Spirituality 101: See-ers

Truth is it can be difficult to find a good see-er (aka clairvoyant). The ones who are on point often work “off the grid.” You won’t find their business card or poster at a metaphysical store. Don’t bother to look online or in the phone book either. Lol.  Folks often visit them when they’re making major decisions ie. marrying/divorcing, purchasing a home, moving house/country, considering a relationship with someone, dealing with health and/or financial issues. Some just go when “something’s up.” Others seek them out because they just “feel to.”  Not familiar with see-ers? Check this out:  http://www.examiner.com/article/spirituality-101-what-is-clairvoyance-and-how-is-it-spiritual

Things to know before you visit a see-er:

Be prepared for them to ask for the name of the person who referred you.

They typically don’t use cards ie. tarot etc.

Relax in knowing that they forget what they’ve shared with you once the session is over.

Feel free to ask them questions during your session. Take  notes and keep them in a special place.

Like any other practitioner when you find a good see-er my advice is to stick with them. Just keep their name and contact info. handy in case you need them. Trust me. Oh and think long and hard before you pass on their details.  Do NOT tell everyone and their mama about them. A see-er’s gifts are never to be taken lightly.

P.S.- Our see-ers are all over the planet. Some practice Obeah. Many do not.

The Healing waters of Osun

Ocean water contains many minerals needed by your body to help heal and detoxify. Some cultural beliefs are that ocean water’s mineral balance provides healing from every illness and skin disorder as well as serving as a spiritual rite in many cultures. In recent years, studies regarding ocean water benefits have shown that conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis and even depression are improved by ocean water swimming.

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when your joints become inflamed and pain sets in. Burning sensations can also be felt depending on the type of arthritis you have. In 1994, the National Library of Medicine’s National Institutes of Health published findings of the effects of Dead Sea minerals on 20 individuals with psoriatic arthritis. The report states that the minerals found in the Dead Sea’s waters significantly relieved arthritic symptoms and improved joint range of motion and spinal inflammation.

 

Skin Disorders

Skin disorders such rosacea, psoriasis and eczema are also helped by the ocean’s salt water as minerals and amino acids in the water draw out impurities. With the removal of these toxins also comes faster healing time during flare ups where open lesions are present. Rashes from plant allergies or heat are also soothed by ocean water, improving skin texture and boosting your skin’s natural immunities. Waters are believed to increase blood circulation, thus speeding up skin cell regeneration, cutting healing times in half.

Emotional Health

Warm baths have been attributed with stress reduction properties, but many may not realize the long-term stress reduction benefits of ocean water. The minerals in ocean water decrease stress and increase a sense of well-being. Water temperature also plays a major role in your emotional health when swimming in ocean water. Cool ocean water in the spring and fall months provides a soothing treatment for your nerves while warmer waters in the summer months relax your muscles, according to Dr. Connie Hernandez and Dr. Marcel Hernandez of Pacific Naturopathic in Mountain View, California.

Immune System

Iodine, one of the trace minerals found in ocean water, is directly linked to your body’s natural ability to fight off infection. Iodine in ocean water boosts your thyroid function, increasing your immune system. For this reason, ocean swimming is known as preventative treatment from certain illnesses and infections. Ocean water also increases the amount of oxygen carried throughout your bloodstream and and provides the nutrients required by your blood cells to fight off free radicals.

So folks, skinny dipping it is!!

Sunlight, Vitamin D and us

Blacks more likely to die from cancer because of vitamin D deficiency, study finally admits

Friday, June 15, 2012 by Ethan A. Huff

It is already a known fact that individuals with darker skin pigmentation, including people of Middle Eastern and African descents, have a much more difficult time absorbing vitamin D-producing ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun than do individuals with lighter skin pigmentation. And a new study now confirms that a disproportionately high amount of primarily African-Americans die from cancer every year as a result of vitamin D deficiency.

Published in the journal Dermato-Endocrinology, the study sheds a little more light on the vital role vitamin D plays in disease prevention. After taking into account socioeconomic status, stage of diagnosis, treatment options, and various other factors that might affect survival rates, researchers determined that the mortality rate for cancer among African-Americans is as much as 30 percent higher than it is for others, specifically because of vitamin D deficiency.

Individuals with fair skin tones can produce an adequate amount of vitamin D from natural sunlight exposure in about 15 minutes a day during the summer. But blacks and other darker-skinned individuals require as much as six-times longer in the sun to produce the same amount, which means many darker-skinned people, especially in North America, are more prone to vitamin D deficiency than light-skinned people.

As a result, individuals of African and Middle-Eastern descent may be more prone to chronic illness, including 13 specific types of cancer identified in the study — bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, testicular, vaginal, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and melanoma. This is why it is important for darker-skinned people to either spend more time in the sun, whenever possible, or supplement with natural vitamin D3 every day.

“Raising vitamin D concentrations to 40 ng (nanograms) per ml (milliliter) by taking 1000-4000 IU (international units) per day of vitamin D3 supplements is the easiest thing African-Americans can do to reduce the heavy burden of cancer they experience,” says William B. Grant, co-author of the new study and Director of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center (http://www.sunarc.org).

“In addition to reducing the risk of cancer, vitamin D would also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, respiratory infections and many other chronic and infectious diseases.”

Vitamin D deficiency widespread

It is not just blacks that need more vitamin D, however. A 2011 study found that nearly half of the overall population is vitamin D deficient, regardless of race. The most severely affected groups, though, are blacks, more than 82 percent of which are said to be deficient, and Hispanics, more than 69 percent of which are vitamin D deficient.

Opinions vary as to how much vitamin D an individual needs every day, but the growing consensus is that optimal blood serum levels of vitamin D are between 50-80 nanograms per milliliter ng/mL, or 125-200 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). Depending on what your current serum levels are, you may need to supplement daily with anywhere from 4,000-10,000 IU or more of vitamin D3.

If you think you might be vitamin D deficient, you may want to get tested. The Vitamin D Council has created a helpful page that explains how to get tested, what to look for, and how to begin restoring optimal vitamin D levels in your body: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org

For more info. check this out: www.theroot.com/views/why-black-people-need-more-vitamin-d

The benefits of responsible sunbathing

Many people are concerned about spending time in the sun these days. Over the past few decades there has been an exorbitant amount of hype through all types of media that exposure to the sun is detrimental to your health.

It is very easy to believe that what we hear repeatedly from television, magazines, radios and peers is obviously true. While there are many factors that can contribute to an unhealthy relationship with the sun (from poor diet, over-exposure, poor-hydration, and environmental pollutants) spending time in the sun can be incredibly healing, and many people around the world are missing out on this vital key to a healthy lifestyle.

As technology has improved, we have been able to see more clearly what the effects of the sun on the human body are. However, much of this information has been distorted or ignored for the simple reason that it is possible to make money selling protective products to a public scared of something they face on a daily basis.

But let’s stop for a moment and think about it a bit more deeply.

The sun is the center of our solar system, giving energy and life to the Earth and all its inhabitants. For thousands of years, humans have known that the sun was a beautiful healing source, as long as we respect its magnificent power.

Far beyond the superficial appeal of a healthy-looking tan, the benefits of responsible sunbathing are numerous and exciting. Sunshine will increase your energy, mood, libido, and immune system.

Fight Depression

Being in the sun causes your brain to produce serotonin and endorphins which increase your mood and can be very helpful in fighting depression.

Fight Insomnia

Sunbathing can even fight insomnia. Your brain has an internal clock which is set when you are in the sun, as well as causing melatonin production, both of which lead to a better chance of getting a good night’s sleep.

Clear Your Skin

Skin irritations such as acne, rashes, eczema, and athlete’s foot can be cured by sun exposure. Not only does getting some sun clear your skin, it can also give you a healthy glow.

Balance Hormones

The sun can help regulate the production of hormones. Lying in the sun can often help decrease symptoms of PMS or menopause. Being in the sun also stimulates the pineal gland of the brain, regulating its secretions, which may allow for more creativity, insight, and mindfulness, as well as helping to improve your mood.

Break Down Toxins

Sunbathing can help your liver function, and assist in breaking down wastes and toxins in your body which may cause disease or cancer.

Increase Circulation

Exposure to the sun increases both white and red blood cell count and helps the blood circulate more efficiently.

Get your Vitamin D

And last but not least is the most well known benefit of sunshine: Vitamin D. Exposure of the skin to the sun’s rays is the best way to attain this essential nutrient. Vitamin D helps the body regulate the immune system, increase calcium absorption, which leads to strong bones, and avoid kidney stones, diabetes, and even obesity. D3 is also thought to improve cognitive functions and decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

So how do you sunbathe responsibly, in order to receive the sun’s gifts without being over-exposed? The first and perhaps most important thing to know is how long you should spend in direct sunlight at one time, as well as the best times of day. The length of time varies depending on your skin complexion*, as well as how much sun you have been exposed to previously.

* Melanin absorbs the UV rays from the sun and the amount of melanin in your skin determines its color. Very light-skinned people have little melanin and need to be more careful about the duration of their time in the sun.

It is important to understand that the time of day you choose to sunbathe is vital. You should never sunbathe when the sun is at its full intensity, at the height of the sky. A good rule of thumb is to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between the hours of 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, though this of course varies from season to season.

It is very important to increase your time in the sun gradually, generally starting at 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week, depending on your skin color. As you spend more time in the sun, your skin produces more melanin, so the next time you are sunning, you have more ability to absorb the sun’s rays. Get a good idea of how much you can personally handle, and never stay out long enough to become red or burned.

You might be wondering why I’m not insisting upon the use of sunscreen at all times. This is one of the largest misconceptions about sunbathing. Not only does sunscreen not prevent skin cancer, it can cause cancer in several ways.

When you wear sunscreen your body does not produce Vitamin D3 from sunlight. This amazing vitamin is incredibly important for your health and is known to help prevent numerous types of cancer.

The vast majority of sunscreens contain a myriad of harmful chemicals. Where do they go? They are absorbed into your skin, where they wreak havoc on the immune system, making your body more susceptible to many diseases, including cancer. These chemicals can even enter your bloodstream and cause damage while being carried throughout your entire body. They can also be washed off in the water, contributing to the contamination of our planet’s precious water supplies.

Wearing sunscreen also gives you the misconception that you are completely protected and can stay out in the sun as long as you would like. People using sunscreen can think themselves invincible and stay in the sun for periods of time that (when combined with the chemicals they are using) can cause lasting damage to their skin or their health.

There are many toxic substances commonly found in sunscreens, which have never been approved by the FDA. Not all types of ultra violet radiation are blocked by sunscreen, including UVA rays, which do not cause sunburn, but can cause skin cancer. Sunscreen can also be known for clogging pores and causing or aggravating acne.

If you are in a situation that requires exposure to the sun for a long time, try to wear a wide rimmed hat and drink a lot of water. If the time in the sun can’t be avoided, try a vegan, chemical-free sunscreen from a company like Aubrey, Devita, or MyChelle.

The safest ways to protect your skin are to pay attention to how much sun your body can handle, drink lots of water, and to eat a healthy, clean diet*. Lack of important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E can make you much more likely to get burnt.

* Animal fats and animal protein, a well as junk food or rich foods can enhance your cancer risk while in the sun. On the other hand, fruits, veggies and whole grains provide cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants that will also protect your skin and the rest of your body.

The sun is a beautiful thing, and its light and warmth are required by all life on Earth. Take joy in the amazing sensation of being in the sun, and gladly soak up its benefits, just do it responsibly. Getting no sun at all is just as unhealthy as getting too much.  Be a wise and responsible sunbather and your body and mind will thank you.

Article by Laura Shults

Oooooh…SUMMERTIME!!!!

Summer, summer, summertime!!!!!!!! Time to activate that melanin!!!!!!! Get that beach time in. Make sure your eyes, hair & skin get their share of sun. Very important! June 21 marks the beginning of summer (if you’re up north that is). Any special plans? Doing a fast? Fabulous! Consider including lots of melon and cooling herbs (preferably ones that are in season). Hitting the ocean, lake or river? Sounds like a plan. Get out that journal and reel off this season’s goals. Keep it short now. No sense overwhelming ourselves.  Hmm. Stuck for ideas on how to celebrate? These may help:

– Declutter your home, vehicles and work spaces. Change linen/curtains in your home. You may want to use colours that reflect summer. Burn sage to cleanse spaces.

– Wear white or summer colours.

– Catch up on sleep.

– Do some healing art work ie. reiki, tai chi/qigong, yoga, meditation.

– Pour libation (preferably outside) for significant/family ancestors born in summer.

– Read children’s books about summer. Print off some summer colouring pages for the little ones.

– Have a special meal with friends/ family. Serve summer foods and cooling herbs ie. salads. Have a BBQ with fruit salad. Go outside!

– Have some cards/games/puzzles handy.

– Colour some mandalas.

Now if you want  a good book that’ll help you get started check out http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Up-Throughout-Seasons-Celebrations/dp/1573245518

Higher Education in Africa

The Motherland is home to some top-notch institutions.  Know that there is lots to choose from. Vocational and technical schools, polytechnics, colleges and universities.  

http://www.bc.edu/research/cihe/inhea.html    Resources for higher education in Africa

www.aau.org   Association of African Universities

http://theafricachannel.com/top-ten-universities-in-africa/    According to someone’s survey these are the top 10 universities

http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/ssrg/africa/africaneducation/african-universities.html#panafrican  List of African universities

Juneteenth

Not familiar? Well I certainly wasn’t until a few years back. This children’s book hipped me to it:

http://www.amazon.com/Juneteenth-Jamboree-Carole-Boston-Weatherford/dp/1600602487

June 19.  A big day for some families in the U.S.  Family gatherings with lots of food. Community events here and there, Stateside and elsewhere. In some states it’s a public holiday.

http://www.nationaljuneteenth.com/  History, info. on events etc.

www.juneteenth.com  History and more

http://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Gifts-A-Juneteenth-Story/dp/0689802692   Another children’s book

Do I celebrate it? Nah. Not feelin’ it like that. I acknowledge it.  That’s enough for me. Think it’ll add value to your family calendar? Head to a local Juneteenth event and/or call up some family & friends and have a BBQ! Nothin’ like good company and yummy food.

P.S.- Let’s keep working towards freedom ’cause this right here sure ain’t it.

June 16: International Day of the African Child

The International Day of the African Child honors the lives of young protestors who marched for equal education rights in South Africa in 1976.  It is also an opportunity to highlight the continuing needs of African communities that struggle to provide safe, quality learning environments and opportunity for their children. This year, the day brings to light “Eliminating Harmful, Social and Cultural Practices Affecting Children.” Each year thousands of stakeholders, children, and organizations use this as a day for remembrance and advocacy.

At Asante Africa Foundation, we strive to support these communities through programs that provide healthy learning environments, enhance teaching and learning quality, and provide scholarships and leadership skills. Programs like the Leadership Incubator and our girls’ health, hygiene, financial literacy and entrepreneurship initiatives are helping to create and build a strong foundation toward eliminating obstacles and overcoming harmful cultural practices. We hope that each child directly impacted by our programs will return to their communities to share their knowledge and ‘pay it forward’. By building on the strengths of students and their community, we create a sustainable cycle of learning and community development.

“Now, I know the ways that I can use to overcome the challenges along my way, I am promise that I will share with other four people.” – Eunis, student

We hope you will join and support our efforts this year, both to honor the lives of children lost 23 years ago, and to continue fighting for access to education for Africa’s children today. To find out more about how you can help honor this important day, visit asanteafrica.org and dayoftheafricanchild.org.

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Liberia: Ellen Issues Proclamation for ‘Day of the African Child’

14 June 2013

 

President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf has issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, June 16, 2013 ‘Day of The African Child’ (DAC) to be observed throughout Liberia as a Working Holiday. The day will be celebrated on Monday, June 17, 2013 since it falls on Sunday.

The President, in her Proclamation, called on all citizens and foreign residents, national and international youth organizations and all government agencies concerned to join the Ministry of Gender and Development in executing appropriate programs befitting the observance of the day.

Liberian children are expected to join other children across the African Continent to celebrate the DAC under the theme “Our Collective Responsibility In Eliminating Harmful, Social And Cultural Practices Affecting Children In Liberia”.

The significance of the Declaration and Observance of the DAC is in memory of hundreds of school children who were brutally massacred in Soweto, South Africa by the then Apartheid Regime in June, 1976 while advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

The Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), adopted Resolution Number 1240 in 1990, declaring June 16 of each year as the ‘Day of The African Child’ to focus awareness on the problems and address their effects on the young African population.

An Act of the Liberian National Legislature in 1992, in consonance with and adherence to the Convention of the Rights of The Child, ratified said Convention which guarantees the full protection of children from all forms of deprivation and abuse.

“As a Member of the United Nations, the Government of the Republic of Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to nurture and protect the Children of Liberia”, the Proclamation noted.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ercj8ztsrwk     Flash mob at last year’s celebration (Tanzania)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1MaYsHurDk   2012 Exhibition booth at AU Headquarters (Ethiopia)

Grow your own: Sprouts

So mom just taught herself how to grow mung bean sprouts. They’re a favourite of mine  alongside alfalfa and others. Mmmmm. Now mama’s showing me how to grow them. Easy peasy.

http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/04/how-to-grow-bean-sprouts-in-a-jar.html

Daddy’s Day

Father’s Day. Baba’s Day. It’s important that we set aside time to celebrate the  key role daddies play. Not feelin’ the June “holiday?”  That’s cool. Choose another time that works for your fam. Think about what the men in your life love to do. What makes them laugh?  How do they relax? Not sure what to do? Consider these suggestions:

– Honour the fathers/grandpas/godpas (ancestral and living) in your circle. Do something special with/for them.

– Place photos of your ancestral fathers on your family altar.

– Have a family potluck or BBQ. Slip in a few tunes like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL6DeCSICBc9 (Beyonce – Daddy), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAg58TLs8sc (The Suns – Happy Father’s Day), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgrPgfoLCJM (The Winstons – Color Him Father)

– Give gifts with meaning ie. experiences rather than things.

 

Can We Stop the Black Male Bashing…At Least on Father’s Day?

June 14th, 2012 – By Veronica Wells

 

I remember the first time I learned that people, children specifically, “didn’t have fathers.” My first grade tormentor Derek taught me that lesson. Derek, the bully, the pest, the agitator, who rarely spoke kindly or honestly, told me, matter of factly, that he didn’t have a father. Being that my father has always been a constant physical and emotional presence in my life, I really didn’t understand what he meant by that. How could someone not have a father? I took the question to my mother and she told me, “Everyone has a father. Some people just don’t know their fathers or their fathers aren’t around them that often.” I didn’t fully grasp what “not having a father” might mean to someone but I did sympathize with people like that, even Derek.

Today, I still don’t completely understand but as I’ve gotten older and been around more and more people who know this story, I’ve seen just how hurtful it can be. I’ve been around men who referred to their fathers as “sperm donors.” I’ve known women who sought the love they lacked from their fathers in other unworthy men and I’ve even come across a few people who’ve said not having a father in their lives didn’t affect them one way or the other.

A couple of years ago, I got into a pretty intense debate with an associate who used Father’s Day to broadcast his grievances with black men in general. I was enraged. Sure, there are deadbeat dads in our community, maybe even more than other communities, but don’t attack all black men when there are also numerous examples of black men doing the right thing when it comes to their children.

In recent years I’ve come to realize that my associate wasn’t the only one.

How many of our leaders, black leaders, take the time to celebrate black fathers? How many black clergymen use Father’s Day as another day to bash black men instead of dedicating the day to celebrating the fathers who are taking care of their children? I know the Pastor of my home church hasn’t always celebrated black men on Father’s Day. Not surprisingly, he grew up without a father. Even President Obama, who writes and speaks candidly about his father’s absence, spent a majority of his now famous Father’s Day speech at the Apostolic Church of God in 2008 telling black men to step up.

It wasn’t until later, like earlier today, that I realized that they, my associate, my pastor and even President Obama, were speaking from a place of hurt. They were projecting their experiences, their pain onto the entire community.

And I don’t completely disagree with them. There are some…a lot of black men who do need to step up and have a more effective role in their children’s lives. What I don’t agree with, is the attack on all black men. Society does that everyday of the year. The brothas who are trying and succeeding at being good fathers to their children deserve some recognition. Why can’t they get that on Father’s Day? After all, I don’t see deadbeat or absentee mothers being derided on Mother’s Day. And we all know those women exist…

Since I’m calling for the celebration of good black fathers it’s only right that I take a little time to thank my own father for his guidance, his wisdom, his humor, his provision, his encouragement and his presence. I hope that on Father’s Day and everyday you, and all the fathers like you, receive the recognition you deserve for a [tough] job well done.

P.S. – Interested in the history of Father’s Day? Here you go: http://www.fathersdaycelebration.com/fathers-day-history.html