26 Feb Stay in Control, Bask in Bliss!

Alaafia Fam! This week’s Orisa Prayer and Meditation message resonated with a lot of you, which always makes my heart smile. The story came from the odu Ifa Oyeku Owonrin and spoke of a blacksmith named Ajobowu who, in spite of his hard work, wasn’t seeing his wealth grow commensurately. So what did he do? He prayed, of course! He then went for Ifa divination and, after making his ebo (ritual offering),  discovered that, although he had been working hard smelting and making things, he hadn’t been making the right things.      

A divine messenger came and advised him that, instead of just the faming tools and other utilitarian things he had been making, he should start to make gongs and bells for people to play. He listened to the advice, made the bells and became very wealthy and famous. He also made all the people around him happier as they were able to make lovely music to appease the orisa and for their own enjoyment. 

The most important message from this story is that many of us have gifts that we may not be using to their full potential because we’re doing what we’ve always done. Sometimes, we’re called to use our gifts in a new and different way in order to reach a higher level of success in our lives. If what you’re doing is working, great! Keep doing it. But if, like Ajibowu, you find yourself working hard and not seeing the rewards, it may be time for a shift.

During our Monday Motivation, I spoke about how I come from a family of performers. My mom was an actress and model in her youth, my sister is a professional actress and singer, my biological father (iba e) was a DJ and party promoter (in addition to being an accountant) who recorded me singing and dancing to New Edition as soon as I could talk, and you couldn’t tell my Dad (iba e) he wasn’t the 6th Temptation. I have always loved to act, sing, crack jokes, and speak in different voices since I was a child. Who would have thought that by listening to spirit and following the very eclectic path I’ve been led down that I would end up using each and every one of those gifts as a priestess, teacher, and community leader? There’s more than one way to use what we’ve got!

Self-Control is our card for the week from the Chalks of Kikongo oracle deck and it reminds us that we are the leaders of ourselves. One of the most important attributes of a leader is staying in control and not letting emotions lead the way. Feel your feelings, but stay grounded and use your head in order to see the way forward. Remember: ori (inner consciousness) isn’t only in our head, it’s also in our feet. Staying grounded will help you see the right steps to take, even in the midst of trials.

Crystal ally, watermelon tourmaline, reminds us that we are here to experience bliss in this life! It isn’t all about working and healing and fixing and doing — we are human BEINGS! It’s alright to just be and enjoy yourself sometimes. Remember our mantra for the year: joy is mine! Tap into the things that bring you happiness and watch your spirit soar.

May these messages and lessons resonate with you whenever you connect with them! Ase!

~Iya Funlayo

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