Transition is a constant state. The universe is fluctuating at this exact moment, recycling the same cosmic substance that has been here the entire time. This is fact. Anyone reading this can take a look at their life and there can be no denial that the state of things do not remain the same. If it seems to do so, it is only an illusion. Every second of every day

As we live, so we die. This is the natural order of things. Birth, growth, followed inevitably by death. Yet death need not be an event of sorrow. Those that leave these crossroads move on to the next step; the transcendence of the soul. That does not mean that they are no longer with us. Their temporal signature on our lives dwells within us and lives on within us. A

I have found that life is all about upkeep and maintenance. We have been given this gift called life, specifically as humans, and we have to maintain it. From exercise and good nutrition to healthy relationships and dynamic interactions with others. There are many more factors than this, but we need to do regular maintenance. Life won’t get better if we don’t actively work to make it so. Of course,

I have been focusing recently on improving my ability to play and understand the berimbau. I have learned two toques, or rhythms, to a point where I can play them well enough. However, I want to slide into the rhythm when playing. I want to allow the sound of the berimbau to overcome my senses and project energy into the roda. To do that, I need to understand the instrument

We no longer cherish our bodies. As a friend once told me “To be human is a privilege.” This flesh given to me is my responsibility as within it lies knowledge and information passed down to me by hundreds of thousands of generations of my ancestors. I must care for it as it is me. A part of me at least, as the physical is not the only aspect of

Strange how visual we are as a species. For  most people, a change in their life is never complete without an external and visual change. A different haircut (what spawned this line of thought), a different wardrobe, new car, or even new friends. Regardless of what the specific outward change may be, it is only a fraction that represents the exponentially larger internal transformation, for better or worse. These are

I’ve been reading The Community of Self by Dr. Na’im Akbar. It’s a very short book in very plain language. I recommend everyone reading this to get your hands on that book and read it. I’ve only finished the first part, and already I find myself winning the inner battle that happens every time there is a difficult decision to be made. The first part of the book breaks down the

The definition of the self comes from the self through the community. I find the acme of my worth through the eyes of those closest to me. They see in me the attributes that a life of spiritual and social sickness has blinded me to. Sometimes it feels like I am going no where. However, my schedule is hectic. I leave my house before the sun rise and return way after it

All things of worth require sacrifice. One must give in order to receive. Give something of equal or greater value. In a relationship we give of ourselves and expect our other half to match the offering. Everything must be in balance – give and take – for energy cannot be created or destroyed, only manipulated and altered. I am a capoeirista. Capoeira is magic. Mandinga de escravo. Slave magic born

It has been sometime since my last post. Life has a tendency to get in the way of our best laid plans. But, that’s just an excuse. I didn’t feel like writing. Why? I can’t tell you. It could be fear or a lack of motivation. Regardless of what the reason may be, I didn’t post anything. End result is the same. That being said, let’s get to the meat

I had a good day yesterday. I woke up after getting plenty of rest. Granted, I bummed around the house for most of the daylight hours, but I got some things done. Then I went for a walk for about 4 blocks and there a friend came and picked me up to give me a ride to capoeira. I was not there in time for the class but I did

Never give in to despair. It means the end of hope and the end of creating. Never give in. Fight until blood streams from your eyes. Better that than to lay down and accept defeat. Never retreat. Attack in a different direction. Fight on the high ground. Fight from the low ground. Never cease the struggle, it is the Kalakuta Show.

I went to school yesterday for the only class I have on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Social Environment. We had an exam, meaning that I left as soon as i was done. One of my classmates is an art major and she told me about the exhibition for the art professors. It sounded interesting so I went to check it out. There were many mediums and all of it pretty good

So I was sitting down at the Starbucks over by Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus yesterday with a friend. I had gone to work with my laptop battery almost dead and in a stroke of genius, I left my charger at home. Now, after about 10 minutes I was staring at the black screen of my laptop, somewhat dejected. My friend hands me a pen and several sheets of blank