by Okomfowaa Afia Agyeiwaa
The title “What role does spirituality plays in your life” contains words common in everyday language and varied in meaning and application. It is important therefore to identify the specific meaning and application relevant to the context of my life. Consequently, definitions sourced from dictionaries will be noted and used along with my own experiences to present definitions applicable in this circumstance. The key term “What “means asking for or about something or a matter. “Role” in this context means the function assumed or played by a person or group in particular situations. The word “spirituality” is often used interchangeably with religion, however there are fundamental differences.
Religion is a specific set of basic beliefs and practices generally agreed to by a group of persons. It is impossible to say how many religions there are as religion by nature is in an almost perpetual state of self-division. My perception of religion is informed by my childhood experiences in home that was of the Roman Catholic faith. The practice was generally, church going on Sundays and two weekdays for an abbreviated version of the service, reciting the rosary and other prayers learned by rote. Rituals and rites were frequently performed the full meaning of which remains unclear. For example, I considered my father to be a religions man who was a devout Roman Catholic. His unwavering adherence to the rules and customs was not always appreciated by us as children and my Mother because it had no apparent meaning to our daily lives.
On the other hand, Spirituality is timeless, and means a knowing that all creation is connected, through the universal law of oneness, the presence of the energy of the God being in everything and respect and reverence should be the way of interaction as we live together sharing the same space. Spirit is that invisible part that is unique to me and its state is dependent on my awareness of its existence and interaction with it as a part of the energy of God. For this reason, I now understand that I have no greater right to life on earth than the trees or the birds and I must be cognizant of the presence of God in them and show respect.
My perception of God and subsequent relationship began when I was a child being raised as a Roman Catholic. At the time, my understanding was limited to the image of a powerful man (whose image is always illustrated as white with gray beard) who lived in the sky. He had the ability to do just about anything he wanted. As I grew older, part of being a “good Catholic” was rote learning of prayers to different saints, as well as other ritual such as repeating the Rosary with regularity. I later began to observe, after my mother’s quiet rebellion in continuing to attend church, the dissonance between what was preached and promoted and was practiced. For example, it slowly became obvious that there were special seats at the front for the more affluent members. In their absence, the ushers did not allow other members to sit in those seats. I also was quite puzzled when the priest would indirectly berate the congregation for the poor flow of collections in the church’s coffers, the majority of whom were working class people. All of this was contrary “to loving thy neighbours as they self “and “love being the greatest gift of God”, “we are all equal in the sight of God,” that was regularly preached. What I ultimately felt was that my value, and that of my family, was based on our material possession and social status, and nothing to do with God. There was no point in staying in such an environment.
I eventually stopped attending that church and any other for that matter, much to my father’s displeasure. I, like others, used the church for social purposes such as getting married and baptizing my children. I even opted for them to attended Catholic schools up to secondary level because that was what I knew, and from my perspective, it was hardly any different elsewhere. My interest in my identity as a woman led me to seek awareness of who I am, exploring different ideas about the Spirit and spirituality. Reading a variety of literature supported this quest for knowledge and my subsequent entrance into Sankofie Shrine House. This was a turning point for me where I really began to understand that I am a spiritual being and learning what this encompasses.
What role does spirituality play in my life?
My experiences as a member of Sankofie Shrine House, supported the development of clearer ideas of spirituality which now play specific roles in my general outlook on life as well as daily routines and habits. The first major role spirituality plays in my life is providing a connection to the consciousness of the Divine in everything in the universe and in me, and therefore knowing that I am a spiritual being, with this awesome gift that has been bestowed on me. This gift of the divine in me, allows me to reach beyond my normal human understanding and makes it possible to think without limits and to create the life I want for myself.
Perhaps the first role was the conscious effort I made to reprogram my mind at the age of 63, after being programmed to think that this great spirit resides elsewhere, and I am not worthy of such greatness within. The healing and reprogramming required is challenging, but not insurmountably so, hence, it is imperative to grasp that the process is continuous and also requires the management of the ego. This ego, that is ever present in my psyche, whispering to me that I can no longer achieve greatness. As an Akomfowaa, learning to guide my ego by accepting that I will make mistakes, that there is a lot to learn, that I must live in a spirit of gratitude, and take nothing personally.
The process of reprogramming my way of thinking, begun with a spiritual practice that is grounded in a belief system that is connected to the Divine, my Ancestry, and the universe. I have already begun the process with my membership in Sankofie and my journey as an Akomfowaa. In the Akan Spiritual System, the relationship with our Ancestors is integral to our spirituality. This spiritual system has opened the door to seeing the Divine as a part of me, and in all that was created. It has refocused my awareness on the relationships with our personal Ancestors, and those of the tradition as well as the Deities, that guide and teach us as we develop our practice. I have also been awakened to the practice of spiritual rituals to include rite of passage, celebrations of Sacred Days, cleansing and purification among others. It therefore means being patient with my healing and changing the attitudes that do not serve me well, while embodying those attributes that will keep me in a state of balance. Attributes such as kindness to myself, having the courage to change, living in a space of gratitude for every blessing or lessons, despite the tests it brings for learning.
Another major role that spirituality plays in my life is to aid in my expression of joy, kindness, and empathy not only to myself, but to others with whom I interact regardless of social or economic status. As a child growing up in Port Antonio, the culture of greeting everyone was deeply ingrained in us as children. It would be unthinkable to do otherwise. This was part of the inheritance of our Akan ancestors from Ghana. Back then, as a child, I was unaware of the spirit that resided in all of us, and that we were actually greeting the spirit of the person as we greeted each other. What I knew instinctively, at the time, was the feeling of geniality that was generated when greetings were exchanged. Greeting allows me to bring joy, and warmth to those I interface with. Now, with a deeper understand, of how impactful greetings are, when greeting the spirit of someone, I naturally make eye contact, smile, and send positive vibrations, even if this is done from a distance. Whether this energy was reciprocated or not, spirituality’s role in my life will be a reminder that the Divine resides in all of us despite how it might be conveyed. As an Akomfowaa, learning to express joy, kindness and empathy is an important part of being medicine to others.
Spirituality has shown me that there is more to life than the acquisition of material gains. The greater reason being to fulfill our earthly purpose. Our ancestors knew the purpose of each child before birth through communication and divination. This knowing directed the way in which the family and the community ensured that each child’s purpose was attained. Unfortunately, we have moved away from this practice relying only on instinct for some and the ability to follow spirit guide, for others. In my life experiences before Sankofie, the socialization was to become a professional to ensure you had a steady income. Anything else, had the risk of you ending up penniless in old age. Even if this child displayed unusual gift in art, music, design or writing to name a few, parental and school support was negligible or ‘next to nothing.’ So many children, end up spending their lives working in career paths just for financial gains to support a ‘decent life’ meaning to acquire a socio-economic status that is valued. In my later years, I began to recognize that God could not have designed such a beautiful space only for us to spend most of the time locked away in buildings etc., ‘working’ and really disconnected for some much, including ourselves. Spirituality has opened my eyes to my own spirit and the spirit of other beings. So, with this knowledge I am obligated to focus more on my purpose in this regard. In all honesty, this is not an easy adjustment to make. I am, however, healing and learning.
Additionally, spirituality’s role in my life is to keep me conscious of my oneness with nature having the understanding that all living and non-living creations are representations of the energy of the Divine and therefore must be revered. My recent comprehension of the interdependent relationship that exist between us, has sharpened my recognition of the Divine that resides in them as well. Asaase Yaa, Mother earth, was designed by the Creator to support and feed us with all that we need for survival, food, clothing, shelter, and medicine among other provisions. The maintenance of a symbiotic relationship is crucial to a healthy and nurturing existence of all who inhabit her space. The plants, for example are essential for the oxygen they emit at night but is fundamental for me to breath in to sustain the intricacies of my human physiology. Without this element, my demise is certain. In the same way, the carbon dioxide I excrete from my lungs is critical to the survival of plants. Is it therefore intentional that the human lungs and branch of a tree bears striking resemblance? (Retrieved from:https://www.quora.com/Is-it-a-coincidence-that-the-shape-of-the-trees-branches-is-similar-to-the-shape-of-our-lungs-bronchi-and-bronchioles-Both-produce-respectively-O2-CO2-that-is-reciprocally-needed/answer/Drew-Blake)
Spirituality, consequently, allows me to demonstrate respect for oneness, when I care for the plants around me by providing water necessary for the assimilation of nutrients from other earth for its survival. That I also return food through compost to reduce the accumulation of garbage for government’s disposal. I practice this spirituality by respectfully asking, before I take what I need from a plant, developing the intuition to listen for a response before taking, and performing the required rituals and prayers necessary to show thanksgiving. In the same way, if it is absolutely essential to remove a tree, I must say it to the tree and also do the required rituals. Like other creations, water is a living force containing a number of spiritual energies. In Akan tradition, and other African and indigenous spiritual systems, water energies are also revered and venerated. In Akan, the water energy is referred to as Nana Asuo. Deities such as Nana Asuo Gyebi, Nana Asua Desua, Nana Asuo Bentini, all govern waters of the rivers who provide healing and lessons about the use of water for it physical and spiritual healing and cleansing. In Nana Asua Gyebi’s manifestation at our last Akom, he implored us to drink more water for both its physical and spiritual healing powers. I am also reminded that I am sixty percent water, without which I cannot survive, so must revere water, because I am water. As an Akomfowaa, learning and working with nature is a major part of our responsibility.
Seeing the Cosmos as a part of nature and bringing this conscious awareness to my daily life, is another role of spirituality in my life. My father was the first person who attempted, in an indirect way, to connect me to the moon and the Sun. He could tell time of the day by looking up in the sky. Sometimes he would ask us just for conformation if it was a cloudy day. Both my parents would also encourage us to go outside to enjoy the moon light, whether it was full or new moon. In addition, to this information, he also used the “Farmers’ Almanac” as guide for planting. I discovered that it was actually planting by the moon when I read it out of curiosity. Later on in life, I learned about the Sun and its significance to food production in plants, for light in the daytime and the conversion of Vitamin D from Cholesterol, a fatlike substance stored in fatty tissues under the skin. Additionally, I read about the horoscope for predictions about my zodiac sign about life. My interests then were superficial and didn’t go further than my Sun sign. The realization that we are spiritually connected as spirit beings to all that is in the universe specifically came together at the moon ceremonies at Sankofie, this was a whole new world to me. I became acquainted with soft, cooler feminine energies and the phases of the moon and how it can affect our lives. I also became cognizant of the alignment with the different planets, affording us the opportunities to re-evaluate, set intentions to create what we want to materialize in our lives. Moreover, developing a new understanding that our ancestors had intimate knowledge of the Cosmos, for example, the people of Dogon tribe, of Mali whose awareness of the of the cosmos included features invisible to the naked eye and long preceded the development of telescopes. It’s a lot to digest, to grasp the fullness of each planet and the changes they influence. However, as an Akomfowaa, this depth of knowledge is necessary to be a part of this oneness by applying the messages the universe sends us to reach for greatness.
Since challenges are a constant in our daily lives, another major role of spirituality is to reinforce my inner strength and courage to face all challenges and seize the opportunities they always provide for personal and spiritual growth. Inner strength comes from knowing who you are and trusting the Divine and the Ancestor in the guidance and knowledge they provide. Spending time in stillness is also another way to be able to hear the Ancestors as they communicate with me so I can act accordingly. I will admit that there are times when I receive messages to deliver, and I don’t do it immediately because I am uncomfortable doing so. Under the tutelage of Nana Fofie, I have been assisted in understanding that I am just the messenger, and I must deliver what was given to me. The ancestors are expecting no less. Practicing stillness is also helpful in controlling my thoughts and staying focused on the task at hand and helping to manage anxiety.
Since the body houses my spirit another major role of spirituality in my life is to be cognizant of the need to maintain physical fitness and attractive appearance, in order to accomplish my duties and responsibilities efficiently. The visual image of a fit and healthy person is much more appealing. To achieve this, I must eat nutritionally balanced meals including fresh fruits and vegetables and drink water, which is more than just physical processes. The selection of the ingredients, the preparation and service of these meals are very integral to what is ultimately consumed in terms of the preservation of nutrients and other energies that can be transmitted through the food. For example, in slaughter of animals for food, rituals should be done for thanksgiving prior to the slaughtering process which should be as brief as possible to reduce pain. Rituals requesting and giving thanks for food I gather from plants. However since, in the present dispensation, I purchase most of what I consume, it is important as an Okomfowaa, that I prepare my meals, with positive energies, giving thanks, and eating mindfully, taking control of what I consume.
In addition to eating, a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise daily to develop strong muscles and bones, taking the time to focus the goal of that particular set of activities, engaging not just the body but the spirit while giving thanks as we cool done and ease out of the activity. Whether breathing exercises are done separately or as a natural part of exercise routine, is vital to good health. Although as an involuntary process, it is sufficient to sustain life, proper breathing techniques have the added benefits of expanding the lungs capacity to improved oxygen intake and maximizing our bodily functions. The breath, apart from its physicality, is the presence of God in me. In developing the art of proper breathing, I can quiet my mind and connect with my spirit. Nana Sankofa, in one of his manifestations at Sankofie, reminded us that to be in a healthy state of balance, rest must accompany work and worship. Resting does not always mean sleeping, but a break from certain forms of activities. Sleeping, though must be enough to allow the body to recuperate, for some this requires a minimum of eight hours. My body requires eight hours of undisturbed sleep to feel rested. This has been a challenge for me, since this means, I would have to go to bed at 7:00 pm. I have improved though; as most nights I retire to bed at 8:00 pm. As for exercise, this has also been a challenge to maintain. I have resumed walking for one hour, three times per week and I have set the intention to maintain it.
In concluding this essay, I am a spirit being, that is unique, with a new awareness of who I am. With this knowing that spirituality is the expression of the energy of the God being through the universal laws of oneness in all of creation. It is therefore inescapable that it will play several roles in my life. These roles include to keep me grounded always conscious of the divine with me and in every living and nonliving creation. This consciousness must be reflected in my thoughts and deeds and attitudes towards myself as well as those with whom I interact. It is also essential to maintain a spiritual practice and a growing relationship with my ancestor as they guide me. Another role of spirituality in my life is to be medicine to myself so that I can in turn, bring healing through the expression of joy, warmth, empathy to others. Spirituality should also assist me in maintaining inner strength and physical fitness to accomplish my duties and responsibilities. It also has a role in sharpening my awareness of nature and all it encompasses, experiencing oneness and living in a spirit of gratitude even for the challenges that will come to teach me. I am a work in progress, learning, healing, and growing to be the best version of myself.
References
Blake, D. (n.d). Is it a coincidence that the shape of the trees’ branches is similar to the shape of our lungs’ bronchi and bronchioles? Both produce respectively O2 & CO2 that is reciprocally needed.
Dictionary.com LLC (2022) Religion in Dictionary.com dictionary. Retrieved August 10, 2022 from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/religion
Delagran, L. (2016) Spirituality: What is Spirituality? Earl E. Bakken Centre of Spiritual Healing. University of Minnesota. Retrieved August 10, 2022 from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what- spirituality
Great article on what role does spirituality play in my life. Thoughtful and insightful