Alafia

Negative Aspect: A chaotic life is the result of chaotic choices

Regent Orishas: Orunmila and Eshu

Keywords: Fanciful and utopian; indecisive; lives in affliction; fears losing everything and everyone

The negative influence of Odu Alafia brings constant affliction in face of the apparent chaos of the outside world, which is reflected inwardly and, even in the simplest situations, brings difficulty in making choices and decisions. The universe is open in front of you, full of possibilities and alternatives and, precisely for this reason, deciding to follow a single path by giving up other options tortures your soul.

The constant fear of hurting and losing people, opportunities and yourself ends up causing stagnation, preventing you from leaving the dream world and acting to get your plans and goals off the page. I know…In today’s world, where it seems that everyone thinks solely and exclusively about themselves, it becomes difficult to balance your personal desires with those of people around you in an attempt to respect their ambitions and dreams. Even though a key aspect in building your self-esteem is realizing that, despite everything, your opinions and desires are also important and can always be valued and sought without prejudicing the people you love and care for.

Still, it can be difficult to rationalize feelings when you seem to live in the eye of a hurricane. Whether at work, in friendships or in love relationships, it’s time to strengthen existing bonds and establish new bonds of trust and loyalty that will soothe your heart. People come and go in our lives; nothing in the world is permanent or immutable. However, living in fear only causes anguish. Just be careful, for choosing to view the world form a positive place, you often also choose to ignore the malice of the world. This ends up hurting and frustrating you when you’re forced to face situations where others’ motivations aren’t as sweet as you thought.

With that in mind, what about trying to calm your mind and allow yourself to hear the voice of creativity that is unique to you? I’m sure you will be able to find ways to reconcile your desires with those of others and still favor situations in which everyone wins. At the very least, seeking this way of valuing yourself and others is the most commendable way to avoid assuming sole responsibility for solving all the conflicts in the world. After all, no one said you’re the redemptive hero of the universe…did they?

Alafia’s Shadow Meditation: When I look sincerely at my life deceptions and delusions, how many times could I have protected my heart and feelings by admitting to myself that life is a lonely road instead of an “all for one and one for all” fantasy? And what will it take from now on so I can stop trying to please everyone around me and put my own interests first?