I’ve had a pretty memorable life, and I’m not finished yet. I don’t say that lightly. I’ve been successful. I’ve had very tough times. I’ve faced near-death situations and serious health challenges a few times. I’ve been on the top and on the bottom. And I’ve endured through it all quite well, in spirituality and in life-awareness.
That is the backdrop to what the poem and video Ashes is all about. …The poem and video that I present in this post.
Obviously, I use the word ashes figuratively. It represents the ruins that I had to dig through to discern that the transformative journey that I traveled was ultimately a blessing.
I authored this poem years ago and decided to turn it into a video just recently. I wanted to convey the message visually. In the video, I am conveying my life journey, as well as the undoubtedly tough journeys of others, whose lives were transformed by difficult circumstances.
I’ve got a story to tell. I’ve mentioned it over the years in my blog, starting out with the series entitled, Terror on the Caregiver.
It is about how I am left feeling betrayed by my siblings and other family members, as I earnestly served as my mother’s sole caregiver, until her ascension. It is a very painful story to tell, even nearly 10 years after the rivalry began.
I often stop, then start writing. That’s because writing the story hurts me. I recently hinted at this back and forth feeling in the post Maybe Is the Theme, dated February 1, 2022. Each time I make substantial progress, I uncover yet another level of emotions, going through transformative experiences, examining myself, and trying to understand how God works each time.
I stumbled on a couple of poems that I originally wrote years ago. One is entitled,‘Maybe’, the other, ‘Audacious Wisdom’.
In these writings, I am questioning myself, and my purpose through God’s eyes. I wasn’t looking for the poems. I stumbled on them. I literally have close to a thousand or more bodies of work. But recently finding them was right on time for what’s going on in our world and with me, right now.
Recently, I have been again encouraged to author a book, memoir, or screenplay on my story. I really want to, and know that I can, but I haven’t completed several in-progress projects. Though I’ve started many and have created bits and pieces over the years, I’ve never compiled or finalized anything.
I’ve written a great deal, enough for more than just one book, maybe about six! But still, I have not assembled what has been written, never completing the projects. I have started several videos, much the same way. I want to complete them, but often I feel uncertain about doing so. Years ago, I vowed to never venture into anything new without really feeling it in my spirit. I feel these projects in my spirit, but not strong enough yet.
About writing, and about life in general, I have been asking myself, ’Maybe?’ quite often.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” – Philippians 3:13
Forgiving and forgetting are wise practices to exercise, as we are now in the new year of 2022.
Audio Comments On Forgiving & Forgetting The Past
This year promises to be a year of things moving extremely fast. Master Sri Akarshana refers to 2022 as the Quantum Leap year where everything, for and against our greatest good, will be moving rapidly, in health, wealth, and relationships.
So, we must be aware of the energies that surround us, and we, therefore, have no time to be absorbed into past pains. I say that we must forgive those pains, but remember, not forget, what caused them.
We must especially use lessons we learned from the past in the energy-dynamic environment that 2022 promises to be.
Master Sri Akarshana’s Predictions for 2022, explains that in 2022, things will be sped up and we will react in one of three ways, Quantum Leaping Forward, being the best:
Quantum Leap Backwards
Wait It Out – Hoping Only but doing nothing
Quantum Leaping Forward
Check out his video first, to understand the context in which I offer my reflections on Forgiving and Forgetting.
“The universe operates through a dynamic exchange…. Giving and Receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.” – Deepak Chopra – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
This post is on the Spiritual Law of Giving & Receiving, taken from Deepak Chopra’s book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, that I read over 20 years ago.
The principles presented in this short book are as dear to me as are the bible’s principles. I have distributed copies of this book to others around the world. I live by all seven of its principles.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – Spanish philosopher George Santaya
I am not shy about offering my opinion on diverse topics, offering my perspective, based on my journey.
Though my way of seeing life and spirit may differ from that of others, I feel it necessary to share mines with you. I share so openly to strengthen my own faith. I proclaim my convictions, sometimes audaciously. I also do so because I believe that most people, especially Black people only hear their arguments. They preach to each other, preaching to the choir, themselves.
History repeats itself. I provide several examples in this post. I present my perspective visually, and in Poetrimony, in a video that I produced.
History Repeats – It’s Already Been Told – History, The Remix | World Relations – Seasons As My Teacher – Kevy Michaels
This is a video about history repeating itself in many ways, including Genocide, Pandemics, School Shootings, Economic Crashes, Military Miscalculations, Mass Extinctions, Racism, Assassinations, etc. It’s Already Been Told is an original poem, cast to jazz music, and vivid visuals.
“History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” – Sydney J. Harris
History repeats on various dimensions. As with most things in life, I tend to not restrict myself to a one-dimensional view.
At the seeming climax of many of my trials, I tend to experience vivid emotions of worry and fear, just like the next person. I am not immune to any human emotions. I have been an emotional animal at times, that an insensitive person couldn’t tolerate.
But, big but, I pride myself in managing human disappointment, pain, grieving, anger, and resentment.
I credit my abilities to manage the things that humans go through to mediation, prayer also. But I do tend to meditate more than I pray. I practice a form of Prayer-Meditation, whereby I put the intention of my prayers in the air by merely thinking about them. And, in so doing, I am praying much the same as speaking them.
In Inner Peace Part Two, in this follow-up to yesterday’s post, I provide limited personal commentary. The focus here is on what has been said about Inner Peace by those in Faith & Science.
I have said what I had to say and tried my best to describe the experience. In this post, I focus on what Scientists, Doctors, Prophets, and Spiritual Leaders have said about Inner Peace.
I sincerely share this post to proclaim that Inner Peace is the most valuable gift that God has given us.
In Inner Peace lies Acceptance, Surrender, Trust, Belief, and Patience. These virtues are beneficial to the body, mind, and spirit.
Inner Peace was not always accessible to me. At a time when I earned six figures, I stressed my mind and spirit to keep money flowing. That was over 20 years ago before I became a new man. Today, friends and colleagues attempt to entice me to return to ‘the game’, to be it in IT, bitcoin investments, small business adventures, or money-making ideas du jour.
I have no plans to return to that noisy chaotic world again, though. I fear what money and chasing after it would do to the Inner Peace that I now have. I never want to lose this. I have no interest in going viral or monetizing for profit. Over a year ago, I deleted my Facebook, Linked In, and other social media accounts.
I do wish to reach more people but to do so, unfortunately, costs money. So, I reach who I can on my personal but limited budget. But I do, therefore, maintain my Inner Peace.
Achieving Inner Peace in the New World Order, in our new post coronavirus world, is essential. There are many human challenges that can distract us from this gift, and worse can bring out the worse in us.
Many years ago, I recognized the importance of maintaining a peaceful state of mind. That’s likely because my life has always been dynamic, intense, and bursting with passion, since birth, I’ve experienced, and been told.
Photo – Burst On Spotify – person-faces-the-city-while-sitting-on-a-yoga-mat-on-a-balcony.jpg
Over 30 years ago, I began a ‘deep dive’ into my own spirituality. This exploration was a personal one, whereby I sought to establish a relationship between me and God. …A really close one, with no one in between, for no one seemed True. I did not want the layer of religion or the church between us, though.
I respect religion and the church, but I put them in proper perspective, with regard to spirituality. I’ve found that religions and churches often deviate from what should be their main focus, addressing other priorities, such as tiding, fundraising, televangelism, and social media. …popularity, materialism, etc.
They do a get deal of charity ministries as well. It’s not directly their fault, but the sources of their funding, contribute to making poverty and inequity comfortable, instead of working to totally eliminate it, making those that they help self-sufficient.
Generally speaking, they continue such ministries, foundations and governments keep funding their causes, people keep receiving, but their long-term status remains the same.
Though these efforts may be well-intentioned spiritually, they impeded the closeness that I needed to have with the God of my understanding. I seek, still today, enlightenment. Beyond wisdom and faith, I want to be immersed in the spirit of God.
Furthermore, I wanted to shape the image of the God of my understanding. God bestowed me with this free will. I wanted to use this blessing to see God as I wanted to based on my journey, failures, triumphs, and ever-evolving wisdom.
I longed to see the God in me, and in every living creature. I longed to experience a multidimensional sensee of God, not a one-dimensional one.
Photo – Burst On Spotify – hand-on-tree-bark.jpg
I remember, in early 2000, when participating in an exercise that Minister Rev. Barry Vennard, of Unity Church, asked participants, in a Unity Church spiritual workshop to do. This exercise still sticks with me today.
Minister Vennard asked all participants to close their eyes and imagine God as they would like him to be. He asked that we imagine how he would be towards us? Would he judge us? How would he treat us when we made mistakes? What would he say about our pain, mistakes, defeats, and victories? How would he encourage us through our trials? …And so on and so forth.
Who would have thought that one of my favorite gospel groups is the Canton Spirituals? …Sam Cookeand the Soul Stirrers too.
I guess I’m mixed-up that way, being raised Catholic, not knowing the bible like my ABCs, I’m not religious. But I’m spiritual, and I love the Canton Spirituals. Let me try to explain.
I don’t know which reason prevails in my attraction to the good gospel music of the Canton Spirituals, and others.
I know that since its Southern Gospel it appeals to me, off the back because I am from South Louisiana. It also appeals to me because the group presents gospel music in a bluesy kind of way. Sometimes, I get the blues like every else does. The songs tell stories of trials on Life’s Road and achieving victory through faith. The Blues, in this case, gives me Hope.
In today’s turbulent times it would be prudent to go within to examine yourself. There is something very beautifully unique about each of us that we must discover and share with the world.
Now is the time to calibrate our spirits, fine-tune our vibrations. This is something over which we have complete control, unlike our uncertain future, given today’s racial protests and the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuning the spirit is the most that we can do to prepare ourselves for what may come, which is an unknown. Though what awaits us is a mystery, we would be better prepared to rest on a strong identity of self and a fortified spiritual foundation than not.
I am basking in the joy of having elevated my spirit years ago. During today’s Racial Revolution and COVID19 pandemic, I have not been fearful. In fact, my creativity and energy have been elevated, as well. For me, it is an exciting time. In contrast, I see a correlation between those not in touch with their inner spirit and being fearful, worried, and physically unhealthy.
This post is based on the principles in the book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, by Deepak Chopra. Today we focus on the Spiritual Law of Dharma. Dharma is your purpose in life. This law requires that we find life’s purpose for the spiritual embryo within ourselves and pursue it with vigor.
When I first reintroduced the Seven Spiritual Laws series, I adapted it for the crisis of the day, which was only the coronavirus pandemic. I only covered one of the spiritual laws so far, The Law of Detachment. I took the liberty of rearranging the order of Deepak Chopra’s laws because they work in order, individually and in mixed order when you practice them regularly.
I know it may seem that I’ve been slacking on posts, but I really haven’t. I’ve been working in the background.
But also, I have days where I may have a little anxiety about the times we’re in.
Photo – Brut Carniollus – Unsplash
I wish more of us would admit that we’re going through shit. Because there’s a lot of stuff that’s going on. It’s a lot to comprehend. It’s a lot of uncertainty. It’s challenging our Faith, challenging our truth, and it’s challenging who we are. We should just admit that we’re going through things.
On my good days, however, I am creating. I have upcoming posts on the That Monkey. I have another post that’s coming up on Truth Decay. And I want to do a post on vaccines because that’s not for me when it comes out.
So, I thought I’d give you a little teaser for now, while I create more content for you, in the background.
The other day, I was just stumbling through my YouTube feed and ran across Common in a studio performance. And it was incredibly beautiful! It shows me that we share a common vibe. I’ve always liked Common. He shows me that what he’s saying is what I’ve been saying in most of my posts. …About this revolution.
Listen to it, especially the 1st, 2nd, and 4th tracks. Those are really good. I also put in a little Eryka Badu. I skipped Common’s video by mistake and discovered a quarantine performance by Eryka Badu. It’s also a performance video and it’s nice.
Kevy Michaels Video
Uplift Urself – Common Erykah Mr. MYOB & Denver Art – YouTube – Dec 5, 2020 – Kevy Michaels
This video is a teaser to lift your day until tomorrow’s blog post. I feature poetic artists that I like, Common, Erykah Badu, and Mr. MYOB, a Denver rap artist. I will also take you on a virtual tour of the Masters Gallery Denver, and provide supportive content on dealing with anxiety, depression, and uncertainly during the Revolution. I hope you enjoy it.
I have been juicing and blending fruit and vegetables for at least 15 years now. I do both actively, but prefer juicing. I like to drink freshly prepared juices especially when I am fighting a minor illness or when detoxing, which is always since our environment and food supply is full of toxins. My juicing and smoothie regiment is a critical aspect of my Devirusizing protocol. But drinking freshly prepared juices is not equal to drinking smoothies. One is clearly better than the other. In this post, I will explain the differences as I see it, and have researched it.
When I worked at Whole Food Markets, I regularly asked customers, who were “strictly organic”, to consider a regiment for detoxing, daily, monthly, and quarterly. Many who go “strictly organic” do not detox, seeming to imply that being “strictly organic” alleviates this need. This is an illusion, in my opinion.
It is much wiser to eat organic when it matters. Refer to the 2020 Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 Lists to determine when it matters. On this list released each spring, the Environmental Working Group (also known as the EWG) publishes a list of fruits and vegetables that experts at the nonprofit say contain elevated levels of pesticides that may be concerning. Now known as the Dirty Dozen list to health experts and in-the-know shoppers, the list has long called conventional farming methods into question, especially as the EWG also publishes a competing list called the Clean Fifteen that highlights produce containing little to no pesticides when grown conventionally.
It is better to eat organic when it matters, and wiser to not assume that there is no need to detox periodically. For in spite of going organic, we must accept that we are still living in a toxic world on many levels. We should include detoxing in our health practices. It is much wiser to complement healthy food choices, with detoxing. Juicing (and drinking plenty of distilled water) is a great practice for detoxing. This is a smarter way to Devirusize.
I also meet many people who sing the praises of juicing or blending (smoothies). Most people choose one over the other. Most that I’ve met, prefer smoothies over juices. They state obvious pros for smoothies, and cons for juicing, but leave out many pertinent facts when making this comparison. This is consistent with how most people practice being “healthy”, without pertinent facts.
I liken drinking fresh juices to drinking medicine, because it goes into the bloodstream within minutes, not requiring much digestion. Think about drinking a cocktail. After a few minutes, you feel it, because the alcohol goes into your bloodstream rather quickly. The same happens with juices, but not with smoothies. Continue reading “Devirusize – In This Corner, Juicing, In the Other, Smoothies – And the Champ Is?”→
Today I woke up feeling melancholy again, with Seasons on my mind.
Seasons are always on my mind. The theme of this blog is Seasons As Our Teacher. I gained discernment about Seasons from nature. God’s breath rests comfortably within nature. Therefore, I spend time in nature to gain God’s understanding. In a sense, when nature speaks to me, God is speaking to me.
This post is another mashup. I love doing mashups because they reveal how eclectic and complex, I’ve become. But my complexity is not of my own doing. I am complex because of complex times and experiences. We’re in a complex Season.
We are in a revolution whether you recognize it or deny it. We are in the midst of the New World Order and must adapt to the Season, just as nature does.
This post features poems related to Seasons and the melancholy spirit that I feel in this moment. To accentuate my spirit, I’ve selected original poems, and songs from popular artists, who feel or have felt this same sentiment.
I am reposting this in today’s more intense racial and political climate. Perhaps with the coronavirus lockdowns, more people will view and understand this message.
We are now in the revolution, whether you accept it or not. It includes all of the usual ingredients but mixed to a different recipe.
Though I believe that the initial action will require taking matters to the streets, ultimately, if we do things right, we can make this an economic revolution. This is what it must become.
We can stop supporting any entity that supports racism, directly and covertly.
I believe that our power in dollars is greater than our power in voting. Everyone understands money: Nonprofits, Conservatives, The Government, Blacks, Liberal Whites, etc. …Especially those who flaunt compassion and Jesus.
We will have to take matters to the streets as I have, and like others, namely, Millenials are doing. But, if we pull this off correctly, the revolution will evolve into an economic war.
We must stop giving money to those entities that oppress or distort being “for the cause of Blacks”.
I believe that a Trump win will really ignite real revolution. This will catapult real change.
I have decided to not vote at all, or to vote for The Lobster to keep things moving and allow history to repeat itself again, but much more vibrantly.
I will explain why voting for The Lobster will trigger really change, in a messy, but quicker way, than what Democrats have been doing ineffectively for over 100 years.
Kevy.
I consider myself to be rather introspective. I spend a great deal of time analyzing life and Life Seasons daily. I’m constantly searching for a deeper meaning. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, particularly when helping people, thinking that my service is a calling when it ends up becoming a curse.
Obviously, as an African American, I have been doing a lot of self-soul-searching and searching the soul of America, and the world. …The Joe Biden way. I’ve examined myself, friends, family strangers, and “leaders” to draw my own conclusions. I also do quite a bit of research to support my conclusions. I compliment my understanding with my spirituality, fortified through regular prayer and meditation. It is the best that I can do. I may still not always obtain the truth, but at least I don’t take any dish served to me without interrogation.
In this post, I thoughtfully examine why we are in Revolution 2020, right now. I’ll get all introspective with it too.
I have listed all of the ingredients that I believe contribute to today’s outrage. Some of my findings are strictly opinionated. But most are supported by fact and commonly accepted morals and beliefs. Common sense enters the room too in this evaluation.
I find that the fixings that created such an unprecedented outrage around the world were the perfect components for creating the toxic soup in which we now boil.
The New Orleans in me led me to see this recipe for Revolution 2020 as a metaphor for the ingredients that go into the perfect pot of New Orleans Creole gumbo. I included a reliable recipe at the end of this post. Remember, I am a New Orleans River Rat. I grew up 2 blocks from the river Tchoupitoulas Street Tchoupitoulas Pronunciation
Photo – Leftover Turkey Gumbo – Amy In The Kitchen
Like gumbo, adding only the right ingredients, letting them stew for hours, makes it pop.
America and the rest of the world have been stewing too, in a boiling pot of disparity, racism, and disregard for humanity. Adding George Floyd’s killing to the pot of other ingredients is now making this rebellion gumbo boil over.
“Revolution 2020 is an appropriate name because it is in this year 2020 that the world’s vision of humanity will become crystal clear to everyone”. – Kevy
Black People, prepare yourself for making significant changes in your approach to racism, inactive Black people especially. The world is fed-up! We’ve had enough! ..not just of White Privilege, but of Black Privilege and deceptive sellouts, who profit from pretending to care about how inequality and inequity affects their own people.
Approach Black racism as though it impacts you, or a family member. It does. We are all brothers and sisters, under the God in which we supposedly believe.
Blacks are screwed up on racism big time! Blacks (we) clearly contribute to their own demise, by not using our most powerful weapons, money, and action.
Black leaders often give the appearance of action, but just talk about the problem. There is money to be made in just talk. It keeps the Racism Industry vibrant and self-sustaining. Taking tangible action could eliminate it., though
Others superficially wait on the Lord to do the work, though He gave us minds, free will, and discernment. Why put on The Lord what you can do yourselves?
Still, others pretend to do the work but are simply sustaining their existence to keep grant and foundation funds coming into their coffers.
I know what I’m talking about. I’ve experienced each of these types, and I’ve had enough! I will write vigorously about it, but I will not write alone. I help people…many people, giving them tangibles from which they can benefit. …measurable and tangible benefits, not just talk and showcasing.
Because of the silence White Liberals and Self-Serving and lazy Blacks, I have decided to vote for Trump, or not vote at all. I will also explain my reasoning in a separate post. This is a repost to reach more people with this message. Kevy
Today (actually yesterday) was one of my usual days.
I went to Washington Park. I jogged. I was very proud of myself because I ran 7.51 miles, about two and a half months after being exposed to the Coronavirus. I feel like I’m living my truth. I’m actually living and experiencing what I claim about Coronavirus, Health, and Devirusizing. I had no problems. I actually ran an 8:24 mile, which for a 60-year-old man.
But what was different on this day is, obviously my having thoughts on the coronavirus, and recent police killings and police brutality against blacks. I’m a black male, so I’m sort of like enemy number one to the world.
I noticed a bunch of policemen in the park and I wondered, what are they doing? They were handing out something. I didn’t know what they were handing out. Later found out they offering Denver Police Department stickers. I guess they were doing like a little PR or something in light of their reputation.
White people, all people, prepare yourself for making significant changes in your approach to racism, Liberal White people especially. The world is fed-up! We’ve had enough!
White Silence won’t work in the state we’re in today. We’re in the midst of a revolution. Oppressed Blacks recognize that you are benefiting from an unpaid humanitarian debt every day that you enjoy your privilege.
Instead of approaching Racism, Inequality, and Inequity as though it’s awful, and that you must help these poor Blacks, approach your dilemma as though you have a spiritual debt that must be paid. You do.
Approach Black racism as though it impacts you, or a family member. It does. We are all brothers and sisters, under the God in which we supposedly believe.
Many Black are screwed up on racism too. I will post separately on this side of the equation.
But Blacks also clearly contribute to their own demise, by not using their most powerful weapons, money, and action. Black leaders often give the appearance of action, but just talk about the problem. There is money to be made in just talk. It keeps the Racism Industry vibrant and self-sustaining. Taking tangible action could eliminate it.
Others superficially wait on the Lord to do the work, though He gave us minds, free will, and discernment. Why put on The Lord what you can do yourselves? Still, others pretend to do the work but are simply sustaining their existence to keep grant and foundation funds coming into their coffers.
I know what I’m talking about. I’ve experienced each of these types, and I’ve had enough! I will write vigorously about it, but I will not write alone. I help people…many people, giving them tangibles from which they can benefit. …measurable and tangible benefits, not just talk and showcasing.
These two groups are more damaging to Black Inequity & Inequality than outright racists. The latter are resolute and clear. They take action. The former is deceptive and keeps Blacks, in the aggregate bound and tied.
For this reason, I have decided to vote for Trump, or not vote at all. I will also explain my reasoning in a separate post. Kevy
It’s time for you to “get off the pot or shit”, a New Orleans saying. “Shit or get off the pot” – Make a decision. This phrase is most commonly used towards a person or group whom the speaker feels are behaving indecisively. Often occurs in tense situations where the speaker believes a quick decision is necessary or urgent. Sometimes delivered as life advice.” – Urban Dictionary – Deome June 24, 2015
Photo – Gallup Poll
White Liberal Boomers are at a fork in the road and must choose a side. They can no longer ride the middle line as they have for years.
A tsunami of change is already here, and they will be most negatively impacted and left behind if they continue to surf the wave of indifferent, with little action. They can no longer remain neutral, indifferent, or impassionate on racism. They will be held accountable in the aftermath.
If they do not change their ways, they may lose friends, as I lost my friend Annie, their peace of mind, morality will trouble them, and they will be criticized for their inaction, “when shit hits the fan”. Well…Shit has hit the fan!
I just lost my White Liberal Boomer friend Annie last week. Change is happening within our circles and in those around us.
Another way of this statement is, White Liberals walk your talk. Stand up for the principals to which you have professed for years!
Photo – Kevy Michaels
There are many reasons why I feel this way, but let’s first look at population numbers to gain a greater perspective.
I direct the statements above specifically to White LiberalBoomers(Born between 1944 and 1964 (approximately, don’t try to escape), currently between 56-76 years old – 76 million in the U.S. (or so) – Kasasa) because Generations X, Y, and Z are already on board and navigating this Revolution 2020. The Millennials are the ones igniting it. I admire their courage and determination. They won’t be stopped because it’s their future that they are fighting for in addition to fighting against racism.
I was told yesterday at a rally, by a young gay HIV-infected protester, “I know that it’s risky to protest with corona and all, but standing up against police violence and discrimination against Blacks is too important to ignore.”
At rallies this week, as I filmed tens of thousands of protestors, I had an epiphany that these young ‘rebel rouser’ are our future leaders. They dominate the population and demand change. …Look…
In today’s turbulent times it would be prudent to go within to examine yourself. There is something very beautifully unique about each of us that we must discover and share with the world.
Now is the time to calibrate our spirits, fine-tune our vibrations. This is something over which we have complete control, unlike our uncertain future, given today’s racial protests and the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuning the spirit is the most that we can do to prepare ourselves for what may come, which is an unknown. Though what awaits us is a mystery, we would be better prepared to rest on a strong identity of self and a fortified spiritual foundation than not.
I am basking in the joy of having elevated my spirit years ago. During today’s Racial Revolution and COVID19 pandemic, I have not been fearful. In fact, my creativity and energy have been elevated, as well. For me, it is an exciting time. In contrast, I see a correlation between those not in touch with their inner spirit and being fearful, worried, and physically unhealthy.
This post is based on the principles in the book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, by Deepak Chopra. Today we focus on the Spiritual Law of Dharma. Dharma is your purpose in life. This law requires that we find life’s purpose for the spiritual embryo within ourselves and pursue it with vigor.
When I first reintroduced the Seven Spiritual Laws series, I adapted it for the crisis of the day, which was only the coronavirus pandemic. I only covered one of the spiritual laws so far, The Law of Detachment. I took the liberty of rearranging the order of Deepak Chopra’s laws because they work in order, individually and in mixed order when you practice them regularly.
I am registered with Joe Biden’s campaign headquarters and therefore receive text messages and emails multiple times daily.
Today I realized that the messages and ads seem to flaunt Barack Obama more than in prior months. It makes sense. Though Barack is not running, “The Lobster” has made his campaign and administration about undoing Obama’s accomplishments and continually generates absurd conspiracies about him.
Obama was relatively low-key about “The Lobster’s” comments and only on occasion made public comments about him. But in recent commencement ceremonies and media appearances, Obama has been more vocal and critical, relative to “The Lobster’s” rhetoric.
It was clear that Barack would not stay out of this race for long. He laid low for a while but eventually heard duty calling and decided to step into the race to unify the Democratic party in hopes of securing the election. He is the person that nearly all party members view as the surrogate with the power to bring in the spirit of unity.
A few months ago Barack put his superpowers on full display when he endorsed Joe Biden, and praised Bernie (and his Millennial followers). He brought harmony to troubled relationships among the other presidential candidates, getting them to all bow out of the race to unite the party.
Though the Democratic party has internal differences, they are not stronger than their desire to put “The Lobster” in a boiling pot of water, like New Orleans crawfish. This endorsement dug Obama further in the race to beat, ‘what’s his name’. Now he is in it to win it, whether as an official candidate, or Messiah. This race, either way, is between “The Lobster” and Barack Obama.
I was aware of the history of Juneteenth, but not until recent years. That’s important to note for a few reasons.
First, I want to make it clear to non-African Americans, as you may be actively trying to “relate” to the Black experience during Revolution 2020, that it is not only you who must become familiar with African American history, some Blacks are foreign to much of it as well.
Secondly, Juneteenth may not be familiar to many Blacks (and most Americans) simply because, though it is a part of American History, it is really a direct part of Texas’ history.
The news media can be deceptive, in general. It has been for a long time and will continue, given its eternal conflict between truth, and beholding to advertisers and government regulations.
They are not thoroughly presenting the protest rallies as they are actually occurring. They are demonizing protesters at worse, or are not revealing how united and caring participants are, at the very least.
Photo NBC News – Rodney King Footage Weaved In With BLM ent Protests
Protesters are unlike they are being perceived by the media, The Lobster’s administration, and those who subscribe to their stories, without doing any investigation. For example, I’ve attended over 10 protest rallies in the past two weeks. I shed tears of joy and was inspired every time I saw how warm, passionate, creative, and ingenious the mainly Millennial protesters are.
The same is being done with the coronavirus. I am not implying that COVID19 is not dangerous. It is certainly more dangerous to some, more than others. That says more about those individuals’ health status and lifestyle more than it says about the danger of the virus itself.
I consider myself to be rather introspective. I spend a great deal of time analyzing life and Life Seasons daily. I’m constantly searching for a deeper meaning. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, particularly when helping people, thinking that my service is a calling when it ends up becoming a curse.
Obviously, as an African American, I have been doing a lot of self-soul-searching and searching the soul of America, and the world. …The Joe Biden way. I’ve examined myself, friends, family strangers, and “leaders” to draw my own conclusions. I also do quite a bit of research to support my conclusions. I compliment my understanding with my spirituality, fortified through regular prayer and meditation. It is the best that I can do. I may still not always obtain the truth, but at least I don’t take any dish served to me without interrogation.
In this post, I thoughtfully examine why we are in Revolution 2020, right now. I’ll get all introspective with it too.
I have listed all of the ingredients that I believe contribute to today’s outrage. Some of my findings are strictly opinionated. But most are supported by fact and commonly accepted morals and beliefs. Common sense enters the room too in this evaluation.
I find that the fixings that created such an unprecedented outrage around the world were the perfect components for creating the toxic soup in which we now boil.
The New Orleans in me led me to see this recipe for Revolution 2020 as a metaphor for the ingredients that go into the perfect pot of New Orleans Creole gumbo. I included a reliable recipe at the end of this post. Remember, I am a New Orleans River Rat. I grew up 2 blocks from the river Tchoupitoulas Street Tchoupitoulas Pronunciation
Photo – Leftover Turkey Gumbo – Amy In The Kitchen
Like gumbo, adding only the right ingredients, letting them stew for hours, makes it pop.
America and the rest of the world have been stewing too, in a boiling pot of disparity, racism, and disregard for humanity. Adding George Floyd’s killing to the pot of other ingredients is now making this rebellion gumbo boil over.
“Revolution 2020 is an appropriate name because it is in this year 2020 that the world’s vision of humanity will become crystal clear to everyone”. – Kevy
White people, all people, prepare yourself for making significant changes in your approach to racism, Liberal White people especially. The world is fed-up! We’ve had enough!
White Silence won’t work in the state we’re in today. We’re in the midst of a revolution. Blacks recognize that you are benefiting from an unpaid humanitarian debt every day that you enjoy your privilege.
Instead of approaching Racism, Inequality, and Inequity as though it’s awful, and that you must help these poor Blacks, approach your dilemma as though you have a spiritual debt that must be paid. You do.
Approach Black racism as though it impacts you, or a family member. It does. We are all brothers and sisters, under the God in which we supposedly believe.
Many Black are screwed up on racism too. I will post separately on this side of the equation.
But Blacks clearly contribute to their own demise, by not using their most powerful weapons, money, and action. Black leaders often give the appearance of action, but just talk about the problem. This is money to be made in just talk. It keeps the Racism Industry vibrant and self-sustaining. Taking tangible ction could eliminate it.
Others superficially wait on the Lord to do the work, though He gave us minds, free will, and discernment. Why put on The Lord what you can do yourselves? Still, others pretend to do the work but are simply sustaining their existence to keep grant and foundation funds coming into their coffers.
I know what I’m talking about. I’ve experienced each of these types, and I’ve had enough! I will write vigorously about it, but I will not write alone. I help people…many people, giving them tangibles from which they can benefit. …measurable and tangible benefits, not just talk and showcasing.
These two groups are more damaging to Black Inequity & Inequality than outright racists. The latter are resolute and clear. They take action. The former is deceptive and keeps Blacks, in the aggregate bound and tied.
For this reason, I have decided to vote for Trump, or not vote at all. I will also explain my reasoning in a separate post. Kevy
It’s time for you to “get off the pot or shit”, a New Orleans saying. “Shit or get off the pot” – Make a decision. This phrase is most commonly used towards a person or group whom the speaker feels are behaving indecisively. Often occurs in tense situations where the speaker believes a quick decision is necessary or urgent. Sometimes delivered as life advice.” – Urban Dictionary – Deome June 24, 2015
Photo – Gallup Poll
White Liberal Boomers are at a fork in the road and must choose a side. They can no longer ride the middle line as they have for years.
A tsunami of change is already here, and they will be most negatively impacted and left behind if they continue to surf the wave of indifferent, with little action. They can no longer remain neutral, indifferent, or impassionate on racism. They will be held accountable in the aftermath.
If they do not change their ways, they may lose friends, as I lost my friend Annie, their peace of mind, morality will trouble them, and they will be criticized for their inaction, “when shit hits the fan”. Well…Shit has hit the fan!
I just lost my White Liberal Boomer friend Annie last week. Change is happening within our circles and in those around us.
Another way of this statement is, White Liberals walk your talk. Stand up for the principals to which you have professed for years!
Photo – Kevy Michaels
There are many reasons why I feel this way, but let’s first look at population numbers to gain a greater perspective.
I direct the statements above specifically to White LiberalBoomers(Born between 1944 and 1964 (approximately, don’t try to escape), currently between 56-76 years old – 76 million in the U.S. (or so) – Kasasa) because Generations X, Y, and Z are already on board and navigating this Revolution 2020. The Millennials are the ones igniting it. I admire their courage and determination. They won’t be stopped because it’s their future that they are fighting for in addition to fighting against racism.
I was told yesterday at a rally, by a young gay HIV-infected protester, “I know that it’s risky to protest with corona and all, but standing up against police violence and discrimination against Blacks is too important to ignore.”
At rallies this week, as I filmed tens of thousands of protestors, I had an epiphany that these young ‘rebel rouser’ are our future leaders. They dominate the population and demand change. …Look…
I am exhausted physically and emotionally but continue to participate in rallies with the Black Lives Matter Revolution.
I’ve cried often, both in joy and sorrow, lost my voice a few times, and have felt intense anger. I’ve spent 9 days and nights at protests, rallies, and marches. I have, as have nearly each of 10’s of thousands of participants in Denver, Colorado, USA, protested nonviolently.
I lost a white friend (Annie) who was infuriated by my expression of emotions about “white people” after I repeatedly watched the George Floyd crucifixion to prepare the video Black People – All People Just Want To Live. Her last words to me on the phone were ‘fuck you”, then she hung up.
It’s like I went to an emotional amusement park, where only some of the rides are amusing. But, I will return to blogging and vlogging this week as I regroup.
I am excited to share this post by Coloradopoet. In the post-Black People – All People Just Want To Live, I invited others to share their perspectives on all things racial. Coloradopoet answered. I am hopeful that Coloradopoet will share more posts in the future. I am hopeful that one day that you will be encouraged to share fresh or already published content, especially on racism. Can we talk?
Photo – Johannes Krupinski
We must not be like my friend Annie. I will write about her in a coming post.
White people must not get so defensive and must be willing to talk about the realities of racism. They must try to imagine how Blacks must feel in this revolution, then try to imagine again, on top of that.
Most of today’s Whites were born into the privilege of this hateful inhumanity, innocently. Most of today’s Blacks were born into the barbarism and disparity of this hateful inhumanity, innocently. But together we must change it, or it will destroy civilization as we ‘used to know it’. It is not the same anymore.
Here it is, in May of 2020 and my mind is confused.
I’m an educated black man. I’m a well-versed black man, and I know the feelings that I have are not wise. On one hand, I’m beginning to hate white people. I know that doesn’t make sense because there’s good and bad in every race. But I’m really beginning to hate white superiority and white indifference.
This is the reason that my mind is confused. It’s because I’m feeling opposing emotions at the same time.
I appreciate what I saw yesterday, the day before, and perhaps today at peaceful rallies against police killings. The majority of the participants were White, as well as other non-Black races. And, we all got along well as we fought for a common good cause. These were primarily young people. They hate White privilege, often to the dismay of family and friends, and they’re White! They were impressive too. They were kind and sincere in their concern and loyalty to the movement.
Today (actually yesterday) was one of my usual days.
I went to Washington Park. I jogged. I was very proud of myself because I ran 7.51 miles, about two and a half months after being exposed to the Coronavirus. I feel like I’m living my truth. I’m actually living and experiencing what I claim about Coronavirus, Health, and Devirusizing. I had no problems. I actually ran an 8:24 mile, which for a 60-year-old man.
But what was different on this day is, obviously my having thoughts on the coronavirus, and recent police killings and police brutality against blacks. I’m a black male, so I’m sort of like enemy number one to the world.
I noticed a bunch of policemen in the park and I wondered, what are they doing? They were handing out something. I didn’t know what they were handing out. Later found out they offering Denver Police Department stickers. I guess they were doing like a little PR or something in light of their reputation.
We have a problem. And I say ‘We’ with a capital ‘W’ because all of us must own the problem of racism. We must resolve it before it destroys us.
This post may cause me to lose White followers and friends, especially those who identify as Liberal. They perpetuate institutionalized racism, and may not realize it. They perpetuate it simply by believing that the problem of racism is only about how you treat people.
But racism is institutionalized, and their kindness, though well-intentioned, ignores and perpetuates this vile stigma on society.
At the expense of losing many fine and well-meaning people, I am compelled to explain why White Liberals hold a large responsibility to change the inhumanity of racism.
Surely, there are other roles to fill, namely, Blacks and other minorities must clean their own houses too. Within our tribes, we must stop demonizing and killing each other. But they are just a minority of the folks who perpetuate racism in their performances and statements that the media picks up like vultures to make the images go viral.
Photo – Shamim Nakhaei-
We have the ear of White Liberals since they do show some compassion toward equality and equity. They are just a bit misguided and perhaps deceived on what racism is and how to eradicate it.
The Devirusize posts are meant to reduce your chances of becoming ill from viruses and other pathogens. This is the third installment and it is on the oil that we consume in our diets.
In the first two posts, I presented the importance of the Sun, and Water and how it impacts our health and immunity. In this post, I present the importance of the quality of the oils that we consume.
Oils have gotten a bomb rap from misinformation. Most of the misinformation is intended to boost corporate profits, product unnatural shelf life, and to sustain mass processed food production.
I hope to dispel rumors and urban legends about oils, the first of which is that all oils that we consume are bad. All oils or fats are not bad. We must consume certain in our diet because the body cannot produce them.
I am eager to also dispel that canola oil is not good. It’s trash for the body, due to all the techniques and chemicals used to refine it. Lard is better than canola, of course, when used modestly.
Who would have thought that one of my favorite gospel groups is the Canton Spirituals? …Sam Cookeand the Soul Stirrers too.
I guess I’m mixed-up that way, raised Catholic, don’t know the bible like my ABC’s, I’m not religious, but I’m spiritual, and I love the Canton Spirituals. Let me try to explain.
I don’t know which reason prevails in my attraction to the good gospel music of the Canton Spirituals.
I have come to learn that nothing is totally bad in life. This belief even applies to the Coronavirus. I will show you its positive sides in a list of good things that will ultimately result from us enduring through this pandemic.
We tend to see only the negative aspects of challenges because that is what we are dealing with in the present moment. We have become accustomed not to expect the positive aspect, though it is inevitable. We don’t see anything positive because we do not look beyond the surface.
But based on my life experiences, often my worse trials and challenges resulted in unforeseen good, which was ultimately realized many years later.
Being very ill made me more conscious about taking better care of my health and lifestyle.
Being an insecure people-pleaser for years, through disappointment and pain, lead me to confidence, better self-worth, and self-love.
Losing nearly all of my material possessions, becoming bankrupt to care for my elderly mother, humbled me. Now I need less, have less, and am happier.
Experiences like these are what changed how I evaluate trials. I am constantly looking for the good in bad or good situations.
“Any kind of crisis can be good. It wakes you up.” – Ryan Reynolds
God really is good, all the time.
If you look for a silver lining in every situation, it will be there. I believe that exemplifies the belief that God’s understanding is mightier than ours. The infinity of God’s understanding goes far beyond whatever negative emotions that we may experience at the time.
“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” – Psalm 147:5 – NKJV
This post is dedicated to the legacy of Bob Marley. …And the one that his children are creating today.
Bob Marley’s legacy is timeless and still resonates around the world. That’s what some would refer to as a ‘baller’. He lives on, even after his death. His life-energy is stronger today than it was when he was here in flesh. He has influenced the world, even in countries that do not understand English.
That is admirable.
I aspire to leave a legacy behind for the lives that I may touch. This desire has ignited a flame to produce bodies of work in blog posts, poetry, short stories, recording, and videos. These works are for others to evaluate and perhaps become inspired by.
I leave this for others simply because, as life would have it, I am now too old to benefit from most of the wisdom that I’ve gained. As they say, ‘if I knew then, what I know now’, I would have done many things differently and better.’
As you get older, you find that often the wheat, disentangling itself from the chaff, comes out to meet you. – Gwendolyn Brooks
Friends, I am finally returning to Life Seasons As A Teacher, more passionate than ever! I have been on Life’s Road and have become more discerned, strengthened, and corrected. I have been tried many times, but never convicted. I have many stories to share in future posts.
But I must first present content on the matter at hand, Corona.
I am returning with an enemy whom I befriended for a bit. Her name is Corona. She’s left me now, stronger than I was before she came into my life. Corona had to move on from me. She is no longer amused with me and knew that there is a world of more suitable and submissive mates for her. I am a strong man. Maybe that’s why she left me.
I no longer wish Corona in my life, but I appreciate all that she revealed to me about me, and about ‘people’. …about our world. Her most powerful skill is in her ability to separate the wheat from the tares.
I will be sharing with you, what Corona revealed to me in the next several posts.