I couldn’t take it anymore. As strong as I believe I am, I needed a break. I needed a break from COVID19 vaccine controversies, police murdering black folks, murder and violence in general, political opinions and agendas, solicitation of products and services from errbody, young people dying left and right, open display of self absorption, anger, hatred, manipulation and shame. It was just too much for me to take into my being every single day, by choice. Although there were very inspiring and uplifting posts as well, I realized it took one article, one flash of violence, one bitter outrage to shift me into a place I would have to dig myself out of. I was hurting myself. I found myself unable to pull away because it isn’t that I don’t care about these things, I would often find myself in tears after reading a post or news article. The issue for me is that in many ways social media and media in general for the most part, is a place to vomit out into the atmosphere with no attempt or desire to resolve or heal.
I was looking for a way to address and process and had to come to the realization that there would be no processing unless I closed the application and did that work in the real world. You know, the world I actually live in where there are people who are interested in having conversations that uplift and resolving issues that we are faced with. The world where I can be of assistance to someone in my community by being an ear, a helping hand, or giving something that is needed. The world where I can care for my elders and hear their wisdom. The world where I show appreciation for the young by encouraging them and spending time with them. The world where I continue to build and strengthen my relationship with The Divine through quiet reflection, prayer and ritual. The world where I take the time to feel the power of nature in all the ways I interact with it. It is where I need to be right now.
My work is building a spiritual fortress for my grandchildren on the foundation that was laid by those who came before me. A fortress of commitment to healing the trauma and brokenness, freedom that is true and responsible, serving with compassion, and understanding with wisdom. One thing is for certain, we will all transition from this life as we know it. So once you have collected the gems that were left for you, take the time to pass them on because they are not meant to go with us and our time here is limited. I couldn’t justify the time I was spending with this screen in my face.
Although I will return to this space, I am fortified in my belief that it is best for me to spend little time in it. I am strengthened in my resolve to continue to use my tiny voice here to be one of encouragement by sharing goodness. I will do my best to interact with people in the space of Social Media and the Virtual World as I would in the world I actually live in, with kindness and consideration. I have much gratitude for those who do the same. Taking a break for spiritual maintenance every once in a while is a good practice for me.
Ifayinka 