Adaiyeba, 3 Phases of Ori Devotion

Ori is one of the most celebrated principles of Orisa Lifestyle. In fact, you cannot overstate its importance to one's spiritual development. It should come as no surprise then, that every aspect of divination, sacrifice, worship and initiation revolves around ori. This is what justifies the oriki that says, "Ori is the one that carries the load. Without ori, the rest of the body is for naught. Ori, the supreme lord of all."
However, as much as we celebrate ori, we overlook some of the details surrounding the various facets of the indwelling deity, whose protection is greater than that of orisa. That is, there are at least 8 different facets of ori. They include kadara, akunlegba, ayanmo and others. Some facets of ori devotion are rather esoteric and provoke deep philosophical thought. For example, what is ori's relationship to rebirth, ancestry and personality? How is it possible to select ori in heaven before one's identity is even established? Is ori representative of the soul or the spirit? Is it better understood as destiny or fate? These are the kinds of questions one must contemplate within herself and with knowledgeable teachers, versed in the wisdom of Ifa.
For now, let us give thought to a forgotten and overlooked aspect of ori devotion. It is called adaiyeba, which "that which we encounter in the world." It refers to that aspect of ori devotion that is profoundly spiritual, but not esoteric at all. The elders say, "we chose our destinies in heaven; it was not until we reached the world that we became impatient." It means that you are already filled with the deep spiritual essence you so desperately seek. So why all the frantic scrambling for titles, power and position? People will recite this proverb to remind you that your very nature is heavenly, and therefore in perfect order. Be patient. Practice effortless control. This is the essence of adaiyeba.
The question, however, is "How?" Here are three ways you can start to improve your ori devotion through adaiyeba:

1. Assessment: Stop lying to yourself for an hour everyday. Subject yourself to honest examination. Take a physical, financial, emotional, intellectual and social inventory of your life. What is your real status in the world?  This is more than getting a reading. True assessment means full disclosure. What do you really want financially, romantically, spiritually?
   
2. Transformative Work: Start doing the real work. Based upon the analysis of your true status, you need a strategic plan of action. Here, you set priorities for minimizing threats and leveraging opportunities. This is where you build new relationships, do the dirty work and set the stage for growth.
   
3. Sustainable Practices: Stay the course. Maintenance is the key to continuous improvement. Here, you practice the little things that keep relationships fresh and pleasant. Think of it as spiritual hygiene. These are all the little things you do consistently that gradually increase your spiritual contribution.

These are the details we tend to overlook when it comes to our spiritual journey, which is why adaiyeba is synonymous with impatience and corner cutting. There are no shortcuts to development, however. All mature and responsible people accept the fact that efficiency means doing what you HAVE to do in a faster, more convenient way. Adaiyeba devotion is, therefore the art of practical ori devotion. Learn more at the Orisa Lifestyle & Mental Health Retreat.