TRANSFORMATION IS NOT AN INTELLECTUAL PURSUIT

TRANSFORMATION IS NOT AN INTELLECTUAL PURSUIT//

I experienced transformation as an exchange – what will I sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of my potential. It's accepting the duality of the esoteric [unseen] and exoteric [seen]. It’s a full body experience – the head [intellect], heart [will], stomach [intuition], legs [action], and hands [work]–all have purpose in fulfillment of my potential. Intellect, logic, science are essential,but it's also just one piece. Transformation requires balance and internal integration.

In the beginning of my Ifá journey, I focused on the intellect–where I was comfortable. I memorized the chants and verses, engaged with the stories while delving into rituals. I wanted big life changes but didn't realize the big changes I'd need to make. I didn't believe the forces of nature [Irunmole] were active and real until I made a promise to Ifá in exchange for support with a BIG ASK. My husband was working hard for months to secure an investment and, the deals would fall through at the last moment. This time, everything came together in our favor!

BUT, I didn't want to sacrifice what I promised to Ifá–my HOME. Yes, big requests require big sacrifice. I promised we would MOVE: which meant selling our home and moving our family with young children during the height of the pandemic.

I did NOT want to do it! So, I convinced myself that it was a coincidence that my prayers were answered or better yet that we would have received the investment without my prayers. I started to avoid my prayer rituals and went about life with no intention of following through on my promise until Ifá spoke again. Our next group divination, the Odu ÈjìOgbè came:

“Ifá says that somebody must refrain from being an ingrate. You are taking the blessings of Ifá for granted, and it will not bode well for you. Your ingratitude will not only reduce your blessings but it will teach you a very bitter lesson that you will never forget…”

This was the moment I realized that Ifá, the word of Olódùmarè (the Supreme Being) was speaking to me - my condition, my problems, my path.

With Love,

Yemẹsẹ̀ Ajaré