Azamra...Africa!!!

Azamra in Hebrew means "I will sing."

I am making a series of articles called Azamra...Africa! specifically noting the beauty of Africa: it's people, it's culture, it's geography, it's history.

In mainstream media, there is all this talk of how terrible it is on the African continent. Granted, every place has its challenges, but the way Africa is portrayed, one could easily think that there is only

a vastness of life-less desert and poverty.

We know that ain't true.

In Judaism, Rabbi Nachman emphasized finding the good points within ourselves and others. Africa is bursting with goodness and richness, and we are gonna celebrate that right here.

Africa is the oldest civilization. Ours is undeniably intertwined with hers- whether we like it or not. The good points in Africa are ultimately the good points within us.

Today I'm checking out the Tingatinga Art.
This art form was first developed in the southern area of Tanzania by the Makua tribe. Whether on walls, leather, wood or rocks, artists would use these mediums to express their views and opinions.

Edward Said Tingatinga really developed this art form and originated amazing and beautiful paintings.

Azamra...Africa!

G-d bless!!

http://www.tingatingatz.com/about-tingatinga.html

http://blog.africanartonline.com/tag/tingatinga-art/

Health Habits Around the Globe

There's a Yahoo's article about 6 health secrets from around the globe ranging from India's tumeric spice, Japanese's chewing food well, to Russian herbal teas. It seems the keys are unprocessed and natural foods, slowing down, and getting exercise.

To add my 7th health habit...

Rabbi Nachman, a Jewish sage writes that the weak man is one who is unaware of his strength. It is crucial for us to constantly seek out the good points in ourselves. When we do, we will have the motivation to advance, act, and build in our lives.

A person can be doing everything right health wise and still get sick. We know that emotions play a vital role in health. When we feel glum and negative over an extended period of time, this creates a disturbance in our energy flow and eventually in our organs. However, positive and happy feelings keep things moving.

In an age where TV, mags, billboards, and propaganda galore tries us to make us believe we are supposed to be like THAT and not like we are, it is very difficult for us to see the good points in ourselves.

Don't be fooled!!!

We are bursting with inner and outer beauty, my friends. Our smallest good points mean SO much!! These points are the starting place for even more good. There is power in the most simplest matter.

I'm happy to incorporate some tumeric spice in my cooking. And I'm going to push to chew my food better. But plz G-d, I want to always be able to see the good points in myself and to improve my world with that good.

G-d bless!!

Check it out:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/6-health-secrets-from-around-the-globe-2514400/

Courage, Becanson

My Sunset Chats

G-d is here.
I am seeking Him out!
and finding Him in everything that happens in my day.

Like a parent to a child, He is constantly sending us guidance, advice, and comfort.
We have to believe that there are messages for us to receive.
And surely, we can send our own messages to Him.

Better than an email.
Faster than an SMS.

Through prayer.
In our own words.

Talk about everything and anything that you are going through.
G-d is seeking you out as well.
Seeking a relationship with you.
"Talk to Me!"

What are you hoping for?
What are you thankful for?
Why are you angry?
What doesn't seem right?

Sigh. Groan. Move!!

Give thanks for the good we have in our lives.
Hashem is constantly looking to give us good.
His good.

"Even if you can't open your mouth at all, just the fact that you stand there putting your hope in G0d, lifting your eyes upwards and forcing yourself to speak and even if you say no more than a single word the entire time-all this endures forever... (Likutey Moharan II)