Posts

Showing posts from February, 2025

Featured Post

If Everyone Does a Little, No One Has to Do a Lot: A Lesson in Collective Responsibility

Image
If Everyone Does a Little, No One Has to Do a Lot: A Lesson in Collective Responsibility The thoughts have been hitting me hard lately, and I realized I need to get back to blogging on a daily basis. Of course, I’m always doing too much, but I wanted to dedicate some time each day to writing. My idea was to align my blogs with the principles of the Nguzo Saba—so, for example, today being Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), I could write something that connects to that concept. Over time, this content could be compiled into something greater. And speaking of something greater, my family and I are gearing up for a trip to Ghana. That means I’ll be documenting our journey—shoutout to Ms. Sasha, who just got her passport! She’s officially stepping into the world as an international young lady of mystery and leisure. Our trip will take us from Columbus to New York, where we’ll spend a few hours exploring the city before catching a flight to Nairobi, Kenya. We’ll have a long layover there, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Fasting is Natural: You’re Already Doing It!

Image
Fasting is Natural: You’re Already Doing It! Many people think they can’t fast. They believe it’s an extreme discipline reserved for monks, spiritual seekers, or health fanatics. But the truth is, you already fast every single day without even realizing it. My goal is to show you how fasting is a natural part of your daily life and how you can extend it gradually to experience powerful health benefits. You’re Already Fasting Every Night Think about it—when you go to bed, you stop eating. From the time you close your eyes until you wake up, your body is in a fasting state. Then, in the morning, you have a break-fast (yes, you are literally breaking your fast ). But here’s the key—most people don’t think about their sleep as part of their fasting time. What if we did? What if we counted those hours and built on them? Let’s break it down. Building Your Fasting Practice Step by Step If you sleep 7 hours, that’s already 7 hours of fasting. What if, instead of eating immediately upon wakin...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Three R’s of Relationships: Building Bonds on Respect, Responsibility, and Reciprocity

Image
The Three R’s of Relationships: Building Bonds on Respect, Responsibility, and Reciprocity In every relationship—whether personal, professional, or communal—there are foundational pillars that support and strengthen our connections. I call these the three R’s: respect , responsibility , and reciprocity . They’re the legs of the stool upon which strong, enduring relationships rest. Respect: Seeing Beyond the Surface True respect goes far beyond superficial acknowledgments. It’s about looking deeper—truly seeing the person beyond what’s on the surface. This means engaging with others on a level that honors their stories, experiences, and inherent worth. Respect isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a commitment to understanding the person in front of you, appreciating their struggles and triumphs, and valuing their unique perspective. Responsibility: Owning Your Part in the Relationship Responsibility in a relationship isn’t just about meeting obligations—it’s about owning your role in nurturing a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Respect vs. Fear: The Vision That Strengthens Our Collective Work

Image
  Respect vs. Fear: The Vision That Strengthens Our Collective Work In many conversations—whether with elders, peers, or the youth—I hear the same demand: “I want respect.” But when I listen closely, I notice something troubling. Many are not truly asking for respect—they are asking for fear . They want obedience, submission, and silence in their presence. They want others to comply without question. They believe that being feared means being honored. But fear is not respect. And confusing the two does more harm than good, especially within our families and communities. Fear Is a Weak Foundation Fear may get temporary results, but it does not create true loyalty, trust, or love. A person who fears you may do what you say today , but they will resent you tomorrow . Children who fear their parents may obey in the moment but will eventually rebel or distance themselves. Community members who fear leadership will disengage when they feel safe enough to do so. Fear silences voices. It ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Subtle but Powerful Shifts of Fasting: A Journey of Discipline and Transformation

Image
The Subtle but Powerful Shifts of Fasting: A Journey of Discipline and Transformation Fasting is often reduced to a conversation about weight loss, but my journey has been about so much more. From January 6 to January 27 , I undertook a fast that challenged not just my body, but also my mind and spirit. It wasn’t easy, but the process gave me clarity, self-discipline, and a deeper understanding of my body’s resilience. I want to share my experience—not just the numbers, but the way fasting reshaped my daily habits, my mental clarity, and my approach to health. Tracking the Physical Shifts 📉 Weight Loss During the Fast – I started at 197.8 lbs on January 6, and by January 27, I weighed 172.8 lbs . That’s over 25 pounds lost , but what mattered more was how my body felt . 💖 Blood Pressure Improvement – My BP started at 150/102 and by the end of my fast, I recorded 120/80 on January 21 and even 108/67 on January 27. My cardiovascular system was responding to the cleansing effects ...
Post a Comment
Read more

From Victory to Momentum: My Next 21-Day Challenge

Image
Peace, Tribe! I just came out of a 21-day fast , and let me tell you—I’m on a high! My mind is clear, my body feels lighter, and my spirit is in alignment. I’m celebrating this victory because it’s a big deal. Discipline is no small feat, and when you walk through the fire and come out stronger, you need to recognize it. But here’s the thing—this high isn’t something I want to come down from. So, I’m stepping right into my next 21-day challenge . Why? Because momentum is a gift, and when the energy is flowing, you don’t stop—you build. This next challenge is about keeping that clarity, pushing myself further, and re-dedicating to the principles that keep me grounded in the Gye-Nyame Journey . This ain’t just about me, though. I’m sharing this because I want you to walk with me. Let’s grow together. Let’s elevate. Let me break it down for you. 21 Days of Re-Commitment These next 21 days are about getting back to the practices that define who we are as a tribe. Gye-Nyame isn’t just somet...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Are You On? The Power of the Underground Railroad in Our Journey

Image
What Are You On? The Power of the Underground Railroad in Our Journey Oh man, great, great, great! It’s a powerful day on this Gye-Nyame Journey, and today, we’re diving into question number eight . Now, before we get too deep, let me give you a little history—because, you know, everything we do is rooted in legacy. See, question number eight was actually the first question I came up with when I was putting together the Underground Railroad Rites of Passage Program. That’s right—before all the other questions, this one set the foundation. And for those who might not know, the Underground Railroad (UGR-R) was one of the early organizations I put together—maybe my second, maybe my third. Either way, it was crucial to building what we now recognize as Gye-Nyame Journey . This series of questions we’re working through? These are the original ones , the ones designed to connect us back to our history, our struggle, and ultimately, our mission . Because what is self-mastery without knowing...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mastering Consciousness: Overcoming Unbalanced Passions

Image
Mastering Consciousness: Overcoming Unbalanced Passions Welcome to today's discussion. We're diving into question number six in our ongoing series, and since we're on a roll, we might as well tackle question seven too. These questions build on our previous exploration— "What must the warrior do to become great?" The answer was clear: They must be willing to die. But die to what? The answer lies in dying to unbalanced passions —those forces that cloud our judgment, trap us in cycles of negativity, and keep us from achieving true greatness. What Are the Unbalanced Passions? The unbalanced passions are: Fear Envy Pride Greed Sloth Lust Anger These are not just abstract concepts; they are real forces that, when unchecked, can dominate our lives. They fuel chaos and keep us from seeing reality for what it is. Passions should be tools, not masters. When we let them take control, they distort our consciousness and limit our power. The Enemy of Consciousness Why must...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Path to Greatness: What Must the Warrior Do?

Image
 The Path to Greatness: What Must the Warrior Do? Yesterday, we explored an essential question: How does a warrior learn? Today, we take the next step— What must the warrior do to become great? This question holds weight, not just in words, but in action. It challenges us to examine the very nature of greatness and wisdom. What is Greatness? Recently, one of my elders transitioned to the ancestral realm. During his crossover ceremony, I had the honor of pouring libations and speaking on his legacy. I found myself saying, Elder Tony was a great man. But then I paused and corrected myself— Elder Tony was a wise man. There's a difference. A great person leaves behind holes in reality—gaps so deep that it may take generations to fill them. Their presence, their work, their impact shifts the world around them in such a way that when they are gone, the absence is felt profoundly. A wise person also leaves holes in reality. But they do something more. They prepare others to fill those...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Does a Warrior Learn? The Power of Challenging Questions

Image
How Does a Warrior Learn? The Power of Challenging Questions In the path of self-mastery, the question “How does a warrior learn?” is not one to be answered with a script or a memorized response. Instead, it’s a question that requires deep reflection, exploration, and action. A true warrior doesn’t just learn in the way they are told—they learn in the way that best suits them. The Warrior’s Learning Process Before diving into the common answer, let’s take a moment to personalize the question: How do you learn? Many people have never taken the time to analyze their own learning process. Instead, they’ve been conditioned to learn in ways that may not align with their natural abilities. Some learn best by watching, others by doing, some by listening, and others through discussion. But too often, people are forced into a mold that doesn’t fit them, leading to frustration and limited growth. If a warrior is to be effective in battle—whether that battle is in the mind, the spirit, or the ph...
Post a Comment
Read more