SeeingBlack.com Community

[Charlene Marie Muhammad]

Peace and Greetings:
Thanks to all who joined me in fasting and prayer during the Inaugural ceremonies that were held yesterday, Tuesday, January 20, 2009. I did indeed, attend the ceremony- along with a million other folks and was glad that I fasted (I’ll get to that a little later on.)

I must confess that the days leading up to the Inauguration, my cynicism grew. Seeing “Obamamania” take over the media, clothing, sunglasses- and all means of paraphernalia it seems- I was concerned that we were being lulled back to sleep. After eight years of the Bush Administration’s complete disrespect of our constitutional and natural rights to live in freedom, justice and equality, people were finally sick and tired of being sick and tired. One could feel the revolution coming! Then the election came and true to our western style of media presentation, President-elect Obama became a symbol of our Hopes and Dreams. Tuesday, January 20, 2009 marked the end to racism, classism and sexism in America. All would be right with the world. As one of my sisters said, she expected to see a rose bush on every corner in Newark, New Jersey and receive her forty acres and a mule.

Entertainers abound in all the celebrations. Where were the “ordinary” citizens? Granted. 50 of us got to ride the historic train ride from Philly to DC, yet scores more of America’s top model entertainers got a free opportunity to showcase their talents.

As my own cynicism grew, I knew I had to do something to keep hope alive in myself. Hence the call for fasting and prayer. Fasting is the best means that I know to quiet my mind and “tune in” to my spirit. Prayer is the best means that I know to check myself, quit whining and question God in my right character. What was really happening here in America? I had to fight hard not to swallow the hype hook, line and sink back down into the grave of my own ignorance.

Blessed with an “official” invitation to the Inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States, I persevered through 20 degree weather to witness history. Having participated in the Million Family March and the Millions More Movement, I am familiar with the Capitol grounds and Mall. I anticipated a similar event since both of these gatherings also drew a million folks or so. Although the marches took place in a different season and warmer climate, the spirit of the people was the same. I met people from around the country who flew, drove, cycled, Amtraked, walked and ran to Washington, DC in order to see a new reality take place. Regardless of the menacing Secret Service and military presence necessitated to keep our new President alive, there was much love present in our crowd.

As President Barack Obama gave his Inauguration address, I was able to overcome some of my own cynicism. I heard a mature message from a man who understood the spirit of the people before him, who are looking at him to be a savior for the world, yet is wise enough not to take advantage of that position. President Obama words shored up the integrity of America by presenting key steps for change: tell the truth, take ownership for one’s actions, treat others the way you wish to be treated and live by example.

I heard some say they wished for a more uplifting message. I say Mr. Obama’s been giving that message for the past two years. Today, he is President Obama, not the image of a rock star. As President, he must now present the mission of atonement and each of us must take on our individual responsibility of atonement.

“…we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”
-President Barack Obama

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Okay, back to health and healing-
Boy, was I glad that I fasted!
Why?
Because it gave me the stamina I needed to stand 7 hours in 20 degree weather.
Huh?
Yeah. I did say stamina, and let me explain.

Our body temperature is regulated by the thyroid hormone. For most folks, we maintain a 98.6 degree temperature that supports the quality of our organ systems. Being natural creatures of the earth and its cycles, we are influenced by and can adapt to changes in weather. The body will cool itself down in hot weather by enlarging the pores of the skin (sweating). In cold weather, body heat is drawn into its core to assure that vital organs are kept warm. As heat is drawn into the core of the body, the extremities (hands and feet) get colder. If we experience poor circulation due to lack of exercise and health conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, edema and various forms of heart disease, then our hands and feet really suffer. If we smoke or are exposed to heavy toxins, our lungs don’t work optimally to warm the air that it breaths in and this can make us feel colder still.
Standing in one place for long periods of time stresses our skeletal and muscle systems. Slumping posture puts increased pressure on knees, hips and lower back and shoulders. Inflammatory diseases like rheumatism, arthritis and fibromyalgia may be exacerbated by cold weather as joints and muscles stiffen due to poor circulation.

I actually stood in the cold for two consecutive days. Monday, we stood in a long line wrapped around the Rayburn Congressional Office Building waiting to retrieve our official inaugural invitations. Dummy me, I did not anticipate Monday’s long line and was inappropriately dressed. Since I run outdoors in every season, I am use to climate changes. Yoga too, affords me the ability to temper my breathing and loosen my muscles, even while simply standing in place. My yoga practice came in handy on Inauguration Day. Cold weather warrants a constricted physical response. We tend to tighten our muscles in the cold, a natural response to shield ourselves from freezing. Each time I felt my body constrict, I took a deep breath and relaxed my muscles as I exhaled.

The first two hours of waiting in the security line, our crowd huddled together March-of-the-Penguin style. I got to know the folks around me really well as we linked arms together determined to keep each other warm. We did experience incidences of individuals passing out due to exhaustion, frostbite and light headedness from not eating properly. As a group though, we did our best to come to anyone’s aid as needed and supported each other.

Whenever I have long event days like the previous marches I mentioned or plan to attend a rally, I fast. As I already stated, fasting clears my mind and keeps me alert to my surroundings. I also spare myself the discomfort of having to use the Port-a-Potty since there is little to nothing to be eliminated. With a clear mind and a clear digestive tract, I have more energy and stamina to concentrate on the Cause while practicing stationary yoga and supporting my bones and muscles for the long haul.

The spirit of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama requires each of us to do our part to make a change. Let’s begin with self. Want to change the healthcare system? Begin by taking better care of you. Learn how to fast- it’s the best natural detox one can get! Just give your stomach a break once in a while and see how you feel. You’ll also help save your own economy by not spending money for a day on food and Lattes. More bang for your buck and you’ll feel better too!
Be well!
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Each of us has a duty to self and the collective consciousness.