Preparation for A Powerful Year!

(Rise - M Borgella,for info on artist and purchase click pic)

(Rise - M Borgella,for info on artist and purchase click pic)

As the year comes to a close I always ask myself what are the lessons I have learned? What is it that I accomplished? How were my prayers answered? What am I grateful for? Its good to just take stock and be thankful.

Today, I continue to think of ways that I can achieve my goals and create balance in my life. I know this year I want to focus on relationships. I saw this year where I needed to make changes and now I am ready to cultivate new relationships. I sense there are many kindred Spirits who are also looking for connects that are healthy, uplifting and peaceful.

Life is alchemy and so I want to put myself in the best position to benefit from the powerfulness of the Universe. I have decided to embark on a "40 Day Intimate Portrait of Change". I will consist of fasting, prayer, meditation, creativity, journaling and manifestation. I was researching the significance of the number 40 this morning and found that it a number of tests, trials, meditation, reflection and chastisement. Often one is on a "hero's journey" or I will call it a "Goddess' Journey" to find victory or to achieve a goal. The result of stories with the significant number 40 is victory, resurrection, reconstruction, renewal and transformation. So, with all that in mind I have decided that this 40 day Intimate Portrait of Change will be my journey to a new expanded way of living in complete abundance! Exciting!

I will record my progress on this blog...I will share some of my practices and processes. I begin on New Year's Day! If you want to join me in your own style of a 40 Day Intimate Portrait of Change then please share your thoughts on your own progress and what you have decided to do to bring in a fuller and more vibrant New Year.

Numerology

While I was researching the number 40 I ran across this site that explained how to figure out your own numerology power numbers - Serena's Guide to Numerology Its a quick and fun way to see what is in store for the new year. My 2010 year is a "1" year for me - meaning New Beginnings, new opportunities! Exciting!!!

Lunar Calendars

Don't forget to get your comments in for the Lunar Calendar Give-a-way!! I thank all those SistahGoddesses that have contributed! I love giving stuff away so look out for more gifting.

Well, off to my organizing and cleaning out closet and files!!!

Hugs,
Sis. Camara

Showing Up To Life...

I think most the problems we encounter as humans on this planet would be solved if we got over FEAR...It seems like fear just drives people to do the most insane and unloving things and all that just causes a lot of hurt and suffering.

I can tell the times in my life where I was fearful because I am cleaning up the mess today from those fearful decisions. I can sit here and blame stuff on a whole bunch of "no-good whatmacallits" but in the end I have to be responsible. Often I would run from problems and just allow them to "solve themselves" but problems can be like little children - if someone does not guide them then Lord only knows what you gonna get AND you know who gets blamed "the Mama of the problems".

You know Sistahs today demonstrated to me that it is never too late to solve a problem or to change a situation. If you don't like something then SHOW UP and change it! Once you show up you will see the doors of the Universe just open wide in response. The sad secret is that no one is going to more motivated to fix your life than you - I don't care how much you pay them, how often you kiss them or how hard to work for them. It does not mean that people don't like to help but the MOTIVATION to CHANGE YOUR LIFE is ALL YOU!

Do you know back in the day when someone said "Go to hell!" folks would get scared cause words are power. If you are tired of being broken down, puttin' out this fire and that fire, robbing "Peter to pay Paul" then curse the drama to hell where it belongs cause it is causing you to live hell on this earth. I am not a woman that thinks there is honor is suffering -bump that! Life is for VICTORY and if you are not in an environment where the victorious can live free then you know what to do!

Today, my Ancestors told me to SHOW UP! Take action! I did and I see a way now that I never saw...

Sis. C

Lunar Calendar Gift!

Greetings Sistahs,

I wanted to turn you all on to a lunar calendar that I been ordering for some years now from a wombyn at Snake&Snake Productions. I have mentioned in past posts that a Sistah's cycle is partnered with the moon. I remember reading somewhere that if your cycle is healthy it will follow the phases of the moon...from the waxing to full to waning. I also believe that early notions of times and dates where informed by women's cycles.

There is definitely more to learn on our lunar connection and more is to come... I currently find this calendar useful for plotting dates of my cycle - you can color in the moon for that important date. You can also just note the days that you feel powerful, a little low or just as happy as can be! Use it as YOUR TOOL!

The sizes vary that are available. the 8.5 X 11 could work for sticking in your journal or I got the 11 X 14 for placing on my altar. The price is very reasonable and I always get mine quickly. Try to get yours before the 15th of January so you can participate on some the exercises and workshops that are coming up on SistahGoddess blogspot.

Orders can be placed online or on the phone. http://www.snakeandsnake.com/lunar.htm

Description:

full size of 8.5" x 11", shows every night's lunar phase, new and full moon times, the moon's astrological sign, solstices and equinoxes, and eclipse information. Blank inside, envelopes are included with three or more cards. The card comes folded in half, so it fits into the 6" x 9" envelope. Both cards and envelopes on recycled paper. Please do not photocopy.
The times for the New and Full moons are in Eastern Standard Time (EST, -5:00 GMT)
$2.25 each for 1-2 cards, plus postage
$1.75 each for 3-11 cards, plus postage
$1.50 each for a dozen or more cards, plus postage

MY SPECIAL NEW YEAR GIFT:
SEVEN special SisthGoddess readers will receive a Snake & Snake Productions Lunar Calendar just for being the GODDESSES you ARE!!! Just write a response to this post answering the following question:

What Goddess (female deity, etc...) do you connect with and why?

The top 7 answers will receive a 2010 Lunar calendar in the mail! I will let those lucky SistahGoddesses know who they are January 1st!!!!

Hugs,
Sis. Camara

A NEW LOOK! A New Year!

Greetings Sistahs and Brothas!

I have been out of the blog scene for some time just re-adjusting to my new life and ALL is well and fabulous! I have been thinking about this blog for the last couple of months and I wanted to continue to grow it and expand it as I do the same. I got a recent message from a reader wanting to know if I was going to write again and I just knew I was!

For me, this blog has been about my process mostly and last year I wanted to share more of what other Sistahs were doing - now I have added to that focus...It is my desire to write more about healing modalities, traditional wisdom and tools that I encounter on my own personal journey. I believe there are many resources and practices out there that are helpful. Sistahs, there is work that still needs to be done so why not use the tools at your disposal to make LIFE HAPPEN...

My goal is to write everyday; connect with the never ending abundance of SistahGoddesses on the Planet and Live In Spirit!

I am putting out a call to any Sistahs who want to link to this blog or feature their work.

Give me your feedback on the new look. Your thoughts are always appreciated. Thanks to those readers that have friended me on Facebook!

Peace,
Sis. C

Herbal Soap Making Class - ATL

Hello Sistahs,
If you are like me, the New Year is always the perfect time to think of learning something new or maybe taking the next step towards a dream. I have always thought it would be nice to learn how to make beautiful handmade soaps.

My dear friend Herb Sistah Eshe Riviears is putting together her next herbal soap making class:



The Herb Lady has new classes coming up at her new "Wholistic Life Center"....Email us for your copy of the schedule...or call us at (770) 787-4352

2nd Wednesdays Lecture at the office of Dr. Nevorn Askari at 11:30am and 6:30pm (Wednesday, January 13th, 2010).
1836 Second Ave, Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 687-3351

Don't forget to send a Sistah a sample or two :)!

Victory!

Sistahs, I know I have been caught up in my personal affairs and have not blogged in a while...sorry AND I am back! I have been a part of some phenomenal Sistah Circles in the last four months and the power of these women working together on prosperity and personal growth has rocketed me!

I asked Spirit to take the taste of lack, mediocrity and fear out of my life and replace it with the unyielding, uncompromising zest for life. NO LONGER am I attracted to less than what I desire or deserve AND this takes a certain boldness. I use to be a "good gurl" one who didn't want to rock the boat, one who went with the flow when the flow was not going my way. I feel now like I have a chance (once again) at a NEW LIFE. Sistahs sit back and think about the last time you felt that way.

I say to imagine the scenario without failure - imagine all the YES of life reaching up and flowering in your abundance. This can happen.

I got an email today that in short said "Don't Give Up!" I have to tell you before I reached my most recent goal I was crying the day before-ready to just throw in the towel and it was when I released my own understanding over to Spirit that I was released from my own lack consciousness - it was like a "click". Suddenly events fell into place and I saw I had always been blessed - kinda like when Dorothy was told she had the shoes on that would take her home the whole time.

Mama Yaa said to me one time, "I want to hear the stories about the victories!" Yes, we need to come forth gushing when we have (wo)manifested our goals and our dreams - cause it is contagious! When you succeed and share someone around you is zapped with that same energy to do the same. They see the possibility of a new life too!

So Sistahs (and Brothas), be in your fullness. Wear the CROWN -don't be afraid to shine.

Hugs,
Sistah C

Puja: Offerings of Self Love

I have been re-reading a favorite book of mine called Mastery of Love by don Miguel Ruiz (he also wrote the Four Agreements). don Miguel is so down to earth - he puts the subject of "love" in a simple, logical context so that the reader can understand the illusions that often get called love.

I decided to re-read his writing because I have been contemplating love - not necessarily "romantic" love but love of self as a way to cultivate and share love with another. I recently turned 40 and I realize that something is quieting within me - I am coming to peace with myself. I am more gentle with myself and I am more accepting of myself...I will quietly admit that I have been "courting" myself with the hopes that I find a true love that exists only inside of me.

don Miguel speaks of learning to honor and love one's self by offering Puja. Puja is a Hindu and Buddhist of making an offering to God at a shrine. don Miguel suggests that one should make offers to the self - such as flowers, good food, a bath...I remember when my son was young I would wake up an hour early in the morning and take candle lit baths wit herbal tea. I would sit in the water and meditate with a clear mind - simply happy to be present with the peace of the morning. This is Puja.

Each of us beings are a shrine - we are houses for the holy Spirit and our unique gift to the world is in our purpose. Lately, I have been releasing the things that I can not change and embracing those things I can change - it has allowed me to be grateful for the presence of Spirit in my life.

"Your life is the manifestation of your dream; it is an art. And you can change your life anytime if you aren't enjoying the dream. Dream masters create a masterpiece of life; they control the dream by making choices." - don Miguel Ruiz

Ps. Tomorrow is a solar eclipse. For many it will signal big positive changes for some it will signal sudden big changes. Take this time in stride, know that what ever occurs has been the final result a cumulative event. The eclipse is a perfect time to go deeply into prayer and other spiritual endeavors. Take care.

Peace,
Sis C

Divine Love

I have been in several conversations lately about Love - Sistahs and Love...who we love, how we love, the kind of love we deserve and who deserves our love...If you read popular magazines the speak of Sistahs being doomed to being alone in live or that there are just not enough men out there...I think this was one of the main reason I stop reading certain magazines targeted towards Sistahs because they sent out this false story of shortage and lack.

I read in my prosperity book that it is not enough to simply affirm abundance into your life you must RADIATE that which you desire. The outer part is a reflection of the inner part...I feel like after a long time of inner reflection I am preparing myself for divine love AND it is not an easy job. Coming out of an abusive relationship the main thing I have had to learn again was how to trust myself - how to trust the me through my God given consciousness and intuition to choose and allow the right mate into my life. This process has required me to get real still - real silent so I can hear Spirit's voice clearly. Everyday Spirit advises me to look within - heal within and the perfect mate will recognize you and you him.

If you talk to a variety of Sistahs you will get a vast amount of philosophies on how to find the perfect mate. I say lift up your heart to Spirit and ask first what you need to do to clear the way -then surrender to peace and know it is love - divine love.

The Creator...

Oh so many things have happened since I last posted...life changing things. The prayer circle that wrote about in my last post has been this powerful force to crack open dormant things that have blocked my expansion. In addition to that 12 days ago I decided to fast then cleanse on just fresh fruit and vegetables until I was calm within. I realize that food for me was a way to quiet my emotions and feelings. I did not really gain weight but I was heavy with indigestion - my stomach was always upset so I fasted. Lately, I actually feel all those "hidden" emotions - the pain, the fear, the resentment, the rage - yes, I have those feelings yet somehow I had been treating them with desserts, sweetness and caffeine. With my meditation practice I know see these feelings come and slowly leave. I have never really had a fast like this...

Yesterday, I was just so frustrated -at what I don't even know and it occurred to me that I was cleansing something out. Today, I just took a day of silence with myself and I contemplated my art again. I asked myself what is it that I truly desire for my future? This question really came about when Michael Jackson died because he was an icon of my generation. I grew up with him like a brother. I saw him grow up literally in the public eye. I saw plainly that he suffered and it was almost as if his genius was a blessing and a curse AND he lived his life fulfilling his destiny. So, for me his death spark a deep question of purpose and destiny within me.

A friend was mentioning to me an oracle called the Osho Zen and I found a site that allows you to pick a card of the day and today's card was THE CREATOR. The card said:

There are two types of creators in the world. One type of creator works with objects - a poet, a painter, they work with objects, they create things. The other type of creator, the mystic, creates himself. He doesn't work with objects, he works with the subject; he works on himself, his own being. And he is the real creator, the real poet, because he makes himself into a masterpiece.

You are carrying a masterpiece hidden within you, but you are standing in the way. Just move aside, then the masterpiece will be revealed. Everyone is a masterpiece, because God never gives birth to anything less than that. Everyone carries that masterpiece hidden for many lives, not knowing who they are and just trying on the surface to become someone.

Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it. God himself has created you; you cannot be improved.

Yes, it is time for me to face my process and realize I can either create my life from within manifesting outward OR outward manifesting inward. I realize my thoughts have always been on what it takes to be this or that instead of allowing myself to be that which I am...

I say all this to realize that true change is like what Octavia Butler says, "...it's God" I can't pray for something or a circumstance without God changing me first. It is the beauty of life.

Where Two or More Are Gathered...

Sistahs,
I started to write a post this morning and Spirit stopped me told me to "have faith in God rather than man". I saw through out the day how much faith I put in others and how often I am picking over this or that when all that ever really matters is the TRUTH of what I am seeking...People (you, I and others) are forever growing and expanding we can not be the same in any one moment - the physiology of our being is always shedding one thing and growing another...our minds are learning, changing...how can we be the same...Spirit gives us free will to grow in the way we need to grow, to honor our divine process and live in alignment with our highest good.

In the last few weeks different Sistah friends have expressed a need to expand on our vision of prosperity with a prayer circle. I was open to it and tonite a few of us got together. It was so POWERFUL - so RIGHT! I sat in front of my altar as we spoke, declared and wo-manifested our desires. I feel so new and at peace that I had to share it with you Sistahs! We are so much more than we understand - and when we are concentrated on a fixed purpose -we are tapping into the realm of God, Goddess, Creator Spirit.

It was said tonite that when we partake in union with Spirit we are delighting ourselves in the realm of God. This delight - this state of being is where we receive the direct revelation of truth. So Sistahs, take the time - 5 minutes, 10 minutes, an hour - even if it is just in the bathroom while in the shower to give thanks, gratitude and acknowledge of the indwelling Spirit as the Source of All Your Good! See how this time of delighting in Creator - shapes your day.

My Prayer
Spirit I appreciate your presence in my life.
I know I was born divinely blessed and always favored.
I allow myself to recognize the greatness of who I am
by simply inviting Spirit to be my one and only Source.
No person, no place and no condition has power over me -
no man/woman is greater than me - for I am the first born
of the Mother/Father God and I receive the divine inheritance
promised to me before I was placed in my mother's womb!
I TAKE DOMINION IN MY LIFE!
I know this moment marks a new day, a new way!
Cleanse my mind from the thought that any human is more powerful
than the Spirit that has created me!
I drink from the cup of God, I bathe in the water of Spirit
This is the TRUTH of MY LIFE!
I give my gratitude, my service and my thanks.
Ashe, A-wombyn, Amen!

A Powerful Energy!

Sistahs! Right NOW is such an important time! I believe that a "cosmic portal" is now open for us to CHANGE OUR LIVES if it is what we want. I began to realize this when I found out about a couple of business opportunities. Both opportunities have the potential to create cash flow - however there is some risk involved. The risk is a HIGH INVESTMENT but surprisingly the investment is not monetary instead it is has to do with creating a CONSCIOUSNESS that would allow SUCCESS TO ENTER INTO MY LIFE. I am attracted to any process that challenges me to grow my prosperity consciousness so I INVESTED in both ventures. It has been a short period of time and I have been doing really well. I can actually see that in very little time I will be very successful.

Creating true financial freedom is like taking a journey on the underground railroad. I can imagine that a Sistah has to be like SistahGoddess Harriet Tubman - striking out on your own at first because no one was prepared to go on the journey that seemed "crazy or unattainable" - however once SistahGoddess Harriet Tubman made it she went back to get others to freedom. Some of the folks she helped she had to pull a gun on because they wanted to give up in the middle of the journey and return to slavery. She would remind them that there was no turning back - giving up would endanger them all.

Life is funny - many of us would swear up and down and we want financial freedom but we won't take the risk that is involved to achieve such an endeavor. We won't start the business or complete the project... A friend reminded me that "freedom is never given..." The world is changing from an industrial work model to an idea/information model. It is no longer a reality that a Sistah will work just one job in her life and expect to retire from that job. It is even more of a reality that the way banks and other financial institutions use to operate is no longer the case - every institution is restructuring -reconfiguring and Sistah - so is society. More millionaires were made during the depression than in any other time. Why? Because two people can look at the same situation and see two different things - one Sistah can see a recession and the other Sistah can see an opportunity to CHANGE HER LIFE!

If you have done the 40 Day Prosperity plan with me you know that aligning your consciousness with abundance is a 24/7 job. The reason why is that your mind is like fertile ground - if you plant weeds that is what will grow - if you plant flowers of prosperity that is what will wo-manifest. Watching the news or reading the news will cancel out your hard work because it confirms a negative reality. I went downstairs for a moment and my mother was flipping through channels on the daytime tv and every other channel had people engaged in an argument, fist fighting, women brawling on a talk show and I thought to myself, "why would you expose your mind to these images?"

True change many times requires a radical shift in mindset. I watched an old Les Brown clip where he said "Many people are dissatisfied with their life because they engage in low-risk living." Success requires you to take some risk. When I was in a marriage with my finances being controlled - my life being controlled basically - I had to believe in myself enough to take a risk and leave behind a life that was materially ok but emotionally and physically abusive. I had to re-remember that I had accomplished many things before I got married and that I could do THAT AND MORE - so MUCH MORE when I was free. I have always loved the title to Alice Walker's book 'You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down.' It is true.

Sistahs over the last few weeks I have been keeping the company of some powerful women. I have been invited to Sistah Circles where life changing processes are the call of the day! Things are happening AND now is the time to open your mind to receive the information, resources and messages that will help you realize your visions.

Lets Walk Together in a New Light!
Peace,
Sistah C
PS. Have you ever listen to Ricki Byars Beckwith's cd? I really like this one! I think she has another cd out now but this one is beautiful. I always like this picture of her. She and her husband Michael Beckwith is in Atlanta this week for their church's conference called Revelations.

The Gift of Motherhood: Creativity and Presence

After some powerful weeks of wo-manifestation in the area of work, career and wealth building last week everything came to a slow crawl. I was still doing what I was doing a few weeks ago but the results this week seemed to be hidden. The same thing happened to me a month ago and this time I didn't freak out - instead I decided to do something different and just watch myself. I was like an anthropologist studying myself in my own environment. I watched carefully as I would stress over a perceived lack of something, I would see myself wanting to close down, judge myself and others or I would watch myself try to "hold on" to the "little" I perceived I had.

I now know through careful observation that working to free my consciousness of blocks of limitation and lack is a full time job. I will admit that I was raised to let lack drive my need to succeed in life - to use fear of "not having enough" as a motivator. This formula on how to live was not passed down out of malicious intent but out of survival however it goes against the natural law of the Creator which is divine abundance. Everything about who we are signals that we are born with the full blessing of prosperity - if this was not the case we would not be living right here in this moment.

Tonite, it came to me that I had not been feeding one of my internal flowers - the flower of creativity. I had been so engrossed in "making dollars and doing business" that I realized that the things that meant a lot to me were suffering. It took Mother's Day to realize that Spirit was asking me to slow down to be present in my motherhood and my creativity. You see motherhood is the powerful expression of the Creator Goddess/God's power of creativity expressed through us...If you have ever given birth before you know what it is like to look down at your newborn and be in awe of the miracle of giving birth. I am not sure if there is anything like this experience?

For weeks I had been burning rubber - going to meetings here and there. One night after meeting some friends from out of town my car broke down. I knew it was not a serious thing about the car because it happened right at a signal light in front of gas station with tow truck right behind me -what are the chances of all of this happening at once?? So, I spoke with Spirit and said "Ok, you want me to stay home. So, what is there at home I need to do?" Immediately, I thought it was some unfinished business project but no - because suddenly all my clients could not work on their projects because of various personal reasons. I sat back and thought "Ok, what do I need to do?" Then I got on the phone and tried to grow my business by getting more clients but this like wading through thick mud...Finally, I got it was not business. The whole time I had been crazy on my business my son kept coming in my office and saying, "Mom, I want this or Mom, I was thinking about this..." and sadly as I realized that I had been telling my son, "Not now! I am busy." OR "Let me just finish this." OR "Just make yourself something to eat, I have to get this done."
It was clear that Spirit was like "WAKE UP!" It was like I need this clarity to realize that what was missing was being fully present in my son's life and that IS true prosperity - not running after dollars 24 hours a day. Yes, I need to work but there is a thing called balance. As single parent I have this "old story" that I have to sacrifice because I am a one parent household - so I can't do this or that...but tonite I watched this clip from Lisa Nichols (I posted it to the right in Sistah Media on the blog). In the clip she was working with a Sistah who wanted to make some deep changes in her life. At one point Lisa gives her a poster board with the work Success written on it and she places it in the Sistah's hands. Lisa then explains to her that sometimes things, conditions come along that try to distract us from our true success and at the same time Lisa attempts to grab the board from the Sistah. Soon the two are in a tug-of-war and the Sistah has to fight to keep that "Success" in her hands. It was so what I needed to witness that it brought tears to my eyes. I realized that I had allowed an old story about circumstances surrounding my son's father and me being a single parent to strangle my financial success AND the TRUTH IS this person, this condition HAS ABSOLUTELY NO POWER OVER ME OR MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY SON -nor will it ever! The best parent I can be is one that is PRESENT with my child - regardless of appearances. To be a complete, loving presence in my son's life is the true GIFT of prosperity I could give him.


Michael Beckwith says, "Challenges come up because they are opportunities for growth." If our lives didn't throw us a curve ball now and then how would we know when we had to work on something within ourselves? It is a constant practice to work from within...I am reminded of affirmation #10 of the 40 day Prosperity Plan

I keep my mind and thoughts off "this world" and I place my entire focus on God within as the only Cause of my prosperity. I acknowledge the Inner Presence as the only activity in my financial affairs, as the substance of all things visible. I place my faith in the Principle of Abundance in action within me.

So Sistahs, this is my long winded way of saying HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY and to remind us to remember the gifts of motherhood. If you have not given birth to a child you still are a Mother of Dreams and Creations. Spend Mother's Day with your creations and give thanks.

Peace,
Sis. C.

Following Up On Pleasure Seeking!

Well Sistah Wombyn,
I got so many good suggestions from the last post on Why A Sistah Needs Chocolate that I decided to follow up and tell you all about my adventures. Well, I continued to eat chocolate for a couple of more days without any guilt and after a bar or two the craving subsided and I felt like it served a deep purpose to balance me out. I then just took a day and dedicated it to art and creativity - I cleaned off my crafts desk and just found so many things I had plans for stashed away in little envelopes - like vintage pictures, decorative papers, stamps. I also decided to color my hair this bright red color called FLAME and I twisted my hair up in these tiny twist let it dry and uncoiled them. I went to the gym and worked out hard then relaxed in the steam room. I also just sat with myself and allowed myself to dream AND dream BIG...I visualized myself reaching some specific goals by the end of this year. I even shared one dream with a few friends and it became a communal dream - at the end of the year having a nice SistahGoddess Retreat in Zanzibar. So, if you can feel this dream maybe you will pour a little sugar on it and join us!

We Sistahs are such bright lights when we are happy and in joy. It is like the world lights up! Each day I see how we can invite Spirit to Re-shape our lives - we can work with our consciousness to expand our opportunities. I was just speaking with a friend who returned from a powerful trip to South Africa with a women's choir - she said everywhere they went to perform they were treated like royalty. She told me of going to a small rural area to a school and when the choir arrived at the gates each child from the school danced each member of the choir through the gates to welcome them. That is how Spirit works when you make an invitation to allow miracles into your life - beautiful, unexpected, heartfelt things happen - you are danced through the gates of prosperity and abundance.

I watched this clip on youtube where Les Brown said, "If you are not happy, then what else is there?" I thought he was right. If your life is not moving in a direction that you want it to go then why are you there? Choose a different path - take a risk - run up ahead and see the light at the end of the tunnel. A beautiful poet named Sekou Sundiata said "Better things come to those who wait AND better things come to those who don't." Are you experiencing a life of low risk, low outcome? Then perhaps Sistah Wombyn it is time to reach out for something outrageous, something so outlandish, so once to be thought of as impossible. I think there is a energetic portal that is now open that is allowing the once unthinkable dream to come true. Give it a try this week and let me know what happens...
Your Unapologetic Pleasure Seeking,
Sistah C
PS. I just joined Twitter - I think I am going to like it...sign up and tell me what you are up to.

Why A Sistah Needs Chocolate

Ok, my Sistahs- I have rarely spoke about the subject of Pleasure Seeking but there is a time and place for everything and now I confess that I have been eating chocolate for the last three days. After years of being a vegan and truly avoiding the whole "food" I recently just gave into my urges and got a nice expensive bar of chocolate. Ummm... it was soooo yummy, soooo delicious. I ate the whole thing and it felt good.

According to Italian researchers, women who eat chocolate regularly have a better sex life than those who deny themselves the treat. Those consuming the sugary snack had the highest levels of desire, arousal and satisfaction from sex.

The urologists from San Raffaele hospital, Milan, questioned 163 women about their consumption of chocolate as well as their experience of sexual fulfilment.

The study, which will be presented at the European Society for Sexual Medicine in London next month, found: “Women who have a daily intake of chocolate showed higher levels of desire than women who did not have this habit. Chocolate can have a positive physiological impact on a woman’s sexuality.”

Dr Andrea Salonia, author of the study — funded from a university research budget, not by the confectionery industry — said women who have a low libido could even become more amorous after eating chocolate. He believes chocolate could be particularly medicinal for women who shun sex because they are suffering from premenstrual tension.

“Chocolate is not like a food, it is like a drug. Women who suffer mood swings as a result of their menstrual cycle may also suffer a dip in their sexual function. I strongly believe eating chocolate may improve their sexual function,” said Salonia.

I understand the work that has to be done in the world - the healing that needs to take place, the fight for justice AND I also am beginning to understand the need to invite JOY into our lives. I am the first to tell you that health is important and I understand (or as my friend Mama Yaa says "overstand") the need for sensations of joy and pleasure in our lives. Many of us don't allow ourselves the simple things that bring us moments of happiness.

I have checked out so many erotic blogs lately and I love the way Sistahs are re-claiming the realm of Joy in their lives. Many of us work hard and as another friend says "we need to play hard". The new moon in Taurus is about making real what is in our minds.

I am a big advocate of abundant thinking - having the belief that every being on this planet deserves for the cup to overflow with prosperity. I notice in all my years of prosperity practice that blocks divert your flow. Many of us long for happiness, financial independence, success, love, peace and those things are already in our lives we just have to see with new eyes.

Lately, I have used the practice of inviting Spirit to create abundance, love and peace in my life. One morning in my meditations I made a specific INVITATION and do you know that immediately before I could get up from my meditation cushion I had a call for a new client! The rest of the week worked that way, too. My life was overflowing with opportunities...I told a couple of friends and they said the same took place for them. You see prosperity needs an INVITATION - you can want something all your life but you need to formalize the request to the universe. In this action you transition to ACTION.

Sistahs, I want you to take this week and INVITE in pleasure for yourself. Everyday, in small ways or BIG ways take a pleasure trip. Be bold and see where it gets you - what doors does it open up for you? Discover what you have been suppressing - release and let Life Flow in You.

I got a deep message last weekend, that now is the time for Sistahs to step into the river of abundance - to change our lives so they Work for Us. If you need help, here are a few suggestions:

1. Buy a bar of Lindt Chocolate and eat is slowly, deliberately while in a bathtub with scented bubbles.

2. Instead of a shower every morning, take a candle lit bath everyday before work - see how this changes your day...

3. Dress up in your most beautiful outfit and take yourself to lunch or dinner.

4. Ask your mate for a sensual massage or go get a nice massage from a professional.

5.Invite a another pleasure seeking friend to a glass of wine/tea after work (yes, pay a babysitter and get out)

*Remember, husbands can watch children, not everything cost money, pleasure can be found in a cup of herbal tea or bubble bath...SMILE and for just this moment find 100 things to feel joyful about...*

I could go on...but write me and give me more ideas...

Peace,
Sistah C

Rape of A Nation: The Congo Genocide

I have not written in a while and I have been distracted by a thing called life but I cannot let International Women's Month go by without saying anything about the suffering of our Sistahs in the Congo...last year I put up a post with a video on the rapes in Kenya and the same horrific things are happening in the Congo. I wonder why there is such silence? The Congo is one of the mineral richest countries in Afrika and her people suffer so much from war, poverty, lack of basic medical care and rape of resources.

Here is a powerful photographic and video documentary called "Rape of a Nation by Marcus Bleasdale.

http://mediastorm.org/0022.htm

Description:

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to the deadliest war in the world today. An estimated 5.4 million people have died since 1998, the largest death toll since the Second World War, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

IRC reports that as many as 45,000 people die each month in the Congo. Most deaths are due to easily preventable and curable conditions, such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition, and neonatal problems and are byproducts of a collapsed healthcare system and a devastated economy.

The people living in the mining towns of eastern Congo are among the worst off. Militia groups and government forces battle on a daily basis for control of the mineral-rich areas where they can exploit gold, coltan, cassiterite and diamonds.

After successive waves of fighting and ten years of war, there are no hospitals, few roads and limited NGO and UN presence because it is too dangerous to work in many of these regions. The West's desire for minerals and gems has contributed to a fundamental breakdown in the social structure.

International Women's Month: Black Love in Public

Sistahs, in my meditations this morning I concluded that Greatness is our divine birth rite AND it is in not only our best interest but the world's interest that we live a life that is elevated to that status. There many situations and or environments where the Greatness of Sistahs is not valued - in fact many people are intimidated by a SistahGoddess that knows what she deserves and stands firm in that belief. So this month of honoring of Wombyn all over the world for our tireless efforts keep our children fed, our communities in tack and our connection to Spirit everlasting is very important. Let us use this month to give honor to each other on the personal level - to reach out to each Sistah we know and tell them "I see you. I appreciate you and I love you."

In the SF Bay Area this weekend, SistahGoddess Eboni Senai organized Black Love in Public. This effort was part of the Intimacy Project and she describes the event as:

For ONE hour on ONE day, The Intimacy Project calls upon Black folks in the Bay Area to SHOW their love for one another.

This is an OPPORTUNITY to CLAIM SPACE...
In a city that is slowly rendering Blackness invisible.
In a time that fails to support us as emotional beings.

This is an EXAMPLE to OURSELVES + to OTHERS...
That Black folks are capable of deep + sustained affection towards each other.
That we are able to heal wounds, old + new, starting with the simple act of TOUCH.

I loved this idea!!! I often think that the real war we are fighting has to do with the oppression of our emotions and our ability to truly love each other with heart - Black Love can dissolve any negativity we experience as a people. It is funny that many movements within our community have yet to grasp this as the ultimate tool against oppression. Love of self, Love of other = trust = community.

The FIRST HONOR goes to SistahGoddess Eboni Senai of the Intimacy Project. I see you, I appreciate you and I love you Sistah!

Words of Power: Interview with Spoken Word Artist, SistahGoddess Amaris

Peace Sistahs,
About a couple of months ago I got an email from a reader thanking me for my work on SistahGoddess blogspot. I was thankful this Sistah sent me her myspace page because from there I encountered her BEAUTIFUL, POWERFUL AND REVOLUTIONARY work. Amaris is the type of Sistah who inspires this blog because this blog is dedicated to the Sistahs who stir the winds of consciousness each and every day - Sistahs who tap into their Creator given wisdom and TEACH! I give thanks for the opportunity to meet and learn from Amaris on this sacred path.

How did you get your start as an spoken word artist?

I would say I was born a poet. I got my start in spoken word once I was introduced to it my freshman year in college at North Carolina A&T. I went to a venue and there were people on stage speaking their truths in poetic rhyme. It was powerful to me because through it I saw them connecting with us and each other. I wrote poetry before then but it was always for myself. I never really shared it but through this experience I was able to see the value of sharing myself with others. It brought us together. It allowed us to heal together. Needless to say I fell in love with the art of spoken word poetry. The next time I went I shared and began to write more and more. I began reciting and performing all over Greensboro then NC then the U.S.

Who would you say your work speaks to? Do you have a specific
audience in mind? Does it surprise you who is attracted to your work?

My work speaks to people, mainly people of African descent because I speak out of who I am but I am surprised often to see Natives, Hispanics, Asians, even Whites approach me with tears in their eyes saying how much my words meant to them. I never forget those people we are always connected by this powerful art. It speaks to young as well as old. Elders hold my hand and look me in the eye and tell me to never stop speaking. I am indebted to all the people that my work speaks to. I believe that art has the power to transcend many barriers. (If you get the SistahGoddess subscriber email then click this link to the Oxygen video.)



Who has influenced your work?

I am influenced by so many things but the question was who, so the Creator of course. I am but a willing vessel. I don't know the words that heal, I am just willing to open my mouth, my heart, my ears, my soul, my hands and give what is given to me. I am influenced by my family and friends, people that I don't know but feel. People of the African diaspora and by other writers and artists like Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Audre Lorde, Nikki G.,the Last Poets, Nina Simone, Mos Def, Erykah, Lauryn, you Sistah C. So many people that I connect with in some way or another. Life is an influence all by her self. Everyone who crosses my path is there for a reason so I am influenced by all of them in ways unique to them.

What do you want people to get from your art?

I want people to get Love and Truth from my art. I want people to be able to heal themselves thru a greater connection to the Creator which is the source of Love and Truth. I want them to re- remember who they are and who we all are. To love humanity and themselves and seek the light of truth to guide them through this reality called Life.


"Rooted Womb" original art by Amaris

Your work speaks a lot to what needs to changed in this society.
Many people are very excited about the new president. Who do you think
in this society is the best equipped to lead us to change?

I feel as if we are all agents of change. It can not be ONE person who lead us but rather many leaders dedicated to the same purpose of change and progress. These people should be grounded in love and truth to do this. I am excited about Obama but I understand that no change has ever occurred in our reality with one person. It takes combined efforts and will. We all are responsible for being the change we want to see in the world. No one person is equipped to handle it alone, it is too heavy a load. I believe Obama is a beautiful example of the change that we all want and need.

What about being a Sistah inspires your work?

Everything about being a sista inspires my work. The pure nature of being a sista allows me to see things in a very unique way. We, sistas are at the bottom of society which allows us to see things more purely. I always say that people at the lowest place of society have a better grasp on reality because they see things as they really are. Out of our oppression we can see righteousness and where we all need to be. I can see and overstand every -ism that we must face. Also being a sista means we are the mother of all. We have a great responsibility to the world. It was said if you heal a woman, you heal a world. We are the spiritual leaders and the spirit guides the physical so we are leaders of the world even from our low state. This consciousness greatly inspires who I am and therefore my work which is an extension of me. Sistas are beautiful powerful beings, my work is inspired to be a reflection of that beauty and power.

Listen to her work at her MySpace page or try this link.

What is your next project? Also, tell us about future performances
and how to get your cd.

I have been doing a whole lot of self-cultivating which I believe is necessary for the purity of the art. I take this gift very seriously because I affect people's lives in very real ways. It mandates that I am in the right place spiritually as well emotionally and mentally. I was working on my next CD but it keeps being postponed due to my need to grow to where I need to be in order to divinely reach who I need to reach.

I am also applying to Grad school to cultivate my "raw" talent and be able to use the traditions of the past to move my art into realms where it may not have been able to exist or be respected. I want to grow as a writer so I am working toward a manuscript and album for next year. Also my visual art has grown greatly during this time of cultivation.

Amaris' cd can be found and purchased at www.cdbaby.com/amaris. My art and poetry can be found at www.myspace.com/amaris7.

40 Days of Prosperity Check In

Greetings Sistahs,
I hope you are doing well with the 40-day prosperity plan. A friend wrote me earlier:

It is very important that I say the words (affirmations) no matter what--even if I don't completely internalize them, understand them, or completely believe them.

It is creating the vibration that is important--that is what frees you from lack.

In fact, conscious thinking can be the ultimate deterrent to prosperity.

I agree. I once heard that if your consciousness hears something about 2000 times it will automatically begin to accept it as truth. Maybe it is 2000 or 200 or 20 but the key fact is that repetition whether it is truth or not influences consciousness. Words have power and vibration so saying the affirmation aloud may actually be decoding a deeper message or maybe even breaking through a self imposed limitation.

The key to prosperity work is to just let go and let God do the work. When you get into your car and put the key in the ignition you expect it start. Most of us don't do a 20 point mechanical check each time before we start our car unless we KNOW something is wrong. Imagine prosperity work like that...just use the affirmation to start your prosperity consciousness and let it do the work. Recognize it is YOU who is the vital key - how you work with your world will out picture your success. I have mentioned this before but I love the Ancient Kemetic saying, "Live today as yesterday and tomorrow as today." Live - truly LIVE today fully and present and watch how tomorrow greets you with open arms. Our thoughts fertilize the future...feed what you want to see manifest. Train your mind with meditation to let go of what you can not change and watch how the doors of opportunity fly open.

Lets keep working and reaping our divine inheritance!

I have a wonderful interview with spoken word artist Amaris coming up in a couple of days. This SistahGoddess is most powerful and full of light - so check back in...

Peace,
Sistah C

40 Days of Prosperity, Day 11, 2009

Greetings,
I am listing all ten affirmations so that you can continue on your own until day 40. Remember that day 11 starts with affirmation #1. (I will also post these in the margin when I update the blog next. May you be happy and prosperous!

From the Abundance Book by John Randolph Price
The Statements of Principle:
1. God is lavish, unfailing Abundance, the rich omnipresent substance of the Universe. This all providing Source of infinite prosperity is individualized as me — the Reality of me.

2. I lift up my mind and heart to be aware, to understand, and to know that the Divine Presence I AM is the Source and Substance of all my good.

3. I am conscious of the Inner Presence as my lavish Abundance. I am conscious of the constant activity of this Mind of infinite Prosperity. Therefore, my consciousness is filled with the Light of Truth.

4. Through my consciousness of my God-Self, the Creator within, as my Source, I draw into my mind and feeling nature the very substance of Spirit. This substance is my supply, thus my consciousness of the Presence of God within me is my supply.

5. Money is not my supply. No person, place or condition is my supply. My awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the all-providing activity of the Divine Mind within me is my supply. My consciousness of this Truth is unlimited, therefore, my supply is unlimited.

6. My inner supply instantly and constantly takes on form and experience according to my needs and desires, and as the Principle of Supply in action, it is impossible for me to have any unfulfilled needs or desires.

7. The Divine Consciousness that I am is forever expressing its true nature of Abundance. This is its responsibility, not mine. My only responsibility is to be aware of this Truth. Therefore, I am totally confident in letting go and letting God appear as the abundant all sufficiency in my life and affairs.

8. My consciousness of the Spirit within me as my unlimited Source is the Divine Power to restore the years the locusts have eaten, to make all things new, to lift me up to the High Road of abundant prosperity. This awareness, understanding and knowledge of Spirit appears as every visible form and experience that I could possibly desire.

9. When I am aware of the God Self within me as my total fulfillment, I am totally fulfilled. I am now aware of this Truth. I have found the secret of life, and I relax in the knowledge that the Activity of Divine Abundance is eternally operating in my life. I simply have to be aware of the flow, the radiation, of that Creative Energy, which is continuously, easily and effortlessly pouring forth from my Divine Consciousness. I am now aware. I am now in the flow

10. I keep my mind and thoughts off "this world" and I place my entire focus on God within as the only Cause of my prosperity. I acknowledge the Inner Presence as the only activity in my financial affairs, as the substance of all things visible. I place my faith in the Principle of Abundance in action within me.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Ten! 2009

Write the affirmation down in your journal and repeat aloud a few times. Meditate on the affirmation for 15 minutes and then journal your thoughts.

10. I keep my mind and thoughts off "this world" and I place my entire focus on God within as the only Cause of my prosperity. I acknowledge the Inner Presence as the only activity in my financial affairs, as the substance of all things visible. I place my faith in the Principle of Abundance in action within me.

***PLEASE NOTE*** There are 10 total affirmations. On day 11 we will start again with affirmation #1 and repeat all the affirmations until we reach day 40.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Nine! 2009

Write the affirmation down in your journal and read it aloud a few times. Meditate on the affirmation for 15 minutes and then journal your thoughts.

9. When I am aware of the God Self within me as my total fulfillment, I am totally fulfilled. I am now aware of this Truth. I have found the secret of life, and I relax in the knowledge that the Activity of Divine Abundance is eternally operating in my life. I simply have to be aware of the flow, the radiation, of that Creative Energy, which is continuously, easily and effortlessly pouring forth from my Divine Consciousness. I am now aware. I am now in the flow

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Eight! 2009

Write the affirmation down in your journal and repeat aloud a few times. Meditate for 15 minutes then write down your thoughts.

8. My consciousness of the Spirit within me as my unlimited Source is the Divine Power to restore the years the locusts have eaten, to make all things new, to lift me up to the High Road of abundant prosperity. This awareness, understanding and knowledge of Spirit appears as every visible form and experience that I could possibly desire.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Seven! 2009

Sorry, these are late. I will shift something in the morning to get them out early.

7. The Divine Consciousness that I am is forever expressing its true nature of Abundance. This is its responsibility, not mine. My only responsibility is to be aware of this Truth. Therefore, I am totally confident in letting go and letting God appear as the abundant all sufficiency in my life and affairs.

Write this down in your journal and say aloud a few times. Meditate for 15 minutes and write down your thoughts in your journal.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Six! 2009

Write the affirmation down in your journal and say aloud a few times. Meditate for 15 minutes and write down your thoughts.

6. My inner supply instantly and constantly takes on form and experience according to my needs and desires, and as the Principle of Supply in action, it is impossible for me to have any unfulfilled needs or desires.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Five! 2009

Write the affirmation in your journal and say it aloud a few times. Meditate for 15 minutes on the affirmation and then write your reflections.

5. Money is not my supply. No person, place or condition is my supply. My awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the all-providing activity of the Divine Mind within me is my supply. My consciousness of this Truth is unlimited, therefore, my supply is unlimited.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Four! 2009

Write it down in your journal and repeat it to yourself a few times. Meditate on this affirmation for 15 minutes then write your comments in your journal.

4. Through my consciousness of my God-Self, the Creator within, as my Source, I draw into my mind and feeling nature the very substance of Spirit. This substance is my supply, thus my consciousness of the Presence of God within me is my supply.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day Three! 2009

Write this down in your journal, say it aloud a few times and meditate on the affirmation for 15 minutes. Write your thoughts down in your journal.

3. I am conscious of the Inner Presence as my lavish Abundance. I am conscious of the constant activity of this Mind of infinite Prosperity. Therefore, my consciousness is filled with the Light of Truth.

DAY 2 - 40 Day Prosperity Plan- The Divine Presence YOU ARE

Here is the affirmation for Day 2. Write it down in your journal, read it a few times, meditate and write your thoughts in your journal.


2.I lift up my mind and heart to be aware, to understand, and to know that the Divine Presence I AM is the Source and Substance of all my good.

40-Days of Prosperity! Day One! 2009

I stayed at weaving class most of the day so I am sorry to get this out a little later in the day - but all is well.

The 40-day Prosperity plan is a process to help you clarify just where and how you receive your abundance. No person, place or condition is your source of prosperity - it is the Universal Spirit or Creator or God or Spirit World that is your source. Once we let go money, jobs, etc... as our source of supply the abundance of the universe is found right at your feet.

Some may be skeptical about trying this plan BUT I assure you it works!!! Last year was a challenge for me - but I became clear that no one has power over me and that one door has to close sometimes for another to open. By the time I was done with this 40 day plan I was going on a healing trip to Zanzibar - as gift from a dear friend. Before participating in the plan I would have never thought that my first trip to the continent would happen this way BUT Spirit has the final word. So just surrender to the consciousness of prosperity and SEE what happens. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! LIVE IT!

Materials needed:-
a journal + 15 minutes a day for meditation + another 5-10 minutes to write in your journal.

I also suggest doing a vision board - which is a collage with images what you would like to manifest in this new year. Get a large poster board and cut out images from a magazine - include words as well. Place the completed board in a place where you can reflect on the images and words each day. Include this board in your process.

Instructions:
Each day you will be given the affirmation for the day. Write this affirmation down in your journal. Say the affirmation out loud a few times then meditate on for 15 minutes. Just focus on your natural breath - you don't need to visualize or say anything. After meditation write in your journal what comes up for you around this affirmation or what is on your mind at that moment.

Each day for 40-days complete this process. There are only 10 affirmations so when you are done with number 10 start again with affirmation number 1. There is no right or wrong with what you journal - this is simply a part of the process.

There is only ONE RULE, if you forget to do your affirmation and meditation one day then you need to start the whole 40 day process over again. This process is about a deep determination to free your mind from a consciousness of lack - a viewpoint that only can conceive of a world where there is never enough...it is a place where lots of suffering takes place. When you shift your consciousness to prosperity consciousness you begin to see that there is more than enough resources on the planet for everyone to live happy prosperous lives. The world opens up and you are drawn to your abundance and it to you. While you are in this process opportunities will come up for your to give - this is the PERFECT TIME to put into action your new belief about abundance - give without question or expectation and see how it is returned in the most beautiful ways.

This not about money but your divine inheritance. I will write an affirmation on this blog each day. Please comment on your experiences as we go along. Many blessings to you on this journey.

DAY 1

1. God/the Creator is lavish, unfailing Abundance, the rich omnipresent substance of the Universe. This all providing Source of infinite prosperity is individualized as me — the Reality of me.

Meditate for 15 minutes on this affirmation then journal your thoughts.

Peace,
Sistah C

Receiving

Today as I begin to fast and cleanse I am contemplating the idea of receiving. By nature and design a woman receives. Knowing this simple concept helps Sistahs to step back and ask themselves "What is it that I am receiving?"

Rev.Lisa at Black Women Blow the Trumphet had a post about looking at your life like it is a pot and taking a careful look at what you are adding to the pot. I found this helpful because I found myself in the middle of making a beautiful, diverse gumbo of life. I value teachings from all over and I value tasting all of what life has to offer...However, when you are making gumbo it is important to know what kind of ingredients will make your gumbo spoil. The elder women in my family always differed on exactly what would make your gumbo spoil but the rule of thumb was to make sure what ever you add was "healthy and right" on its own.

If you are open to life and the lessons it has to teach you then your gumbo will thrive with diversity of experience BUT make sure of the quality of experience you are adding will not spoil the beauty of what you have created thus far.
The other day I did my own tarot reading for the new year and I got the "magician". The magician is an alchemist - a careful weaver of energies - pouring from one vessel to the other with awareness - seeking to achieve just the right balance.

My life had taught me to value the preciousness of this special recipe that is me. The Creator gave me the "rue" (the base) which is my life. My Ancestors contributed a unique set of ingredients to my gumbo knowing that I would carry on good and powerful things for my bloodline. My family raised me with the best possible intentions - making sure I would grow up to be successful and blessed by the Creator. With all that already in my pot my mission is to continue to sweeten the pot - continue to care for has been given to me and grow it...This is the science of life.I am going to carry this understanding into my fast for the next week as I fast and renew.

Sunday is the beginning of the 40-day Prosperity Plan. You can either buy the book or really just participate with me online.
You will need:
* a journal
* 15 minutes a day (minimum) to meditate on the affirmation of that day.
Optional but worth trying:
*give something away each day of the plan.
*vision board
The 40-day prosperity plan is about you opening yourself up to receiving prosperity in all its forms AND realizing that you have all that you need right now to live the life you want to live RIGHT NOW! Last year I was blessed in soooo many ways and I continue to be...Its a beautiful practice. I hope you will join me.

Peace,
Sistah C

RE- Inventing : One's Self...

I wrote to my one of my best friend's today...I am REINVENTING MYSELF FOR THE 777th time!

Personally, it is something in my wiring that always wants to grow and expand. I am attracted to finding out what exactly makes me tick?!! Just when I think I know - I change. It use to be nerve rackin' and others would call me "flighty" but you know - I LOVE MYSELF JUST THE WAY I AM... I am this unique express of the Creator and I don't think the Creator has made a mistake yet! I have found peace in accepting this nomadic part of myself...it feeds my creativity and my healing practice...I think the Tao says something about allowing things to come and go AND return.

My art flows like the tide in Zanzibar...at moments it is fully present in my life then it floats out - goes somewhere and comes back with beautiful gifts like rainbow colored cowrie shells and translucent white crabs. No one curses Mama Ocean for floating out pass the coral reef, because they know she will return - warm, peaceful and abundant.

I have not worked on any art since December. I needed to rest and be...Lately, I have returned and started to work with my teacher Khalil who is teaching me West African Vertical Loom weaving. He is an amazing artist and elder. I am blessed to learn such a beautiful and peaceful process. I am totally amazed at the detailed of work that is involved in making a piece of fabric! Someone back in the day sat in deep thought and received the message on how to perfect this process...this is technology...human technology...

Art is just one new way in which I am developing and expanding. I am also thinking of where I want to settle and live AND how I want to use my current skills to create income...I want to find the perfect balance of creativity, leadership and progressive movement in my next line of work...People ask me "what do you want to do?" and I think "I will know it when I do it..." Either way, I have this feeling I am forging a new path AND its GOOD. My friend Rocky and I are starting a juice fast this coming Saturday - so if you want to join us hit me an email on how to prepare. I will try to post some of our juice recipes. I will also be starting the 40 day prosperity plan again -remember last year I was gifted with a trip to Africa...the plan works - spirit works!

I found out about this cool documentary 'Who Does She Think She Is?' It is the story of these SistahGoddess Artist who are balancing the fine art of life with creativity. It is about their necessity to make art a part of their lives. I hope to see it here in Atlanta or find it for rent ... I am attaching the trailer...(go to my blog if you get my email)



Lastly, tomorrow we will see the dream America has of reinventing itself...There will be lots of celebrations and great words being said...tears, laughter...
I simply remember the Tao...

41

When a superior man hears of the Tao,
he immediately begins to embody it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he half believes it, half doubts it.
When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn't laugh,
it wouldn't be the Tao.

Thus it is said:
The path into the light seems dark,
the path forward seems to go back,
the direct path seems long,
true power seems weak,
true purity seems tarnished,
true steadfastness seems changeable,
true clarity seems obscure,
the greatest are seems unsophisticated,
the greatest love seems indifferent,
the greatest wisdom seems childish.

The Tao is nowhere to be found.
Yet it nourishes and completes all things.

53
The great Way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao.

When rich speculators prosper
While farmers lose their land;
when government officials spend money
on weapons instead of cures;
when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible
while the poor have nowhere to turn-
all this is robbery and chaos.
It is not in keeping with the Tao.

54
Whoever is planted in the Tao
will not be rooted up.
Whoever embraces the Tao
will not slip away.
Her name will be held in honor
from generation to generation.

Let the Tao be present in your life
and you will become genuine.
Let it be present in your family
and your family will flourish.
Let it be present in your country
and your country will be an example
to all countries in the world.
Let it be present in the universe
and the universe will sing.

How do I know this is true?
By looking inside myself.


Peace,
Sistah C

Happy New Year!

A very peaceful Happy New Year to everyone. I got back just a few days ago from my 10-day meditation retreat AND I have to say that I am renewed in the way of spirit, body and mind. The last time I went on this type of retreat was about 7 years ago and in between that time I have practiced a little here and there but eventually chaos got to me - or I got sucked into my own personal chaos and I soon forgot the process that helped me to center and see things as they truly are...

One evening at the discourse the teaching said "there is nothing that can cause more harm than the untrained mind, there is nothing that can facilitate more healing than a mind that is calm, peaceful and full of love." This really was true for me...I have seen the path of destruction I have made by submitting to the wild, unruly mind - a mind often filled with suspicion, craving, over loaded desires, sadness and rage.

The body is one of the most fascinating machines ever created. It is so resilient, so forgiving and so strong. Even when we are ill it spends all of its energy trying to get well - trying to create balance. The mind is linked to this body and it is my theory that the two are so deeply integrated that what ever is impressed upon our minds begins to feed the experience of our body. In Vipassana meditation we are taught to observe the sensations on our body as a way of revealing some of our deepest sufferings. This process is not about affirmation or thinking positively, although these are helpful in their own rite. Observing sensation helps you to get at the root of your suffering not just heal the surface.

I got to a point in the meditation retreat where I could see the reality of the relationships in my life and I realize they have all been a reflection of my mind - my untrained mind - a mind that has created cravings, has concocted fantasies and generated anger. I have been such a slave to expectations - others and my own...Now I can see that in letting this old self go I can put my life in order again...I can prioritize the things that are important to me. I can be present - inside of my body. This has created the most profound peace inside of me - peace that I know I have work diligently to preserve.

Sistahs, this is a NEW DAY - everyday is a new opportunity to cultivate self love and train our minds for peace. Mind you, this peace is not passive but highly active. Once we see the reality of our lives we will crack the surface of "overfunctioning" or "grave-digging" as BLACK WOMEN, BLOW THE TRUMPET teaches. We will also begin to generate a set of principles for our selves - more than affirmations but truths to live by...Our divine birth rite is to be liberated and free from all forms of suffering. All suffering starts on the inside - a free person CAN NOT BE OPPRESSED for those who come toward her with shackles will be compelled to turn away - they will be rendered powerless. We must work hard to free our minds - with patience and persistence we will succeed.
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Remember this year is about the Bones. Bones hold the stories. If the story is untold this energy will find a space for it to be heard. If the story has been told over and over again, this energy will help you finds the "end".

Now, I would like to share a story that is told by Clarissa Pinkola Estes in a book called Woman Who Run With the Wolves... a perfect story about re-creation. This is a bone-woman story...

La Loba

There is an old woman who lives in a hidden place that everyone knows but few have ever seen. She seems to wait for lost or wandering people and seekers to come to her place.

She is circumspect, often hairy, always fat, and especially wishes to evade most company. She is both a crower and a cackler, generally having more animal sounds than human ones.

They say she lives among the rotten granite slopes in Tarahumara Indian territory. They say she is buried outside Phoenix near a well. She is said to have been seen traveling south to Monte Alban in a burnt-out car with the back window shot out. She is said to stand by the highway near El Paso, or ride shotgun with truckers to Morelia, Mexico, or that she has been sighted walking to market above Oaxaca with strangely formed boughs of firewood on her back. She is called by many names: La Huesera, Bone Woman; La Trapera, The Gatherer; and La Loba, Wolf Woman.

The sole work of La Loba is the collecting of bones. She is known to collect and preserve especially that which is in danger of being lost to the world. Her cave is filled with the bones of all manner of desert creatures: the deer, the rattlesnake, the crow. But her speciality is said to be wolves.

She creeps and crawls and sifts through the montanas, mountains, and arroyos, dry riverbeds, looking for wolf bones, and when she has assembled an entire skeleton, when the last bone is in place and the beautiful white sculpture of the creature is laid out before her, she sits by the fire and thinks about what song she will sing.

And when she is sure, she stands over the criatura, raises her arms over it, and sings out. That is when the rib bones and leg bones of the wolf begin to flesh out and the creature becomes furred. La Loba sings some more, and more of the creature comes into being; its tail curls upward, shaggy and strong.

And La Loba sings more and the wolf creature begins to breathe.

And still La Loba sings so deeply that the floor of the desert shakes, and as she sings, the wolf opens its eyes, leaps up, and runs away down the canyon.

Somewhere in its running, whether by the speed of its running, or by splashing its way into a river, or by way of a ray of sunlight or moonlight hitting it right in the side, the wolf is suddenly transformed into a laughing woman who runs free toward the horizon.

So it is said that if you wander the desert, and it is near sundown, and you are perhaps a little bit lost, and certainly tired, that you are lucky, for La Loba may take a liking to you and show you some thing -- something of the soul.

May the New Year be a blessing of Love, Light and Deep Transformation - not only for yourself but for the world.

Peace,
Sistah C