shila barnes | Earth & Ether

My Introduction to Imhotep

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A few years ago when one of my good friends was a med student, he changed his online alias to Imhotep. I didn’t inquire about it, but in my heart, I acknowledged the change. Then, I realized that instead of taking the Hippocratic oath that students of medicine are required to recite, perhaps he decided to invoke the spirit of the true Father of Medicine. If you’d like to know about him, I encourage you to research the greatness of Imhotep, the world’s first physician, who laid the foundation for the healing arts. I’ll say this: we are forever connected to the past and to our ancestors, each and every one of us. We value their traditions because it makes us stronger. We stand on their graves and ask for guidance and offer our devotion. Imhotep, I honor You, for I am You. My heart told me to dig deeper, and I found jewels, gold, stories, hidden colors. I went above and beyond mainstream education, to find out who I really am, and now I know my worth. I value history. In this age of information, we can uncover truths faster than ever before. This is necessary, because being Black is tough. This is not rhetoric, it really is. That double consciousness that W.E.B. DuBois taught, that invisible man that Ralph Ellison described, is a part of our everyday realities. It can be exhausting, and it can drive you crazy. But, I learned, through a Master Teacher, not to give up, and settle, and make excuses for my ignorance. I need to be healed. We need healing. My ancestors look over me. I swear by Imhotep. That is my oath. Peace.

Thank you for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Judith Jamison

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The first time I saw my sister, Judith, perform a classical dance routine with the Cleveland School of the Arts at Parade the Circle, may have been one of the first times I ever saw such dancing. These teenage girls showed real promise. It wasn’t a talent I possessed, but it was definitely one that I admired. I felt a strong connection to the music and to the movement of the dancers. She was really good at it. My sister did not go on to pursue dancing, but I have always wished she would have. Later, I was in the John Hope & Aurelia Franklin Library on the campus of Fisk University doing research for a paper, and I came across a book with Judith Jamison’s picture. She was standing on one foot, with the other pointed up in the air. Her poise was unforgettable. I have paid close attention to her ever since. She spent time studying dance at my Alma Mater, Fisk, and then went to the Philadelphia Dance Academy. Jamison has danced since the age of six studying ballet, tap, acrobatics, jazz, and primitive dance. She was accepted into the American Dance Theater and soon after became the protégé of Alvin Ailey touring the world with his dance company for fifteen years. She branched out and created her own ballet company, but when Alvin Ailey died in 1989, she merged with his company to keep the legacy alive. Her work fuses African motifs with modern dance. I’ve been blessed to see the Alvin Alvin Ailey Dance Theater perform several times, and each time, I always think about Jamison’s picture in that book in the library. I am pleased to say that the two of them together, are my favorite dancers and are definitely part of my Black History.

Thank you for reading,

In remembrance of Robert Nesta aka Bob Marley, Happy Birthday!

My Introduction to Gordon Parks

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Back in 2007, when I rented my first apartment in a cozy little art district west of Cleveland, a neighborhood called Tremont, I was excited to decorate! I had a vision: I wanted my apartment to be filled with warm colors and African art! I had a growing obsession for African textiles, statues, books- anything that had to do with the culture. Visiting the houses of mentors and professors had sparked this desire. In Nashville, I had gone to my roommates mentor’s house that was filled with things I had never before seen. In Washington, D.C., I once visited a professor’s house that had large pieces of art on any wall that was available. I wanted to try something like this. One day, I was browsing through a book about Gordon Parks, and in his New York apartment, he had large mixed-media paintings splattered with African symbols. There were stacks of books in corners and on window seals, artifacts, photos, plants- there was beauty everywhere. It was indeed a sanctuary adorned with mini altars. It truly felt like I lived there with him. He inspired me to decorate any place that I have ever lived since. I gaze at his photos of Black humanity, then I close my eyes, and travel to the places he has been. He has taken me on wonderful journeys. I am humble. Gordon Parks has some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. The stories in the eyes of his subjects resonate in my ears. I love his work for it embodies me.

Thank you for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Malcolm X

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Surfacing…

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Working on the “invisible” me so that the “visible” me can be better.

Like the Sun, I rise. poetry… coming soon.

Shila Iris

♥ Beautiful AfriKan E-gYpsy ♥

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I woke up hearing this song and I thought of homelessness and hunger. I thought, “such bullshit! We have food for everyone.” I thought of women with afros. I thought of the Black Panther Party, of Nina Simone. I thought of freedom, I thought of pain, I thought of detachment from the material. I thought of sunshine. I thought of moons. I thought of pride and egos. I thought of humility. I thought of struggle, of dilapidation and decay. I thought of travel. I thought of facades and The Pharcyde. I thought of heartbeats. I thought of people selling their souls. I thought of the things we do for money. I thought of marijuana and mushrooms. I thought of historically Black Colleges and Universities. I thought of children who don’t get enough hugs and kisses and attention. I thought of airplanes soaring through clouds. I thought of religion. I thought of Farrakhan, and then of Obama. I thought of Kush people. I thought of love… and then I turned to him and said, “hey, I thought of You.”

We can solve our problems together. Let go. Let love! I know he’s got my back. He helps me help her. Her, is me, an Egyptian Gypsy. Peace and love to the people who want to get free. For the fearless people who say yes, to the spirit, and no to the flesh. If you want me, prove it. If you love me, show it.

Check out that super dope ankh earring she has on @0.33! Amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7TxIk_yvHQ

♥ Egyptian GYPsy LOVE ♥

La da dee la dee da!

♥ The lyrics to Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters are very moving! ♥

She wakes up early every morning
Just to do her hair now
Because she cares ya’ll

Her day oh wouldn’t be right
Without her make up
She’s never without her makeup

She’s just like you and me
But she’s homeless, she’s homeless
As she stands there singing for money…

Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned,

I am Kush

Brother, Sister, Hold On To the Real Things, That Matter. Stand Up, Be Strong!

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I know it is taking a lot for us to survive this struggle, but remember, I got your back. The things I SEE. The things WE see. The things I FEEL are the things WE feel. I am trying my best to be Strong and I hope You are too. Let’s do it together. Let’s make Our move.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Hv6jDYlzY

Don’t you let your young life get you down
It always had a certain mystery
Many changes come to everyone
About the time that they turn seventeen

Grandma said, at times you’ll feel a sting
There’ll be sharp turns and uphills and closed doors
Then she said, hold onto your faith
‘Cause in this world you’ve got to go and get yours

So you stand up be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

There’s no need to feel you’re on your own
Just let your intuition guide you through
Take one step toward what you believe
Don’t be afraid to make your move

In my head those words remind me
What Grandma said, at times you’ll feel a sting
There’ll be sharp turns and uphills and closed doors
Then she said, hold on to your faith, don’t be scared go out there

Just stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Don’t be scared go out there, just stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Stand up my brother, stand up my sister
Stand up my brother, stand up my sister

So you stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Stand up my brother, stand up my sister
Stand up my brother, stand up my sister

I am Queen

The Key:

The Sacred YoUnion Retreat: Lessons of Emancipation & Love

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…with Jalá-Rani Ji aka The Goddess Guru &
Rajah Laxshmi musically and affectionately known as LaToya Kent

The beginning of freedom is the realization that you have the power to attract the things you want in life. Start from within.

“What you seek is seeking you.”
-Rumi

The Year 2015 has been all about RE-discovering mYseLf. (Hi, I am Shila. It’s so nice to finally meet You!) I have been searching, to the point of obsession, for ways to share myself with the world, without feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disappointed. I was looking for Maat– balance, understanding, peace, and happiness. So I looked into the mirror and started talking to God. I could see God in my eyes, and God was pleased that I had finally come for a visit. God spoke to me, and I listened. So, I arrived in a place, in a space, where I started to examine my nucleus, which is my heart, and from that place, I give, and I receive. I GIVE to you:

THE SACRED YoUnion RETREAT: I see my reflection in You, and I am pleased.

Are you looking from within?

So, in learning myself, I find gatherings like the Sacred YoUnion to be necessary, because they remind me of how powerful I am when I open my spirit.

Please be sure to register for the event. Here are a few guidelines:

Note: Once you register for the event, You can retrieve the location/address.
There is no admission fee, but it would be kind to donate money to the cause.
There will be vendors on site, so bring CASH (as opposed to credit)
Each person is liable for their own safety, so be cautious, it’s a farm!
This is an outdoor event and their will be a portable bathroom on site.
This event is open to children, men and women.
Light refreshments will be served, but please bring additional food for you and your Family.
Wear long pants to prevent bug bites, as well as bug repellent, and bring galoshes/boots for protection from mud. Bring comfortable shoes as well and a picnic style blanket and folding chairs for your comfort.
And most importantly!!!! Bring Your positive energy and love!
I REALLY HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! ♥

Regardless of where you are on the spiritual path, if you’re in contact with any part of our materialistic world, you are bound to attract or experience both positive and negativity in some form. After all, opposites attract; like moths to a flame, the light is powerful enough to draw out darkness from within and from without. Whether it’s your own shadow issues that surface in interactions with others, or someone else’s bad vibes or resistance you encounter along the journey, accumulated negativity in your space can adversely affect your thoughts, emotions and even your health. As such, it’s essential to practice regular cleansing rituals to keep your physical and energetic space clean and intact.

COME CLEANSE WITH US!

… and take this opportunity to look inside of You…

I am Kush Queendom (Kush means Black)

Peace and blessings

Read about it:

Meditate on it:

Sponsored by Love Yoni & Cursive Ink Publishing

Origins of the Afro Pick: Duafe

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21st Century Duafe Accessories

Hair and grooming have always played an important role in the culture of Africa and the African Diaspora. The traditional African comb or pick has played a crucial part in the creation, maintenance, and decoration of hair-styles for both men and women.

In many African societies, ancient and modern, the hair comb symbolises status, group affiliation, and religious beliefs, and is encoded with ritual properties. The handles of combs are decorated with objects of status, such as the headrest, human figures, and motifs that reference nature and the traditional spiritual world.

In the 20th century ‘afro’ combs began to take on a wider political and cultural message, perhaps most notably in the form of the ‘black fist’ comb that references the Black power salute.

In Ghana, elaborate combs such as these, were gifts from Akan men to women to commemorate special events, such as puberty celebrations, weddings, or births. The 1st comb below, informs the reason for its commission: crowned by a female bust with a disk-like head, it echoes the highly conventionalized akua ba fertility figures. As a gift from a husband to his wife the comb underscores the couple’s desire to have children. Evident is also the relationship between the akua ba as an ideal of feminine beauty and the function of the comb in the creation of the coiffure.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Try researching the history of the Duafe yourself!

Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned.

-i Shila Iris

To Capture a Honey Bee

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We stay swarming, so, watch out, you might get stung…

“So tell me Slim what you wanna do
When you know I’m in love wit you
Every time that I turn around
Look for you but you can’t be found
Fly free baby fine wit me
I’m in love wit a bumble bee
Ooh Slim, boy you killing me
But you so sweet to me”

Join the Queen Team- let your natural beauty show. No fillers, no filters, no make-up, no pretending, no adjustments, Just You.

This is who I am. Nothing more, nothing less.

I am Shila Iris

Out of the Rain, I Come for You

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My mind is overwhelmed with the reality that I’ve been captured
melancholy rigor mortis becomes me
my spirit is heavier than my mind, my body
my legs shake, denying me mobility
i lay here, but i am not present
i want to stay
but I don’t know how to exist
in this space
I’m fighting
my mind is rotating 345, 360, 315
i daydrift into a dream
i am an earth goddess, spinning
needing to be with you
but needing my solitude

healing, with gel and latex
rubbing herbs into my soul
i contemplate
i look at my face through the fog
“you can do this” i say
affirmations is the way
i can say i love you and mean it
i can walk away,
but that doesn’t mean i’m leaving
just
feed me
food and water,
relieve me
I’ll give you the world
cause I have it,
just let me be free to choose

so I’ll close my eyes

and allow the fear to die,
so I can wake up

and be with you.

I am an Aquarius. we are slow to respond sometimes, because we’re thinking. let us.

more and more, I see, that excuses and blame are tools of the incompetent.
Say what you feel, before what you want gets away.

Love, Shila

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNMjF4Jpl04

Are You Ready for Tonight? Soundtrack by Yasiin Bey & Res

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In a trance in the this space…

Dreamless sleep
refreshing, sometimes
not to think
Just lay, in peace
and listen to the sound of my heart beating
thumping,
Mind free of matter
Body free of desire
All I have is ______
In this space,
I am wicked, spinning,
three sheets to the wind
awakening
In this bed,
on the clouds,
brown linens, the earth
gathering my wetness
I am breathing in,
exhaling, stretching,
Opening my eyes,
I see
you.
Together, we climb into the night

PEACE

Are you ready?

THE LYRICS:
People climbed into the night like space suits

People stepped into the night like moon boots
Marching like moon troops
In their zoot colored zoot suits

People climbed into the night like cool wells
Shiney bottles in their hands
Drinking their new selves
They say it’s their true selves

People climbed up in the night like green trees
They were hanging from the night like green leaves
Buzzing like queen bees

People climbed into the night like space suits
People stomped inside the night
Stomping and stomping and stomping and stomping and stomping

Where are they going?
What’s the rush?
Everybody in the place was so out of touch
Hey

Night-time is when the things get heavy
You feel alone and you want somebody
Loneliness whispers desperate measures
And your frantic all by yourself

Night-time is when the things get heavy
You feel alone and you want somebody
Loneliness whispers desperate measures
Baby don’t make no fast moves
Baby don’t make no fast moves
Baby don’t make no fast moves
Baby don’t make no fast moves- Tonight

La La La [humming…]

People stomped inside the night
Let me climb into the night…
Let me climb…
[vamp to fade]

I mos def love the music of Yasiin Bey

Res

i am S hi la

Blessed up!

EveryONE beneath the Sun must find a Way… the last hour of Winter welcomes the First Day of Spring, 6:45 our Time

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Close
your
eyes
Don’t be afraid
in the shadows of darkness
the night balances out the day
equal
as the vernal equinox finds its way
6, 4, 5
post meridian, it’s time

find me
all that you thought mattered
wasn’t filling
i am your fullness
i am your Spring
the mistress of mystery
goddess ciphering
rotating, evolving, blossoming,
untouched by your inability to feel
the real, I am the way,

come lift me
let go of the dead weight

my womb is thirsty
the life inside of me has yet to be born
put your hands into my loop

and bring forth eternal life

close
your
eyes.

i am waiting
allowing the medicinal metaphors of history
the prophetic memories of the seasons past
redirect my high

i am turnt
i am in another di e
mension, i fly
through the evening sky

you haven’t felt it yet,
but i have,
let me tell you about the reasons, last
night i was fucking the light
it keeps me grounded
i am
rooted in the things you told me to pay attention to

you are in my dreams
cycling through my thunderous extremes
i receive
messages from gods

i process the important data
hieroglyphs painted on my walls

my soul left my body
i am traveling
my unconscious mind
con trives

the TRUTH,
the story of my genes
my ancestors, the creators of liberty
want me to be free
to say words like:

you are the day, and I am the night
put your fingers in my sands and
draw two parallel lines to measure us
tomorrow,
wake up

life is experimental, but he plays chess
the living doesn’t start until you say yes,
to greatness,
let go of an empty search
you should ask the god in you for me
or should you let life just be?
don’t live in misery,
when you could have my mysteries

ok, so it’s like this
i want you
in the Spring
do you want me?

it took me forever to be right on time

peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned,
shila_iris is OSiRiS RiSinG is your Queen is your Reality, i am power, come play with me
Face it.
i am poet.

listen… and be wild as the warm winds…

Day 3 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: THE real Work starts at Home

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“Nothing can satisfy me like a hug or a kiss from my mother, my sister, my brother, or my father.” -Shila Iris

Ujima principle teaches each family member to recognize that their own well-being is derived from their family and community. Our lives are bound together.

I have learned that taking care of your family and fostering good and honest relationships with true friends, is one of the most revolutionary things you can do in this life. It takes hard work and lots of lovin.’ It takes humility to be there for your family, and it takes discipline and respect, not to cross lines with your friends. Before this year, I honestly had no idea what a real community felt like.

My community is my family, my community is my friends. When we are all strong, then we can change the world. I want to feed them first.

I’m an aunt…

Last night, I was talking to my best friend and all of a sudden, I was crying. I got off of the phone with him and lay in bed wondering, how will I survive this? The past few months of my life haven’t been easy. These are some extremely trying times. Great change takes work! Those who saw me through this, empowered me by doing real things like providing any type of support I needed, rather it be financial or just a listening ear; they’ve cooked healthy meals for me and smiled with me and basked in my glory. I have learned so much.

I lay in bed and after a few minutes, my friend called back and he said these very sweet words to me:

“You don’t have to do this alone. You never do. I will be here. I know how it feels. I will come and sit with you if you’d like. You should know that I love you and that is what I am here for. I can help.”

That is Collective Work & Responsibility. The real work starts at home.

Peace and love,

Shila Iris

my cousins and I

cousins

the babies

….the children

My mom, aunts, and uncles

me and baby

baby and i

thumbsucker!

niece

cousins

my brother and niece

these babies!

#ilovethecrew

#iloveher

i miss them being this young

read babies!

girlfriends

the fam

girlfriends

zarina asha and i

Zarina Asha and I @ my Masters Degree Ceremony in Virginia Beach

my sissy and girlfriend

my biggest sis and daddy and CarinaRose

nephew Braylan

they hurt themselves a lot – eye burn!

there she is…

mother

brothers and sisters

Queen Shila Iris 8:30 p.m. 12/28/14

My Experience at AfroPunk was so Amazing!

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Me at AfroPunk

This year, the AfroPunk Festival in Brooklyn, New York was amazing! I had been wanting to go for 2 years, but once again I almost flaked out and stayed home. However, some wonderful ladies pushed me to go. I got my small amount of disposable income together and went for it! I am so glad that I did. I would estimate that over the course of 2 days, August 23 and 24, at least 50,000 people got to experience the funk of AfroPunk!

The 10 Major Cool Things About AfroPunk…

1. The beautiful Afrikans! -Gazing into the crowd, we looked so good ya’ll! Go Brown people! Everyone was fly! The Diaspora was well represented.

2. The Music- Oh my! LiAnn La Havas, D’Angelo, SZA, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Shabazz Palaces, and The Internet were among my favorite.

3. The Vendors- Handmade goods galore! We are so talented! These were the best vendors that I have seen at a festival, ever!

4. The Free Things- they were giving away some very valuable merchandise. No contest, just walk up. Lovely.

5. The Good Vibrations and Energy of the Crowd- Everyone was so welcoming and full of love! “I got the vibrations to change the nation, lick shots in the air, crowd participation!”

6. The Photographers- AfroPunk is well documented.

7. The Artists- There were so many expressionists and bold people who were just rocking eccentric styles! I appreciated the confidence. Keep ya head up!

8. The Bonding Experience of Going with People- Although the ladies I went with only recently joined my Universe, they were great to experience AfroPunk with. We were on the same frequency.

9. What AfroPunk represents and the AfroPunk Official Merchandise. Everything sold out. This festival represents so much positivity.

10. The Appreciation- The people who organize AfroPunk are so appreciative of the participants. They walked around and mingled. So wonderful. They send out nice emails to thank you for attending:

THANK YOU
There are few words that can express the amount of gratitude that we have for the AFROPUNK community. People who consciously make an effort to join us year after year at the festival and online, supporters from around the block and around the world that come together for two days to celebrate culture and freedom with us. For that and more, thank you! See you next year!

Shila Iris for AfrikanEssence… I like saying AfroPunk… smile. Lol.