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Social Justice: Awaken the Global Heart
The February edition of the Mama Blessings newsletter is in honor of the hardest working organ, the heart. A profound epiphany arose for me to witness while preparing this issue. It seemed to be a special message coming from those who have gone before me. A collective whisper, use my privileged existence to awaken the global heart. Honor my heritage, dissolve the mirage of illusion and apathy in these modern times of moral decay, hate and fear.
Mama Blessings Celebrates Black History Month
"In the spirit of God, in the spirit of the Ancestors, In the spirit of the Black Panthers, in the spirit of Assata Shakur we make this movement towards freedom for all those who have been oppressed and all those in the struggle" -Common
Two movies in 2006 captured the hearts and minds of moviegoers everywhere. Africa and its peoples are the protagonists of The Constant Gardener and Lord of War, served up with a healthy dose of heart wrenching cinematic effects to underscore the plot of both feature films. As the horrifying reality of the world thunders down on my heart an echo of pain, agony, and torture reverberate loudly through the generations of my soul.
Africa now permanently placed on the center stage of my consciousness, the poignant message of both stories resonates loud and crystal clear. The cinematic representation of greed, brutality, torture, paraded by my television screen in a dizzying graphic portrayal of lives interrupted. A heritage of brutality, murder, and oppression awakened a sorrow from deep within. No longer can I pretend that the past and present day atrocities of my ancestors had nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with me. That could have been me. Africa is me.
This February newsletter is written for those who came before me. It was upon their backs the United States was built. I choose to stand tall on their shoulders, reach for the stars and dedicate my life to reconciling the energy of souls oppressed. A connection to Haiti has surfaced and is helping me to realize the importance of my own human potential.
"The Great Perfection within me honors the Great Perfection within you"
The Great Perfection is the vast part of ourselves that is truly one with the universe, one with all others; one with all there is. This is true regardless of national origin, culture, race, age, political affiliation, religious or spiritual affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, physical looks, or physical condition. (Source: Phrase finder forum, 2000)
Social Justice Spotlight: Haiti
Love, charity, and purpose come to mind when I think of Christian and Erin Behr bringing awareness to the plight of their Haitian friends and helping to establish a sustainable economy through Haitian art. A group of artists from Croix-des-Bouquets make decorative sculptures in the form of snakes, dragons, angels, mermaids, and other symbols of their people. The iron work harvested from raw materials of oil drums are manipulated into stunning icons of Haitian culture. Haiti produces beautiful iron sculptures and voodoo flags, stunning craftsmanship created and inspired by a unique blend of religion and ethnic traditions.
Christian and Erin Behr went to Haiti in search of an exotic adventure, a journey to a far away land ignited a fire of social justice in their bellies. It was evident to all upon their return from the first visit to Haiti in 2005. Learn about the forgotten history of Haiti. Being connected with these two awesome ambassadors of hope is a gift from the universe. Mama Blessings celebrates Christian and Erin Behr and recognizes their contribution to Sustain Ability - human potential evolved through inspired action.
Inspired Action
Mama Blessings is officially launching Sustain Ability - a human potential project dedicated to my descendents paying homage to the inner light in all living things. Sustain Ability, a manifestation of social justice, sustainability, social marketing, holistic health and wellness. Chase the dream that arises from your heart. Mama Blessings will meet you there.
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Newsletter Archive
February Factoid:
"Transition into spring, let love and heart be your guide" -M. Parks, CHES
2- Candlemas Day.
This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the spring equinox. In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days-until the second day of February which was called Candlemas's. They also thought it was the day that decided what sort of weather there would be for the rest of the winter. (Woodlands Junior School)
The word February comes from the word 'februa' - which means cleansing or purification, and reflects the rituals undertaken before Spring. (Woodlands Junior School)
Black History Month Factoid:
- In the early 1990's a slave burial ground was found in NYC in close proximity to the world trade center. 10,000 bodies of slaves were uncovered. 45-50% of the bodies were children under 12 years old. (The Western Courier, March 11, 2005)
September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was destroyed.
- African-Americans were 30 percent more likely to die of heart disease than whites when differences in age distributions were taken into account.
(Source: Health and Human services black health fact sheet)
Mama Blessings Declares February Heart Chakra Month
"Building a path of the heart"
In a healthy and healed fourth chakra, one is united with the beautiful gifts of grace and peace. The ecstasy of love teaches us to let go and trust in the world, ultimately transcending the flames of sexual passion and emptying our life giving spirit and spirituality into the world. Service in this context is a devotional journey that clears the way for healing on a global scale. It is truly “a path of the heart".
(Source: care2, Inner Traditions, 2002).
Heart Chakra Fundamentals
(Source: care2, Inner Traditions, 2002). Function: Love
Color: Green
Musical Note: F
Healing Flower: Rose
Animal Totems: Deer and dove
Foods: Vegetables
Herbs: Lavender, Jasmine
Metal: Copper
Gemstones: Emerald, Malachite, and Tourmaline
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