The Xylophone is a wonderful instrument that makes sweet music to my ear and is used widely in many African cultures, where there are also xenagogues, whose sole roles were to guide strangers to observe and experience their culture. Being xenial was the norm. Once, not long ago, we were all xenodochial, kindness to strangers was not a stretch. Also many were xenolalia, and understood several languages they never studied. Wood was the first thing my character, God-Free, in It Begins With Tears tasted, the wood that made his mother’s coffin, and as a result he became a xylograher, and would spend his life as an unofficial xylologyist, studying wood before carving them. As a result of his keen interest and love of wood he discovered the science of xylotherapy and knew which woods to use to treat which disease.
Tag Archives: life’s lessons
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with T
Tranquility is the key to success. When you are able to let it all go and be present to yourself and others, then and only then will you achieve your greatest yet to be. Talent is not to be wasted. It must be valued and honed daily, by taking tangible steps to discover the full range of your potential. While tradition forms the base from which we can survey and evaluate our life and the trail we must take, this can only occur if we think about our desires, if we are thankful for all we have, great or small, if we seek always to thrive and rise above the mundane, if we are tolerant and allow temperance to guide us. In order to reach a level of excellence, we must be tenacious, but this should not mean we forget to be tender or shy away from the importance of touch, which is essential, and the most sacred form of intimacy. In order to transform any situation, our actions should serve as a testament for others to triumph. Acknowledge that you are terrific, as is everyone else around you, even if they don’t know or act like they are. In our daily travels we can transmute all negativity by tickling the hearts of others, and by using our mistakes and false actions as lesson in triumphant re-visioning.
Alphabet of Abundance O-Q
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with O- be Original. Do not hide behind or attempt to emulate someone else’s style or way. Being original is natural until you are educated to believe and accept the status quo as normative. There are endless opportunities to be outstanding, to contribute to end oppressions, and to obtain information and knowledge that will put you in the game. But strive to be ahead of the game. There is a place and time for obedience, but never forget that even when enslaved, our ancestors understood fundamentally that they were their own owners. Never allow anyone to own you. You cannot create your great opus until you are free. Optimism is for the brave of heart, for those of us who understand we are here to make a difference, and we do each day we live our dream, and do one small thing to help another and make the world better.
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with P -Peace is not and should be a goal, but rather a way of life, a scared practice that you demonstrate daily with everyone, including animals and insects. But it must first begin with you, how you treat your self, your inner self-talk, your thoughts about the world, your behavior toward the person who cuts you off in traffic, or brushed against you without saying sorry, they too are apart of how you live and practice peace daily. Your continuous perspective is how you arrive at Amity. We can prevent most calamity from occurring by being politely vigilant, being positive, accepting that prosperity with its many faces and fragrances are all a prelude to a perfectly practical life to which we must actively participate, puzzling through an array of small details, rising above the mundane until precious light wraps us.
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with Q- To be quixotic, many will say it to be unrealistic because some how we are expect to accept the naysayer who says that idealism is naïve and unrealistic. But why I want to know is it unrealistic to think we all deserve to be happy, to live comfortable lives, and to pursue our goals. The naysayer often quotes history, using phrases such as “it has always been” but that such a blatant non-truth as history or rather ourstories are continuous and is in the making as we speak. I recommend not quibbling with those who preach doom; rather seek quietude and know that your soul thrives in bliss. There are many who are querulous, but quickly step away from them and in your quaintness. You are equipped and qualified to make a qualitative difference wherever you are and with whomever you encounter. Always remember it is quality of heart and mind that matters, quantity is only a number.
Alphabet of Abundance M-N
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with M- A magnanimous heart cannot be contained and coupled with manners is unstoppable. This is a most majestic time to be your best self, to manifest your destiny. You can and must be the change that is needed, but in order to be that you must retrieve all your magic, which is your inner shield and sword, your knowing, the gift you came here to unleash. There are many myths, which abound, but you can dismantle them and get to the truth. We are all farmers of a sort so you must begin by mulching the ground, and maculating a path that is mutually benefiting to most. At best, life is mysterious as it meanders, circling around until you find yourself in a garden, the air mellifluous and where your humanistic deeds get memorialize.
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with N- Nature provides us with the second sense we need to live a life that is wholesome and in harmony with our divine selves. You must Nurture what is important and of value in your life, and make sure to narrate your own story. You are noble and necessary from your nascent beginnings. Live your life in a natural way and never allow others to lead you from your path or from pursuing your dreams. You are nebula, star-dust that sprinkles the earth with your essence.
Alphabet of Abundance I-L
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with I- First and foremost you are Important. Period. If you are not important to yourself no one else will be important in your life and to you. Be insatiable about learning and growing and knowing all there is to know, but understand that there is empirical knowledge, there is intuitive knowing and there is basic common sense. You need to be equipped with all to be able to illuminate your life and the life of others. Understand that your boundaries are illimitable so be impeccable in all you do and remember to invoke a higher consciousness, especially when you are confused or unsure of what to do. Stay within the room of your imagination and you will enjoy an idyllic life.
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with J- Each day that you wake, regardless of your physical or mental state, is a joyous occasion, an opportunity to recreate and act justly on your behalf as well as others. As we strive for justice for the entire world, let us move about with jocularity to lighten other’s heart so we can move jointly towards world peace. Think it, live it, make it happen! Celebrate and live a joy-filled life.
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with K-Kindness is the greatest strength and the deepest love one can share with another, and such a gift that speaks to the melding of the heart and mind in harmony with life. You must be keen and thorough in whatever you do and seek to know all that you can before making any decisions, especially decisions that will impact others. Remember, while everyone is not your kin-folk, you are a kindred soul on this plane call life as your journey, fulfilling your kismet, gaining and sharing knowledge with all.
Alphabet of Abundance for 2015 continues with L- And I must begin by emphasizing how important it is that we pour Libation for our ancestors to bless and open the path for the work we have to do. We must be lion-hearted to plow through and dismantle the barriers that keep us passive and non-acting. We do that by being luminous and lucid, and daily laboring to leave a legacy that is laudable and lifts the spirit of others. We are the light that breathes life and positive energy into the world to end the senseless cycle of greed and poverty that keeps so many divided. Be light be levity.
The Abundance Alphabet looks at H
We are all hybrids, a mixture of more than one thing, a blending of personalities and customs. Many of us hanker for harmony yet find ourselves committed to habitude that we seldom interrogate. All too often we accept hierarchal paradigms even though we know these approaches have little credence and serve to divide rather that bring the harmony we seek both in our personal and public life. We hope, forgetting that hope without concrete plans to transform is futile and in the process we diminish our humanity.
Opal Palmer Adisa 