Journey Within

http://www.amazon.com/author/tauheedahmichelle

When I started on the journey to find myself about 4 years ago; I was looking for me. I was on a journey to find out what makes Michelle who she is and what she's becoming. As I have grown on this journey I have learned about my lineage and why I might have gone through some of the things that I experienced.

I learned that on my father's side of the family we share a bloodline to people who are indigenous to this land. A friend of mine has always said that he is indigenous to this country, and his family didn't derive from Africa. My dad has great grandparents who were Cherokee Indians. I agree with my friend that maybe we're not all descendents of Africans or slaves. Some of us are direct descendents of American Indians.

I created a personal alter to manifest the peace and other things I need in my home. I use crystal for healing and different manifestations. There are candles(Chakra), Native Soul Sage and Lavender incense, and a sage bundle. The thing that really topped it off was the photo of my dad's great grandparents that I was able to print from our family page on Facebook. This way I am able to honor my ancestors and their legacy.

I most definitely do not deny my African heritage. I'm sure on either side that somewhere down the line I have ancestors who came from Africa. I proudly wear the titles: queen, goddess, empress. I have learned to channel my inner Egyptian Empress. Khamit (modern day Kemet) is the way of Egypt that means, "Land of black people". I wear the label, "black"; because I am black, I come from the land of black, and black is the beautifulist thing I have ever seen! It's an honor to be black. It's an honor to be indigenous to this land as a black native.

When I began the journey within I was on a spiritual journey to find self. I got a lot more than I bargained for. I learned about my ancestors and why I look the way I do. I am cognizant of the fact that some generational curses could have derived from either side of my family. I am more mindful of how these things play a part in my life and my kid's lives. I understand me better and the choices I make. I overstand that this journey isn't just about me, but being the Black Sheep means I am here to break those generational curses and help create generational wealth.

Spring Cleaning

www.tauheedahmichelle.michelebarard.com

Spring is a time for new beginnings and new life. The Spring season officially begins March 20th with the first full day of Spring being March 21st. The saying, "Spring roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" is very true. Spring begins with cold and un-Spring like weather. When the Spring season commences it still feels like Winter. April rolls in with rain to help the earth grow and replenish. "April showers bring May flowers".

My Spring cleaning ritual includes: sage smudging to clear out any negative energy, opening windows for fresh air, cleansing my crystals, getting out in nature, and for the last couple of years attending the Naturalopathy Spring Event. The Naturalopathy Spring Event was held yesterday, and for the first time in two years I didn't attend. The Naturalopathy event encompasses all of the vendors and products to start your Spring season off right.

Spring also brings with it pollen and bees. Pollen causes allergic reactions in thousands of people each year. After an encounter with the outside we must cleanse ourselves, or we bring the pollen inside with us. Of course we have to bathe to wash the pollen away, but crystals are another way to cleanse ourselves and our auras. A close friend of mine told me he loves when he encounters me because I have a beautiful aura and I bring light whenever I'm around him. Crystals can be used to clean your aura and protect you from harm.

In the circle of life animals are born in the spring, grass grows and turns green again, flowers bloom, and everything old becomes new again. A new moon begins this Friday, and new moons are a great time to set intentions and do a new thing. So as Spring and April embark upon us we can clean our physical homes(places of residence) and clean our physical houses(our bodies). Do a detox, walk along the beach, go hiking, sage smudge your home, take a detox/spiritual bath. All of these things are excellent practices for a Spring cleaning ritual. Set your intentions for the new moon and Spring season. Happy Spring Cleaning!

Fibroids in Black Women and Book Update

Peace and Blessings fam, I'm back! I was in the hospital earlier this week having surgery to rid my body of fibroids. I'm not at 100 percent yet, but I'm getting there. I found out I had fibroids in 2009, and it took 10 years to do something about them. The symptoms got progressively worse, so that prompted me to take action. In 2009 I only had 2 fibroids, by the time I had them removed I had 4 large fibroids and several smaller ones. A few years ago I started researching fibroids and their causes. I found that black women and some native women are more likely to suffer with fibroids than whites and other groups. I set out to find out why. I read studies on WebMD, blackdoctor.org, in doctor's offices and anywhere I could find information. I read that fibroids in black women could be attributed to hair relaxers and unhealthy eating habits among other things. Three years ago I did the Big Chop and stopped using relaxers on my hair. Two years ago I set out on a journey to eat healthier. This year I began my journey as a vegan; cutting out all animal products.

Lack of exercise(yoga)  and obesity can also attribute to growing fibroids. Over the years we were fed so much misinformation. We were told that diabetes, high blood pressure, and fibroids were hereditary. That is not entirely true. We were taught how to eat by the family we were raised in. Eating pork, beef, chicken with hormones, and anything that comes from animals contributed to us having diabetes, high blood pressure, and fibroids. Had I been raised as a vegan my body would naturally fight off foreign substances like fibroids. As black women we must take our power back when it comes to our bodies and health. We must inform and educate ourselves. As a people we must take control of our bodies and health. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow inside and outside of a woman's uterus. They can cause painful urination, pain during sex, heavy menstrual bleeding, and excessive periods. A plant based diet, exercise, and yoga can help eradicate fibroids. Essential oils and healing crystals can also help to keep your body and hormones in balance. I will be doing a Purple Poet Sunday Live next Sunday with a little more in-depth information on fibroids in black women. Make sure you're tuned in at 12:30 on Facebook and Instagram.

I just want to throw in a plug about my latest book, "Black Poetry and Soul Consciousness". The cover is done, and it is gorgeous! The cover designer did and awesome job designing the cover. The book will be done by the end of the month. Keep your eyes and ears open for book signings and the Atlanta Summer Bookstore Tour. Peace & Blessings Kings and Queens