My Dreads

Greetings,

Bob Marley very briefly discusses dreadlocks with an interviewer and provides coherent and inspirational responses which in my opinion just makes sense.

My Dreads (Incomplete Version)

My dreads, my dreads, my dreads

The dreads that grow atop my head

Why do I grow my dreads?

I don't grow my dreads for fashion nor for beauty

I don't grow my dreads not even for a cutie

So why do I grow my dreads?

I grow my dreads as a symbol of my devotion to Ras Tafari

Haile Selassie I King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah

The divine revelation of I heart allowed the growing of I locks for the greater purpose of

Executing vital actions for the change of the adverse reality in which we live

You see my dreads signify strength, righteousness, courage, Nia, Kujichagulia

But of course judgement comes from many critics -- Professors, employers, friends, and family

"Have you wondered what others will think about you with that mess on your head...what about a job?"

Well I nuh business what the critics think because I know the only way to end the false realities of this society means transforming the norm of Western understanding and

philosophy into something good for all...

TO FOREVER BE CONTINUED AND REVISED

The concept of this poem was inspired while at the National Black Student Leadership Development Conference for an Open Mic. It was thought up and written 20 minutes before I had to actually perform. This is not the original poem, but the original poem since then has gone through several revisions. The brief excerpt above displays much of that revision. This poem isn't anything conventional, but it does illustrate everything I believe. The more extensive and complete version addresses many issues regarding several topics. These issues and topics will be disclosed in future blog postings. And maybe one day I will even release the poem in its entirety on "The Overstanding." Until next time...Blessings

Inspiration comes from InI...The Most High...JAH Rastafari

Ital Eating

Greetings,

Well it's been about ten months since I've stopped eating pork, three months since I've stopped eating red meat, and one week since I've stopped eating poultry (chicken, turkey, and duck).

As a Rastaman the importance of eating Ital is vital. It is important to note that the expression of Ital eating varies widely from Rasta to Rasta, and there are few universal rules of Ital living. For InI, however, eating Ital means eating as natural and heal-

thy as possible. Some things I permit in my diet include fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, cheese, and egg every once in a while. The picture to the right displays Chinese cabbage,

cucumber, and papaya, wh-

ich were all grown in beautiful Belize sustainably and organically.

Unfortunately living in the U.S. eating Ital tends to be a challenge. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables are not always available or affordable. Many of the foods are processed and artificial as well as contaminated with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. However, I do the best I can with what is available.

The primary goal of an Ital diet is to increase Livity, or the life energy that lives within all of us. This increased Livity has improved my daily life significantly. My body feels healthier and lighter. To put it simply, my body feels good. When you feel good, you live good, and you make good decisions. People who find out I stopped eating meat ask me if I ever miss it; my answer is always no.

As I continue to experience and obtain knowledge, InI's personal development and overstanding of Rastafari evolves. This is important for the individual and the movement overall.

I am a Rastaman and Rastafari is my way of life. Give thanks and praise unto The Most High...JAH Rastafari...SELAH

I'll share one of my favorite music videos with you regarding the topic by reggae artist Ras Ghandi, "Ital Stew"

Why is Rajah Blogging?

Blogging has become a popular trend among my friends, so it was only a matter of time before I started blogging too. I'm not sure really what to expect from this experience. I'm not even sure whether people will take time to read my blogs, but that's okay.

For those who don't know Rastafari is my way of life and I intend to use blogging as a tool to express and share my ideas, experiences, beliefs and inquiries for "The Overstanding" of myself, the individual, and life. The title of this blog, "The Overstanding," was inspired by Sizzla Kalonji's 2006 album, The Overstanding. Since this is my first official posting I'll keep it short. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences to all those willing to read. I expect my blogs to become better over time once I familiarize myself with all the tools at my disposal. Now I'll end with a short prayer.

Glory be to the Father and the maker of Iration. Allow the words of I mouth, the ideas of I mind and the meditation of I heart be acceptable in thy sight of The Most High, Selassie I, JAH Rastafari. SELAH