divyne n healthy

I've Been Waiting For You 2012...

2012-01-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

So I'm a bit ashamed that my last post on this blog was in October. My goal for this space was to provide weekly nuggets to promote a divyne and healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, its hard to do that when you're still focusing on balancing your life. Thankfully, I've accomplished alot in the last couple of months and hope to accomplish a whole lot more in 2012!

Everyone seems to be in that spirit of new year's resolutions and starting anew. I always do my resolutions on my personal new year (my birthday) and re-assess this time of the year. I'm excited to report that I'm making progress on my goals and hope that you are too!

One of these goals is to jump back into my running and hot yoga practices. For the next 6 months, I'm training for a half marathon with my local Black Girls Run running group. There is nothing like a supportive network of people to encourage you on that last mile. Our group's motto is that we "never leave a woman behind." I really encourage you to check out your local group (http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/).

My hot yoga practice has been very helpful to my maintaining balance and tranquility. It is not for everyone, but I have truly enjoyed its detoxifying effects and what it has done for my flexibility and joints (particularly with the running).

divynenhealthy thought of the week:
What are your New Year's Resolutions? Or, are you like me and just trying to maintain what you have already begun last year? Either way, find a way to work on continually improving yourself this week. It could be as small as eating more fruits and vegetables or taking the stairs (instead of the elevator) at work. Whatever you do...stay divynenhealthy!

Overwhelmed? Here's Your Cure...

2011-10-21T00:07:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed. This is somewhat normal, as I am in my last semester of required courses, working on several writing projects and playing the doctoral student conference/workshop/training game (not to mention my other projects and oh, my personal life!).

I haven't posted in two weeks. Not because I didn't want to but....mostly because I didn't know what to say. And then tonight, while talking to undergraduate students from four different historically black colleges and universities during and after a graduate panel I was invited to sit on, I remembered my cure for feeling overwhelmed. Just breathe...smile...pay it forward and give thanks! And tonight, I did just that!

While talking to these starry-eyed, amazing undergraduate students and listening to their plans to change this world, it reminded me why I work so hard and for so long...to be able to connect to these young scholars and help them discover their way. And even though I've missed a couple of deadlines, need to seriously clean my house and can't remember the last time I actually cooked in my kitchen, I have so much to be thankful for....the wonderful support system in my family and friends, the ability to live the life I want, the understanding that this life may not be the one I envisioned when I was a little girl but it is the one that I have and cherish. And, last but not least, I am thankful for all of you who for whatever reason decided to like my page or actually read this. I thank all of you who lift me up...I pray that this post does the same for you.

I encourage you all to meditate on this divynenhealthy thought of the week...

divynenhealthy thought of the week:

So if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, breathe...smile..do something nice for someone else and pause and give thanks for this life!

Who's Got Your Back?

2011-10-02T14:55:00.003-04:00

We can't operate in this world alone. Seriously, some people try to do this but always find that they are unfulfilled or constantly seeking that one thing they believe will FINALLY make them happy. Do you know people like this? I do....and I bet you do too!

But, have you ever really wondered who has your back? Who can you count on when times are hard....who you can turn to for inspiration...support? Well, if you believe in a higher being, then you know that you must ALWAYS return to the Source of Life for this inspiration, support....and love. Often we turn to others first and sometimes end up disappointed. Instead we should start with the Source, or Creator, and practice that which we want. By helping others, we actually end up helping ourselves and living a fulfilled life. Service results in happiness (trust me on that one...)! Just try it...

divynenhealthy thought of the week:

Think about who has your back. Now, think about those folks you keep in prayer, keep in your thoughts and send good vibes to on a regular basis. This week, reach out to someone and let them know that you have their back. Pay it forward....and spread love!

Just Breathe...

2011-09-28T11:44:00.003-04:00

Breathing is sooooo important. Of course without it, you cannot live. But breathing properly is vital to your health. It provides oxygen to your body and can purify your blood stream. Some research suggests that the poor oxygen supply can lead to the need for reading glasses and loss of hearing as one ages. And, a heart attack occurs when there is a blockage to the heart, preventing the receipt of oxygen. If the brain doesn't receive oxygen, a stroke can occur. The lack of oxygen has even been linked to cancer. I could go on and on....about the importance of oxygen. But I think you get my point.

Just breathe....

Breathing can help with the elimination of toxins (emotional, physical, etc...). Ever wonder why it feels so good to take a few deep breaths after being angry. Our body has the ability to heal itself if we allow it. Our culture encourages short, shallow breathing, due to our hurried lifestyles. But what would happen to our overall health if we just breathed slowly, deeply and intently?

divynenhealthy.com thought of the week:

Just breathe....Try taking 10 deep breaths 3-5 times every day this week and see how you feel. You should feel more relaxed, alert and revived. Remember breathe in through the nose and out the mouth!
A little inspiration from QTip

Words Are Power...

2011-09-20T11:13:00.006-04:00

I've always had a personal love for words, ever since I was a child. You would always find me reading or writing (well not much has changed). In college, I majored in English and had a writing minor. I understand the value of communication and am enamored by the complexities of expressing emotion and observing life's events through words.

It wasn't until I was a young adult did I really begin to understand the power of words, not only from a biblical sense (one of my favorite Scriptures, Proverbs 18:21), but also from a general spiritual sense. Words have the power to heal, hurt and create harmony. I am mindful of the words I speak to others (and I like to talk, lol) and particularly discriminating of the words and messages I receive from others (e.g., friends, family, the media). As much as I love reality tv (and I do love reality tv! especially those braxtons and the housewives franchise), how is feeding myself that culture affecting who I am and my thought process? As I look at this ongoing process of living a "divyne n healthy" life, I can't help but encourage others (as I encourage myself) to be mindful and thoughtful of the messages you receive AND of the words you speak to yourself, to family and friends and to perfect strangers.

divynenhealthy thought of the week:
How do my words make others feel? Am I speaking life or death over situations? How can my words help someone this week? This week I will try to make a stranger smile because of my words (and actions). By paying it forward, we will all have a divyne week!

If You Don’t Who Will?

2011-09-16T09:56:00.004-04:00

Check out my latest article on emPower magazine!

If You Don’t Who Will?

Keeping the Mind Divyne

2011-09-12T00:16:00.004-04:00

In a world that is often chaotic, its often very difficult to keep a divyne mind. As a reminder, the definition of "divyne" = definition (divyne): the creative, all-encompassing, divine energy that links all living beings to a higher Source of power.

Yesterday, marked the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States. I've been reflecting on this alot this weekend as I lived in the DC area at the time and knew people who worked at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in NYC. Chaos will always be a part of our world. Integral to our well-being is our ability to keep a divyne mind. This requires adequate sleep (which I should be doing right now), rest & relaxation, physical activity, healthy diet and fun.

When you focus on healthy living, a divyne mind is a natural partner in this dance of life. This divyne mind will keep you focused on what is important during times of chaos, connections to that divine energy that connects us all.

divynenhealthy thought of the week:
Ask yourself, "Do I have a divyne mind?" If your answer is no, today work on repairing a relationship you have in your life. This relationship could be with a spouse, family member, long-lost friend or with yourself. RE-CONNECT!

What is divyne?

2011-08-28T14:06:00.003-04:00

Part of reviving this site is keeping up with it regularly. I plan to post at least 1-2 times a week on the topic of being divyne and healthy? As I was mapping out potential topics, it crossed my mind that I really hadn't provided a definition of what it means to be divyne and healthy. This prompted me to think more about the goal of this site.

definition (divyne): the creative, all-encompassing, divine energy that links all living beings to a higher Source of power

It is my belief that regardless of one's religious convictions or beliefs, all of us our capable of tapping into a divine energy that links all living beings together. As a Christian, I believe that my relationship to God is strengthened by the connection I have with Jesus Christ. I recognize others may not share this belief and this blog is not meant to convert others. But most people will recognize this shared energy to the divine, the Creator, Yahweh, Divine Mother. I call this energy divyne....and it is my belief that once an individual taps into the divyne, there is a healing power that occurs and can only thrive in a healthy body. Therefore, in order to be healthy, one must tap into the divyne...next time I will talk about what it means to be healthy.

divynenhealthy thought of the week:
Take a walk through your neighborhood. Notice your connection to the earth, your neighbors and with your own body. Breathe the fresh air and embrace the sun. Shine in the divyne-ness of life.

Love...

2011-07-31T01:15:00.005-04:00

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

--1 Corinithians 13:4-8

Lately, I've been reflecting and praying on what love is. Many of us know what love isn't. They've made movies about it, written books about it and created songs about it. And, how many times have you been to a wedding and this Biblical scripture has been used? I know I have. But not too many people really focus on what love is. This scripture is a wonderful guideline for love, and even more so a guideline for love as it relates to healthy living. It is important to love oneself in general for healthy living. Yet, with respect to the physical body, anyone who has worked out knows that you must be patient with and kind to your body while you make improvements to your body.

A critical part of having a healthy spirit is to be humble, which means a lack of boastfulness or pride. This scripture describes a way of life and when I think about living healthy, it is a way of life that is rooted in positivity, openness and love.

divynenhealthy Thought of the Week:
Love who you are. Because you were divinely created for a purpose. Focusing on this purpose will bring you joy and guide your healthy living.

Reviving Myself...

2011-07-30T18:04:00.004-04:00

Its apparently been 3 years since I wrote on this blog. And that's just way tooooo long. Let's say that my goal for starting this blog became sidetracked with life. And as we all know life happens and sometimes you have to just work with the flow of life until that stream brings you that destination. Well that destination is here.

I've had had some time to think about where I want to go with this blog and what I want to do with this blog and how it intersects with my professional life. I've also learned that my professional and personal life often intersect with one another. We are all in an place of growing and learning and lately, I've spent much time trying to forgive, understand grow into becoming that healthy person I know we all strive to be. I look forward to you joining me on this journey.

So, to my very few followers, I'm back....and I'm going to make more of an effort to do what I said I would do. I've been in DC the last week reconnecting with old friends and co-workers and remain inspired and re-ignited to fulfill this dream of mine. Please join me as I re-vamp, re-fresh and re-NEW!

Review: Water Seed-Two Words

2009-07-28T11:08:00.004-04:00

Please click on the title and read my review of Water Seeds album Two Words!

Review: Raphael Saadiq-The Way I See It

2009-07-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

Please click on the title and read my review of Raphael Saadiq's album The Way I See It

5 Things You Need to Know About Untreated Acid Reflux Disease

2009-07-28T11:04:00.001-04:00

Please click on the title and read my article on Livestrong!

5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy

2009-07-28T11:03:00.001-04:00

Please click on the title and read my article on Livestrong!

5 Things You Need to Know About Post Menopause Syndrome

2009-07-28T11:02:00.001-04:00

Please click on the title and read my article on Livestrong!

Hurricane by Eric Benet

2008-10-01T13:56:00.001-04:00

Please (click on the title) and read my review of Eric Benet's Hurricane!

Somewhere In Between by Russell Taylor

2008-10-01T13:54:00.001-04:00

Please (click the title) take the time and read one of my music reviews over on 4dasoul.com. Thank you in advance!

Thoughts on "Black and single: is marriage really for White people?"

2008-07-24T12:14:00.002-04:00

So I posted this article on facebook and received some great commentary from a "non-Black" friend, who is also an astute researcher and married outside her race....see below!

Friend:
What's better being the never married statistic or married and divorced? Here is an interesting review of consequences of marriage for African-Americans. http://www.americanvalues.org/html/consequences.htm Interestingly enough, if the race is removed, I think this article could apply to any racial/ethnic group in the U.S. Family is the nucleus of society, there is no doubt about it. That being said, ladies, don't rush into marriage just because you think you have to. I wonder if attitudes about marriage is something that is determined by the upbringing. I remember that my grandmother was urging my parents to start looking at potential suitors for me the day I turned 18. Where I grew up, if you weren't married by 25, you were never getting married.

As a follow-up, I think that the more educated and independent a woman is, the harder it is for her to find a husband. Men are intimidated by strong, independent women. Sad, but true.

divynethoughts:

Thank you...I can always count on you to give a valuable and relevant critique! I so miss our convos...and yes, I agree...in the past women (across the world) were marrying for money and social class...society has changed and opportunities have set up the situation within the Black community that Black women are not marrying (regardless of the reason)...and i so agree on the strong, independent women...but I do believe some of these "strong independent women" don't really know how to allow space in their life for a strong man as well...

Friend:

I think that the issue with these women is not only about knowing how to let a strong man into their life, but also the fact that these women may be looking at a shallow pool of potential suitors. I have many friends who only look for mates with a particular background be it race, ethnicity, country of origin, education. Their ideal man does not exist simply because they want him to be too many things at once. I think once you open up your standards of what you want your man to be, you may be pleasantly surprised. I know I did.

divynethoughts:

You are so right...and I remember your process. I love you, [Friend]! Always on point... I also think that many women are unrealistic, just as most men are unrealistic and don't realize that the perfect person for them isn't always wrapped up in their preferred package (of course you must be attracted but some of the limitations I have heard are craaaaazy!)...i remember someone from my book club from when i was in dc say that her grandmother told her that your husband will not look like your boyfriend...good advice i think!

Friend:

I agree that it is a good advice. Sometimes people we are attracted to are just not made for marriage, so we just have to be realistic. My mom always told me that the best husband is the one that loves you just a little more than you love him. I was trying to look up statistics on the divorce rates among non-blacks and came across this report. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_23/sr23_022.pdf
I really do wonder whether the "never married" statistic is as important as "divorced". Perhaps white women are not better off when you take into account divorce rates. And isn't divorce a bigger stressor on the kids than growing up in a single household from day 1? I think we need to look at the big picture when we try to assess the situation.

No respect, Justin Timberlake

2008-07-23T14:54:00.000-04:00

Really Justin...I knew something was off about you when you didn't take ownership for your role in the Janet/Superbowl fiasco....no respect, man....

http://www.livesteez.com/news/news_detail/952

Yes, unfortunately race still matters...

2008-07-23T14:13:00.000-04:00

Interesting read, especially in light of the fiasco between whoopi and elizabeth on the view...same convo we seem to have...honestly, no other race goes through this type of name-calling struggle as we do...but then again, what other race went through such systemic oppression, for so many years and still....hmmmm, there i go comparing struggles, adding more the pot...some things never change, but they sure do stay the same...

Introducing...the "Claire Huxtable" Generation...

2008-07-23T14:11:00.000-04:00

interesting read....so we r the "claire huxtable" generation...who knew? i'm so tired of folks trying to classify me...my first and last name are enough don't you think?

Another criticism of BHO....

2008-07-23T14:10:00.000-04:00

Really? Does it matter...or maybe I don't get it...aren't there other things for them to complain about as it related to BHO? Hmmm....guess not.

Are men really crushing on Obama???!!!

2008-07-23T14:09:00.000-04:00

I find it interesting how this campaign has produced a diverse array of social analyses aimed at further examinations of black culture...we are studied so much...

Happy 90th Birthday (Madiba) Nelson Mandela!

2008-07-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

excellent read...and reminder of the power in forgiveness (not to forget) but how forgiveness changes you and the one you forgive...i'm reminded of the india arie song...wings of forgiveness...happy bday madiba (mandela)! i'm proud that my bday is so close to yours and maybe have just some of that spirit in me...

The South has risen again....

2008-07-23T14:06:00.001-04:00

The South has risen again...at least in the rate of overweight/obesity....at least North Carolina isn't on the top 10 list....amazed!

George W. Bush Sewage Plant

2008-07-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

How sad is this?

The real deal in Sudan

2008-07-23T14:04:00.000-04:00

FYI, a great, brief summary of whats been going on in the sudan (in case you have been under a rock)...and a reminder that money (definition=oil) is often the cause for war...hmmmm, sound familiar?

Our generation is stepping up to the plate...its about time!

2008-07-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

1) I love that Kevin Powell is running for office...
2) Its time for our generation to stand up and expound on the work of those civil rights generation..
3)No comment on the Kilpatrick thing...sorry D-town folks, but really, Kwame using the work phone to txt your boo is now costing your mom's campaign...i need to right a blog on how a man should cheat most effectively (to not get caught) LOL...
4)"Able" Mable Thomas is a firebird...I love her, we worked with her when I was working on the fight to end child prostitution in Atlanta (while I was in college). She is doing good work...

A change is coming...

Ladies...please still get mammograms...

2008-07-23T13:57:00.000-04:00

I hate articles like this...and the media too for further perpetuating the idea of undue burden on the patient. Honestly, most people (aside from the ones who don't care to know their status) would rather do more to prevent than to consider the other option---possible negative diagnosis!

A strong black woman...

2008-07-23T11:26:00.000-04:00

Hmmmm...satire, shmatire....still don't know how I feel about this cover...I kinda agree with the author...but honestly, when you have a strong sense of self, you have to just let the pigeons poop and then clean it up...

Go Al!

2008-07-23T11:20:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I agree, I hate the sensationalism of the media.

Has the compassion in our society deteriorated?

2008-07-23T11:19:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Well first this article negates its premise. Essentially they are attributing a type of peer pressure to the reason why situations of injury and unnecessary death occur, but the article started off my stating that individuals (by themselves) still did nothing when the patient died on the floor of a hospital! I think there are other conditions the patient did not take into context. Location of situation, race of victim and the lack of community in this country...

There is an alternative to poverty...

2008-07-23T11:17:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Excellent read and an example of how many African Americans in higher education deal with classism or what the media associates with BHO, "elitism", within their families....still, we stand though and CAN interact and co-exist with our family members, well at least some of them...

Lifting...until earth and heaven ring....

2008-07-23T11:16:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Great read...my favorite line (see below) and the deterioration of these institutions (black-owned radio, effective grass-roots churches) are just some of the structural aspects contributing to the breakdown of our families. Coupled with the systemic breakdown of the family that almost re-establishes a system of matriarchal society (except for Black women's love of the Christian gospel and church), the "Black" family has come far since life before the civil rights movement but is heavily impacted, today, by these structural barriers.

"Soul music served as the logical soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement because it represented the fusion of the harmonies and melodies of the black church with the hard-scrabble concerns of the rhythm and blues world. It is not a too fantastic a claim to say that everybody was listening to or had access soul music back then, and underlying the significance of soul was the role of black radio in getting the message out. "

Obama as a punch line...

2008-07-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Buffoonery???!!! Ha! Isn't that ironic, considering the underlying racial context...how about you know you're doing something well if they can't find a way to talk about you directly (just the folks around you)...yep, they're still decent people in the world, more or less...and especially not changed too much by politics, particularly that DC kinda politics...

What to do in the Nati for NAACP this year? hmmmm

2008-07-23T11:14:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Black women and locs

2008-07-23T11:14:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Durham, where are your leaders?

2008-07-23T11:12:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Interestingly enough, this article is still relative a year later...and i would presume, in subsequent years as well..

Being denied water because you're black! Whaaaaat???!!!

2008-07-23T11:10:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Wow this is crazy! Institutionalized racism is alive and well...and not so far in our distant past did this occur....no wonder so many of us are bitter.

Can an apology really assuage racism?

2008-07-23T11:09:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Yes, its good to have this but I agree...the inherent racism and discrimination within the health field is one of the many, if not a major, factor(s) contributing to health disparities in the U.S., particularly as it relates to access and quality treatment....only the future will tell...

Jesse Helms passed...

2008-07-23T11:08:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

To weave or not to weave, to cut or not to cut, to have long hair to not have long hair...is it really just hair?

2008-07-23T11:06:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I recently had a discussion at a cookout with some friends (male and female) about black women, hair and fitness....very interesting perspectives to say the least...my perspective was related to the social construction of beauty in America that has pervaded the psyche of much of the world....Chambers explains it best in this statement: "I thought that the weave would give me a new confidence, but the longer I wore it, the more I felt like a pale imitation of girls I've always admired but was never able to emulate. The Nia Longs, the Gabrielle Unions, the Kelly Rowlands." excellent experiential activity and read...can't wait to cut my hair...

Continued devastation of Katrina victims

2008-07-23T11:05:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

David Banner was sooooo riiiight!

Rio...is it really the Black man's paradise???!!!

2008-07-23T11:02:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Seems to be the topic at most cookouts these days...Excellent read! Much better than the last post and shares what is known about the oldest profession in the world and its current status in Brazil. My favorite lines "The real problem with sex tourism isn't sex at all. It's that it exposes the glaring problem of inequality and exploitation in the global economy. We rarely hear the stories of poverty and desperation from the women who must choose sex work as a route to a better life. Even the tourists never really hear their stories because of the substantial language barriers and the true tales of poverty and inequality are too depressing for revelers on vacation."

Alternative ways to fight poverty in the world...

2008-07-23T10:54:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

This is awesome! Talk about paying it forward...

What we owe Haiti...

2008-07-23T10:34:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I wonder if all of the lynchings in America are listed as unsolved murder cases...

2008-07-23T10:32:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Oil is plentiful here...

2008-07-23T10:30:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Very interesting...especially since aren't we buying oil from them? There is always a disconnect somewhere...

More on sunscreen/sunblock

2008-07-23T10:29:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

See my previous post on sunscreen and skin cancer...this is another good read too!

Tell McCain about himself, Clark!

2008-07-23T10:27:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I'm glad someone more qualified than me said it. If I had said it, then many would say well you have no military experience. I must admit I had been thinking about how in the world a POW has policy-making experience in the field of military, great read...

This is one sisterhood I don't want...

2008-07-23T10:26:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I did research on these in college....Even though technology has improved since then I think the underlying causes for them has not....we must work on limiting our dependence on steroids (birth control pills), becoming more discipline and eating correctly and leading less sedentary lifestyles...

Black is beautiful in Italy

2008-07-23T10:23:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I guess I will slowly let go of my anti-Italy feelings I had from my 2006 experience....they are trying...

Another very critical perspective on Mugabe

2008-07-23T10:22:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

A more critical perspective on the issue in zimbabwe...

Greed kills...

2008-07-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I have no comment...what can I say when humans continue to torture other humans for no real reason other than greed...its really killing us...

Working class white voters...you can get them Obama!

2008-07-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I love this! Except for #5...calling McCain "sir"...I don't know...I'm from the south and still hear my mother's words and disdain for that...you can be respectful to someone who is older than you without saying sir or ma'am, regardless of their race.......

My aunt...a living legend...

2008-07-23T10:18:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

This is a story on my aunt...I am so happy and proud of her! Our generation doesn't have that tenacity, strength and sense of community anymore...instead, we engage in more self-indulgence

Before the Greensboro Woolworth sit-ins there was Durham's own sit-in

2008-07-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Wow! I sooo didn't know about this...I only heard about the Woolworth one in G'boro....but we all know there were many s/heroes before the ones that made real change in history...

John Hope Franklin thouts on Obama

2008-07-23T10:16:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

What a great mind...still...

Triple negatives...breast cancer

2008-07-23T10:14:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I wonder if triple negative breast cancer like the triple negative of being a poor, black woman (class, race, gender)...hmmmm....

Best advice to Black women..."[I] encourage all young women, no matter what their race, to talk to their doctor about doing a risk assessment for the BRCA1 gene. If there is a family history of the gene mutation, some physicians may tell a woman not wait until she turns 40 to get her first mammogram." Thats real y'all..

Sorry, I can't afford to be in your wedding

2008-07-23T10:11:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Been there, done that...but must say that its such a blessing to be able to even be asked and that we still have weddings in our community, particularly when the media and greater society as a whole would have us believe that marriages within our community are non-existent...

Obama...the best "woman" for the job...

2008-07-23T10:10:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Really he is...nuff said, just because you're a woman doesn't mean you are attuned to all women's issues

For you jazz lovers...an excellent read

2008-07-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Art for Obama...

2008-07-23T10:07:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I love it when art meets politics...

Hillary...down for the count

2008-07-23T10:06:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

acute, poignant and the truth...its done, its over, will someone please tell hrc that...

An ode to hip hop...

2008-07-23T10:04:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Simply beautiful...

Hillary...now is your turn to denounce and reject!

2008-07-23T10:03:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

how come we haven't heard the same uproar about the clinton's pastor? hmmmm....and this was back in march, so sad..

Old vs. new regime for the black community

2008-07-23T10:01:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Ha! Amen...

There's hope....

2008-07-23T09:59:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Great article...reminds us there is still hope.

Girls really are made of sugar and spice...

2008-07-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Very interesting...I think this means that girls really aren't made up of sugar and spice and everything nice....lol

Another 5.3 million American could vote...hmmmm

2008-07-23T09:55:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

My favorite statement in the article:

"Thus targeted criminalization and felony disenfranchisement combined to produce both practical re-enslavement and the legal loss of voting rights, usually for life, which effectively suppressed the political power of African Americans for decades."

Not much has changed...and this is reason enough for our generation to be more community-focused and not so much on that individual track for $$$, house and cars....what kind of wealth are we leaving are great grand children, etc....

Condi's thoughts on race in America

2008-07-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Great read and good for Condi! But why am I just finding out about this article....where is the media?

An average President???!!!

2008-07-23T09:53:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Great read...nothing new, what most "average" Americans think....but honestly, I'm tired of folks defining other folks based on the way things have been done in the past or how they think it should be done in their head. And, the "average" American would never want to be president...we're smarter than that....

The evil in the world...disabled pregnant woman used as target practice...

2008-07-23T09:50:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

This is so sad on sooooo many levels....and just another example of the evil that is in the world.

Internal body clocks and obesity...really?

2008-07-23T09:46:00.003-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Interesting, internal body clocks and blaming them for our environments and personal actions....still, obesity is a result of stress, physical/emotional/spiritual environment, diet and sedentary behaviors...I really think we should all do yoga, go vegetarian and walk 30-45 minutes every morning...really, it works!

The Bush family's history with West Africa...deep...

2008-07-23T09:43:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Very interesting...and ironic that at the time of the article he was in West Africa.

Its the same ol' feminism vs. womanism argument being played out in today's politics....

2008-07-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

So basically the rich eat organic and the poor get diabetes...yep, thats about it

2008-07-23T09:39:00.002-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

i've been making this argument for years....we used to eat healthier, but with the onset of integration, suburban sprawl...etc....we have changed the behaviors of our communities...we have got to get back to basics of life and health, really our future depends on it.

Yes, we can....

2008-07-23T09:37:00.001-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Very nice article....plus a method when writing that if done well, emanates from the page this idea of humility...2008 is looking good!

Crack is whack....at least the sentencing is...

2008-07-23T09:34:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

Very interesting read...I'm curious as to what will be the outcome.

FDA OWH funded again

2008-07-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

***Disclaimer: I'm transferring other critiques from my other blog and facebook, so some of these may be outdated, but undoubtedly relevant.***

I used to work in this office and have been in touch with a former colleague/supervisor about this. I am so glad they were funded....they do good work and honestly, it was my first and "favoritest" job I have ever have!

Black people and skin cancer

2008-06-30T13:25:00.009-04:00

Yes, people of color can get skin cancer! I understand this personally. See, my family and friends know how much of an organic, non-chemically dependent person I am. Seriously, I don't even use aspirin! And, I personally think there is something to the use of sunblock and increased skin cancer (yes, I am a highly educated health professional but I know this makes no sense; still, thats how I intuitively feel). Ironically, my doctor recently recommended that I see a dermatologist as soon as possible regarding a mole under my foot. I saw the dermatologist two weeks ago and during the time of visiting with my doctor and the dermatologist, the mole has increased. The dermatologist recommended for me to have the mole excision procedure as soon as possible. This alarmed me and has had me reading more about people of color and skin cancer. Really, there isn't alot out there. As an African American woman (who is not light-skinned, but a very deep brown skin) passionate about the health of all people, particularly those with low resources, access and education, I was amazed at how much I didn't even know about the risk factors for "skin cancer."

In short, I come form a family full of moles...not the ones who "rat you out" but the little brown/black dots all over your body. I can recall my aunt telling me about another mole on my foot and said that she had one, don't even worry about it. But apparently for African Americans, skin cancer is diagnosed in his latest stages (like most cancers) because we don't understand the risk factors. African Americans are most likely to be at risk for skin cancer, as a result of moles in areas such as the feet, shoulders and back. I think more information should be provided to individuals such as myself because, we are at increased risk and if caught early, skin cancer is 99% preventable.

So, my hope is that when they examine my excised mole, they don't find any skin cancer...people...got get those moles checked out (and removed if possible)!

Here is more information:

Melanoma in its early stages looks like a mole. Moles are harmless skin growths that may be flat or protruding. They vary in color from pink flesh tones to dark brown or black. Everyone has moles; some of us have more than others. The number of moles one has depends on our genes and the amount of sun exposure during childhood. Moles sometimes appear in "crops," especially during the early teens. Rarely, a mole will become cancerous. If this occurs, the cancer is called a melanoma. To help distinguish moles from melanomas, dermatologists have developed criteria known as the ABCD's: A stands for asymmetry, B stands for border, C stands for color, and D stands for diameter. If you have a mole that is asymmetrical (when you look at the mole, the two halves do not look the same), the border is irregular and not perfectly round, the color is many different shades, and the diameter is larger than 1/4 of an inch, then you should see your doctor. Also, if you notice a mole is marching out of step with your other moles (changing more than your other moles), it needs to be checked by your doctor. In men, melanoma most commonly occurs on the upper back, and in women it is more common on the legs.
http://www.skinsite.com/info_melanoma.htm

Here is more info on the topic:
http://www.brownskin.net/nyTimesArticle.html
http://www.skinandaging.com/article/2547
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5623503
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1_Skin_Cancer_Detection_What_You_Can_Do.asp

Happy Fathers' Day...and reclaiming what's ours

2008-06-16T12:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Presidential hopeful and Democratic nominee (another deep sigh of relief, finally!) Barack Hussein Obama extolled to a Chicago church congregation much of what is constantly discussed in the African American/Black communities: Where are our Black fathers? We need you....Perhaps Jill Scott articulated it best in her song, "The Fact Is...(I Need You)" about what all of the "superwoman" like qualities many women of color endure, particularly those who are single mothers. Yet, Barack possesses that unique characteristic of being of color, experiencing an absentee father and still rising above his circumstances to become a Presidential hopeful.

Imagine what type of an example he is providing to the "children who grow up without a father [who] are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and twenty times more likely to end up in prison. [They] are more likely to have behavioral problems, or run away from home, or become teenage parents themselves. And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it." But what I enjoyed most about reading his speech was that he encouraged the idea of personal responsibility within our community. I don't think anyone, at this point in history, is more appropriate to have this issue brought to our nation's attention. An issue that all of us are completely aware of, particularly its influences of the prison system, educational system, workforce and the health care arena.

What I liked about the spirit of this speech is that its not just the fact our men are missing but its an overall idea in the African American community that we don't have a real sense of identity or history. Rather, the media continues to define for us the ideal family, the current state of the Black family and does not show those fathers who are taking responsibility for their children or the other countless men who stand in the gap of the men who do not take responsibility. My father was one of those men. He took not only our family (mother, brother and myself) on vacations, but also included my cousins, whose fathers were not always present or available in their lives. These men are not shown on the daily news, discussed on Rush Limbaugh's show, or included as a ticker tape on CNN.

What we can learn from this Obama speech is that our men, like our heritage our needed for our community to survive. We are unhealthy physically because we are not healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. The undue stress of managing families on single Black women (with and without children) can be alleviated through strong partnerships with good Black women....and ladies, yes, they are still out there! I personally know quite a few...

I encourage you to thank that man in your life, or the man you see at the park, basketball court or grocery store who is standing in the gap or doing what he is supposed to be doing. Its not a competition or its not an opportunity to bad-mouth a gender. Rather, let's work together to change society....Isn't that the audacity of hope?

Returning to a simpler time...

2008-06-12T11:07:00.000-04:00

So now we can't eat tomatoes...As of today, federal health officials have not yet traced the source of the salmonella-laden tomatoes. Honestly, what is there left to eat?

Peanut butter, spinach and certain meats. I think these are all signs that we need to return to a simpler time. You know, when we actually had gardens in our backyard, visited farmers markets, went to the grocery store maybe once a week....I can remember visiting my grandmother in the summers and she and my aunt visiting my great-aunt on her farm. We spent time visiting with one another but then we went outside and essentially went grocery shopping, getting eggs, grapes, tomatoes, etc...I enjoyed the fact that we didn't spend any money. Even at such a young age, I think I recognized the value in inexpensive (or in this case, free) groceries and how one can plant seeds in the earth and out comes life. Its beautiful...

So while we may want to complain about the gas prices (that's a whole other blog I'm working on) and the high cost of meats, fruits and veggies these days...let's consider some healthy alternatives and plant gardens. Even if you don't have a yard, you can use pots in your windowsill or your apartment patio. Here are some cool links to get you started: http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetables/a/SmVegGarden.htm
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/vegetable-garden-101?lnc=b8975422352ee010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD

Best of luck to you as you return to a simpler time and eat of the earth, thereby having your own cheap, organic veggies! Who knows, maybe if we all start gardening, the food prices will go down!

Let's start with divynethoughts...

2008-06-10T16:39:00.000-04:00

It always so hard to finally start something...anything....I don't know about you but I suffer from what is known as PROCASTINATION! Yes, unfortunately this ghastly condition has prevented me from doing what I love best....thats right....write! I've always loved to write and like most people, view it as an outlet, a mechanism for reflection. So this is my stab at joining the rest of the technologically savvy world of blogging.

Allow me to re-introduce myself....(I couldn't resist the opportunity for a Jay-Z references!) I am a child of the late 70s, who has tried to live her young life recognizing but ignoring the barriers given to oppressed and disadvantaged people. My vision was to use my weapons for good...my brain weapon, my body weapon, my pen/keyboard weapon and my heart weapon. It is my goal to used this blog to create a forum for us to think, live a healthy life, pursue our passions and re-introduce the idea of community and love into our world. Please join me on this quest to be divyne (Definition: not our parent's version of holy and divine but our version of living a right life within a culture that isn't always right) and healthy....I'm really nervous, but I know it will be worth it...or else just alot of release for me. Smile!