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Obi Divination Essentials
The Power of Devotion
The Power of Devotion: Cultivating the Soul Through Consistent Spiritual Practice in Ifa
In the practice of Ifa, devotion is more than an act; it is a sacred relationship between the divine and the human soul. It is through consistent spiritual devotion—prayer, offerings, rituals, and acts of service—that we align ourselves with the wisdom of the Orisa, honor our ancestors, and nurture our connection with our Orí, the personal essence of destiny. Devotion is not just about what we give to Spirit but also about what we cultivate within ourselves, shaping the very essence of our soul and its journey toward fulfillment.
Devotion as a Sacred Rhythm
In Ifa, consistent devotion creates a rhythm that mirrors the natural cycles of the universe—day and night, the seasons, the ebb and flow of life itself. By showing up daily in our spiritual practice, we reaffirm our commitment to walk in harmony with these rhythms. Just as the rising sun reminds us of renewal, our devotion keeps us aligned with divine guidance and reminds us of our purpose.
This consistency also strengthens the channels of communication between ourselves and the divine. Each prayer, chant, and offering builds upon the last, deepening our connection and trust in Spirit. It is through this steady practice that we attune our soul to wisdom, ensuring that we remain balanced and guided in all we do.
The Transformative Power of Devotion
Devotion in Ifa is not about perfection—it’s about presence. Each moment spent in prayer or ritual is an opportunity to grow, heal, and transform. Through devotion, we actively participate in our own spiritual evolution, turning inward to reflect, releasing old patterns, and inviting wisdom and strength into our lives.
Over time, these acts of commitment refine the human soul, much like a sculptor chiseling a masterpiece. The patience and dedication required teach us humility, discipline, and resilience—qualities that elevate our character and allow us to face life’s challenges with grace. When our devotion to spirit becomes one with our lifestyle, it acts as a tool that polishes our inner light, enabling us to shine brighter in service to ourselves and others.
Devotion and Destiny
In Ifa, there is a profound link between our level of devotion and understanding of destiny. Our Orí, the divine self, holds the blueprint of our purpose. By honoring our Orí through consistent spiritual practice, we align ourselves more closely with the path laid out for us. This alignment ensures that we not only receive the blessings meant for us but also fulfill the responsibilities we are called to carry.
Devotion also strengthens our resilience against the challenges that may arise along our journey. It fortifies our spirit, making it easier to overcome obstacles and maintain faith in the face of uncertainty. When we devote ourselves to destiny, we deepen our understanding of who we are, where we come from, and where we are meant to go.
Building the Soul Through Devotion
Consistent spiritual practice shapes the human soul by fostering qualities that transcend the material world. It cultivates patience, gratitude, and a sense of interconnectedness with all life. It reminds us that our existence is part of a greater cosmic design, encouraging us to act with integrity, compassion, and reverence.
As we remain consistent, our soul grows in strength and clarity, becoming a vessel for divine energy and wisdom. This growth is not just personal—it is collective. We also contribute to the balance and harmony of the world, bringing light not only to our lives but to those around us.
The Call to Devote
Devotion in Ifa is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It is the daily choice to show up for Spirit, for our ancestors, for our Orí, and ultimately for ourselves. By committing to consistent spiritual practice, we take active steps toward aligning with our highest purpose and nurturing the evolution of our soul.
May your devotion bring you closer to the divine, deepen your understanding of your purpose, and illuminate the path toward the fulfillment of your destiny. Àṣẹ.
– Iya Dami
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Prelude for 2023
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Self Check 101:
Self-Check 101: Consistently Check Your Lenses
In our journeys, our perception—how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us—acts like a pair of lenses through which everything is filtered. Just as we might clean a pair of glasses to ensure a clear view, regularly checking and adjusting our internal lenses is crucial to living with clarity, balance, and openness. In a practice I call “Self-Check 101,” I invite us to be intentional about examining these inner lenses, ensuring they aren’t clouded by trauma, past hurts, or negative experiences, but are instead aligned with wisdom and positivity.
Why We Need to Check Our Lenses
Each of us brings a unique history into our present experiences. Our stories shape who we are and help us make sense of the world. However, past experiences, especially painful ones, can sometimes warp our view, casting a shadow over the present. These past hurts may cloud our judgment, making us more defensive, fearful, or even cynical in situations where such responses may no longer be necessary.
When we allow these unexamined responses to influence our present, we risk projecting the old onto the new, seeing negativity where there may be none, or underestimating the potential for goodness and growth in our lives. Consistent self-reflection is how we ensure our vision stays clear, balanced, and open to both positive and challenging aspects of life.
The Importance of Self-Reflection in Shaping a Balanced Perspective
Self-reflection is like a regular tune-up for the mind and soul. It enables us to ask ourselves: Am I approaching this situation openly, or am I letting my past dictate how I feel and react? We can then shift from simply reacting to consciously choosing responses that align with who we want to be and what we want to experience in life.
Consider self-reflection a tool for continuous alignment, helping us ensure that our actions and attitudes are driven by present wisdom rather than past wounds. Through this consistent practice, we learn to see situations with nuance, bringing forward the lessons we’ve learned while releasing the weight of past pain.
Practicing Self-Check 101: Steps to Consistently Clear Your Lenses
Here are a few simple practices to help you keep your lenses clear and your perspective balanced:
Regular Self-Assessments
Set aside time weekly or even daily to ask yourself a few questions: How am I feeling? Am I carrying any resentment, fear, or judgment? Am I seeing this situation through the lens of my past, or am I allowing it to reveal itself as it is? These questions bring awareness to your automatic responses, giving you a chance to recalibrate.Mindfulness in the Moment
When you feel triggered or overly critical, pause and breathe. Remind yourself that what you’re experiencing may be colored by your past, not necessarily by the present. This simple pause gives you room to choose how to respond rather than allowing old habits to take the lead.Affirm Your Wisdom, Not Your Wounds
While your experiences have taught you resilience and insight, don’t allow past pain to set limitations on your potential for joy, connection, or hope. When reflecting on a past hurt, remind yourself: I carry wisdom from this, not fear. Use the strength you’ve gained as a tool for positive engagement rather than as a barrier.Embrace Open-Mindedness as a Daily Practice
Approach each day as an opportunity to see life afresh. The willingness to be surprised by kindness, beauty, and new possibilities is a powerful antidote to the negative filters that may linger from past hurts. Practice this openness, even in small ways, and you’ll start to notice a shift in how you perceive and respond.
Reclaiming Joy and Curiosity
Consistently checking our lenses doesn’t mean erasing the past; it means refining our view. It allows us to honor the experiences that made us who we are while freeing ourselves to see the good in each new moment. When we approach life with openness, rooted in wisdom yet willing to embrace new perspectives, we create room for joy, curiosity, and genuine connection.
When we make “Self-Check 101” a regular practice, we’re empowered to live in alignment with our true selves, experiencing life as it is—rather than through the distorted lens of our past. We become more aware, present, and balanced, ready to greet each new moment with a heart that is resilient, wise, and open to the beauty of growth.
– Iya Dami