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This column is dedicated to the needs of individuals in gaining balance and harmony
in their lives. As Akans, we know that our help comes from Onyame (Almighty God),
the Abosom and the Nsamanfo. We believe that Onyame is The Supreme Being, creator
of all things, and his word is absolute; the Abosom (lessor gods) were created
by Onyame to act on his behalf and were given certain powers to carry out that
mission; the Nsamanfo (ancestors) are the custodians of the laws, customs and
traditions of Akan society, are concerned about our well-being, and are in close
contact with Onyame whose favor they enjoy in a special way. (For more information,
visit the Spirituality page). Therefore, every article that appears on this page
is viewed and applied within that belief system. I will write some of the articles
and some will come from articles that I have read which I feel may be beneficial
to you.
Many of us are stressed by the various challenges in our lives--child
rearing, bills, careers, jobs, travel, school, etc. We cannot be
in balance or harmony physically, mentally nor spiritually, if we
are stressed out. Take some time to apply the information from this
E-mail that I received a few days ago. It gives a formula for reducing
stress which I strongly recommend. I couldn't have written it any
better myself.
- Pray
- Go to bed on time.
- Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
- Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule,
or that will compromise your mental health.
- Delegate tasks to capable others.
- Simplify and unclutter your life.
- Less is More. (Although one is often not enough, two are often
too many.)
- Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
- Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects
over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
- Take one day at a time.
- Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern,
find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety.
If in doubt, go to the Shrine to consult the Abosom. If you can't
do anything about a situation, forget it.
- Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
- Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house
key buried in the garden, extra stamps. Etc.
- K.M.S. (Keep mouth shut!) This single piece of advice can prevent
an enormous amount of trouble.
- Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
- Carry something inspirational with you to read while waiting
in line.
- Get enough exercise.
- Eat right.
- Get organized so that everything has its place.
- Listen to a tape while driving that can help you improve your
quality of life.
- Write thoughts and inspirations down in a journal.
- Everyday, find time to be alone.
- Having problems? Talk to God and the Deities on the spot. Try
to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until its time to
go to bed to try and pray.
- Make friends with Godly, spiritually awakened people.
- Keep a folder of favorite inspirational pieces on hand.
- Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is
often a good "Thank You" to Nyame, the Abosom and Nsamanfo.
- Laugh.
- Laugh some more!
- Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
- Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best
that they can.)
- Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
- Sit on your ego.
- Talk less; listen more.
- Slow down.
- Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the
universe.
-
Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful
for that you've never been grateful for before.
"ALMIGHTY GOD HAS A WAY
OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU USING THE ABOSOM AND NSAMANFO"
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here to read previous Nana Speaks articles. |
