You don't have to be an artist in order to be creative. According to Yoruba worldview, you are the very embodiment of creative energy, which is one reason why the head is referred to as eda (one's personal creator).  

Ifa teaches us that the head - which is more commonly known as ori - is the lord of the body and therefore must be acknowledged and given premium attention. More exactly, in the beginning, the head used to live on its own, in isolation. After consulting Ifa and performing the necessary sacrifices, the head was blessed in a very big way; eyes, ears, nose and mouth joined the head and it was elevated to the highest point of the body.  

This reality is clearly expressed through Yoruba sculpture. The head is almost always the biggest and the most elaborately finished part of a typical sculpture. Oftentimes, it's also adorned with crownlike headgear. 

One of the most important fundamentals of this worldview is that the visible head (ori ode) is no more than an enclosure for the inner, spiritual head, called ori inu. Not only that, the ase that empowers the physical self actually emanates from the inner head. This means that your creative energy comes from within. 

Your imagination is synonymous with ori inu. Whereas the inner head is called ori inu, imagination is called oju inu (inner eye) in Yoruba.  It alludes to your ability to look within yourself and to discern the most appropriate response to your environment. 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
You have a unique set of natural gifts and talents. It is through them that you will succeed in ways that others cannot. Blaze a trail and follow up on your ambitions, even if that means you have to abandon those habits, associates and places that do not support self mastery.  

Where your talents meet the needs of your environment, that is where you will discover your purpose. This intersection represents your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the people who matter most. 
 
Creativity enables internal gratification, which is the ideal place for you to seek out material enjoyment experience total comfort within your own body. When you make this your daily practice, it will give you confidence and flair. It is from this position that you will finally be able to unapologetically authentic, and lead by example. 
 
Ori literally means 'you see' and its mythical symbol is the head, which is the one who observed your soul choosing your destiny in the prenatal state. This divine entity symbolizes the pursuit of a tremendous aspiration to live, learn, love and leave a legacy. Ori's obsessive drive to create manifests through your ability to focus your heart and mind on a target that adds eternal value.
 
The heart of your quest is to provide fulfillment, which also requires that you embody the life giving source of creative energy. You might express yourself through art, science, or intimate relationships. You might be the leader, a supporter or an ally. What is most important is that you recognize the need to show up and shine in the place where you truly belong. 

Grind or get left behind. There will always be problem people and situations. Unlike the way it was in school, however, you will NOT always have the solutions. If you're on the cutting edge, you will find it difficult to find others who can provide useful answers. Somehow, you must still make progress in spite of that reality.

To be very clear, I'm not talking about surviving the battle, maintaining your position or proving your point. I'm talking about measurable advancement, whereby you actually INCREASE your holdings.

One mark of greatness is the ability to excel in the face of adversity. In a chaotic circumstance, it is natural for people to seek stability. Here's the problem: When real stability cannot be achieved, most people will settle for hiding out in familiar places.

TEST yourself: When things get unpredictable, do you find yourself spending more and more time in your emotional, social and behavioral default zone? This can be a dangerous habit because it inhibits your ability to GRIND.

When I say grind or get left behind, I mean that you need to be proactive about pursuing your vision. If you have to get up early and stay up late in order to gain the competitive advantage, then that's what you do.

Stop complaining. Make no excuses. Find out what needs to be done and start doing it with what you have, where you are, right this moment. Others may stop when they get tired, when they get angry or when their feelings are hurt. If you intend to attain LEGENDARY STATUS, your exhaustion, anger and pain only add fuel to the fire!

Like Les Brown said, it's not over until I win! GRIND!!! GRIND!!! GRIND!!!

I am looking for leaders who are devoted to improving the world through positive influence. Is that you? If so, find out how Obafemi Origunwa and the Orisa Lifestyle Academy can take your life and your practice to the next level.

Learn more: ObafemiO.com

#LivetheMedicine

"A man can never hope to be more than he is if he is not first honest about what he isn’t." Such was the lesson learned the hard way by Egg, who insisted upon going into battle. He was advised to steer clear of the battle field but refused, on account of being a close friend of the warrior, Kanakana. It wasn't until he reached the field that Egg realized the fact that he was not prepared for the rage of war. But by then it was too late. Here, The Holy Odu EjiOgbe teaches us the importance of introspection and honest Assessment.

The power of accurate Assessment is what drives all forms of transformation. Ifarinu is a name that reminds us that Ifa sees our inner worlds. Thus the babalawo is uniquely qualified to Assess where every individual is on the journey of life. Oftentimes, this requires a good look at where an individual is NOT, in spite of what he or she would like to believe.

LEARN MORE

Authenticity can only be attained by remaining true to your source. In Yoruba, this is called ORISUN. As human beings, it is essential to remember what Ifa has taught: Earth is a marketplace. Heaven is our home. It means that our source is divine.

It was in the heavenly realm that we knelt down to choose our destinies. And so, while you are here on earth, the true measure of your success is determined by your devotion to your prenatal choice, which we call AKUNLEYAN.

MORNING RITUAL: Every single day, when you awaken in the morning, kneel down and invoke your ori.

Double down on your devotion to your prenatal choice!

Commit to it without hesitation or stipulation. Your prenatal choice is what brought you to where you are. Let it carry to all the way to the throne of destiny!

When the time is ripe, know that you will ascend that throne and sit in regal majesty. Let your source be your crown. Ase!

Live the Medicine!

Obafemi Origunwa, MA | ObafemiO.com
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