“El Santo le quiere dar Claridad….Claridad, Claridad….El Santo le quiere dar…”
The drums beat strongly behind me. From a device that embodies many of the technological advances that have come to exist as social norms for the western world, traditional rhythms are created and my body responds with instinct. My fingers dance over the keyboard hitting each letter in sync with the count made by Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas’ track after track.
For a moment I close my eyes and it is in this moment that I can truly see. I accept that the trials and tribulations of my temporal existence must first hit up against the physical structure that is known as my body. Supporting this structure is my soul. Warmed by the fire of Shango (Kabieosile) and employed by the divination of Orunmila, I take a moment to feel my essence flow and ignite sensations in every nerve of my spine. My attention is called by the flickering of the flame that I have recently lit in honor of he who 19 years ago made the transition from embracing me physically to embracing me spiritually; My father.
No longer are the tears that flow down my face only serving as messengers of pain. Now they serve as reminders of the fact that I need only look at my reflection to see him. The world promised to up the ante and he vowed to support me in ways that would never fail. As is the case with every growing pain, going from the ability to physically hug my father externally to the place where these embraces could only take place internally was initially paralyzing. It has not been until recent years that I realized when I thought my legs could not hold me anymore, it was because they were being reconstructed to hold me as well as empower me to hold others.
I remind all who have mortally lost a loved one that until they are accepting of the growth that is inevitably taking place, they will not only be fully embraced by their loved ones nor will they be able to fully embrace them in return.
Never underestimate the potency of your soul for it is the very essence of who we are. Never allow yourself to be fooled by the shenanigans of the shell we occupy. Our Ori is, and always will be, greater than it.
We walk on the shoulders of all who came before us and our steps are cushioned by love and guidance. To allow our stride to be anything less than proud, grateful, and progressive is to cause pain on those we love and who love us.
Gracias papa… te quiero, te agradezco, te siento.
©Dr William Q Ross 2017
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