wise words Cruzie Kelly on
African Spirituality in America: A Beautiful Cultural Legacy
by Margaret Mary Jones
So, why do you practice African traditions to promote Mindfulness?
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.” Tis quote sat on my work desk for more than 36 years as an advocate for mindful cultural and natural heritage preservation that shares diverse viewpoints. As an educator, my concern is not
National Park Service, Cruzie Kelly has written many stories on nature and history. Her engaging Storytelling is also a favorite way to share ancestral knowledge. She has a series on historical places for rejuvenation and healing. Currently offering Free Mindfulness classes in Central Florida, we welcome her with open arms, and look forward to learning more and honoring our ancestors.
A
s an interpreter for decades before raising to the rank of Chief Interpreter of the
why individuals practice yoga, light sage, pray before a football game, chant, use crystals, balance charkas, seek divination, etc. I am responsible for holding space to support Mindfulness practices for collective and individual well-being. I offer compassion that different contemplative traditions bring individuals into a Mindfulness practice. Regardless of your path, I am required and vow to uphold your First Amendments rights as an Insight Meditation teacher. Recently, the Supreme Court sided with a football coach from Washington state who sought to kneel and pray on the field aſter games. Te justices said the coach’s prayer was protected by the First Amendment. Te next week another 1993 landmark U.S. Supreme Court religion case from Florida was being discussed in the news. Tis
1993 case entitled, the Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah (1993) recognized African-Based rituals practiced for thousands of years as indeed protected under the U. S. Constitution.
Why are you passionate about using different traditions to teach Mindfulness?
Mindfulness need not be political, religious, or spiritual—it is a personal experience. As a certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) educator and Insight mediation teacher, I encourage that each person follows what is wise for them and ensure we have spaces that welcomes all traditions that promote holistic health. MBSR is my tool for insomnia, pain management, emotional regulation, and greater mental focus. Being rooted in a practice of Meditation and Mindfulness has become a must for me. Fortunately for us, science now supports that neuron plasticity is positively improved with a Mindfulness practice. My desire is health for all people and along with spaces that reflect more Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a capacity in South African culture that expresses compassion, reciprocity, dignity, harmony and humanity in the interests of building and maintaining a community with justice and mutual caring.
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