7 reflections of home
A moment of reflection with our beloved founder, Vivian.
1. What does coming home to self mean to you?
Coming home to self is going within and getting to know the version of me that is uninterrupted by the perspective of others. Looking at every part of me, healing what needs to be healed, releasing behaviors that no longer serve my greater good, giving myself grace to grow and transform. Also, realizing who I am today will continue to change as I grow on this life journey and choose to flow with and in that growth.
2. Do you feel you've ever strayed from that path? If so, in what way(s)?
Yes, I strayed away from that path. A lot of what I know and practice now, I didn’t have that knowledge before. I lost who I was after a traumatic experience. I went through deep depression, unknowingly, which catapulted me into survival mode. I stopped living. I could no longer see the beauty of who I was, and I stopped loving ME.
3. What tools or practices help you to return home to self and live from that authentic space?
The first step for me was being okay with stepping outside of my comfort zone when it came to religion. It was reading and researching different African traditions and/or religions. I always had the curiosity but never practiced. I started meditating, journaling, and being in silence. While some of those practices I love, there are others I’m still trying to incorporate into my daily rituals.
All of these have been a great change for me. The essential practice that has truly changed my life was introduced to me by Iyanifa Shondra Cheris. Her introducing me to Ifa(Isese) tradition has taken me deeper within myself and has given me an unwavering peace that has held me through a very rough year. I went home to Nigeria and had the most amazing experience in my life. I am choosing everyday to walk in love (of self and others), peace, joy, and courage. Knowing that Oludamare, my ancestors, Orisas and Irumoles are walking with me. Prayer is a big part of my life and I walk in good character daily.
4. What does being at home within feel like for you?
Unwavering peace with who I am at my core and loving all of it.
5. Who or what has been pivotal in your journey home?
I am learning that I am the main character in my journey and without me making the decision daily to keep moving forward and opening my mind and heart to what makes me joyful, I would not be where I am today. So I give myself love for choosing me everyday. My niece Deja has been a great example for me, she moved to Cali for awhile to help me care for me while I cared for my husband. We had been physically apart for awhile, so to see her as a grown woman and seeing her growth and sharing what she is learning has been wonderful . Iyanifa Shondra Cheris has helped me tremendously. She has been a friend, a teacher, and prayer warrior. I will be forever grateful for her for introducing me to Isese(Ifa) tradition and walking with me through the entire journey.
6. Where are you today in relation to yourself?
I feel free within for the first time in a very long time. I am learning to listen to my body. If I’m tired I rest. I am a widow and my son is going off to college and I am looking forward to learning myself now that I am an empty nester and have the time to truly spend with myself.
7. What is your highest vision when you think "I am home within me"?
Living in my dream home surrounded by nature in complete silence and smiling from ear to ear because I love the company I have with myself and it is truly enough.
- Peace,
Vivian