"Oh but this whole country is full of lies, You're all gonna die and die like flies"
Nina Simone "Mississippi Goddamn"
I thought it appropriate to talk about the Golden Law of "Speaking your Greatness into Existence" during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. A man known for his oratory skills, used the power of speech to move what seemed to be impenetrable social climates, and contributed immensely to change in social policy.
The power of speaking is evidenced in the antiquities. In ancient Egypt, originally named KMT or Kemet, one of their divine laws emphasized speech. Not the act of speaking, but the power, or rather the energy from the soul that is given into whatever is being said. The Ka or the life-force of the soul has power in your words.
Among the Yoruba people, the spoken word is considered the very breath of our soul. It is called àláàlasè or àsè, which ironically is commonly used in African-centered gatherings as a phrase of affirmation. À--è (pronounced ah-shay) is the most powerful force within the framework of these West African people who claim their roots in ancient Kemet.
In many African Diaspora cultures, and Africa, children were always warned to watch what they say. For women, when they emit their àsè it is said to contain a strength that is considered to be so powerful that it could save or destroy humanity. Unfortunately, we all forget this sacred principle (at one point in time) as we get grown. We can talk some mile-high, piled-high bullshit. We've mastered speaking our spirits, and our community's spirit into the ground. Let's flip it and lift it up.
Speaking is a strategic spiritual tool as well. Sometimes we talk about emerging concepts to the wrong people. Our intentions might be well when we spill the beans. Maybe we are bragging. However, down the line we witness a wonderful idea die before it was allowed to fully bloom. We are left scratching our heads about what happened. We opened our mouths when it should have been shut. Speaking has two components: making noise and being silent. We must also master the latter.
Your words do have power, let's use them substantively.
Destination: Support black artistry by going to a local poetry/ spoken word venue; or an open vocal night or jazz improvisational spot. Listen to the soul.
