Being You: Do you nurture with purpose?

If you nurture without intention you may end up being a doormat. Focus your strength on growth and independence. Nurturing is a lot like good parenting. It is important to offer support and encouragement, but, growth and development are always your most important goals. Most of us have experienced what happens when children are coddled. Mis-use of nurturing energy teaches irresponsibility and stunts growth. It most often goes without appreciation.

That soft, mesmerizing, creature who seems to float through the room is likely a child of Yemonja/Olokun. On the outside they may seem weak. Like the ocean, they have surprising depth, and shocking ferocity. When their support is coupled with lessons, growth can’t be far behind.

Do you know somebody who treasures their home? They probably seem as concerned about other people’s children as their own. They are gentle by nature but fiercely protective. Their tempers are slow to rise, but, like a tidal wave, leave nothing standing. You are experiencing a child of Yemonja/Olokun. Perhaps you are one yourself.

Many people over-emphasize the soft, nurturing, nature of this energy.  The real point of this energy is growth. Through the nurturing and lessons they bring Yemonja/Olokuns foster development and independence in those they touch. They really shine when it’s time to teach life’s hard lessons. They are stern but fair.  They expect appreciation and nurturing in return.

When you are a gentle and caring soul, it can be hard to be strict when it’s needed. Without balance you may give too much. The results can be exhausting. If you apply your support, along with some solid advice, the people around you will learn and grow. If you reach down to the powerful pool of Olokun energy, you can find balance and take your place in the world.

I love the Yemonja/Olokuns in my life for the soft approach they bring to living. They understand the importance of being gentle as well as being strong. They powerfully defend those they love. They can show us how to be caring and tough at the same time. They know how to accept and encourage independence in others. If you need a supportive push this is the energy to do it. If you need help figuring out how to deal with an unruly teen, find the nearest Yemonja/Olokun.

Have you ever experienced the fury of one of these gentle souls when their anger has been triggered? Did it shock you? Do you think you might be a child of Yemonja/Olokun?  I’d love to hear why, or why not.

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Being You: How's your character?

When you can sell sand in the desert it is even more important to act with good character. Your character is what determines your results.

That social, silver-tongued dynamo over there is probably a child of Sango. With all that fire and charisma they’re hard to miss. Sangos can convince anyone to give them exactly what they want. Their energy is really about developing good character. When their drive is applied to questionable ends the results are always disastrous.

Do you know somebody who is always on fire? They’re a real extrovert, with the gift of the gab. They seem impossibly confident. They could sell anything to anyone. You’ve probably spotted a Sango. Perhaps these qualities describe you.

Sangos are brilliant strategists with almost boundless passion. Their strategies need to be executed with good character in order for them to see long-lasting results. Children of Sango always present the best possible view of themselves and their achievements. It can  make some people uncomfortable. A little creative embellishment makes life more interesting for the Sango. When they couple their strategies with solid thinking, and good character, they can accomplish anything.

Developing good character can be a challenge when you can mold situations to suit you.  When you act with good character you create positive results for everyone. The alternative is to have your life fall into ruin once you have wandered too far off your path. One of the best ways to experience what’s possible for you is to volunteer. Get involved in strategic planning for your favourite charity. Maybe even lead the board. Seeing how much difference you can make will help you realize just what you’re capable of.

I love the Sangos in my life for their fire and passion. They really get how people work. They can find efficient ways to get things done. They can show the rest of us how to put our best foot forward, so that we can accomplish our dreams. If you’re feeling stuck, connect with your passion. It will generate the energy you need to get moving.  Focus on all the reasons the world needs you. Develop the strategies to make your life a success.

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Being You: Do you have clarity?

In order to know what’s really going on we all need clarity. Being clear depends on being calm and keeping a cool head.

The first thing most of us notice about an Obatala is their mind. The Obatala energy is really about finding, and keeping, clarity. I’m an Obatala. As I wrote this I had to think about what Obatala people contribute to the world. What connecting with us, and our Guardian, can bring into your life.

Do you know somebody who is in their head all the time? They’re bit introverted with a dry sense of humour. They are easily annoyed but always searching for peace. If these qualities sound familiar you’ve likely found an Obatala. Perhaps you’re one yourself.

The Obatala is always searching for the peace that results in clear thinking. They can’t just escape into their head. During a fight a woman who needs space to sort out her feelings is a typical Obatala. Her partner may feel abandoned, but, she needs to think about her feelings before she can deal with them. All that thinking can get you running in circles. Real understanding requires a balance between the emotions, and the mind. When our hearts and intellects are in sync we have sound judgment.

All this focus on the mind makes it harder to care for the body. We must consider our physical well-being as we experience life. In order to live productive lives we need to be strong. Our physical health is critical if we are to to achieve our destinies. Some Obatalas totally ignore the needs of their bodies. Make no mistake, this will catch up with anyone, eventually. Exercise time can be a great way for an Obatala to get the alone time they need. A great way to sort through a difficult situation is a long, quiet walk.

I love the Obatalas in my life for the perspective they provide. They are keen observers. They can figure out where conflicts are coming from. They can also stay calm when emotions are running high. Next time you need some advice, or clarity, spend some time with an Obatala. If you’re looking to bring some balance into your life remember that peace and calm are your gateway to clarity. Practicing long, deep, breathing is one of the best ways to clear your head.

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Spring cleaning: What can you let go of?

It’s Spring. The reason you’re holding on to things may be the emotional baggage attached to them. Out with the old.

As you switch wardrobes and lifestyle it’s a great time to look at your old stuff. Ask yourself why you’ve held on to it for so long. Look at all those things that have sentimental value. Consider the sentiment attached. If you have a negative charge associated with anything, explore the emotion. Are you are keeping things to remind you that you still have some work to do?

While cleaning out a drawer full of things I never use I came across a  couple of items that had been given to me. One of them reminded me of an old friend. We’ve lost touch, but, I hope he is having a wonderful life.

The next item was more complicated. It was a gift that was made for me by someone who broke my heart. When I found it I got a lump in my throat. The relationship had been over for many years but I had never fully let go.

I held it and connected to everything that it represented to me. I declared my intention to move through my pain. Then I threw it into a public bin. It was difficult. I felt like I was letting go of all the good memories from an important time in my life.  Doing it started a challenging process of remembering, then healing, then completion. What are you hanging on to that holds you in your old emotional patterns? Perhaps it is time to let it go.

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Being You: Are you keeping your heart open?

In this post I explore the Ogun’s big heart. Many of us see the hardworking, honest and dedicated Ogun and don’t even notice one of the most important traits, the Ogun heart.

If you pride yourself on how hard-working you are,  you have likely chosen Ogun as your Guardian. Honesty is extremely important to you. Your ability to focus inspires those of us who get pulled off track. Your sensitivity is something that you may be reluctant to share.

Oguns can show us how to connect with others. The reason for this is their big, open, hearts. People feel safe and welcomed because Oguns really care about them. They connect with an openness and honesty that sets even the most introverted person at ease.

In our world of shut down hearts it can be hard to find a safe place for an Ogun to be themselves. Some of my Ogun clients want me to help them be less emotional and caring. I prefer to help them embrace themselves. Boundaries can let them express their grounded innocence. Their embracing personalities are a valuable part of our world.

How open is your heart?  It is important for everyone to balance the need to work hard, to be doing things, with time to connect with others on an emotional level. A strong work-ethic will certainly serve anyone well, but, it is equally important for us to feel that the work we do is valuable. The Ogun energy teaches us that our work must be a worthwhile use of our powerful and focused effort.

Many Oguns judge the contributions they make by the effort that they put forward and what they produce. I like to shift that focus to their open, accepting nature. As an Obatala I admire the loving and straightforward approach of the Oguns in my life. They inspire me to come out of my shell and to connect deeply and honestly with others. I think that is the greatest gift that the children of Ogun have to offer our world.

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Being You: Are you expressing your joy?

In our cookie-cutter world many of us find it hard to express our true nature. Expressing our deepest selves is the most important thing we can do in life. In Ifa we believe that each of us chooses a guardian energy, an energetic way of filtering our experiences and expressing ourselves. We made our choice because it was the one that will most likely allow us to fulfill our purpose.

In this post we’ll explore the personality traits associated with Osun, the energy of joy. If you chose Osun as your guardian it is very important for you to have joy in your life. Find joy by being curious and exploring all the good things that the world has to offer. Osuns have a great desire for pleasure. They are very sensual people. They also love to be in love. If these traits resonate deeply with you then you are likely a child of Osun.

How are you doing expressing your joy? Many of my Osun clients struggle against themselves, trying to fit in and take life more seriously. Most Osuns don’t find a good, stable job, or a white picket fence, very attractive. They get very uncomfortable if they have to shut down their hearts and use their heads to make decisions.

Being one with this energy is about being in the flow of life. It is about being out in the world and enjoying yourself and sharing with others.  A job where you have the movement you need to keep creatively exploring is your best way to success.

As an Osun you have a great deal to offer the world. The more you can bring your whole self to the table the more opportunity the rest of us will have to experience and express more joy and love. As an Obatala I find Osun people inspirational. They help me to balance my serious mind with joy, and fun.

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Is it all about money?

Each of us can make a  living doing something that expresses our uniqueness. We are meant to express ourselves, and our gifts, as a way of life. It can be hard to balance the need to make a living with the need to contribute. Sometimes I’ve felt like our society is set up to make those things mutually exclusive.

In order to break out of the current model we need to understand who we really are. The Ifa Life Path is a great way to deepen that. From understanding ourselves we can create a mission that excites us. Then we can start to look a how to use our unique gifts to help others.

Finding the energy can be a challenge. You may have to work at a job you’re not satisfied with to make a living. The drive you need can only come from your passion. If you create energy by igniting that passion you can discover a life that truly inspires you.

Nothing will happen if you don’t take action. Start thinking about what you love, what you’re good at, what you’d like to be doing with your time every day. Get really honest about it. Allow your mission to form. Give it time. It took me a very long time to get to the point of making a change, but, eventually, I made it. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.

Focus on what you want to give, the work you would like to do, rather than what you will get, the money you can make, by doing it. Take reasonable, logical, and sensible out of the equation for now. If you have something wonderful and unique to offer, and learn to communicate its value, you can’t help but succeed.

Be ready to give from your truth, openly, and passionately. You will find people who are ready for what you put on the table. If you make money the only point then you are simply buying into the old thinking that makes most of our dreams impossible to achieve.

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