In the short time that I’ve experienced your spirit,
I think you’re a pretty dope lady with a lot of power…
Gotta do your thing… breathe. Be free. Outside of sexuality. It’s not about the body, it’s the spirit, made you look! Healing is not about bowing down, it’s about looking up, and accepting the All. I see balance, I see truth. I see myself outside of you. Peace.
I write love poems… or just poems of desire… i desire u
Shila Iris
P.S. My people don’t always wear clothes. We started wearing them to protect ourselves from you, and then, you started selling sex. Look closer.
Reprise: You will feel me everywhere you go. You will taste my skin, I will flow within your memory. You will see me in your dreams. Your heart is weary, and you will be overwhelmed with me. I am a drug. And so are you. We’re in recovery.
“I’m a recovering undercover overlover, recovering from a love I can’t get over. Don’t want to be an addict anymore. Addicts lie, addicts cheat. Addicts run, hide, and live in fear of their next high. Their next high could be you, it could be me, what are you addicted to? I just want some balance. So, I’mma chase the Sun.
Look closely at this bag. Now scream! This is absolutely beautiful. For a person like me, who loves African and African-inspired fashion, I feel like I hit a gold mine. Sistas and brothas, you must indulge in this greatness.
Today is Friday, and perhaps you have some extra cash, or disposable income left, and want to reward yourself for a goal that you accomplished. Well, this is the way to do it! Check out the Orijin Store! I am all about African fashion and this company hit the nail on the head with this line of amazing accessories.
Ori j i nal Design, Culturally Inspired. Visit Orijins website to see the full collection of bags, glasses, and signature clothing. Given my beliefs in living the Nguzo Saba 365, this is a purchase I can be proud of because it’s for us, by us. You can share in this greatness too, if you’re ready. Sure, break the rules! 🙂
I will be getting one of these amazing bags. Based on my experiences with leather, the price is really good – $169. I think you should go for it. I love, love, love it. No pressure, though, you don’t have to love it. Just give it some time. I’m sure you will.
Shot out to Orijin for supporting my art on Instagram. Much love. Peace.
You can find them on IG @orijinculture and I am @kushqueendom
I’m sending signals to your mental, so we can connect… see you soon,
Transformation is possible. He used to be vulgar, ruled by his lower self- arrogant, over-sexed, chasing money, starved for attention, allowing Black life to be dictated to him by non-Black people at his record company. He did this until he knew better. “When you know better, you do better.” In 2017, he is taking a different approach to African consciousness and to Black life.
David Banner is using his charm to resuscitate Black History, and he is striving to help Black people wake up. Willing to meet people where they are, he uses his own life as an example to inspire change. When you have knowledge of self, small distractions like technology, sex, and material possessions fade. Banner doesn’t hide from his past. He acknowledges his own humanity, and takes responsibility for his actions, reminding people to be humble and honest. When you bring up any of his mistakes, he smiles, laughs, and continues on in his evolution. This level of maturity is necessary on the path to transcendence. I have not known about this man for very long, but I am happy to see him boldly taking action. It’s so easy to get caught up in worldliness that weakens the spirit, but at some point we all have to lay our egos to rest so that we can survive. Always in search of good music, I listened to his latest album, The God Box. I love it. I am sending him good vibrations on his journey to push Black people into consciousness.
“I don’t care what you think of me, I just want you to think!”
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.
Becoming conscious of my own existence, my mind began to transform. I shedded my ego and my eyes opened to reveal my heart. Gaining clairvoyance through observation, I realized that the now was here. I had a chance, so I took it. The urgency of my evolution allowed me to see the matrix, the numbers, the chemistry, the hieroglyphs, the cyphers- the rotation was magnificent. As I matriculate, I stay true. I have seen with my own two eyes the truth. My accountability, my sacrifice, my love is here. I wrote myself back into the story, and started to really love this girl. This level of maturity, this level of security, my restoration is my assignment. Obstacles are moving, resistance is under my elephant feet, I defeat, every time. Better Me. I wanted her so bad, I had to get her. I saw Shila, and I pursued her, until she was strong and her colors shined through. I planted my flag, my culture, my God. I came for her. Osiris Rising.
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.
“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.” -Rumi
You attract what you are. It is important that you examine your own life, and choose a healing path when necessary. Otherwise, you are prone to counterproductive repetitive behaviour, and you may project your pain on to other people. You attract what you are. So, try to make you the best you, so that you can attract some real people and real love.
Define who you are. There is a point in life when one realizes that they have the power to change and to move mountains and to shift dynamics. So, define who you are. Write it down and practice being You. If you do not define who you are, someone else will do it for you. Do you really want that?
What is your healing ritual going to be?
Please share if you’d like. Peace and Love…. off to see:
Terence Blanchard feat. The E-Collective, Live Album Recording at the Bop Stop in Cleveland, Ohio. Please join me. It starts soon.
P.S. Dear Maulana Karenga, I am making the 7 principles a part of my daily ritual. I’d like to thank you for creating Kwanzaa. It makes me feel alive and it is helping me to heal from the past. I am better today. Peace and love.
Resuscitating the lyfe force along my spine
cultivating higher virtues, a,
transcendental Supreme Being,
in need of a transcendental Supreme Team,
an army of Me, because we need each other to make this work.
at least 7, to get Us to Heaven.
Chant – at least, at least, at peace, at peace, release, release, release, succeed, define, what it is to be you, find out, what’s it’s like to be you. release, at peace. I am divine. I am.
KUJICHAGULIA (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) means SeLF-DeTerMiNation ________________________ So, what are you determined to do? ________________________ poeTry by Shila Iris (a choppy freestyle poem)
I am determined to free myself, and my people
Think for myself, and pass it on to the children
Name myself, disconnect from the Barnes,
you can call me Shila, Iris, OSiRis RiSinG
after my pilgrimage, I came back with an X
never liked working for a “boss,”
job title, a Creator,
I speak to us, I speak to them
a griot storyteller, I don’t preach to Us
You can see my face on the walls in Kemet
a sleep shaker, waking up the complacent
the grand reaper, like a thief in the night stole his brain
Now he walking dead, insane to the membrane
I promote self, the return of the Messiah,
the god in You, return to the throne cause you’re worthy
but we don’t rule from up high, that’s a lie
created by an informant and a spy, a spook
would you like me to measure you in a hook?
-COMMERCIAL-
You getting weaker Mr. Man, with all the female friends,
leave the weapon in your pants, and take her on a mind dance
she don’t need you impregnating her with the Omen
and masquerading her around in surround sound, reality Tv,
could it be any faker?
… AND NOW LET”S RETURN TO MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED KWANZAA FREESTYLE FLOW…
I am determined to follow the signs that lead me away from drama and chaos.
The hurdles in the road bring colossal disappointments,
but, smooth seas don’t make good sailors.
I am a mariner,
like the car I drive,
I strive, for excellence
defined by no Other.
Surely, I am not judging myself based on your speculations
surely, you are not feeding me your translation
I am focused on my emancipation
from the distractions in my lap, Like,
cell phones with IG notifications, FB stimulation and
tweet hydration, but they don’t really drink the sweet tea outside of
history textbook philosophy
I’m not a dreamer, I’ve transcended,
I’m not a peacekeeper,
I have no limits,
I have to stop listening to you modify the truth so that i can get the real answers.
if facts can be fiction. then let’s change the facts,
my shield, my koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah, my
magic, did you see the fire come from my finger tips?
did you hear the SPE LL whispered from my lips?
twist in a hip, start a war,
but, I’m armored,
with a mind like weapons
of mass construction
simple deductions bring hardcore answers,
i stick close to the One that can
stomp like an elephant, sting like a bee, carry a load like an ant,
yep, I plant seeds… with self-determination, you won’t catch me!
HappyKwanzaa! I hope you enjoyed your day. I just loved mine! -i am Shila Iris
Karibu (Welcome) to Day 2– Instructions for Kwanzaa:
You should greet your friends and family by asking: Habari gani? (Translation: What’s the news?); and today, they can respond: Kujichagulia! (Translation: Self-Determination) Learn more about Kwanzaahere.
Let’s talk about the 2nd Principle of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia.
KNOWLEDGE OF SELF by Black Starr
My gift to you today, on day 2, is Gil Scott-Heron, because I want to remind you that you don’t have to live in a bottle. Be determined to GET FREE and LIVE trying. Gil inspires my freestyle flows. He had so much soul. Check it out, will you?
Asante sana. Thank you for visiting African Essence by Shila Iris
Do not sit and frown at her
because,
your belief system
is not
spiritually
nourishing
to her.
Do not assume
that
she is something that she is not,
because
your way of living makes her feel,
confined.
Would you rather she die?
Today,
did you ask her if she was happy,
or,
are you more concerned with converting her,
into you?
Play chess with a king, do you see? I am in the front seat, isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? You should find some balance, so that we can drink, and rise to your occasion, he only rises to my persuasion. I am not hunting him down, because he comes. This is, Us. And it can be you too, but you gotta stop fighting the Truth. I am not a mistress, I’m a Queen. Phenomenal. I am shedding those things that gave me insomnia. I am reborn. Cause life is about living, and not hiding. Life is about smiling, and striving, to find, your magic.
You condemn on hearsay evidence alone, your sins increase. -Nubian Proverb
Your eurocentric perspectives gave birth to chaos. People of Afrikan descent adopted these beliefs because they were forced to. Generations later, they hate themselves because you told them to hate themselves, and you killed those who didn’t subscribe to the extermination of nubian-kush greatness. Nonetheless, I do not hate myself. I embrace the ALL, even you. But do not tell me, that my spirit should be like yours, because you are asking me to believe in you as my God, and not me. How disrespectful. I admire all faces, but I do not praise you over me. Do you praise me over you? I would hope, that you believed in yourself. So…
Eurocentrism is a geographical fiction that flattens the cultural diversity of even Europe itself. Stop imposing your beliefs on people. Your system dumbs me down- straight jacket style. Today, I’m not having it.
We strive for different things, you and I, but I am not offended. I respect all that you are, and I hope that you are happy, being exactly who God made you- nothing altered, nothing false. Be true. Your lips. Your smile. Your color. Your lisp. Love it. Stop changing you (and pull up your damn pants!).
This is some Afrikan proverb for you, because, I love you.
Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned,
Shila Iris
Stop looking at me sideways and embrace who I am. I made a decision to be this way. I live this way. I am fully committed to the truth. Not some lie, that I have to validate. You can love me. I love you already.
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.
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
…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 positiveenergy 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…
Earth & Ether 