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Love Conquers All

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When the noise of the world becomes so loud that you can’t hear the voice of your heart, be still.

When confusion drowns out sensibility and order, be still.
When chaos emerges all around you and you don’t know what you think or what to think, be still.
When it’s time to choose between what’s right and what they say is right and you don’t know what to do, be still.
Be still and wait for that peace which passes all understanding to come to you. It always will.
These past weeks have been difficult for us all. There has been so much hate, anger, violence, confusion, murder, anguish, grief, hurt, pain, just…mayhem.
It’s important to own your feelings, feel your emotions, and not try to suppress them. There’s no need to ‘be strong’ or ‘hold it together’. That causes illness, stress, migraines, and ill will. So if you have to shout, scream, rant, journal, post, or seek wise counsel – do so. Express yourself! Process your emotions. It’s best to process them responsibly and seek to forgive, so bitterness doesn’t take root in your heart.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you accept the behavior or you’re okay with what occurred. Forgiveness is for you; for your well-being.
Whether you forgive or not, the other person is largely unaffected. I’ve heard unforgiveness is like you drinking poison expecting the other person to die. It eats you up on the inside.
Believe me, those offenders will reap what they sow. It’s the law of the universe – you don’t have to worry about it AT ALL!
Meanwhile, you do the things that bring you joy and peace. Surround yourself with love. Hug someone, take a nature walk, sit by a body of water, and breathe. Pray, meditate, chant, write, draw, paint, sing, dance – create. Do whatever you can to redirect the energy.
And yes, love. Love yourself and love those dear to you. Make sure they know you love them. It may be just what THEY need to bring their joy back.
I’m so grateful for you. We can get through this…together.
Love,
Robin ❤️

Terra Goddess (aka Gaia)

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Urban Gardening

The idea first came to me as a science project for my then 12 year old son. A life skill we could learn together before he slipped away to manhood. Before we clipped the apron strings.

After discussing the best use of our space as well as the healthiest way to grow food; we went organic and chose the above ground method. We read the Square Foot Gardening book by Mel Bartholomew and got started.
I can’t tell you how many naysayers I encountered when I started talking about it. I live in the city. For real. I don’t have a huge backyard and I was working full-time. Well, we fooled them!
The first year we learned a lot. Things like cucumbers ‘run’. Meaning they take up a lot of space because they’re on a vine that grows and grows and grows. We had to get creative with them and their cousin the zucchini.
My son and I had a lot of laughs, fought off the insects, the scary tomato worms, and a lot of other things we’d never seen or heard of.
We discovered that there are a lot of hungry squirrels in our neighborhood. And can I say that the squirrels are downright rude? They half eat our tomatoes and leave the remnants on the table for me to clean up. We found out that they don’t care for them, they only want the juice. Ugh! That’s okay, We made cages out of chicken wire to cover the boxes and the tomatoes.
The cages are removable and keep the birds, squirrels and rabbits at bay. Except that time a squirrel risked his life to get the watermelon. Broke my heart. Next year we built a better cage.
The first year we planted cabbage, kale, green leaf and romaine lettuce, strawberries, sugar peas, green beans, collard and mustard greens, eggplant, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, two types of tomatoes, green and purple bell peppers, jalapeño and banana peppers, basil, rosemary, Lavender, mint, cilantro, and thyme. The herbs and hot peppers were mainly in our window box or pots.
Our dog Coco Chanel did her part scaring off the squirrels and watching us work. We were very pleased that first year and my son ate more vegetables than ever.
That was four summers ago. I’ve lost and added since then. The first thing I lost was my partner. He’s a teen now and gardening is not his thing. It’s okay with me though, he still does the heavy lifting and if I need help, he helps. Meanwhile, gardening has become a mode of meditation for me so it’s just as well. I get sun (tanned and Vitamin D), therapy from communing with Mother Earth, and I have a few awesome playlists for the crops.
Over the years I’ve added corn, sweet potatoes, okra, onions, white tomatoes, turnip greens, Swiss chard, carrots, habanero and ghost peppers, stevia, lemon verbena, and oregano. I tried bok choy but it didn’t flourish – I’ll try it again.
I’m in the planning phase for this year, I know it’s early but I really want to get it right. If I can just get the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers to mature simultaneously I’ll be a happy salad eater. It’s a lot of work and it keeps you busy. It’s so worth it though. Nothing is more rewarding than feeding my family and friends from my backyard. Fresh produce is the perfect gift!
I hope you’ll stay tuned for this years gardening journey. Maybe you’ll be inspired and join me. Perhaps you’ll share your gardening tips…I’m definitely no expert.

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Come on! It’ll be fun!
Robin

The Power of Life and Death

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You’ve probably heard the Proverb (18:21) “the power of life and death is in the tongue”. I say it’s absolutely true. You can proclaim life or speak death into any situation. You can literally have what you say. 

I have a lot to say about the power of the tongue or words but I want to focus on two words today – I AM.
These are two very powerful words. They are action words. Activation words. Words of creation. Whatever word or words you say after I AM, you are. You speak it into existence. So choose wisely. Speak intentionally.  
If you’re not feeling 100% – rather than reinforce your sickness, say I am healing. I am strong. My energy is coming back. Speak life, health, joy, wealth, love, into your life with intention.
Observe how often you casually say things like, I’m tired or I’m broke or I’m sick and tired. Pay attention to what you’re adding to your I AM. No judgement, be gentle with yourself, just notice.
When you realize that what you’re saying isn’t helping improve your situation (remember – you can have what you say), choose to change your language and your outcome. If you mis-speak, correct it immediately.
If you slip up and say something you don’t want to see – for instance, you have a cold and automatically say I’m sick. You can easily correct it by adding – but I’m getting better as we speak! 
Before you know it, this way of thinking and speaking will become the norm for you. Be kind to yourself, this way might be new to you. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up occasionally. Now that you know you’re in control of your situation, you will speak the best possible outcome. It’s a mindset and I often say, “change your mind, change your life.”
Joel Osteen wrote a book about it – The Power of I Am, you might want to read it. If you feel you need more high energy or high vibrating words in your vocabulary, check out the book, Every Word Has Power by Yvonne Oswald, she has lists of them for you. 
I like visuals – vision boards, affirmations – I like to be reminded of what I’m saying and where I’m going. I have index cards of my I AM affirmations around my bathroom mirror. So first thing in the morning, while I’m brushing my teeth, arranging my hair, putting on earrings, I’m going through them repeatedly in my head. 
I made decks for my grandchildren too. I want them to grow up knowing the power of their I AM. Knowledge is one of the best gifts I can give them. 
Do whatever you do to help you remember things so you gain/ regain control of your tongue and consequently your destiny. The power is in your I AM.
Next time we’ll talk about the proverbial “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” That’s not necessarily true.
Until then…
I AM grateful for you.
Love,
Robin ❤

The Year of the Rooster

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How appropriate is it that 2017 is The Chinese Year of the Rooster as we are definitely having a wake-up call this year. Whether you are for or against the current administration, I’m certain you’ve had a surprise or two since January 20th.
This is definitely the time for all of us to “wake up”.
Many of us have become desensitized or have our heads stuck in the sand and aren’t aware of what’s going on in our own communities. Some of us are aware and seemingly involved but have been caught sleeping on the job. Others of us only know what’s going on in the world through Facebook memes or 140 character tweets.
Either way, this is definitely the time for us to “wake up”.
Now is the time to read, listen, organize. Hold your local government officials accountable. Exercise your vote wisely. Make sure your concerns are represented from your alderman on up. Don’t get angry or discouraged, get involved.
Now is the time to share your gift with the world. Your voice, your artwork, your dance, your song, your poetry, your brilliance, your book, your ideas…your kindness. Your love.
Now is the time to show love for humanity. To strengthen your community by supporting local businesses, networking with your neighbors, and genuinely caring for one another. Building, strengthening and growing.
My youngest son learned a chant in the Youth Basketball Association (YBA) when he was four years old. “If its to be, it’s up to me.” It’s a call to personal responsibility and accountability. It’s what we need today to motivate us to wake up and take charge of our lives, our community, our future. There is no them versus us – there’s us.
We are the ones we’re waiting for. The rooster is crowing.
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
Love,
Robin ❤
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Silence is Golden

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In the midst of all the noise we’re constantly bombarded with – media noise, political noise, urban activity noise, emotional noise, people continually talking noise, inner voice noise – I seek refuge in silence. Because silence is golden.
Definitions of golden include: exceptionally valuable; full of happiness; prosperity or vigor; radiant; destined for success. In the midst of turmoil, I seek silence.
Becoming silent requires you to be still first. Stillness is the absence of motion. When the wind and waves of life seem as if they’re overtaking you, command peace and stillness. The power is within you.
There’s salvation in the silence. Becoming still and silent saves you; protects you from the harmful words and thoughts being circulated all around you. There’s safety in silence.
Silence is solitude. Unfrequented, remote, secluded, and sometimes lonely. You may have to sacrifice for silence. Leave some things or people behind…for awhile…forever. When you surrender for silence you’ll receive solace. Solace – relief and comfort from distress, and troubles. Silence is soothing.
Become still, focus only on your breath, stay silent. You’ll return full of happiness; vigorous; radiant; destined for success; valuable. Why? Because there are divine solutions in the silence. Silence puts doubts and fears to rest. I believe fear is the opposite of love. You’ll find love in silence.
I encourage you to take a day, an hour – whatever you can – take a break regularly from all the external and internal noise to help you recharge and rejuvenate. We have some challenges and opportunities ahead of us, I’m bringing my ‘A’ game and I need you to bring yours as well.
Lao Tsu says, “Silence is a source of great strength.” We’re all in this race –  the human race, together and together,  we can win.
Love,
Robin ❤️
“…silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.” ~ Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Relentlessly Authentic

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There’s so much talk about keeping it real, keeping it 100, being your true authentic self – what does any of it mean? Really.
In a world where everything is changing by the nano second, shouldn’t you? If you’re keeping up with the times and going with the flow, wouldn’t your true authentic self be different today than it was last year? Last month? Yesterday?
Who’s the judge of what’s real and not? In this cyber society is the persona you portray on social media, your dating profile, your blog – authentically you? Or is it your alter ego, or the person you’re yearning to grow into as shown on your new vision, vision board?
When we pull back the curtain of your facade is it you we see or is it Richard Pryor masquerading as the great oz?
Is it wrong to want to be more than, or greater than, wiser than, prettier than …the reflection we see in the mirror?
When you look in the mirror who do you see? Is it you? Is it the you you are today or the you you hope to be?
When I look in the mirror I just see me. Just me. Just Robin. And that my dears, is enough.
Don’t let these images of kittens looking in mirrors seeing lions scare you into thinking you need to be more than you already are. Letting fakebook fairytale relationships leave you lonely. Or fictitious overnight billion dollar success stories make you feel like a failure. Who you are today is ENOUGH.
Sure, positive self-talk and affirmations and vision boards are helpful in getting you to that next level. But don’t let it guilt you to the point of ineffectiveness that you’re afraid to have a  genuine thought; a human experience where you may trip or stumble. It is not the end of the world. Keep it 100 and keep it moving.

Sometimes I think I’ve lost my true authentic self in my quest to apply the five agreements (it’s no longer four – I need you to catch up please); ask myself those four questions before I say something (is it kind, true, necessary, whatever); and inhale deeply/exhale slowly. Wanting to be a new me in the new year, every year is exhausting and might be unnecessary. Sure, it’s good to improve where improvement is needed but whatever happened to contentment? When do we learn to be content with who we are, where we are, today? That’s being authentic.

 

Ben Okri says, “The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.”

On those days when I look in the mirror searching for my ‘real’ self, I see it’s just me; Just Robin, relentlessly on my authentic mission to be love and spread love – starting with me and ending with you.
Keeping it real.
Just Robin

The True Authentic You

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There’s so much talk about keeping it real, keeping it 100, being your true authentic self – what does any of it mean? Really.
In a world where everything is changing by the nano second, shouldn’t you? If you’re keeping up with the times and going with the flow, wouldn’t your true authentic self be different today than it was last year? Last month? Yesterday?
Who’s the judge of what’s real and not? In this cyber society is the persona you portray on social media, your dating profile, your blog – authentically you? Or is it your alter ego, or the person you’re yearning to grow into as shown on your new vision, vision board?
When we pull back the curtain of your facade is it you we see or is it Richard Pryor masquerading as the great oz?
Is it wrong to want to be more than, or greater than, wiser than, prettier than …the reflection we see in the mirror?
When you look in the mirror who do you see? Is it you? Is it the you you are today or the you you hope to be?
When I look in the mirror I just see me. Just me. Just Robin. And that my dears, is enough.
Don’t let these images of kittens looking in mirrors seeing lions scare you into thinking you need to be more than you already are. Letting fakebook fairytale relationships leave you lonely. Or fictitious overnight billion dollar success stories make you feel like a failure. Who you are today is ENOUGH.
Sure, positive self-talk and affirmations and vision boards are helpful in getting you to that next level. But don’t let it guilt you to the point of ineffectiveness that you’re afraid to have a  genuine thought; a human experience where you may trip or stumble. It is not the end of the world. Keep it 100 and keep it moving.

Sometimes I think I’ve lost my true authentic self in my quest to apply the five agreements (it’s no longer four – I need you to catch up please); ask myself those four questions before I say something (is it kind, true, necessary, whatever); and inhale deeply/exhale slowly. Wanting to be a new me in the new year, every year is exhausting and might be unnecessary. Sure, it’s good to improve where improvement is needed but whatever happened to contentment? When do we learn to be content with who we are, where we are, today? That’s being authentic.

Ben Okri says, “The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.”

On those days when I look in the mirror searching for my ‘real’ self, I see it’s just me; Just Robin, relentlessly on my authentic mission to be love and spread love – starting with me and ending with you.
Keeping it real.
Just Robin