On the eve of living for 45 years on earth, I sit in gratitude.
The world is upended right now, and in many ways I can understand and feel this energy to my core. I know to sit in patience. This past year has been much of that for me. Having to sit through, sift through, process, endure, and face many truths. It is part of living, being faced with the choice of what is salvageable and what must be left behind. It is discipline to sit in the uncomfortable feeling while taking your time to work through the details, refusing to leave any stones unturned. This year I learned how I have limited myself in so many ways. I learned how much I got in my own way of growth. I worked hard to change that by carefully working through the depths of my own ugliness and beauty.
It has been the daily prayers, and daily work with my Ori. Along with Ose, divination, ebbo and ritual with my Orisa is what helps me to break down the walls I built up all around me.
I am ever grateful to Olodumare, The Creator of all. Just as the sun is the source of life for this world of nature, may I always remember to honor The Source of all life in Orun (home of spirit). May I honor Earth, nature’s mother and all that she holds and sustains. Ase
In honor of my Ancestors, if not for them I would not be. In honor of my Egbe, my guides and keepers of my unique nature. In honor of my dearest mother, who accepted and carried me with love to live out my destiny. In honor of my father who called my spirit to earth and breathed wisdom into it. In honor of my children, their children and all those who are to come. I speak this prayer.
May I walk on this earth aware of my destiny and purpose. May I have the courage and strength to live by it. May I be reminded each day that to open my eyes, and breathe air into my lungs is a gift. May I remember that I can choose to be better than I was yesterday. I am not obligated to be chained to my failures. May I know that even through the most difficult struggles, I can be my best self. May I be thankful for all of the blessings that have been granted. May I remember that balance of mind, spirit and body is true health. May I remain teachable and open. May I keep a forgiving heart while remembering the lessons that conflict brings. May I understand that ego, arrogance, selfishness, jealousy, pettiness, fear and carelessness may visit my being, but they are never welcome to stay. May I feel peace in my life. May I learn acceptance of my choices. May I be kind. May I be honest. May I be healthy. May I be generous. May I be an inspiration to those whose paths cross mine. May I walk in spirit and in truth with care and consideration. Ase!
May I have a successful and blessed forty sixth journey around the sun. Ase
Ifayinka 