Michael Beckwith & Rickie BB Inspire

Drs. Michael & Rickie Beckwith Inspire!!!

By Paula Bernette Brooks

"Treasures" from Belize grace my table

It's hard to believe that I haven't posted since April!  At the time,  I was super excited about an upcoming trip to Puerto Rico in August. Well, the trip was cancelled at the 11th hour!  Needless to say, my two fellow adventurers and I were highly disappointed!  You'll have to read my next post to get the 411 on how Dr. Donna Shannon and I ended up in Belize a week later.  Tune in next week!  Hint!  We loved Belize and had a trip chock full of serendipitous meetings and spiritual overtones!



But first I HAVE to tell you about the two days we spent at "Revolve Evolve 2012" featuring Drs. Michael and Rickie Byars Beckwith!  The high energy opened the floodgates of my creativity and motivated me to write again.  I had to share this because you too, Beloveds, deserve to be uplifted, inspired, and set free as you open to your Divine purpose!  The event was produced by "I Will Restore", a non-profit that provides services including Counseling, Advocacy, Education & Training, and Workforce Development.  Visit Revolve-Evolve on Facebook, or email info@iwillrestore.org.  For more information call 410-299-6688.


Dr. Beckwith & event producer, Dr. Dennis L. Waters, Sr.

Rickie BB performs

 Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith and his soulful, songwriting wife, affectionately known as Rickie BB, are well known to those in the "New Thought" movement.  Michael was featured in the movie "The Secret" based on the book by the same name, that describes the Law of Attraction. Together, they took the world by storm several years ago. Beckwith,  once affiliated with Dr. Ernest Holmes "Centers for Spiritual Living", founded "Agape International Spiritual Center" in Culver City, California in 1986.  True to its name, Agape was founded on the principle of unconditional love; without regard for race, gender, sexual preference or denominational differences.   Through Beckwith's "Life Visioning" process, Agape has evolved from a Divine idea, to a mega-center with  over 8,000 members!

I have long been a passionate Rickie Byars Beckwith fan!  Her music resonated with my spirit the very first time I heard her "From Within" CD.  By the time I heard "In the Land of I Am" I was hooked!   Whenever stressed, Rickie's music was guaranteed to soothe my soul.  In fact, I played both CDs every morning while teaching at Job Corps.  That time was intended to be my solitary, centering A.M. ritual time. However, quite a few of my students would beg me to let them come in before class.  They were also were calmed down by the peaceful vibes of the music!

Watching Michael and Rickie interact, one can only conclude that they are true soul mates.  They complement each other beautifully!  Michael is a dynamic teacher and Rickie is a gifted musician. Both are grounded by their commitment to a daily regimen that includes prayer, meditation, physical exercise and vegan nourishment.

Together they are on a mission to raise the energetic vibration of the planet, by causing a radical shift in spiritual perceptions.  Their message is one of unbounded love and personal transformation; resulting in unshakable inner peace and personal power!  The power of their message is strengthened by the combination of Michael's eloquent delivery and Rickie's soul stirring music.



Rickie BB, Nicolle Reed & Michael Beckwith

One of Dr. Beckwith's  key points was that the Universe is constantly progressing and unfolding.  He urged us to stop trying to "make" things happen and stated with conviction, "Instead of praying to God to 'get', pray to 'let'.  Let whatever you already have unfold!  There is something seeking to express itself through you.  We don't have to beg. We're not reaching out-we're turning within.  'Emergence' (of our gifts and desires) occurs when the conditions are correct.   We get to create the climate and conditions needed for it to emerge.  We must set our intentions.  Many of us are suffering from 'Intention Deficit Disorder'!"

Beckwith stated that behind every problem is a question trying to ask itself.  He suggested that we ask the right questions instead of staying stuck in "victim hood".   Some questions he proposed we ask ourselves are: "What 'Good' is trying to happen in my life right now?  What is God's idea of expression in my life?  What must I become in order for this good to manifest?  What do I already have in my house that I can use to manifest or be in service to my growing vision?  What must I let go of now that no longer serves me, or my becoming?" He also stated that many of us desire to change our lives, without changing anything about ourselves (boy, can I relate to that!).

Rev. Michael Beckwith

Dr. Beckwith proposed that for years we have lived believing in the fallacy of "cause and effect".  He stated with conviction that this way of thinking has led us to a false notion of separation from God and each other.  Based on this premise, no two things can occupy the same space at the same time.  However, Dr. Beckwith explained that nothing could be further from the truth.  He stated vehemently, "We live in a state of 'condensation' where two things can, and do co-exist at the same time and space, but in different dimensions."

Beckwith urged that we return to right thinking, rather than "mentation", or the repetition of the the same thoughts (usually toxic) over and over.  He stated, "Prayer and meditation are powerful tools for anti-aging.  When we engage in these practices, we step outside of time and space.  We are no longer limited by our perceptions.  We realize that we are more than our flesh.  Like our Creator, we are infinite, everywhere present, yet always unfolding.  We have access to higher realms!"  Beckwith suggested that in this unified field of consciousness, our discipline becomes a "bliss-cipline" and we are able to hold onto inner peace and joy regardless of outer conditions.  He urged that we practice what he calls "play-volving" or joyfully evolving through playing.  

He also suggested that when we become annoyed, irritated or angry, we use the forceful energy behind those emotions for our good.  Instead of cursing, kicking and screaming, Beckwith suggested that we turn it around and channel that intense energy into visioning questions like, "Why do I always have so much money?  Why am I so loved and appreciated?"  We should then continue by  affirming things like "I am willing!  I am able!  I am capable!"  Dr. Beckwith stated that our life experiences are the "manure" that prompts growth. As we evolve, the questions become, "How can I grow?  How can I give?  How can I celebrate?"

At the end of the event, I purchased his "Life Visioning" kit and  book.  At the last minute, I  broke down and bought his "TranscenDance" CD.   Soooo glad I did-the CD is awesome!  "MC" Beckwith and guest artists have taken positive thinking and affirmations to a whole nutha level!  They laid down some funky tracks that will get you movin' and groovin', and most importantly,  provide your subconscious with a succulent feast.  Thoughts of prosperity and !abundance will become second nature.  Get this CD by any means necessary!  Play it LOUDLY in the AM and PM!  For info on the Beckwith's products, appearances or broadcasts see www.agapelive.com.   See also www.rickiebyarsbeckwith.com.

Wellness Coach, Rev. Zuri Nia and Donna Shannon

Day two of the event began with several early morning seminars.  Donna and I opted to attend the  "Chakra Meditation and Healing Crystal Bowls" session led by D.C.'s Rev. Zuri Nia, founder of "Wellness With Zuri Nia--A Center for Soul Expression". See www.wellnesswithzurinia.com; 202-320-1599

She was lovingly assisted by Life Coaches/Trainers, Tamara Carey, LSW and Halina Azmerah, founders of "Journey to Self".  See www.journeytoself.biz or call 800-734-8705 for more info.  All three sistahs are badd!  The session was an awesome preamble to the Beckwith's "Life Visioning" technique.  We meditated, danced and generally opened to Spirit.  The process was very healing.  When it was over we felt energized, as well as serene!



Tamara Carey holding "rain stick"; Rev. Zuri Nia, and Halina Azmerah in front of the crystal singing bowls.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Ayo Handy-Kendi, radio host of "The Saging Baby Boomers Show".  Ayo says the show offers good news about boomers who are not just, aging but saging-or growing wiser as we age.  Listen in on Thursday 11 AM at www.innerlightradio.com.  For more information see www.sagingbabyboomers.com or call 202-667-2577.  Ayo was accompanied by her unbelievably spry and youthful, 87 year old mother, Ms. Doris A. M. Thomas.  Ms Thomas is founder of the Serenity Players Club, Actress, Dancer, Author, Motivational Speaker and former Yoga Instructor.  Whew!  Did I mention she was Ms. D.C. Senior 1992?  Both mother and daughter attended the Chakra Meditation session.   Ms. Thomas' agility and vitality were a testament to the benefits of a yoga practice that spanned decades!  See www.createandplayit.com or call 202-575-4248 to purchase her second book, "The Will to Live".

Ayo Handy-Kendi and her 87 year young mother, Ms. Doris A. M. Thomas

 

Also on hand, was "Fruition", providing their own unique flavor of "New Thought Jazz" to the event.  They will be performing on Nov. 10th from 6-8 PM at One God One Thought Center for Better Living.   They will showcase music from their CD, "A Conscious Matter", as well as some new material.  You can call Aaron Hill at 443-756-6027 or email aaronhill28@comcast.net for more info.


"On Purpose Woman" the free Maryland based magazine dedicated to helping women lead richer, fuller lives was a Media sponsor.  Publisher/Editor Ginny Robertson was on hand distributing magazines and information about her networking sessions for women.  For more info see www.GinnyRobertson.com or call 410-252-2703.  WPFW-Jazz & Justice Radio 89.3 FM  was the radio sponsor.  Be sure to listen in and support this innovative and empowering  public radio station.

Fruition "Family", Eunice Adkins, Ama Chandra, Katrina Hill & Aaron Hill



Event Co-Producers, Dr. Dennis Waters & his wife, Vielka Waters

Rickie BB, Paula Brooks & Michael Beckwith

Mishinda Parvenu & Donna Shannon



Halina Azmera & Tamara Carey

Gerri Bohannan & Michael Beckwith

Rickie BB, Gerri Bohannan & Michael Beckwith

Preparing for “Paradise”

Preparing for “Paradise”

By Paula Bernette Brooks

Paula Bernette Brooks

        I’m relatively new to Face Book, and as I began to tentatively reach out to old friends, I came across Chef Skai, aka Skai Juice.  I remembered the enterprising young lady and her 5 children fondly.  While living in Baltimore she proudly rolled out The Yabba Pot Vegetarian Restaurant and at one point even had two locations. I admired her dogged determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and zeal for all things vegan.

 Skai was a sponge for information about natural health and wellness and she kindly squeezed and poured it out at in house seminars, catering events or one-on-one conversations.  Watching her, one would conclude that lovingly raising five children and imbuing them with a strong work ethic, while nurturing a fledgling business was as easy as-well, dairy free, sugar free, rhubarb pie!

Chef Skai preparing her beloved greens

I lost track of her when Skai sold the business and moved out of town.  So I was happy when I found her on Face Book and started reading her posts.  Skai and her husband had moved to Puerto Rico and opened “Paradise Wellness”, a raw food retreat specializing in a 5-10 day detox program that appeared to be so much fun!   I was totally intrigued because Skai had made an amazing transformation.  Not only had she lost weight, but she was radiant! I mean positively glowing.  Posts of her raw food creations were so colorful and fabulous; they almost looked too good to eat!   It was also quite clear that Skai, like the hibiscus and abundance of other gorgeous tropical flowers, was blossoming and in her element. Hiking in the Rain Forest by an energizing waterfall, horseback riding on a tranquil beach, yoga, kayaking-and let’s not forget salsa dancing-clearly were all agreeing with her.  Watching her “living her life like its golden”, while I sat at my computer, I began to wonder if some time in “Paradise” might also enliven a sistah like me!

Chef Skai, "We are fruitarians by nature!" Yummy!

Titilayo on our last trip to Jamaica

Thanks to one of my oldest sistah/friends, Titilayo, who’s been vegetarian “since Hector was a pup”; I was already quite familiar with the benefits of a meatless lifestyle.  Although we’re the same age, she looks about 10 years younger.  I haven’t eaten red meat in at least 30 years, and go through periods of, “to chicken, or not to chicken”.  But I realized that going totally raw-and more importantly-sugarless, even for a week would be taking a major step.  However, pictures of Chef Skai’s table always look so inviting that I decided I could do a week easily. 

Chef Skai prepares ? (I don't have a clue what that is!)

One day, following a meditation, the notion of going to “Paradise” with a group of sistahs and documenting our experience became a burning desire!   A couple of friends also thought it was a great idea, so I eagerly began planning the trip.

      Recently, I got a call from Skai who said cautiously, “I just wanted to be sure that everyone in your party is aware that their experience will be holistic.  Not only will you be eating live, whole foods, you’ll be exposed to lots of physical activity.  It’s important that knees and hips are in good shape, in order to take part in all the activities.  We recently had two elders in a group who were not able to participate fully, due to physical limitations.  We do everything as a group, and it’s no fun to sit around and wait for everyone to return to the hotel.”

My stomach knotted in anguish and I confessed to Skai that I had fallen hard last May, injuring both knees and an ankle.  Surprisingly, they still bother me.  I am also obese, but recently committed to taking small steps; like walking daily and eating more fruit and salad.   However, at that moment I resolved that I would not be the one sitting on the sidelines while everyone else was off having adventurous fun! 

     Without hesitation, Skai said, “Get a multi-floral enzyme with a probiotic, and add lots of fruit and raw veggies to your diet.  I’m not big on supplements, but I definitely recommend enzymes.  They will help break down your food so that your body can absorb the nutrients needed to heal itself.  But there is a side effect!” Skai paused dramatically before continuing, “Do you want to know what it is?  The side effect is weight loss!” We both laughed hard, knowing that she now had my full attention!

Chef Skai-Fabulous mother of 5!

    Skai’s tone and intensity made it clear that optimal wellness is her passion.  “We are sicker than we’ve ever been.  We’ve been able to eliminate diseases  like the bubonic plague, yet we’re dying younger from ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure.  These diseases are caused by the way we eat and the lack of physical activity. It’s not normal to be sick!  True health is achieved not only by eating whole live foods and getting exercise, but also by positive thoughts about ourselves and other people; by having and showing gratitude! The combination of these things equals a good quality of life.  You feel happy, energized and alive!”

While presenting recently at a conference of Rasta women in St. Thomas, Skai stayed with friends.    Skai declared, “It doesn’t have to be complicated.  Keep it simple. Buy bananas and strawberries.  They can be blended with water.  Bananas and strawberries are the best whole foods you can buy.  My friends called me after I got home and thanked me because their energy had really increased.  They ate a salad for lunch and included fish or chicken with their dinner.  But they could feel the difference.”

     Chef Skai also offered this advice, “Whenever people complain that they are fatigued, have lots of mucous, or just don’t feel good for any reason, I suggest that they fast.  Fasting gives the body time to throw off disease and toxins.  I met a naturopath who is now 70 years old.  Back in the 80’s he was told that he had cancer and was not expected to live much longer.  He was very weak, but he happened upon a little pamphlet extolling the benefits of fasting.  He decided he had nothing to lose and for 17 days he drank only water.  At the end of that time he had stopped drinking altogether and he would just put a little water in his mouth to relieve the dryness.  On the last day he felt so much better that he was able to get out of bed and he went to a health food store.  He had been too sick to bathe for over 2 weeks and he apologized, sure that he had a bad odor.  To his surprise, he was told that he did not smell at all!  He stayed at my retreat recently and although toothless, he enjoyed the raw food regimen and was even able to eat my kale salad.  It’s prepared with lemon juice, which breaks its down and makes it tender.”

     Our conversation ended with these last words of wisdom from Skai Juice, “Just like a car, our bodies need fuel in order to give us energy.  We need carbohydrates, fats and foods that are highly enzymatic, whole and alkaline.  Fruit is our best form of energy.  Bananas and  berries of any kind are super foods.  Humans are fruitarian by nature.  We take nature for granted, but nature is perfect!  All we have to do is follow the laws.  I haven’t been to a doctor in years!  I have no need.  My garden is my doctor!”

“I keep having a vision in my mind of being naked in the bush.  Farming is relatively new; maybe about 10,000 years old.  Initially, humans were gatherers.   I think that sometime in the future we will start all over and go back to the beginning.  Remember there was fruit in the Garden of Eden.”

Our trip to “Paradise Wellness” will take place from August 1-August 7.  Contact me If you’d like to take part in our adventurous and blissful detox from cooked food- and all types of everyday stress! 

My e-mail address is isis7233@yahoo.com.  You can also call me for further information at 443-804-7974.  Peace & Blessings!

Chef Skai & Retreat Guest