Selfishness Campaign

I went to lunch with a good friend of mine the other day...and boy did she drop some knowledge. A lot of the gems given during the conversation resonated with me and actually made me somewhat emotional after her departure. During the conversation I realized how much she had grown as a human being and I admired that she wanted to constantly reflect on what she needed to do to become the best version of herself in the future. What really stuck with me was her acceptance of past, present, and future relationships and no longer needing to justify why some relationships may dwindle. I've given a lot of thought of what kind of person I want to be and whether or not I have actually chosen to walk down a path of betterment or bitterness by dwelling on relationships that are no longer as strong as they once were. As I write this I realize that in an effort to be selfless I've lost myself just a smidgen and maybe incorporating selfishness into my character make-up won't be such a bad thing after all. A few ideas on how to selfishly enhance my being while not negatively affecting the people I love the most are listed below:
1. Stop pushing through:
Ignoring your body or your mind is actually one of the most unhealthy things you can do to yourself. If you're tired...then you're tired...and that's OK. You shouldn't have to justify why you are unable to do something for others if it means you can not give the best version of yourself at a particular moment, especially if the event or request is trivial. Remember, while you're running around like a chicken with your head cut off...other people are asleep or resting or not worried about the unnecessary stress you have inflicted upon yourself to make others happy. So I'll take my own advice...I need to have a seat somewhere.

2. Wait for the request:
"Too often we jump in and start helping a friend, co-worker or family member before they've even asked. Then we get burned when they don't take our advice. It hurts." Go ahead and set some boundaries, because setting clear and concrete boundaries allows you to help wholeheartedly and be sincere in the process...not just enable them.

3. Find your happy and run like hell with it:
As I write this I've even begun to feel slight guilt for premeditating this whole "selfish" campaign. Approximately 5 seconds has passed and I've realized that I'm not really being selfish at all...I'm trying to be happy...and therefore the previous sentence is some bullshit. I am no longer exhausting myself by attempting to "do the most"...that is the goal for 2016. There is some quote that states "friends come and go"...that's a crock of foolishness to me. Real friends are forever no matter where you are in life, so finding your happy should not offend the ones you love the most...because they love you as well and want you to be happy.

With all of that being said...being a little selfish can lead to a happiness you have been unable to experience previously. When you're happy, your energy is infectious and inspires and encourages others to be happy too. Let's face it...everyone's a lot more fun when their happy.
Onward.
~Ola.

The Winter Solstice & A Time to be Still

On Wednesday, December 16th, I attended an event that was conducted by Egyptologist Anthony Browder about the connection between Kemetic (Egyptian) Spirituality and practices and Christianity. From the two hour lecture, the one topic that stood out to me was about the Winter Solstice which begins December 21st. Astronomically, the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of shortening nights and lengthening days, however it also is the period when the sun is still. Following the Winter Solstice is a full moon that appears on December 25th, which in Kemetic faith is recognized as the birth of the sun and the enhancement of solar energies by a full moon.

During the period of December 21st-24th, it is the most opportune time to align our bodies with our spiritual self. Society has conditioned us to believe that during the Holiday season we should attend multiple events, buy gifts for loved ones and people we could care less about and to rip and run to make sure we have things we do not need, however we should spend more time to be still and prepare for the new year. Listed below are a few things one can do to align with your spiritual self.

Preparation for the Winter Solstice

December 21-24, 2015

• A time for prayer, meditation and fasting
• A time to be still and intentional in your thoughts, speech and actions
• Burn incense, play inspirational music & no tv

S.A.V.E.R.S. Morning Ritual

S= SILENCE, MEDITATION & PRAYER
A= AFFIRMATIONS
V= VISUALIZATIONS
E= EXERCISE
R= READ
S= SCRIBE (WRITE)

Be You. Be Still.

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Aminata B. Sow

YOUR Word Has Power

Have you ever mentioned someone's name and days later that person calls you or you bump into them randomly on the street? In that moment that you spoke that person's name did you realize you were breathing life into the Universe about that individual? Ever hear of the term "Be careful what you wish for, words have power"? Well I am here to affirm that Words do have power and you can either use them for power positive energy or negative energy. The choice is yours.

As humans it is easy for us to get caught up in focusing on the negative. "I do not want to get stuck in traffic", "I do not want to be late for work". What is usually the outcome once you state what you do not want to happen? Many times it actually happens. Why? Well you focused on what you did not want to happen and you spoke life into it. Instead of focusing on what you do not want to happen, breathe life into positive statements.

In the book/film "The Secret" the tenet of the work is that the universe is governed by a natural "law" called the law of attraction which is said to work by attracting into a person's life the experiences, situations, events, and people that "match the frequency" of the person's thoughts and feelings. The book/film affirms that thinking positively can create life-changing results such as increased wealth, health, and happiness.

So the next time you have the urge to think or say something negative, switch your mindset and breathe positive energy into the universe.


Peace, Love & Blessings,

Aminata B. Sow

Jill Scott spoke to us today....

We just want to have her on speed dial, so when we have an issue...Auntie Jill can solve it. If you haven't listened to this interview, please do so now.

Jill Scott Interview on the Breakfast Club.

Peace, Love, and Abundant Blessings.

Olamide and Aminata

The definition of...

fear

ˈfir/

noun

1. 1.

   an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Above is the standard definition of fear (thanks Google!). So I'm ready to take the next step in my career and my life and I am just now realizing that I'm afraid of taking the next step because I actually don't know where to start or what to do. My interest change every year and my skill set is admirable but it's also comparably similar to skill sets held by other young professionals. The thought of entering another realm knowing that you are expected to have a certain level of understanding based on your "resume" is quite frightening because what if I fall flat on my face as I walk through the "door". 

Another harsh reality that I've faced upon exiting school is...it really does help to know the right people. Which is something that I have always been annoyed with because I wholeheartedly don't really believe in kissing someone's derriere and that you should get ahead in life by your work ethic. So for a brief stint, I tried my best to be sweet and coy...and quickly realized that I was being foolish because it wasn't genuine.

So what do I do...

After a brief discussion with living prophets a.k.a. my parents, I gathered the following:

1. It's ok to be nervous about the next step in life and in fact, it is inevitable that you will fall flat on your face a few times...you're not perfect...because you're not God.

2. The goal isn't to befriend everyone you come in contact with to get ahead...the goal is to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone you meet instead. Your work ethic will speak volumes and when you respect yourself and others, there is nowhere for you to go but up. 

3. Humans are supposed to change mentally and physically overtime, so it isn't a crime to change your interest. Just make sure that you are always honest with yourself about why your interests have changed and whether or not they are changing for pure reasons.

4. Be confident...not cocky and ask questions when you need help. 

5. You're our daughter, complete and total failure really isn't an option...we actually don't have time for that at all.

That parental unit of mine always keeps me in check. Onward.

~Olamide 

REFLECTION

Today's post visits an old journal entry that I stumbled across last night. I think it is a healthy to look back on the past to learn from your mistakes and see how much you have grown. The tricky part in doing so is remembering not to dwell in the past. Do not get caught in the "Should've, could've, would've", but use your past as a tool to become a stronger individual.

Just a back story... The day I wrote the post below, I was working as a hostess part-time at El-Centro for 2-3 months to save up for my trip to Spain & Italy, in addition to working full-time as a Financial Analyst at a company that I was starting to despise. Literally 2 months later I accepted a position to work at one of the top consulting firms that I claimed for months. Lesson Learned: Be aware of the Power within your Word/Affirmation and be thankful for the now. You might not be where you want to be now but continue to work towards your end goal.


March 4, 2013

I normally don't write... Haven't done so in a very long time but I feel like I should write more often. As I write these few lines, I feel lighter, like I can finally seek refuge and clear my thoughts. As I stand here on this Monday night at El-Centro, my mind wanders to how Blessed I am. Although I do not have everything I want, I do have everything I need. I am truly Blessed and Highly Favored. I'm also realizing more and more that when I speak things into existence with passion, the universe answers. I need to keep this in mind Always!

 Love, Peace & Blessings,


 Aminata B. Sow

The Intellect Collective Book Circle: The Four Agreements

Do you ever go through life feeling like something is missing? Do you ever feel off balance and want to change your current situation but do not know how to do so? In the best selling book The Four Agreements Don Miguel Ruiz provides four principles to practice in order to create a more balanced fulfilled life full of joy and happiness. Committing to the agreements is VERY challenging, however, once you consciously adopt the principles into your everyday life you will notice a change. Take a leap of faith and prepare yourself for a life changing journey!

 The Four Agreements are:

1. Be Impeccable with your Word Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

P.S. I typed out the principles and have them posted on my wall and written in my journal. The perfect morning Affirmation!

 Peace, Love & Blessings,

Eclectic Vibes

You might want to check out this playlist I made...just because...please and thank you. 
Hopefully you'll like it just as much as I do.
You're Welcome.

The Internet...Ego Death

The Internet is not only a place to find the answers to homework questions, purchase new released sneakers, and troll the internet to stalk celebrities we'll never meet...but it's also a super dope group affiliated with Odd Future. Every summer I search for an anthem, usually something with a ridiculously heavy baseline and slightly obnoxious lyrics...but as I mature, so does my listening ear. The Internet gave me just what I needed this summer...an intense, yet light and refreshing mixture of musicality and smooth vocals. Not to mention they have features from a few of my favorites such as Vic Mensa, James Fauntleroy, and Kaytranada (click here).  
"Better act like you know who I am"...something that I frequently want to say to a few people, but never do...is a line from my favorite song on the album called 'Special Affair'. 
Thank you Syd tha Kyd for your smooth vocals...I appreciate ya.

Click Here for a Live Stream of the album: Ego Death.

Nicknames are only for...

...my close friends and family. Therefore, when I introduce myself to you...please don't ask me if I have a nickname because you are too lazy to pronounce my name properly. Here are a few things you must know about me and a few questions that must be answered before you are ALLOWED to use a nickname for me.
1. Umm....do you know my last name yet? Why are you so eager to already give me a nickname?
2. Do you know where I'm from?
3. My parents chose my name for a reason...I promise, it wasn't on a whim.
4. Nicknames are personal...I JUST met you...less than 5 minutes ago...don't rush this relationship because rushed relationships rarely last.
5. If I wanted you to use a nickname, I would have picked another name to introduce myself as...but I didn't...weren't you listening.
There are very few things that people actually own in this world so the last thing I need you to do is  disrespect me by insinuating that my name is not worth remembering or too hard for you to pronounce. There are a list of names you can pronounce that are actually more difficult than my name (i.e. Schwarzenegger, polawski, etc.)
So the next time someone decides to ask me if I have a nickname, after I have introduced myself with the name I want to be called...i'll literally say "bye Felicia"...and i'm pretty sure you're name isn't Felicia either...but it could be your nickname!