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.

A Message of Healing and Spiritual Renewal

I realized that this year of 2003 is almost over. As I talk to different people, hear about the various transitions of various family and community members, the same thing is apparent…time is passing by. I think about the condition of our community, the African Diaspora Spiritual community throughout the U.S. I wonder how many of us are willing to bury old hatchets, grudges, challenges and differences to become one strong and present force in this society. We need this, our children need it, our families need it, our community needs it. They and we have all seen the separation of the various African houses and wondered why such a thing could happen in our spiritual community. As a result, individuals and families and friends are separated. Yes, we can say its historical…we are warriors have always been…warriors. Yes, we should continue to be warriors. However, the war now should be not against ourselves and each other. This war now should be against the destruction of Black people…children, family structure, and our community. We can fight together against illegal drug use, teenage pregnancy, gang violence, disrespect. We can fight to raise the self-esteem, confidence, and respect in our children and adults. Let us not leave this condition of our community as a legacy for the Africans born in the Diaspora. We can change this as individuals, community, family and organizations.

It is now time for us to exercise forgiveness of one another's weaknesses, frailties, faults, struggles, hurts, pain, disagreements, confusion and sometimes ignorance. We can bring our collective energy together for a common purpose…that of healing ourselves, our families, our communities. We are all following the same system. We believe in the same Supreme Being, deities, ancestors and metaphysical principles. Yes, we use different names according to our specific systems. It is our egotistical personalities that have become involved to weaken us as a people, as we know that it can happen; as we teach that it can happen, as we have been taught that it can happen. It's time to let go of the part of our ego that breeds negativity! We cannot harbor negativity and reach our highest spiritual potential that can ultimately result in the healing of our community. Let's embark upon spiritual renewal and healing in our community!

After we begin the healing process of releasing all the negativity in our thought patterns, we can then begin to renew our spiritual selves with those positive thoughts of love, peace, harmony, unity, agreement, togetherness, oneness. We are then free to communicate with each other. To visit each other. To assist each other whether asked or not…just knowing that help is needed will be enough to make us move to help. This attitude of forgiveness and healing will allow the outward physical healing of our children of organizations of individuals of families of communities. We will begin to see progress in the healing of physical ailments in our community.

Perhaps, previously we were too clogged up with negativity to set goals…too blind with negativity to be able to see the positives that we could achieve. Perhaps we set goals and could not seem to activate the programs, the activities, the fundraisers, the classes, the healthy changes in our personal lives and families . Perhaps we started the programs but couldn't get them off the ground. These are prime examples of being too filled with negativity for the positive energy to surround and enfold us. If we decide to begin the healing process, we will begin to see progress in the goals that we have established or can now establish. With this new attitude of love, peace, harmony and unity all wrapped up in a spiritual renewal blanket, we will see the positive changes in our children, as individuals, in our families, our community and our organizations.

The spiritual renewal comes in many inward and outward forms. Inwardly, we are able to breath easier, think more clearly, see our deities, hear our deities, see our ancestors, hear our ancestors, notice that our ancestors are working in our lives. We will know without a doubt that the ancient system established by Almighty God through our ancestors many many years ago, will work for us now just as it worked for them then.

For those of us who might say that everything is fine and that you don't need to hear this or contemplate this message. Remember, we can always improve. Upon a close inward search, I am sure that there is some part of each of our lives that can be improved. Something that has been written on this page applies to your life in some way. That is why you have been led to this webpage. Take this opportunity for change.

The Winter Solstice is approaching very soon…December 21…the shortest daylight in the year. It is a turning point. It is the day that marks the return of the sun. The Creator is doing his/her job. The air is crisp and fresh. The cold is clearing up the pollution in the air. The snow will come to take care of any residue left. This is the time to prepare yourself for a spiritual renewal. During this time, join me in the following exercise to assist us in making changes in our lives that will benefit us individually, families, communities and organizations.

Begin a fast of your choice 12 days (December 9) before the Winter Soltice. If you have not previously fasted for 12 days, you may decide to fast for 3 days starting on December 18.

• Burn a white candle on your altar or in a special place for the duration of your fast.

• Pray at least 6 times during a 24 hour day concentrating on pureness of heart and acknowledge the changes that you want to make. Ask for forgiveness. Forgive yourself. (Suggested prayer time: 6 am, 9 am, Noon, 3 pm, 6 PM, 9 PM)

• During this time, if you need to forgive someone, contact the person or persons. Tell them that you do forgive them. And, ask for forgiveness for holding on to something that is not yours to hold on to. Then forgive yourself.

• If someone has hurt you, call the person and try to get it straightened out. If you have hurt someone, call the person to apologize.

• Resolve all issues that have become a negative hold on your life.

Very early morning on December 21, prepare and take a spiritual cleansing bath.

Feed your ancestors and Deities Eto or any sacred food. Eat with them.

Meditate on those things that you have put into motion.

1. Meditate on the things that you want to change;

2. Meditate on results that you wish to have;

3. Meditate on the peace, love, harmony and unity that you wish to have or continue to have in your life, in our extended families, communities and organizations.

Now celebrate in your own spiritual way. Participate in a Spiritual event, dance at an Akom or spiritual service, and take time to share with a loved one (friend or family). Celebrate the changes that you expect in your life and that of your community as a result of your releasing negativity and receiving positive energy!

May Almighty God, the Abosom and Nsamanfo bless you as you help to improve the conditions in yourself, our children, our families, our community and our organizations.

Peace and Love,

P.S. Please let me hear from you by email if you plan to participate in this spiritual renewal and healing exercise.

Click here to read previous Nana Speaks articles.