Was it fate? I feel as if I was destined to share time and space with an amazing group of talented individuals. What a magnificent gift the universe presented me with this past weekend! Blissfulness and peace combined in what was a bountiful spiritual experience. August 8, 2015: The addition to the archives of my soul’s greatest memories.
I always wanted to model, yet I gave up years ago after facing many closed doors. Clearly, I was not built tough or strong enough to deal with the “no’s.” Not really obsessed with the idea, but excited about the thought, I decided to submit my photos to an artist, by the name of Young Paris, after seeing his “model search” post on Facebook. Believe me, I was already mentally prepared for the “no.” However, I never thought about being unprepared for the “yes”.
When I received the message, “are you available on August 8th?”, I had to read it twice before I became ecstatic! “Yes. I’m available!” I shouted. I realized, in that split second that no one could hear me. Then all of the negative thoughts commenced and began doing circles in my mental. They ranged from: Am I good enough? Was this a mistake? Suppose I mess up and waste his time? Talk about self-inflicted mental abuse! It took me a while before I responded. I just was really not prepared for the “yes”. Subsequently, I remembered why I even started this blog – to encourage, to motivate, and to remind other over-thinking individuals (like myself) to let go and let God and just live! After that self-reminder of my new life anthem, I responded to his request. It was not until the day of the video shoot that I realized that this experience will be more than just playing a role. I realized that, on that day, the universe was going to bless me with a spiritual reward: not necessarily tangible, but definitely attainable.
Surrounded by God’s work, listening to nature’s language and working with a talented cast had me in awe. I found it so beautiful to witness Young Paris involving his family into his vision. Being around an artist, a musician and creative director, dancers, a videographer, designers, and make-up artists, had my creative juices flowing! I wanted to sketch, dance, practice yoga and meditate. The feeling was so overwhelming. There were sporadic moments where I spoke to God. I expressed my gratitude for being present in that very moment. When the shoot was over, sage was lit and thanks were given to the Highest Power. We headed to Young Paris’ mother’s house. His mother cooked an amazing dinner and the cast was entertained by Young Paris and his family. They commenced to play the African drums. *Silent break*. This was when my emotions took over. I started to tear as I heard each sound from the drums. Each beat matched the rhythm of my heart and the sound of home that was taken from my ancestors.
It was at that very moment, whilst listening to the beat of my culture, I realized that I was destined to be there! My path led me there! The purpose of the shoot was not for me to realize my dream of being a model. The purpose of the shoot was to become richer from God’s natural resources, to connect with nature and other beautiful souls. I knew that no matter what, I would definitely take something from this experience.
History begins with yesterday and it is up to me to make sure that I incorporated what I know about my Caribbean culture and recreate my Afro-Caribbean culture. My future family will remain grounded and will be knowledgeable about their culture. I will provide them with a platform to be creative and expressive.
As they were kidnapped and brought to the Americas, my ancestors were told not to sing their songs or beat their drums. They were programmed to believe that everything about their culture, appearance, and language was dreadful, unattractive, and uncanny. They were stripped of it all and forced to forget everything about their history. Fortunately, I live in a time where we are proclaiming our song and beating our drums again! I will recreate the culture that was stripped from me and study the history that was hidden from me. I will sing my song and move to rhythm of the drums. And our history – African history – this planet’s deep history will thrive!
So it is. Ase.
Hey beautiful Souls – It’s been awhile! A lot has been going on in my life. I needed some time to gather my thoughts and recharge (I will definitely write a separate “update” post). In the meantime, I wanted to share some photos from a photo shoot. These images have been sitting in my computer since April! Not cool Dom!
Photographer – Abe Eku │Dress – H&M│Jacket – Thrifted│Sneakers – Cole Haan│Headwrap – Street Vendor in Harlem
T(HER)APY 