Bundle a package…

We are being lead to believe, bundle your services and you save money.

Let’s review: Phone, Internet, Cable…all for a wonderful low price??? But, what if you can not pay the cable and would like to continue your service using the phone and internet to continue working. Maybe, your job requires more telephone and internet service then say…cable. Your thought at the time of the offer was—”I can not let this deal go by.!”

OK…In the home. You have electricity as the base of all your appliances…even the stove. During these times when employers are struggling to make payroll. You are given a turn off notice by your favorite electrical company. So that now places you in a very precarious situation…now you have no lights, no stove, no phone service and of course, no cable and no internet.

I remember a time when, you could receive a turn off notice for your light bill…or arrive home and find your light are off. Run to the phone and call Mom and Dad for emergency funds…and pay the bill on the way to work in the morning…or at least negotiate to pay the bill while you are drinking a freshly made cup of coffee and eating a toasted muffin.

Woo…things have changed.

Welcome to the New Way of Life!

What are we doing…and Why!

If Dr Oz’s (from the medical talk show) is stating correctly what is happening to our food intake.
I believe we will need to be more diligent and truly “comprehend” what we are reading on the food
labels. Then research how that is impacting our children.

Here is my concern…Arsenic in the Apple Juice…really!

Dr Oz’s research included visiting  Washington DC and speaking with the power brokers to ask …why are we poisoning our children. Visit Dr Oz website for more insight.

Back to my initial question this morning…What are we doing….and Why!

Just a thought about yesterday’s events…How would I feel?

Have we lost our humanity…as a people?

I AM QUEEN

OWONRIN

I AM QUEEN

Not a “wanna be”, Not to be disrespected, Not tainted, Not oppressed, Not weak,
Not uneducated, Not uncultured, Not ignorant, Not abusive, Not abused, Not disloyal,
Not arrogant, Not rude, Not unsophisticated, Not a play thing, Not the past, Not a
doormat.

I AM A QUEEN

Refine, Articulate, Intelligent, Poised, Respectful, Cultured, Erect as an Arrow, Strategist,
Concern, Humble, Wise, Understanding, Regal, Trustworthy, Teacher, Student, Priest,
Companion, Wife, Renaissance Women, Spiritual Leader, Communicator, Nurturer, Friend, Woman, Courage, strength,
BEAUTIFUL, Caring, MASTER OF MY SHIP! I AM ELEGANT. I AM PRESENT. I AM THE GIFT.

I AM QUEEN

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow…Nothing Less and Nothing More!

OLODUMARE (GOD) says so!

And that my dear, is Good Enough For Me!

(IWORI)( the instruction of this Odu—”be on guard against undeserved punishment and judgement.”)

SIX MILES…

How many miles does it take to find oneself?

Six miles you say… maybe more or maybe less.That inward journey is very rarely requested, it is usually catapulted into position by some very strange set of circumstances. Whatever the catalyst, the journey has begun.Why are these aspects not shared among the clergy, teachers or mentors? Is there a reason for the silence of this journey towards inner growth. Without the proper “keys” or set of instructions, we will continue to lose ourselves and our children.Here you sit at the brink of sanity vs insanity, joy vs frustration—you begin to wonder is anyone out there.

You sit and contemplate the series of events that transpired. Did you send these cast of characters a note attached to the script, then stated at a designated time and place you desire their presences. You list your location and for them to appear on that part of the world in your small town on that summer night just before 8 pm. Remember, all you need do is follow the script…this will help us both—I will remember. Or so you thought.

Well, maybe not truly. During the traveling through the birth canal, the agreement was forgotten by you and them.

(Stay with me for a moment more. This will all make sense.)

Yes, we have freedom of choice in all matters and we can either accept proposals for life’s journey or reject the scripts.  We can decide whether or not we want to participate in the spiritual development of those we encounter or not. We have options. Yes or No—it really is that simple.

We can bring love, light and protection, or, we can bring all the various degrees of destruction.  That is what is being presented to YOU right now. Want to continue?

Just like in Mission Impossible: This message will disintegrate if you accept this assignment. The assignment is to follow that inner journey to met yourself…the real you.

On the way you will encounter people that appear to be very familiar, and they are. This person might be one of the helpers you requested to appear at the appointed time. The lesson that is brought will depend upon whether or not you have completed the first level of lessons. If you were able to arrive at this level, minus the self medications, that have placed more illusions into your dark shadows. Then you are ready to continue.

So, your next test appears. Here is your opportunity to become a teacher or a student who will repeat the class. Now is the time when you reach into your heart and find the “courage” “strength” and “wisdom” to rise above the appeared obstacles.

Psalms 23, when David was in the mountains hiding from King Saul, that was not a joke. He was running for his life. And now, so are you. Imagine, somebody like King Saul, with all the influence, resources, money, soldiers and friends…chasing someone who as a child attended sheep near the mountains of his father’s home. Just because he was named as the next successor to the King of Israel…his life became an endangerment.

When you decide to stand for your spiritual freedom and power. You become a threat to the energies that do not want  you to succeed. There will be times when you will feel “alone.”

“Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me”… “as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

When you cross that bridge of life and land on the shores of your true self. The journey now begins, on another level. There is a forest in front of you, that separates you from the city of light, your goal and destiny. The forest has the same connotations that Sherwood Forest has in Robin Hood. Don’t go in there, if you do not have to. However, you have no options. Through the valley of the shadow of death…you will enter and KNOW that  you must remain focused. There is no turning back…standing still, however, no turning backwards.

You can not turn to the left nor the right…you must become single eyed…see only your GOAL. Your true self…Your destiny.

All the fears that you have conjured up since a child, will present itself the closer you get to that light. This is not a time, when you will be able to run to others for insight. This is just like when you were being born…you alone…right now.

If you can hear, you will be guided by that soft inner voice of peace, hope and courage. If you trust and believe.

This is when you can decide. Do you go forward or remain right where you are…engulfed in the arms of fear and paralyzed.

Remember, King David was laying on the ground without food, water, a change of clothing…and he wanted to comprehend…WHY was this happening to him. Why would King Saul want to kill him? What did he every do to him, that would cause this reaction? Maybe he did nothing.

You will encounter those who might be family members who are trying to remove you from your rightful position in the family and you wonder why? What have you done to deserve this?

However, just like King David you will comprehend the lesson and put your faith in your spiritual belief (whatever that is) and walk out…on the strength and faith of a muster seed. Courage and belief…belief that you are Divinely protected. This is your destiny.

This journey can not be experience under the influence of alcohol, drug, prescription drug, glue, pills or any of the other self-medications that are available to keep you asleep. You must awaken to the hope of what can/will be—when you continue this journey.

Yes, you could decide this is as far as you want to go, because the fear is paralyzing you. That is the reason, why we meet so many who started in a rush, full of the great gifts of life, who are now, sleeping under the bridges in every town…those who walk the streets as dropouts of society…dropouts of life.

Many have gone before you, some greats like Frank Hopkins, Geranomo, Cinque, Joan of Arc, African St Barbara, explorers, warrior queens and kings, many more even your parents have become beacons on this journey towards inner self. These examples shared their journey from chaos to wisdom and victory, all you need do is observe.

So, I leave you with this…

In the end, is it worth it!

You better believe it is. The only person coming to save you is YOU!. Springing from the depth of within to surface and emerge as a new and powerful new journey—”new you”—the phoenix rising from the ashes.

Armed with, self love, focus, fortitude to continue on life’s inward journey towards the light/goal. Singleness and self-importance (not narcissism) will become a mandatory tool…focus. “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”   Learn your story, tell your story.

How many miles can you say does it take to find, nurture, forgive and love oneself.

Believing again as a child of the greatness that you possess—and only you can in this”present” moment accomplish this task.

Six miles—-???

Natalie J

A piece of chicken

A few days ago, an elder shared a very strange story with me concerning her status as a person of wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

It seems as if our young people have lost the reverence each preceding generation has displayed towards elders.

There was a time, to send an elder to a “home for Independent Living” or attempting to acquire “conservator” designated to take over and protect the interests of an incompetent parent in some cases, was rare. As the Baby Boomer approach the winter of her/his life, we see, there is a need to enforce “respect” and “teachings of how things use to be.

It was an honor, in most cultures, to provide for the people who provided for you as a child. Many of these elders sacrificed their youth, money, relationships, dreams in order to make sure the “child” was given every possible opportunity. Culturally, this is part of the commandments, “honor thy mother and thy father.”

Many years ago, Ethiopian Orthodox Priest, during turbulent  years, received an invitation from the government of Israel to relocate and begin a new life in the Holy Land. The common denominator is the historical value of their religion.

The honeymoon was exciting and the people with their children began to settle in Israel, not seeing the complete dangers that awaited. The history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Priest is approximately ten thousand years of existence. They were given the responsibility of protecting “The Arc of the Covenant.” Their traditions were well grounded within the fabric of Ethiopian lifestyle. Respect and Honor reigns supreme.

For those that did accept the invitation of the Israeli Government, acclimating to their new environment was a little longer than anticipated. Some of the younger people had an opportunity to experience a “freedom” not found in Ethiopian concerning food and clothing a new lifestyle. It was not long before the youth could see the “lack of respect” their elders received from the general locals.

However, their decisions have only one direction now, to stay and endure. They had to make the best of this situation, the opportunity to return would require more resources that are not readily available. The elders sat and watch their children become part of the military and those young women and men, who were not in the military, and not able to identify their place, became a lost generation. With all the anger that a young person can muster, the disrespect began. Here in this new land, the Ethiopian lost their historical value of being the “First True Orthodox Priest” with a ten thousand year history, and slowly, they observed the “new Israeli priest” position themselves to assume a new history, providing the Ethiopian with alter  “five hundred” year existence.

Alcoholism, prostitution and chaos embedded within disrespect for the elder and the dismantling of what little faith a teenager would have, began questions shrouding their religious foundation. The elders watched their future leaders  succumb to the new laws of cultural imprisonment. This is destroying their people, as well as their history.

So, what does this have to do with my title…a great deal.

One day, as I mention in the beginning, an elder shares her experience… the day had progressed and she was in belief that her child would arrive with food to assist her with a few days left prior to the arrival of her social security check. Then,, she would be able to continue through the month without being notices by any person.  Where she was staying, her son was struggling with his new responsibility as “divorcee” and the “father of two.” Hence the reason why this elder was residing with her son.

The agreed upon responsibilities are to be the babysitter for the elementary school age children (one boy and one girl) upon their arrival from school and prepare meals on late nights. When the elder realized the food was very scares she offered her portion to the children, realizing the additional food would arrive within a few hours. She did not mention this additional trouble to her son, who was struggling financially his bills.

Hours had gone by, since the conversation with her daughter, and yet she has not arrived.

Finally, just a little after 10:00pm the doorbell rang and it was her daughter. Glad to see her and ready to eat, she noticed that the young women had a small bag. To herself she thought, “where is the food I had requested.” It is a good thing I did not let the children wait for her to arrive. My son is working late and I am sure he will grab a bite to eat prior to his arrival home. But, a small brown bag…what could possibly be in that?”

The mother was finally able to ask her question…”did you receive my message…do you have the food?”

The young woman smiled and said…”well, I brought you a piece of chicken. I did not have any more money to purchase something separate for you. So, I gave you a piece of the breast that I ate.”

The elder surprised at this manner of treatment thanked her daughter for her thoughtfulness. She put the empty container on the kitchen counter…observing the package she noticed it was a seven piece chicken container. Yet, her daughter had only…a piece of chicken (breast) for her mother.

Hand in Hand—You and I

The title resonates a wonderful sound…”hand in hand—-You and I.”

There is a bond between a husband and wife, I believe. This bond surpasses the politics of all family members and the outside world.

When we observed the young Victoria (Queen of England), we see there was a strong struggle among powerful monarchs to take control of the mind and will power of the “future” young queen.

During this chaos, it was difficult for her to decipher, “who to trust”. One person you would think she would be safe to share her fears, desires and aspirations would be her immediate family, her mother. Only to realize that her mother was being manipulated, by someone she thought had her best interest, and not his own at heart.

The story does have a good ending climaxing in a love affair that will span the chronicles of England. Young Prince Albert was able to wait the course, and create a long distance bond. (Remember, no Internet during these times, only what I affectionately call—snail mail.)

We find the two were able, even though, being pulled by family and politics in opposite directions, to support and develop a bonding “trust” incapable of demise from the interior or exterior influences.

As we see in the story, Prince Albert, the nephew of King Leopold of Belgium (Congo) wanted a union between his nephew and the next heir to the throne of England. He went so far as to suggest, by any means necessary, his nephew should enter into the “bed” of this unsuspecting woman.

Prince Albert would develop his own reasons for pursuing Victoria. He possessed unshakable love, trust, loyalty, wit, kindness, support, respect and belief in the young Victoria. So much so, historians share this information with future generation.

When Queen Victoria became sovereign the first few years were chaotic. It was under the influence of the Prince, that Queen Victoria was to rise from the ashes of mismanagement as a new ruler and gain the love and respect of her people. Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert developed better living conditions for her people and implemented education in the arts and sciences. They became the most loved of their people in British history.

In our personal worlds, we seek to find that person who compliments our deepest desires and external aspirations. A person who will stand by your side and share “truth” of the situation, not with a bat (words) across your head, but with kindness and respect.

Distance is irrelevant, and loneliness is a-lone-ness not a time to dilute the bond, trust and goals.

Family and outside people will talk. They always know more about you and your next decision, than you do. Well that is what they want you to believe. Depend on your inner judgment in a world of love and respect generated by you and your significant other. This can be done as Prince Albert and Queen Victoria demonstrated for twenty years together and an additional forty years after the death of the Prince.

Finding a way to communicate, truth and trust…visualize a time when a meeting will occur, half way between the two worlds, and solidify the bonding.

For strong willed people, this may not be so easy. If there are any insecurities that reside within the walls of your thoughts or body, and you are seeking outward friendships or guidance and directions from those that might not have your greater interest at heart… Prince Albert told the Prime Minister of England, not to mistake him as one of his colleagues. They did not associate in the same arena. The Prince stated, “I am married to your Sovereign Queen.”

You may want to believe these relatives and friends have your best interest in their thoughts. Examine and see clearly…is that so?

Young Victoria (women) and Prince Albert (men) continue to bond together and create ways to allow “true” communications to manifest between the both of you. Do your “due diligence” learn how to rule and support your goals collectively and individually. Together become an impenetrable force and continue to bring to the people, the things that will help to restructure “critical thinking” and provide “hope and direction” to each generation.

I believe Queen Victoria reign compassionately for so many years because of the relationship she shared with her husband Prince Albert. Their love was passionate, loyal and committed.

Early Morning…

Early morning rising…

I believe this is our opportunity to meet the universe and prepare for the day. Those of us, who have one time or another experienced feeling abandon. I believe there is a reason for that feeling besides the apparent parental abandonment.

After reading a great many books on the subject, I decided to experiment with the instructions of one author, Deepak Chopra. So, I began rising early in the morning and just sit still. Now, that is truly an art form. Keeping the mind still and thinking about absolutely nothing. Try it and see how you do?

The first few attempts and I was very busy working on my daily activities. Then the next time, I wanted to settle a conversation I had the night previously and was  unable to complete because of …oh, any reason is a good one. Each time I stopped and began again.

Then I began to remember some of the things I would do, previously, many years ago, when I did rise early in the morning as a discipline. Guess what? I actually accomplished more and felt more confident and magical, then when I stopped.

I only stopped because my meditation began to interfere with my romantic life. Yes, I am guilty as charged. I would rather meditate than engage in intimacy…when I want to meditate. What I found provocative is…why was my spirituality of such great interest or intimidating to my partner. Now the funny thing is this, the relationship did not last. Why you say? Well, he said, it was because I was too spiritual. Not zealot…too spiritual.

Not evenly yoked!

However, by this time I was no longer in my discipline and to awaken early in the morning was only for me to venture into the world of employment. Each day loosing my true self and not remembering what had happen. Then the feeling of abandonment started to raise it bad head again. And before I knew it, I was back feeling the pains of a childhood that I thought resolve.

OK…so what am I saying…

The Universe and Mother Earth meet every morning…the birds rise to celebrate this auspicious occasion…the sage and saints rise to greet the day prior to everyone else. and yet, some of us would rather wait until all the opportunities to plan a great day, are filled like a dance card. Now, we are at the whim of those who did awaken in time to see this wonderful celebration, and plan your day.

Since I have regained myself and also my declaration…I must be able to celebrate that which allows me to feel the greatness that I truly possess.

Guess what I have found out….there is a special person who does not find that side of me intimidating….that spiritual connection  that provides peace and tranquility. That special person is confident in himself and surprisingly…does the same early morning rising.

How sweet it is Alice!

LIFE SKILLS

I just completed —The Book of Secrets Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life by Deepak Chopra. Let me share with you the experiences that lead to and during the reading of this book.

Can you imagine at this age…who am I? Not, what I do for a living—but rather, who am I? Why am I on planet Earth? What is my legacy and even though, I have many children it appears only, one, is interested in taking my wisdom and knowledge and building upon that for the future.

My biggest gift, which I have been running away from for many years, is my spiritual acumen. This day I was not running, only because I am exhausted and I have been humiliated enough to scream…UNCLE!

I remember Dr Deepak Chopra when Oprah Winfrey introduced him on her television show years ago. At that time, I had completed a manuscript entitled “Master Spirit.” It was my work in that I was the tool that Spirit used to channel a beautiful story about a child’s journey from the spiritual realm to this.

I circulated the story among my inner and outer circle of friends and associates. They did not get it and I put it away realizing that I was ahead of the pack “again.” However, when I heard Deepak Chopra speak about things that I was aware, I was not moved. I felt he was able to reach into a pool of knowledge available to many but only a few accessed. Just like me.

So, at the time, he did not impress me and I dismissed him, end of story.

Funny, he continued his life and its journey and I thought I was doing the same, however, encountering obstacles and delays and bludgeoning through life. I did not realize that I was moving further away from who I am and what I am here to do.

You see, each one of us has something very special to complete…after all we are co-creators. It is in our unique manner that we are able to complete this complex work…spiritual work. Deepak even though we had similar knowledge, our paths were not the same. There are people he would encounter that I would not. There are those who I will be able to reach and he will not. There is a balance in the universe. You are very important to what you need to do or say and only you can do that. The world/universe is void without your input.

Back to the story…

Over the years, I began to forget who I am and why I am here. soon my knowledge, skills and intuition became the brunt of many jokes…and my financial weather vane did not help at all…my sunny days became fewer. I  had zero true clue as to why.

The beat went on until finally, broken-heart, silver hair lining the once very youthful face, eyes that were once almond in shape now peered out through the shields of skepticism and hopelessness. What happen? Why am I allowing the arrows of misfortune, abandonment, divorce, disrespect and broken promises lined with tattered dreams—reconstruct my appearance.

This is the person who went into the library, a place of recluse, a place of solitude and tranquility, where I could hide from the world and travel to the many countries of my hearts desire…filling my passbook with new countries.

Deepak’s book stood out from among the various others and again my thought was…not another book on “secrets.” Well, let’s see what he has to say.”

With skepticism, I continued seeking more books that might be available to provide a lonely person some inspiration…two books on writing and my final stop the DVD section. As I desired Elizabeth the Golden Age was there and I was happy. You would have thought I had won the lottery.

Upon my arrival at my new temporary location, I put on my classical music and selected Deepak to be the first book for the evening. At first, I was reading very casually, then I reached for my index cards and lead pencil and began to take notes.

I remember, during my earlier years residing with some very eclectic parents, there was a story that my mother recanted concerning my birth on that cold wintry day in upper Manhattan.

I share this story for a reason and those of you with abandonment issues, this might assist you. The operative word here is “might.”

My dad decided to breach his contract with me and my mom. He was not present upon my arrival. Yes, I was angry…so I demonstrated the cruelty of the doctor’s hit and was vocalizing when upon entering the room where I would meet my mom…I heard. “Get that noisy child out of here.”

OK, at this point, I would like to say two things. (1) If my theory about my “new earth father” not being present was do to some unsavory event and was causing this turbulence with my “new earth mom” (2) what was the need to recapitulate this story???…”Get that noisy child out of here.” Hmmm!

I share that story for a reason. With all the self-evaluation, self-analysis and self-medication, I was not able to satisfactory solve this feeling of hurt until reading, The Book of Secrets, that I truly began to heal the pain.

My epiphany occurred while reading a segment on meditation…”meeting the pre-dawn in silence and witnessing the dawning of a new day… being present.” Oh my gosh! that feeling of abandonment was probably (my theory) how the planet feels when only the sages, saints and awaken spirits, take the time to greet the earth’s birthing a new day. Deep! Well, it was for me. My heart felt different and I did not feel abandoned any longer.

The other segment was realizing on a conscious level that I am the creator of my reality. Trust me this was my mantra for years…however, it was mostly intellectualized. The experiences that I am having for my spiritual development while on this planet is design by me.

I have been running from my spiritual knowledge and belief for many years. Funny, I would share with people…if you have a talent you have not used…you probably will use it prior to your transition from this consciousness. As I am now embarrassing my spiritual wealth and sharing it with those I am here to serve.

There are more revelations, however, I will share them at a future time.

Deepak Chopra, thank you for being faithful to your spiritual calling.

I suggest, read this book…and let’s talk soon…

Ciao,

Natalie J

Life Skills

Recently a friend of mine…I would like to add, an outstanding musician. Created the following MP3. Take time and listen to the lyrics and remember, this is the reality of life…if, we have the courage. Let Go! Great work “Jean Ricks musician extraordinaire” from New York City. Visit her site at: www.ricksofactomusic.com let her know your thoughts…