Today is August 1, 2020! Rabbit Rabbit! I was supposed to write this on yesterday, the last day of July 2020. No excuse for not doing so. It wasn’t to be.
Three years ago, I began this journey of blogging. I have always loved to write, but never for the public, unless it was a scientific research article for my day job. I have also written poems and in a journal, since a youth. My mother always said that I should have embarked on the path of being a journalist. I was always curious about photojournalism. Just yesterday, my mother told me that I should write a book. Eh, I am sure a book is in my future, so when that happens, it will happen. This blogger life is my first time expressing my words publicly. I mean, unless social media posts count. LOL This journey has allowed me to share a little of mySelf, my thoughts, and emotions with you, my cyber peeps. I hope you have enjoyed my blog thus far. Thank you! Thank you to all who visits my website, reads my blogs, and just everyone who takes a moment to share space and time. Send me a note and let me know what you think. (Btw, comments do not post on the website directly, just in case you were wondering LOL) If you are interested in my thoughts on various topics, let me know. I always have an opinion and love a good mental flex. Therefore, I hope this new month brings you a wealth of experiences that allow you to look deep within yourself and your journey. Whatever August brings, feel it, write it, and embrace it. Our journey is exactly as it is supposed to be, divinely designed, so allow it to move and shape you. As you flow through it, remember that love is in each moment.
It’s about 4 months into the year 2020. I haven’t written a blog post or published a reflection in quite some time. I guess I can say, I’ve been living the journey not just flowing as usual. I’ve been trying to make life happen, yea that’s what I’ll say. Make goals come to fruition. See if love would happen and career will flourish. Well, not all has come to fruition, for whatever reason, but it’s been quite a journey. Where do I start? Hmmm let’s start with the present and look back. Sankofa.
It’s the last day of April 2020 and we, meaning the entire world, is experiencing a pandemic. Yes! A Global Pandemic. An outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus family known as SARS-Cov2 is sweeping the planet. Millions are suffering and dying from the disease that it causes, COVID-19. It’s strange. As we know, there are many infectious diseases that kill twice as many, but this is a pandemic – there is no vaccine or treatment. The last pandemic that I can remember was in 2009, H1N1- pandemic influenza. I don’t want to go into details about this experience, that’s not what this blog post is supposed to be about. This post is aboutBeing. It’s about Living.Loving. Achievements and Flow. However, I will say that all we were asked to do was stay home and Be Stillas scientists and world leaders try to figure out how to manage the outbreaks. It’s like telling fish to walk on the sidewalk. The lack of care and empathy that I have observed by many is baffling to me. Simple responsibility, is all that is needed by the masses. Nevertheless, I’ve been in my house since mid-March with no desire to go outside until I know more about the virus; until I feel safe. Ain’t nobody trying to get sick! I spread light amongst our healthcare workers and the many in public service jobs, keeping the planet functioning during this time.
Budding into Beauty…..the journey.
Now, to talk about Being, Living, Loving, and Flowing…a lot has happened since I last posted. I don’t think I can go that far back, so I will just start from toward the end of 2019. Every day is still a journey toward being and just becoming more Me. Learning about my heart, my relating to others and just the continued misperception of my character, my personality, and just Me entirely. When I was in college, [haha went way back] I used to always say that “you have to teach people how to treat you”. As I got older, I no longer taught, I thought I had proper judgement. I can say that I expect too much of myself in others. Reflections. But are those you relate to truly reflections of You. Back when I was a young adult, maybe toward the end of high school and throughout college, I used to say that I ‘live without expectations’. Actually, I think that was my thing up until my early 30s. No expectations, No disappointments. Somewhere in my recent years I lost this. I lost my ability to See and Read, when it came to relating to others. I expected people to treat each other properly. With empathy and care. Especially those you consider ‘friend’. I know now, the best way to go along this journey is with clear Sight and very little direct care for others. See. You can care on the larger scale for humanity, want the World and all of its inhabitants to flourish and live a decent life. But, individually, remove that care, remove that empathy. Focus on Self. My belief was, once my cup was overflowing, I can allow that Flow to runoff unto others, especially my Reflections. However, that is not the case. We have to remove the empathy, which is very difficult for me because I am an Empath. I feel… gives a whole new meaning to “I feel you”. I really do. LOL
Anyway, reflecting back on the past year, this was my take away. Not my lesson, because I knew this – just needed to remember. As the last Supermoon of 2020 comes into full form, we should sit in meditation. I wanted to be sure that I got this post published in time for the full moon. Why? Because, this moon is special, a moon of many names, but mainly known as the Flower Moon. I can’t wait to moon gaze. I’m a Lady of the Moon. Take a moment and gaze at the moon. Feel Her energy, absorb Her power. Then before you lay to dream travel, sit in meditation. Doesn’t have to be long at all. Just sit in silence and listen to the noise of your mind, your surrounding, your space. I know some may say meditation is to clear your mind. That is absolute Truth. Meditation is not prayer, in my opinion. You are to be silent. Breathe. Listen. A good practice is beginning your meditation with a set intention. Everyone has their own interpretation of meditation and their own practice. I will share a little of what I do. The best meditation I’ve ever experienced, I travel into my mind. It probably lasted for an hour or so.. in complete silence and in darkness. Maybe have some incense burning, maybe near a window where I can feel the light of the moon at any phase, or maybe on my balcony where the cool night breeze can caress my body. You can also choose your meditation attire. My favorite attire is my skin. My birthday suit, naked with myself, sitting in complete darkness. I like to meditate in the dark. I’m not sure why, but it just feels like the perfect way to meet Me. Now go dive deep within your Self. Go on the Journey, flow with it. You may cry, but you may also laugh… you may even fall asleep. You will definitely meet yourself.
Blooming…. this journey.
Let me know in the comments how your meditation journey is flowing. This journey is about remembering…. that love is in each moment. More to come…. 2020!
It took me a while to reflect on the past couple of months. Again, I was simply flowing and enjoying every bit of learning and experiencing that love is in each moment.
The best way to express this reflection is through pictures of my travel. I journeyed to South Africa with friends and family, which was quite an experience. It’s actually difficult to express in words. The saying goes ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’, so why not share some photos to reflect on the past couple of months.
Along the roadside during our road trip from Capetown.Journey through the bush of South Africa, rays of the Sun peaking out of the clouds, in the distance, the most amazing sighting of an African Elephant.Seeing love everywhere you travel…. #loveisineachmoment
I have so many photos from this journey the past two months. Best way to see is to follow my Instagram page. Like I said, it was an amazing journey to South Africa. You never know where life will take you if you’re open and willing to flow in your Divine Purpose. It’s not always easy to just simply move through life with true intentions, knowing your purpose and simply Being. Once you get there, it’s quite a feeling. I still have a lot of WORK to do to remain in the Flow, but I’m ready, willing and able. That’s all you need to see that love is in each moment.
I wish I knew who the artist is of this piece that was hanging on the wall of the Apartheid Museum Cafe- Truth. I simply added some words via the Instagram app. I take no credit for the art, which is amazing in my opinion.
Went to a fun filled crawfish boil and was joined by a beautiful snake that stole everyone’s attention!
Explored D.C. with some new friends and took in the moments that are placed in your path to remind you that love is in each moment along this journey! Street art is the best! 💜
Along this journey always make time for the simple moments like good conversation with strangers who aren’t so strangerly and a glass of wine or maybe two lol
Remember to celebrate you… I’m my biggest critic but also my loudest cheerleader!
I hope your June reflection was complete with joy and love!
Leave a comment below and don’t forget to keep a journal! Only you can tell your story, so it’s told exactly as you want it to be!
Hi. Hallo. Hola. I had a random conversation with strangers at an event that made me wonder, Why do people attend the funerals of those they once knew, but haven’t spoken to in years. Yes, I know, very random. But, as I chatted with strangers, one said something about deaths and funerals, which I can’t exactly remember; but it triggered this thought and became the topic for my May Reflection. Well, think about it, you didn’t care to speak to someone when they were alive, so why do you pose like you care after they are gone? I thought of this because the encounters that I experienced on that day, with strangers, were so strange. While I enjoyed their energy in that space and time, they chose to tell me their life stories. Me, the stranger they just met. I guess they sensed my open, judge free heart and listening ear. A couple of them spoke of death and family members. Another told me of an abusive relationship she escaped. Another couple told me of their family lineage at the university where we all graduated, and how their son chose to be an outlier and attend a different local college. I mean, like their grandparents went to the school. Lol There were more stories, but those ended up in my journal, not to share with public eyes. It was quite a day of fun encounters, but it made me think about the amount of time I usually spend alone. The amount of folks I actually know, the non strangers, who choose to not speak to me or show interest in knowing me, and how the majority of these known folks share my complexion. Oh, I forgot to mention that the encounters with strangers were that of the other persuasion. Not people who shared my race or culture and it made me wonder why? Why, if I appear so interesting to strangers, do non strangers ignore or show very little genuine interest. Interest, that is not based on the interest of my support, or benefit to them. But, imagine if my funeral was yesterday. How many of these same non strangers would appear, and pretend that they cared to know me. Where is this going? Why so morbid? Lol I say all of this to point out that all humans have one common desire and that is to be noticed and heard. It’s the main reason why this cyber world of socializing, through media, has become the core engine driving our society today. Think about it, when was the last time you didn’t depend on the social media apps and actually met a friend for coffee just because. When was the last time you had a telephone conversation? No, customer service calls don’t count! Haha I’m talking about an old fashion, talk nothing about everything, until someone falls asleep😂. Do you all remember those types of conversations? We just need to check in on a fellow human, simply to say ‘hey, how ya feeling?’ And actually listen to their response, with an open heart. Ponder that 👩🏾💻 and remember that #loveisineachmoment you just have to open heart and see.💞
Happy New Year!!!! It’s amazing how quickly a year passes. When I reflect on the past year, there have been a lot of emotions experienced, a lot of transitions, and a lot of changes. From waves of laughter to winds of sadness but when you look at it all you realize that is all divine. An intricately scribed journey, words, moments, experiences all mysteriously falling into place just as it’s supposed to. All we have to do is see that #loveisineachmoment and simply Be! #happynewyearfullmoon#anasalaa#thatsall#carryon
First Full Moon of Jan 1, 2018 witnessed from the U.S. Virgin Islands
I couldn’t let the season end without having another blog post. Since this is covering both October and November, we’ll just discuss one of my favorite times of the year. I love the changes the autumn season brings. The colors of nature are simply warm with a slight cool. Some days are sunny and others you’re like ‘whoa take out the coat’. LOL It’s like doubles with slight pepper. HAHA
There have been so many experiences since the last time I wrote a blog post. As you know, there were a whirlwind of hurricanes that devastated the Caribbean. Nature is truly amazing with her wrath of destruction. There were so many emotions experienced during this time. My last post talked about managing stress and how you manage your stress. I’d still like to learn how many manage their stress. Me personally, I go to the spa. I truly love a spa. I love the culture of spas. They are very different all over the world with one main goal, to relax and release. So, I was scheduled to travel to Puerto Rico to work on the hurricane response from the perspective of public health. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my LOVE, my PASSION, is Public Health. I was elated, since I’ve been trying to see how I can utilize my skills, my energy, my emotions, my passion, and just all that was going through my mind to help my people of the Caribbean. I found ways to contribute to relief efforts, my daily work was focused on the response, and I even donated to organizations that were providing assistance. But, for some reason, this didn’t feel like enough for my spirit. It wasn’t enough to calm the angst in my soul that wanted to be on ground, in the field, right in the disaster zone. I wanted to see the wrath of Mother Nature with my own eyes. I wanted to go to the ocean. I honestly don’t know why, but it’s my calling to do humanitarian work. It has always been an unattainable goal that was right at arm’s reach. Anyway, to prepare for my adventure to Puerto Rico, I completely took advantage of the spas in my area and the promotions they had. Now, for someone like me, who is a member of a spa, travels the world to go to spas, and frequently spends an arm and a leg for a spa treatment, I needed a frugal break. I was about to OD on spas to prepare for my travels. LOL I’ll talk about the different spa experiences I’ve had in future posts. Yea, so I went to the spa every day for like a week. It was well worth it, to prepare my mind and body for the stress. People sleep on mental stress. It can sometimes be more damaging than physical stress. This is that silent daily stress that causes the many illnesses and dis-ease that we experience along this journey. Other things that I do to manage my stress are meditate, yoga, exercise, bicycle riding, read, journal writing, gardening, burn candles, incense, and I have essential oil diffusers. Yes, my house is like a little spa, when I need it. I carried my essential oils and diffuser with me to Puerto Rico to have a moment of aromatherapy, wherever I laid my head to sleep. It came in very handy when the locations didn’t have the best aroma. I tell you, a little lavender oil goes a long way. Everyone has the ability to take a little space and make it a sanctuary for relaxation and stress relief. I’m still working on my space. Do you have a space where you go to relax? Let me know about it in the comments section.
Tea time at the spa
Journal writing with a cocktail
Taking in the scenery while riding the rails … I love the train and its a huge stress reliever for me.
I made it to the ocean …somewhere on a beach in Puerto Rico.
I don’t know about you, but I’m totally psyched about the solar eclipse happening on Monday, August 21, 2017. This hasn’t occurred in like 99 years (across the United States). I believe we had one back in the day when I was a kid… the 90s. I don’t remember seeing it. Do you? Anyway, this is the first time it will be occurring coast to coast across the U.S. Yup! WOW. Exciting. Now, for some of my Southern friends, you’re going to be right in it and experience a total eclipse. That’s pretty awesome. I almost considered traveling down to experience. Lol Well, I’m going to be a nerd right here at home! I hear there are going to be a lot of eclipse parties nationwide, so find you one. I was actually thinking of having one, but it is a Monday and I don’t know many people in my new humble abode.
Now, I wouldn’t be doing my public health duty if I didn’t say, please please please do not stare directly at the sun. You will burn out your retina. Like really, you’ll burn your eyes out! THIS IS SERIOUS!!!! No, really it’s called Solar Retinopathy!! I’m a scientist. I know these things. AND Beware, a lot of the eclipse glasses being sold are not legit. There has been a recall for many. You may be able to find free glasses at your local library or science based outlets. A quick Google search of your area, will provide a list.
I also stumbled upon a really cool quiz from TIME!
For more information about this awesome mystery of life and the Universe check out Space.com and read all about the Total Solar Eclipse 2017!!! Yay!!! Of course, you must browse the NASA Total Eclipse site too!!!! It’s pretty awesome!
Happy Sun Gazing!!! Let me know how your Eclipse Day goes!!!
You are entering the World of my thoughts, my emotions, my randomish aka random-ish aka random- $h*t. LOL Sounds like some sci-fi thriller. Ahhh You’re entering the Twilight Zone. Okay, I’m going off course. Thoughts running away. Back on track. I’m a Lady, most of the time a Queen, who so happens to be on a solo journey. Since my younger lady years, I’ve expressed my emotions, my thoughts through words and pictures aka poetry and photography. My philosophy in life has been truly ‘work hard, play hard’ and I’ve done just that. Now in my 39th year as a physical being, I’m pondering my journey, contemplating what the Universe has in store. How will this story continue as I go from pretending to ‘adult’ to full force mid-age ‘adulting’? I will explore and share my spiritual and wellness philosophy, my theories of the mystery of existence, and simply put, my meditation along this journey. You’ll get a few of my ‘journalations’ (made up word…call me Webster) and my ‘digital pixpressions’ (another made up word, so don’t steal it!) I’ve kept a journal since my high school years and I highly recommend that you start to write down your thoughts too. Its your story. Who better to tell it? Right? The African saying is “Until Lions write their own history, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” So get to writing… your great great great grandchildren may find your story very interesting. 🙂 Stay tune for the journey through my thoughts and be sure to feel the love in each moment!!!
Happy Summer!
Think about it, when was the last time you didn’t depend on the social media apps and actually met a friend for coffee just because. When was the last time you had a telephone conversation? No, customer service calls don’t count! Haha I’m talking about an old fashion, talk nothing about everything, until someone falls asleep😂. Do you all remember those types of conversations? We just need to check in on a fellow human, simply to say ‘hey, how ya feeling?’ And actually listen to their response, with an open heart. Ponder that 👩🏾💻 and remember that #loveisineachmoment you just have to open heart and see.💞
