Monday.

It seems like the New Year celebration came in with great expectations, resolutions, and happiness.  However the tragedy in Haiti caused us to come together under different circumstances. We were shocked, horrified, and moved; then took some kind of action.  Millions sent  money, thousands sent articles and medical supplies, and hundreds went in person to lend a hand.

As we begin our plans for the upcoming celebrations for February, let’s continue to have great expectations, resolutions and happiness:

1) Let’s do whatever and all we can on a consistent basis to meet the EXPECTATIONS of God and the people of Haiti from us, even when the “hype” is over.
2) Let’s RESOLVE to always use love as the driving force of our actions NOT FEAR.
3) Let’s find HAPPINESS in our own lives for the home, bed, food, friends, family, clean water, clean air, and medicines that we have readily accessible to us.

For the month of February as we focus on Love & sacrifices that make The United States of America a great nation and the many African Americans who contributed to its greatness, let’s remember that each of us has the choice, the ability, and the responsibility to re-commit in making this world a better place for ourselves, each other, and our decedents.

Have a Love-filled Meaningful Monday.

The vivacious Yeyefini Efunbolade will be the guest speaker on WRPB Radio  ‘Life Is Up For Duscussion’ hosted by Nancy Kennedy.  If you missed her last month here’s your opportunity to her Yeyefini speak on Spirit.

Listen live on the internet www.wrpbradio.com

Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

Last year, we posted this ceremony, and felt it was only fitting to post it again in the month of our Annual Esu Celebration.

In the month of January, we give honor to Esu Elegba.  Here is a ceremony for Esu Elegba, prosperity and potential.  This ceremony will ensure that our debt to Esu Elegba is cleared.

Take three small brown paper bags. Put in each one three coins, a handful of popcorn and three pieces of candy. Pray into each bag and thank the energy of Esu Elegba for this new year, 2010. Close the bags tightly by twisting the tops of the bags. Proceed to pass them over your aura (brush off yourself) as you ask Esu to open the roads of opportunity for you to receive all that is your divine inheritance and blessings that you intend for yourself.

After doing this, take the three bags and drop each one off at a different crossroad (where four roads meet). Be blessed.

Have a meaningful Monday.

The Spiritual Forecast conducted on January 1st 2010 spoke of the importance of staying connected to spirit and using spirit as a vehicle for enlightenment. Here are some of the ways in which we can benefit from Giving Honor to Spirit and God daily.

There are miracles happening every day and we must look with an open, humble heart to Spirit for the ways that God brings about awareness and healing and helps us to cope with the sadness that is happening all around us.

Here are a few Miracles that show that God and Spirit are always in the midst of chaos.
1) 3 Year old girl removed from rubble in Haiti without a scratch.
2) People who went to Haiti to help before the earthquake were helped by Haitians out of the rubble of a building.
3) Grocery store had people who were trapped had food and cellphones to keep well and guide the rescuers to them..
4) The Nation of Senegal took bold steps as world citizens to offer Land and Money to Haitians who were affected by the earthquake.
5) The President of the USA gave the undocumented Haitians who live in America temporary stay for at least 18 months.

As we pray and meditate, let’s use some of the insight from the reading/forecast of 2010.

Have a prayer filled, blessed, empowering, Meaning-filled Monday