Contemplations on the Odu Ogunda Obara

Suffering
is the state
in which we
find
our character
The unchallenged man shows
little strength when
battling a summer's breeze
while walking
to the house of their
beloved
Character
is built battling the
demons
that appear in our
lives and minds,
only to return from
the darkest hour
victorious
It is said that we must
fall
in order to
learn how to
get up
but true strength comes
when we are pushed down
repeatedly
yet regain our footing
each time
with head held high
A life worth living
is always worth
fighting for

Contemplations on the Odu Iwori Irosun

Sometimes, we have to look back in order to move ahead, because without the benefit of hindsight the turns that lie ahead are difficult to navigate. The trick is to not keep looking back while you're walking forward, you might stumble... Marcos Ifalola

Contemplations on the Odu Oshe Meji

I've lived, I've loved, I've left the bread crumb trail of my existence littered across the world in the hearts and minds of those I've connected with. Someday I'll look back and reflect on the winding path I've taken, but for now, I hope to find my own way. I am unabashedly hopeful, even in the face of the fog that obscures my path. -- Marcos Ifalola

Contemplation on the Odu Ogunda Ofun

There are times when you add two things together and they come up with nothing. Then, there are moments when you add two things together and the possibilities are endless. -- marcos ifalola

Contemplations on the Odu Okanran Meji

That which is seen by the eyes, is not always as it appears, but when viewed with an open heart, form takes shape . When we try and see the world for what it is, we often look but do not see. All actions and all people serve a purpose, even if it is not easily seen. -- marcos ifalola

Contemplation on the Odu Irosun Meji

What works for me, may not work for you. What works for you may not work me, said the mouse as he walked past the cat who eyed him with thoughts of play and perhaps food.  The mouse, realizing his peril, engaged the cat in conversation.

If you believe I am here just to serve as your play thing, said the mouse, then you have lost focus on the larger picture we all play.

The cat smiled and responded in kind, but you must realize, that although you sit here trying to distract me with thoughts and philosophical provocations, there is an inevitability that I, being larger, will make you my toy and eventually my meal. It's as simple as that.

Certainly I've given you pause though, to think about what role we serve in the greater eco system? I am not just a meal, and you are more than just the fur, flesh and fangs that make you a cat.

It is true, said the cat, but in the end, I will do as I was created to do, and fulfill my purpose. I will enjoy a few moments of chase, get bored as your wounded body slows, and consume you...

At that very moment the cat felt a sharp sticking pain as the world quickly blurred until everything became black. And then, the hiding snake moved towards its dinner and the mouse turned and quickly scurried away wondering what odd bits he might collect for dinner that night. -- Marcos Ifalola - Contemplations on the Odu Irosun Meji

Contemplation on the Odu Oshe Otura

Ifa can not be taught, it is revealed throughout our lives when, for the briefest of moments, the veil of truth is pierced and the light which escapes allow us to understand that which we did not before see.  It is not about money or markets, nor about love or war, nor is it about gaining an inch or a mile, it transcends worldly desires leading us into the place where all things past, present and future exist at any given moment. Ifa is possibility and chaos, constantly rearranging and realigning. Stop begging for a solution, and instead look for the shifting patterns that will allow you to navigate the waters and find safe harbor. Ifa told me to reinitiate myself, by myself, to find my beginning in my ending and to look inward so that I might see the world for what it is, what it can be, and not be blinded by my own veil of truth… - Marcos Ifalola