ORI-AWARE OR NOT?

Three Simple Exercises To Improve Your Ori

What are we without our memories? Who would we be, if we had no memories? How would we multitask and respond effectively to rapidly changing information? How would we take advantage of future opportunities? Or make better or more well-informed decisions? This is a great way to understand our ORI, as the most important, authentic memory that you don’t ever want to forget. It is the memory that grounds and affirms our personhood, our uniqueness as existing individuals, who have a contribution to make to our slice of the world.

Our ORI, as a memory, reminds us to remember three very important things:

1) We Are Descendants. We are carriers of the past into the future, while at the same time, making a “new” and “different” past for those after us. We are the incomplete, but ever-expanding product of our lineage. We are the "To Be Continued" of our family's experiences, held accountable for doing just that. Some refer to this symbolically as one’s “Guardian Ancestor.”

2) We Are Means. We are made available for the enrichment of ourselves and others. We come with a personality, an approach and a perspective that human existence and our communities need. Somewhere in this world, your energy, your most authentic and informed viewpoint is needed. Some refer to this symbolically as one’s “Guardian Orisha.”

3) We Are Explorers. We have set out to learn and unearth new knowledge and insights. We are intentional creatures, purposeful beings, on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment for the common good. We have a responsibility to stay the course before us in a productive and meaningful way for the growth of all. Some refer to this symbolically as one’s “Life Path.”

Our “Guardian Ancestor”, our “Guardian Orisha” and our “Life Path” make up our ORI, our foundational memory. And just like the neurons and hippocampus of our brains that facilitate short-term and long-term memories, its importance cannot be overstated. Without our memory, the ability to achieve goals, make intelligent choices, learn and improve, or add to what has come before, never truly materializes.

So how can we keep our ORI strong and functioning optimally?

Here are 3 simple and practical exercises to consider for ORI maintenance?

1) Appreciate your “family narrative”. Psychologists refer to this as developing a healthy “intergenerational self.” Studies have shown that knowing your “family narrative” helps creates emotional resiliency and well-being. Take the time to celebrate the culture of your ancestors, from food to catchphrases. Be open to reenacting their best traditions. Visualize and retell the “highs” and “lows” of their stories – It’s your story now, too.

2) Get to “know” yourself. Discover the values, beliefs, and understandings that guide your thoughts and actions. Your way of “being-in-the world” is distinctive. Take the time to figure out where, and in what circumstances, you “being you” is needed. Visualize examples in which all of what makes you who you are can be of the greatest benefit to yourself and others. Remember what makes us, makes us for others.

3) Revisit your purpose.   Studies have shown that a strong sense of purpose improves physical and mental well-being and increases life expectancy. A “Life Path” helps us make sense of the world and keep our bearings, so we know exactly where we are and where we’re headed. Write down what you expect to learn and encounter our your as you live purposefully and then prepare to be surprised during the journey.

These few steps are just the beginning of boosting your ORI. And though sometimes it might be a challenge to remember to incorporate ORI-awareness in your daily life, trust me, when you begin to experience its positive effects, you’ll never want to forget about your ORI again. And even if we wanted to forget it, thank goodness, Orunmila reminds us.

Living High on Ifa,

S. Emmanuel Epps