My Thoughts
The HeArt of HueManity
In the beginning was The Word...
The Power of Art and the Oral and Written Word
The HeArt of HueManity, thoughts and collage, came forth from my imagination to honor the sacred Word. My thoughts are being shared to continue to give life to the power of literacy in urban communities and public school systems, and to raise awareness regarding the importance of the oral and written Word and their power to manifest our reality. To view The HeArt of HueManity collage, please visit my Visual Art Gallery.
In many of our ancient spiritual texts (Ifa, Pert Em Heru, Quran, The Bible, Torah, Trikaya, Vedas, etc.) we become familiar with the language that states, “In the beginning was the Word….” From the word came forth images, from images came forth creation, our world. When we speak and write words we give them power. They become magic. They become what we think, say and do; therefore, we must choose words born of love, wisdom and compassion.
I chose the words, HeArt and HueManity, because of what they symbolize. HeArt (Heart + Art) signifies our love for art because of its positive transformative powers and HueManity (Hue + Humanity) represents the many beautiful complexions of the human family. In all, it is the human ensemble who gives power to art through love and creative expression.Much of what we learn about the power of language, specifically, the oral and written word, comes from storytelling and our spiritual texts: which speak about The First Occasion: when our world came into being, and depict the traditions of our ancient spiritual ancestors, most notably, those from Nubia and the land of Kemet (Ancient Egypt). One of many Egyptian philosophers, Duauf (Dua meaning prayer, uf meaning to bring into form, 1340 BC), expressed the importance of reading books in his writings. He especially noted how vital it is for young people to read. It was believed that reading is the best way to positively condition the mind: our imaginations are developed, which allow us to see beyond our own limits and those placed upon or before us; our writing skills are increased, which allow us to create and transform our lives, and our speech is enhanced, which allow us to manifest brighter realities. Duauf said to his son, “I would like to make you love books… I would like to bring their beauty right in front of your face. It is greater than any calling.” This same sentiment was expressed by many of our ancient Afreekan ancestors and by many of our modern Black foremothers and fathers.
Sojourner Truth, who was born into slavery and became recognized for her poetic speech entitled, Ain’t I A Woman?, knew the importance of language, so she set forth to share with the masses the truth of her heart in order to change the reality of slavery.
Frederick Douglass, who escaped from slavery and became an abolitionist and activist, wrote, “Believe in yourself. Take advantage of every opportunity, and use the power of spoken and written language to effect positive change for yourself and society.” Frederick Douglass believed that fulfilling these concepts were key for a successful life; and he spoke these words during the era of slavery (when teaching slaves how to read and write was illegal).
I believe that fulfilling these concepts are important to, especially now. Too often, education in urban communities is taken for granted or completely ignored. Our indifference is contributing to poverty, disease and illiteracy.
The State Education Agency shared the following in a report:
- Low literate adults in the U.S. are disproportionately Black and Latino.
- On average, the lower a person’s literacy level, the more likely the person is to struggle economically, often living below the poverty line.
- Studies show a direct relationship between literacy and joblessness.
- Poverty carries high costs for individuals affected by this disease and for society at large.
- Children participating with their parents in family literacy programs grew up to have no or fewer criminal arrests, higher earnings, more accumulated wealth, and stronger relationships, including marriages.
- A disproportionate number of youth, 16 years and older, in the U.S. do not have basic educational skills; do not have high school diplomas or its equivalent; and need to improve their ability to read, speak and write the English language.
- For adults, especially parents, literacy is important so that they can earn a livable wage in order to achieve self-sufficiency; effectively encourage and support their children’s success in school; use technology to access and act upon information; advocate for self and family in all life situations; and manage one’s health and participate fully in the democratic process.
It is because I share the same heart with our ancient and modern ancestors, because of my love for language, and because I discern the importance of increasing literacy that I have planted seeds and cultivated The HeArt of HueManity. However, this creation isn’t just mine, it is ours. So let’s water this flower together and watch it bloom. Adults and youth residing within urban communities, who are affected by low levels of education, poverty, disease and disabilities need us to help make a difference in their lives.My Purpose:
To create, through music, literature and art, a beautiful world, where WE all recognize our power and potential as both spiritual and human beings. Humanity, let's celebrate and honor the sacred Word, by increasing awareness regarding the importance of literacy in all communities.
Goals:
- Celebrate the power of language arts (art of letters) and its impact on humanity.
- Increase awareness around the importance of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Foster positive change and relationships through language arts: oral, written, musical, visual and kinesthetic (dance/movement).
- Build stronger spiritual communities in urban environments.
- Guide individuals toward recognizing the intuitive and creative forces within themselves to empower their own lives through performance and educational events and programs.
- Partner with educational, religious and spiritual organizations, non-profits and other community based organizations to promote education and discipline in urban cities, develop community awareness, increase social and economic status and decrease violence among youth. Overall, the emphasis will be on language arts, a medium for positive and lasting change.
If you are interested in a copy of “The HeArt of HueManity” collage, (size 13x19), matted and unframed, please add item to cart. Please Note: Metaphors 4 Life accepts monetary gifts for the purchase of books and posters to donate to youth and adult groups, schools, libraries, spiritual organizations and community centers and programs. Please Donate Now By Purchasing A Poster. Posters will be delivered to local organizations by Metaphors 4 Life.
For information on the next HeArt of HueManity event, visit: www.metaphors4life.org.
Seeds of Lotus Rising
Raising Children . Healing Families . Building Communities.Lotus flowers grow out of the mud, symbolizing beauty emerging from obscurity. They are similar to the seeds of hope, children of the Earth, that rise out of the soils of despair and become more radiant with the unfolding of each petal.
The Seeds of Hope
Our children are the seeds of hope within our communities and world. We must recognize them as such. In doing so, we are then compelled by love to nurture them and to cultivate the flower within them. This flower becomes the light that inspires them, empowers them and guides them toward a bright future, regardless of the obscurities of life.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said, “A weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” In considering this, sometimes the world appears to us like a field of weeds, and still gardens prosper and flowers bloom. So, what must we do, individually and collectively, to restore the gardens of hope, love and beauty on this earth?
Healing Families . Building Communities
The first connection an infant makes when he/she comes into the world is usually with his/her mother. If this tie is not a strong one in the beginning stages of a child’s life the spark of light within can remain dim and the seeds of self-love, esteem and worth may take longer to grow and blossom. Therefore, it is necessary that parents, women and men, recognize that a firm family foundation must be built and that the stones that form this foundation are also the groundwork needed for an empowered community. If we fail to recognize this, our children remain in the dark and become lost and displaced.
Children of the Earth — The Seeds of Hope. The Seeds of Lotus Rising.
My Purpose:
Through music, literature, art and dance I intend to guide others toward:
- Increasing Self-Awareness
- Fostering Healthy Relationships With Others, Nature and the Earth
- Repairing Parent and Child Relations
- Finding Purpose In Life
- Fulfilling Their Personal Dreams
- Discerning the Power of Imagination
- Utilizing Movement As a Form of Healing
- Discovering Their Own Voices: Within and Without
- Unveiling Their Own Vision For Life
- Restoring and Cultivating the Internal Seed of Hope
Seeds of Lotus Rising (SOLR) came to mind to spread more sunshine over the world... Become a member and join me and a circle of intriguing young and adult women as we spread our love around the world and truly impact lives all across the country. SOLR is national, so it doesn't matter where you are in the U.S. Membership fee is due May 1st of each calendar year (if joining near the new calendar year a reduced fee is offered) and includes subscription to newsletter: The Sunshine Letter and discounts for all products, services, programs and events offered and sponsored by Metaphors 4 Life. Also, a portion of your membership fee is donated to organizations that serve children with special abilities.
Men, Women and Children, remember: We Live To Learn and Teach The Ways of Love. During Women’s History Month and throughout the year, I enjoy celebrating women, of all ages, by coming together in what ever ways we can. I call these occasions: The Gathering of Daughters. For information on the next Seeds of Lotus Rising event, visit: www.metaphors4life.org.
If you are interested in a copy of: The Mother is The Daughter, The Daughter is The Mother poster print (size 13x19), matted and unframed, please add print to cart. To view this print, please visit my Visual Art Gallery.
RVoices NMotion
We Become Movement. Movement Becomes an Instrument of Change.Imagination is a powerful force. In discovering the magic of our minds we discover the infinite possibilities of life, yet imagination combined with creative movement transform all possibilities into magnificent realities.
My purpose is to build and empower lives and community, primarily poverty stricken areas, such as the urban cities, through the creative arts: imagination and writing, and healing arts: movement. Art is the impetus for positive economic, political and social change.
Why is the creative experience, particularly creative thinking, so important to our lives? Because studies have proven that young children, generally, around the age of 5 ask at least thirty or more questions an hour and usually by the age of 7 they question just 2 or 3 times an hour. Within only a couple of years there is a significant contrast between the mind of a 5 and 7 year old. The results are not positive.
Creative genius is displayed in more than 90% of children between the ages of 3-5 years of age; by the age of 10 it’s a little over 60%; by 15 years it’s around 30%; by 20 years it’s down to 10% or less. Intuition drops dramatically, becoming poorly relied upon by the time young people enter elementary school. If this is the case for children then what can we conclude about adults 21 years of age and older? It is the ability to think creatively that allows for productive, meaningful and successful lives.
Creative Imagination, Writing and Movement to Enhance Learning
We, as individuals, learn and come to understand ourselves and the world in different ways. More and more holistic methods of teaching and learning are being implemented into educational curriculums and healing practices. Taking into consideration the multiple intelligences, we know that some people learn better through visual mediums while others comprehend things easier through audio, verbal/linguistic methods, logical/mathematical data or kinesthetically (body movement/gestures). Some of us learn by using multiple intelligences simultaneously, yet the combination of imagination, creative writing and movement have been known to be powerful forces instrumental in significantly changing lives for the better.
How do young people start to implement positive change in their lives? Every child has a story. Some of them appreciate and enjoy the story of their lives while too many of them don’t. Together we can help them give voice to their stories, not just through writing and speaking, but by becoming full expressions of themselves. In giving voice to their stories through a holistic approach, the opportunity to increase awareness of self and to begin a positive transformation arises.
Together, let's guide our young people toward becoming their own teachers, and examples for their peers. Let's help to MOVE them forward.
Book of Metaphhors: Life Is A Metaphor
As self-knowledge increases, so does the internal light within each human being.
Book of Metaphhors, is the world's book club, founded in the summer of 2006. Men, women and children, come together and share your own personal oral and/or written stories, so that we can understand more deeply who and what we are. Our stories and other's empower us. Tell your story by utilizing music, visual images, metaphor and improvisational movement. Bring it alive...The world is our classroom and stage.
Metaphors 4 Life accepts monetary gifts for the purchase of books to donate to youth and adult groups, schools, libraries, spiritual organizations and communnity centers and programs. Please Donate Now. I extend my gratitude for your support.
HueManiTeam
Recognizing the Power of Oneness, Within the Hueman Ensemble
Diversity/Multiversity doesn’t exist to remind us of our differences; it exists simply to remind us how perfectly we each compliment our world, as seen on the colorful canvas of life.
HueManiTeam (Hue + Humanity + Team) signifies the many hues, skills and talents of the human family represented within one team or community.Diversity/Multiversity
Our world has become more and more colorful. Not only do we see a multitude of hues and forms throughout nature and our earth, we see a myriad of complexions and distinct characteristics within many of our families, communities and work environments. It is as though we wake up to witness the sunlight in each day, as well as, to experience the beautiful and magnificent shapes and spectrum of the rainbow in our natural landscape and within humanity.
Has the human race fully accepted the diversity/multiversity of our world, or are we still growing and learning to embrace our differences and change? J.A. Rogers, a well known historian and anthropologist stated, “There is only one race, the human race.” If we, individually and collectively, learn to accept this truth, the human ensemble will, without struggle, orchestrate a more harmonious tune.
Technology
In this age of technological advances humans are able to get more done quicker and easier. Computers, handheld devices and mobile phones have made it simpler for us to stay connected throughout the day, across the world. But what impact is technology having on us physically, mentally and emotionally? Are we losing our ability to create and sustain healthy lifestyles and social relationships? Let's not lose touch, literally, with one another. As long as we are human our hearts will still adore affection.
I enjoy conversations with others regarding almost all aspects of life, love and creativity, so if you want to talk more about anything on this page, please feel free to contact me.
Dana Rondel
Metaphors 4 Life
www.metaphors4life.org
www.danarondel.com
P.O. Box 270812
West Hartford, CT 06127
writeme@danarondel.com
860.817.2990God manifests miracles through man,
so let us all recognize our power to transform lives.
For information on the next Metaphors 4 Life event, visit: www.metaphors4life.org