MariĂŤlle
Little girls with dreams, become women with vision.
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Letter
Mariëlle
FROM
Hello my gorgeous people!
It’s a new year and I”m totally exited to be opening the new year with the second issue of Marielle.
Either way, I’m happy to be here and I’m excited to share the life lessons that I’ve learned in the last couple of months. And I have to confess, as I was putting the content for the magazine together, I realized that I was very much in a student position the last couple of months. I’ve been meeting amazing people, learning to shut up and listen, learning that it’s okay not to know the answer and learning to trust my intuition. So this edition will not be packed to the rim with interviews. Instead I think one could say that I was the interviewee... You will find the things that made an impression on me. My hope and prayer for you is that my life lessons will resonate with you. And that they will leave an impression in your life. Enjoy the mag and feel free to share your favorite articles with the Marielle Magazine Facebook Fanpage.
Love, hugs ‘n kisses, Mariëlle
Table of content Surviving winter with cabbage
6
The AM reset button
8
The ABC’s of Happiness
10
Sunday is…
18
Mother- daughter book challenge
24
Equipping your child for life
26
Visionaries
28
The 42 principles of Ma’at
34
Serenity and I
36
Cynette Applewhite on spiritual parenting
39
Spiritual growth
46
Surving winter with cabbage
When it comes to buying fruits and veggies, it’s always recommended to buy the fruits and vegetables that are in season. Main reason being, that you get more vitamins for your buck. But what winter veggies are good for your body and easy on the taste buds? Well, cabbage of course! With the large family of cabbage and contemporary recipes, there is no reason that you cannot rack up on some fiber, Vitamin D, vitamin K, and peace at the dinner table.
Purple Cauliflower
Kale
This psychedelic looking vegetable is a must try this winter! Purple cauliflower is fun to see for kids, and is loaded with a legion of good stuff! This purple veggie is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and folate. Great way to prepare purple cauliflower is to sauté it with some coconut oil and garlic.
With the art of juicing coming back to life, kale has become the talk of the town. Praised for its health benefits, kale has become a veggie superstar! And looking at the nutritional value, it’s no surprise! With one cup of kale you get 206% of your daily dosage of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C, 6% iron and 684% vitamin K! See, I told you… kale is a superstar!
Green cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Instead of buying extra oranges for the winter season, you might want to consider green cabbage as a significant source of vitamin C. Cabbage adds a staggering 54% of your daily value of vitamin C. Which is only 33% less than a tangerine! To ensure maximum absorption, eat the cabbage raw. They are great ways to add crunch to your salad or stir fry.
A half cup of Brussels sprouts provides as much as 81% of your daily requirement of vitamin C and a staggering 137% of your daily requirement of vitamin K. Add them to your meal by roasting them with some olive oil and your favorite seasoning. Roast the baby cabbages until they’re golden brown.
The AM reset button My basic meditation practice is simple: I pray and depending on my day (and mood) I extend it with a walk, biking in nature or yoga. After having found the following exercise, I’ve also started to implement that into my morning practice. And because It has enriched my morning meditation practice, I’ve decided to share it with you. On the following page you will find positive emotions. Find the emotions that you are experiencing or would like to experience throughout the day. Think of different ways that you’d be able to remain in that state of mind or how you’d be able to get into that space of mind. By reading these positive emotions, you will be able to put your life into perspective. You will realize that you have much more positivity locked inside of you. Journal about it and track your journey to becoming a more positive person!
mind
8
daptable Adored Adventurous Ambitious Athletic Authentic Awesome eautiful Blessed Brave Brilliant Bohemian Bountiful
apable Captivating Charming Chic Clever Competent Confident Courageous Creative aring Darling Dazzling Decisive Dependable Deserving Desirable Distinguished Dreamy Dynamic
mind
lated Eloquent Empowered Enchanting Energized Enterprising Evolving Exquisite Eye-catching abulous Fascinating Flawless Foxy Friendly enuine Glorious Glowing Gorgeous Gracious appy Healthy Hopeful Hot Huggable lluminated Impressive Insightful Inspired Inspiring Interesting Intriguing Intuitive Irresistible
ubilant Joyful issable Knowledgeable
Playful Poised Powerful Present Productive
aluable Vibrant Visionary Vivacious ell-rounded Whimsical Wise Witty Wonderful Worthy Wanderlust
adiant Regal evel-headed Relaxed Liberated Resourceful Light-hearted Rested Likeable Revitalized Loved Lovely atisfied en Loving Self-assured Zealous Lucky Serene Zesty Luminous Silly Skillful Sophisticated agical Sparkling Marvelous Spirited Masterful Strong Merry Studious Mindful Stylish Motivated Successful Sweet ice Noble Nomadic alented Novice Thoughtful Nurturing Tranquil Tremendous Triumphant ptimistic Overjoyed nique assionate Unshakable Peaceful Unstoppable Phenomenal Uplifted
9
The
ABC’s
of Happiness
A
cceptance Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. It means understanding that something is what it is and there’s got to be a way through it. Michael J. Fox
B C D eing
It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery, than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives. Marianne Williamson
e ourag endure
to courage self It takes s pain of p r a o h s e th choose t , than y r e v f o o c s n di dull pai would take the ss that e n s u o i c r lives. uncons st of ou e r e h t last on Williams Marianne
e-clutter
Keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. Dinah Craik
G
nergy
E F
There are many ways to calm a negative energy without suppressing or fighting it. You recognize it, you smile to it, and you invite something nicer to come up and replace it; you read some inspiring words, you listen to a piece of beautiful music, you go somewhere in nature, or you do some walking meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh
aith
I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.�
GH Henry Ward Beecher
enerosity
Generosity is a practical expression of love. Gary Inrig
appiness
Be so happy when others at you, become happy Rumi
that look they too.
J M
and ift ant. g red erv sac ful s a th s the rs d i a fai o n n i ho is e m hat gift. tiv mind t i u y int nal iet the soc tten The ratio a o ted org the rea has f c e nd hav We vant a in ser ste n i E ert Alb
n
n o i t tui
I K
oy
indness
Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Mark Twain
ight
L Your inner light shines when you’re at peace w i t h yourself and the world around you. Let go of the struggle and feel the b e a u t y inside you. Allow all to just be and just be you.
editation Meditation is a process that stills the mind in order to facilitate sacred healing and growth. Meditation can and will order your thinking and therefore your mind. As we heal the broken and wounded places that exist in our hearts and minds, we grow mentally and emotionally. Mediation is, therefore, a tool for growth Iyanla Vanzant
N
Joy happ is w when ens to hat ours we a us llow reco elves g n to i ze good h o w real ly a t h i n g s re. M a r Will i a n iams n e on
N P ature
I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. John Muir
atience It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery, than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives. M a r i a n n e Williamson
bserve Emotions and thoughts and sensations, they come and go. What is really ‘here’ is you. Everything else is a tourist. Everything else is coming and going. You are the witness of the coming and going. Once you know that you are not the thing which is coming and going, peace will prevail inside your mind and heart. Mooji
Q R atience
It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery, than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives. M a r i a n n e Williamson
To re s sacre t is a d act of nouri shm and s ent olace that takes coura ge an d trust !
est
S
tillness
Be still and listen guidance. Stillness is language God speaks everything else is a translation.
for the and bad
Eckhart Tolle
TU niverse
ogetherness
The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.
I suspect the most we can hope for, and it's no small hope, is that we never give up, that we never stop giving ourselves permission to try to love and receive love. Elizabeth Strout
Black Elk
alue
r The true soldie e us ca be t no ts figh in he hates what is t front of him, bu s ve lo because he m. hi nd hi be what is
V
G.K. Chesterton
W
ork
We either make o u r s e l v e s miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.
UY
Carlos Castenada
oga
True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed, yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been, yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose and for it to be truly called yoga, it’s essence must be embodied. Aadil Palkhivala
Z
ig zag
God draws with straight crooked lines. Richard Scheenstra
SUNDAY IS…
LOVE IS… SUNDAY MORNING
SUNDAY IS FOR CUDDLING
SUNDAY IS GREAT FOR MEDITATION IN NATURE
Mother - daughter Book challenge
Books are great tools to teach your child life lessons, spark a taste for adventure and expand their creativity by reading captivating stories. To get an idea of what I’m talking about, I’ve picked two stories that will help your daughter express her creativity and help you learn how to your daughter on her journey to womanhood. Just be mindful of the fact that the experience needs to bring you closer in understanding and supporting each other. HAVE FUN!
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24
by Boni Ashburn tells the story of a little black girl who doesn’t want to part ways with her favorite dress. Instead of giving the dress away or throwing it out, her mom decides to re-purpose the dress into a ruffly shirt, tank top, skirt, scarf, pair of socks and finally, a hair bow.
Does your child have a favorite clothing item that they do not want to part ways with? If so, your child in creating their own DIY project by re-purposing that clothing item.
In Jane O’Connor’s , Fancy Nancy wants to buy herself a lace fan, but finds herself with limited funds. She decides to take matters in her own hands, by selling some of her old gowns and accessories in her front yard!
Bring this book to life by your fashionista in opening her own fabulous fashion boutique! Embrace your child’s perspective and creativity in selling her fabulous outfits!
Share @ Mariëlle Facebook community Inspire us with your experience. We would LOVE to see your pictures and videos!
mind
25
Equipping your It’s not
serious!
The grass isn’t greener
Wanting the best for your child, is something that all parents share. And that’s why we go out of our way to provide for our children. We give them the things that we believe they cannot and should not live without. But while we’re trying to make their future comfortable, we shouldn’t forget to stop and smell the roses. Helping our children prepare for their future is important, but so is being a child. Just think about it, our fondest childhood memory with our parents do not involve planning our future. Our fondest moments involve our parents having their full attention on us.
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There are times when you feel like the Jones’ are doing something better and bigger than you are. Looking at other people’s lives can be very inspiring and might teach you a new trick or two, but it becomes a problem when you’re constantly comparing your life to theirs. Instead of worrying about how you’re going to finance your next over-the-top family vacation, concentrate on the things that are important to you and your children.
child for life You fall and get back up Showing your child how to deal with failure is one of the most valuable lessons that you can teach them. Life is filled with twists and turns., and it is important for child to know that failure isn’t just a part of life, but they have what it takes to recover from it. Providing your child with the tools to recover from disappointing situations helps them understand the importance of communication, healing and forgiveness. Not just towards the other party but also for themselves. Failing is not the end of the story, it’s just one chapter in their life.
Share with the MariĂŤlle Facebook community
mind
27
Visionaries
This issue’s visionary is Sister Idya. She is a kemetic yoga instructor, founder of A Breath of Fresh Air and co-founder of The Library of Hope.
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What is the Library of Hope? Library of Hope is a resource center, a place that provides a space for educational activities, retreats, and workshops that are supported by initiatives designed to cultivate creative and critical thinking skills for black learners throughout the Diaspora.
Why did you start Library of Hope? As my action statement for the 21st century and beyond, The Library of Hope will create a sense of educational equity, cultural awareness, and racial uplift for diverse learners in the Caribbean region of Jamaica. It is a symbolic gesture of my love for community building via engagements with the arts, technology, social justice, and human rights issues concerning women and children of color.
What is your vision for Library of Hope? My vision for the Library of Hope is that one day it will be known as a collaborative center for educators, artists, and writers who willingly share their insight and expertise with at-promise youths who are striving in at-risk situations as a result of colonization.
Where is Library of Hope located? The Library of Hope is located in the lush hills of Lethe, Jamaica. It is about 15 minutes from the Montego Bay airport.
mind
29
How can people come into contact with you and your organization?
People can contact us via email libraryofhopejamaica@gmail.com or our Facebook and Instagram page. We also encourage people to visit our GoFundme page to follow our progress as well as to donate to http://www.gofundme.com/8avt2w
Why should people get involved? People should get involved because this is history in the making as it supports the cause for advancing the education of black learners throughout the Diaspora. All of the programs including our community outreach initiatives promote and develop literacy and technology skills and are aligned with the standards of education. People should get involve because the Library of Hope is a grass roots project that is not funded by any government assistance. I took my life savings an invested everything as means to see the manifestation of the Library of Hope. I am filled with kujichagulia (self-determination), nia (purpose), and imani (faith), in spite of the bumps that we have encountered along the way.
mind
30
To fund this project, you started an
online fundraiser. Why did you choose this medium?
We chose this platform because it offers an online venue for the world to see our mission and hopefully support our cause. It provided us with a platform that allows others to follow our progress as well as a link for those interested in supporting our cause. We are getting ready to launch our T-shirt Drive for the Library of Hope through another online platform. I am excited about this because people will have an opportunity to own a piece of the Library of Hope in addition to sharing the message about our project in Jamaica.
How has the response been towards this project?
The response towards our project was really good at the beginning but seems to have come to a lull as a result of utilizing Facebook as our only platform for advertising. That is why for 2015 we are seeking other social media outlets to get our message out to the people and hopefully support.
mind
31
How can people come into contact with you and your organization?
People can contact us via email libraryofhopejamaica@gmail.com or our Facebook and Instagram page. We also encourage people to visit our GoFundme page to follow our progress as well as to donate to http://www.gofundme.com/8avt2w
Why should people get involved? People should get involved because this is history in the making as it supports the cause for advancing the education of black learners throughout the Diaspora. All of the programs including our community outreach initiatives promote and develop literacy and technology skills and are aligned with the standards of education. People should get involve because the Library of Hope is a grass roots project that is not funded by any government assistance. I took my life savings an invested everything as means to see the manifestation of the Library of Hope. I am filled with kujichagulia (self-determination), nia (purpose), and imani (faith), in spite of the bumps that we have encountered along the way.
mind
32
To fund this project, you started an
online fundraiser. Why did you choose this medium?
We chose this platform because it offers an online venue for the world to see our mission and hopefully support our cause. It provided us with a platform that allows others to follow our progress as well as a link for those interested in supporting our cause. We are getting ready to launch our T-shirt Drive for the Library of Hope through another online platform. I am excited about this because people will have an opportunity to own a piece of the Library of Hope in addition to sharing the message about our project in Jamaica.
How has the response been towards this project?
The response towards our project was really good at the beginning but seems to have come to a lull as a result of utilizing Facebook as our only platform for advertising. That is why for 2015 we are seeking other social media outlets to get our message out to the people and hopefully support.
mind
33
When do you think that Library of
Hope will be able to open its doors to the public?
Originally the Library of Hope was to open up by April 2015 but due to some financial setbacks experienced in Jamaica we are now striving for April 2016.
What’s the legacy you’re trying to leave for the future generations?
The inheritance of my legacy that I am leaving for future generations is for them to plant seeds of empowerment, love, and accountability with each other and may we never forget that “what (we) you do today affects (our)your tomorrow”. The dynamics of culture is prevalent where ever we are and even more prevalent in today’s diverse learning environments. In depicting the Library of Hope as a tool for teaching, learning, and leading, a gateway is provided for educators, artists, and writers to affirm their strengths and capacities for educational change.
mind
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“The Library of Hope will forever strive to cultivate effective dispositions, knowledge,
and skills that will allow us to stand tall
as we rekindle and walk with the greatness of our ancestors. Live, Dream, and Do.� Sis. Idya
mind
35
The
42
principles of Ma’at Last year I became acquainted with a friend who taught me a lot about African spirituality and Kemetism. One of the things that I have really come to appreciate are the 42 principles of Ma’at. According to the ancient Egyptian belief system, Ma’at is the deity of order, peace, harmony and love. And these divine principles are found in her 42 laws. Often times people who practice Kemetism will recite her laws in the morning and evening as a form of meditation. Even though I do not recite her divine laws on a regular basis, I can definitely see how her laws make you aware of your actions throughout the day.
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I. honor virtue 2. I benefit with gratitude 3. I am peaceful 4. I respect the property of others 5. I affirm that all life is sacred 6. I give offerings that are genuine 7. I live in truth 8. I regard all altars with respect 9. I speak with sincerity 10. I consume only my fair share 11. I offer words of good intent 12. I relate in peace 13. I honor animals with reverence 14. I can be trusted 15. I care for the earth 16. I keep my own council 17. I speak positively of others 18. I remain in balance with my emotions 19. I am trustful in my relationships 20. I hold purity in high esteem 21. I spread joy 22. I do the best I can
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23. I communicate with compassion 24. I listen to opposing opinions 25. I create harmony 26. I invoke laughter 27. I am open to love in various forms 28. I am forgiving 29. I am kind 30. I act respectfully of others 31. I am accepting 32. I follow my inner guidance 33. I converse with awareness 34. I do good 35. I give blessings 36. I keep the waters pure 37. I speak with good intent 38. I praise the Goddess and the God 39. I am humble 40. I achieve with integrity 41. I advance through my own abilities 42. I embrace the All
Serenity & I Coming full circle‌
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38
N
ot too long after my husband and I started dating, my husband asked me if I’d be willing to move to the US with him. With my family living nearby, it wasn’t an easy decision to make. However, when you’ve seen (too) many romantic comedies - as I have moving across the world for love is super romantic and the ultimate love declaration! So I said yes! About 6 years later my husband’s paperwork was in order, and it was time for part 1 of the immigration process to begin: The hubster and our daughter were moving to the US! The day that we’d been looking forward to for so many years, had finally come. But it wasn’t half as euphoric as we had imagined. Personally, I’ve categorized it as ! My heart has been beating outside its chest for the past two years. And there isn’t a day that goes by that doesn’t hurt. Missing your
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peoples is not an easy pill to swallow. It’s harsh and it feels pretty inhumane. But it has also taught me many lessons. One is that I’m definitely stronger than I thought I was. Living within the confines of your comfort zone doesn’t show you just how strong you are. Now, I’m not trying to rack up emotional bodybuilding points, but it’s true. It’s not until you hit hot water that you find out what you’re made of. And I needed to know that I was strong. When my husband and daughter left, I was under emotional construction. But I wouldn’t have made half the decisions I’ve made, if we weren’t in this situation. This situation forced me to stand on my two feet. You cannot whine about changing,. you’ve got to change. And with no family to take care of, it was time for me to embrace it and take care of myself. The second lesson I learned, was that it’s never as bad as you think it is. Perspective is everything! Looking at your situation and being upset at what you don’t have, will never bring you what you do want. No matter how many tears I cry, it will not make an immigration officer work any harder. I need to wait my turn just like everyone else. And while I’m waiting, I might as well
I’ve been able to make room for acceptance and surrender. And I’ve come to appreciate simplicity. Making things (seem) complicated is wonderful for when you’re wallowing in self pity, but it’s hell when you’re actually trying to grow and develop. When you’re trying to grow, simplicity is your BFF! Keeping it simple doesn’t mean not caring, it just means that you accept yourself or a situation for what it is, and you stop hoping that things could be Which brings me to lesson number different. three. I’ve learned that you cannot truly live unless you’re free. In the My life isn’t the same as it used to Kemetic religion, there is a goddess be. And even though I miss having whose name is Ma’at. Ma’at is the my family with me, it’s okay. I have ancient Egyptian (Kemetic) concept a new reality now. And when I open of truth, balance, order, law, moral- my eyes to see the beauty of the ity, and justice. And her symbol is present, I’m actually able to enjoy the feather. The story behind this, the ride. Accepting reality can seem is that when you’ve passed away, harsh, but in actuality, it makes Ma’at would weigh your heart to a room for new and beautiful experifeather. If you’re heart was as light ences. It was when I was able to or lighter than a feather you had let go of the past, accept what is, lived a good and righteous life. and surrender to the unknown, that And that’s pretty much what you I was able to step into a state of should be striving for. When your serenity. heart is light, you’re able to make decisions that enhance your life. Imagine that, there’s a whole new Living light is not a matter of world outside of my hurt. And it’s happiness, it’s a matter of being beautiful! aware and making conscious decisions that impact you and you community in a positive and meaningful way. make it count for something. You are never going to have the opportunity to get this current moment back. Why waste it on being a wallowing, narrow minded mess? Knowing you’re strong is not just about enduring a difficult situation, it’s about truly living in the face of adversity. Life goes on, put your big girl panties on and make it a story worth telling your grand kids about!
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Talking spiritual growth with author, therapist and spiritual healer Cynette Applewhite
body
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I am light… These are the words to one of my favorite songs and the words that I hope my children will be able to express about themselves. As a mother I try my best to provide my daughter with an environment where she can see herself as an individual entity, connected with the world. I want her to know that she’s not me, she’s not her family, nor the idea that society has of her. She’s her own person and at the core of who she is, she is light. I want her to find an identity in spirituality. One derived from personal experiences rather than someone telling her who she is. It’s not me telling her that we believe a certain thing, but that she sees that people can believe something different than her, without it becoming an either/other situation. From the day I found out that we were expecting, I’ve been trying to find ways to provide her with the wisdom that would get her to that space of enlightenment. As I have changed, my ideas have become more clear. During a conversation with Cynette Applewhite, she showed me a picture of what I had envisioned. Cynette is a therapist, author of three books and a spiritual healer. She’s a sweet and calm soul with a beautiful smile. And I got to sit down with her and have her explain to me how she’s able to incorporate her children in what she believes to be true. She was raised for several years by her grandparents in the bayous of Moorhead, Mississippi. In the time that she lived with them she learned a lot about their spiritual practices. Her great grandmother was a Native American and her great grandfather was from Ghana. She says “the way I practice my African spirituality now, is mainly because of the example they gave me. I would see my grandparents do things, and follow their example. My grandparents didn’t tell me this is what we do or tell me that I needed to do something a certain way.” And that is exactly how she teaches her children. Here are some things that I learned from Cynette that I think might be of value to you.
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Teachable moments
“When I first started out in behavioral therapy, I had to work with adolescent sex offenders. I would have them tell me the story of the perpetration as a way to help them release the hurt and shame. And even though each story is different, they all had one thing in common: they hide and sneak when they are going to perpetrate. While telling me that part of the story, I would stop them and ask them why it was that they would sneak and hide when they were about to perpetrate. And they would always say because they knew it was wrong. What is transpiring in that moment is the communication with their God self. I always isolate that moment of decision to show them that they have the power to make a different decision and to show them the divine connection between them and God. ‘Cause God was telling them not to do it.” And that’s how Cynette teaches her son. “You have to catch those moments when the spirit is talking to them.”
Teaching character
Cynette explains that her mother is the newest Christian in their family and likes to take her son to church. She says that she does not see that as being in conflict with that she believes, because the teachings of truth correlate with the teaching of yoga. For instance the teachings of good character is found in both traditions. “So we can take out what we want to use.” She tells about her son being stuck on the story about Jesus sowing seeds in good ground. She teaches him that Jesus was a great man, the son of God, and that he is too. She wants him to know that impeccable character is attainable if you can see it in your mind. Each morning they do affirmations, and one of her son’s affirmations says “I am like God”. Her son tells her that he’s like God because he creates his day and then he goes on and says what plans he has for the day. And they do that every single morning.
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Conflicting beliefs
She says: “For me I never felt that going to church was in conflict with my beliefs. I believe that we’re all one. That we are all reflections of one another. And that’s what I teach my son. I constantly remind him that the only thing that separates us from each other, is our bodies. If our body weren’t, we would all be one.” To clarify this she gives an example of water. She said “if you put water in 3 different glasses and then poor them into one container, they’ll become one body of water again.”
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Identity Now that her son is in public school and is communicating with children that have different views, gets the opportunity to share his views and vice versa. When he’s had one of these experiences, he comes home and asks her about it. But she’s not concerned about that, because she aware that this type of conversation will happen each year. She knows that he will have challenges and questions from others, but they will discuss them as they come up. She translates this concept in a simple and childlike manner that he can understand by explaining to him that he might like the color yellow and Sally might like the color red, but that they can still be friends. This gives him something to fall back on when he finds himself in a similar situation. “People don’t have to change just to get along.“
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Maturity Cynette has a friend whose kids are older. And this particular friend is from Africa. When her friend’s daughters were in middle school and high school they sometimes didn’t want her to come out of the car when she wore her gele. Now that they’re in college they tell their mom that they like Ifa. They say: “I like knowing who I am and where I come from. This is my culture.” So they went through the different stages. She goes on to say that she’s not attached to who her son becomes. She want him to be a good person, a healthy and whole person. As long as his character is good and he’s a happy, emotionally balanced man. She wants him to be a black man who’s going to contribute to his family, community and nation. And not just a black nation. We are humanity and must contribute to everybody, this is what she tells him. And she reminds him that his loyalty is first of all to The Black Nation.
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SPIRITUAL
GR
spirit
O 48
WT
TH Growing spiritually, means feeding yourself with the things that will strenghthen your spirit. The Bible talks about the fruits of the spirit that should be evident if you’re living ‘right’. In order to be in that space of mind, it’s important that you surround yourself with those things that bring you into that
space of mind. One way to do this, is by listening to certain types of music. For me, India Arie and Erykha Badu are my persons of interest. Their music is positive, inspirational and spiritual. That’s why I would like to share the words that have inspired me these past months.
I am not the pieces of the brokenness inside I am not the mistakes I’ve made. I am light. India Arie I Am Light
I’ve found strength, courage and wisdom. It’s been inside me all along. India Arie strength, courage & wisdom
I picks my friends like I pick my fruit And Granny told me that when I was only a youth I don't walk around trying to be what I'm not I don't waste my time trying ta get what you got I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you and that's why I do what I do My soul flies free like a willow tree doo wee doo wee do wee Erykha Badu Apple Tree
Photo by: Michael Ryu
Bag lady you goin' hurt your back Draggin' all 'em bags like that I guess nobody ever told you All you must hold on to Is you, is you, is you Erykha Badu Bag lady
I took a swim In the sea of guilt and misery To find myself in an island In the middle of nowhere In my solitude I asked to know the highest truth And what I was told Is to let own self be true. India arie wings of forgiveness
Love of my life You are my friend Love of my life I can depend Love of my life Without you, baby It feels like a simple true love Erykha Badu love of my life
Upcoming theme & deadline April ‘15
Theme: Black womanhood Deadline: 31 March ‘15
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