Talismans & Mantras: Part 1
Many, many years ago I began saying to myself, “everything happens for a reason.” Obviously, the phrase itself is far from new and quite overused; but, for reasons I don’t remember, I adopted it as my personal mantra. It became so ingrained and dear to me that I decided to have it—rather, a form of it—tattooed.
(A quick story about that tattoo: I got it while visiting friends in Memphis, TN. The plan was for several of us to get tattoos that day…but I was the only one that walked out of the shop with a tattoo that day…* insert side eye here… *)
Anyway, my logophile brain decided to create an abbreviated version of the phrase: Evhafoarea, pronounced (eva-for-ray-uh) that is now tattooed on my left forearm and serves as a constant reminder. Since then, I’ve lived my life by that philosophy, so much so that when I look back at certain occurrences, it’s as if I’m looking at the inner workings of a machine; each unique and peculiar, positive and negative experience creating new cogs all turning each other to propel me onward.
When I first heard Amanda Gorman speak at the inauguration, I was transfixed. Her poise, voice, articulation and timbre are magnetic. Shortly after, I watched an interview she did with Anderson Cooper and became even more enamored. From that interview, I learned of her mantra: “I’m the daughter of Black writers who are descended from Freedom Fighters who broke their chains and changed the world. They call me.” How powerful and beautiful! Truly, it’s the last sentence that strikes me most. It sends a chill through me every time I hear it and read it. I believe that we’re all here for a reason. We’re all called to fulfill our purpose on this earth, whatever that may be. I also wonder if creatives and those who are creative tend to feel and hear that calling a little more strongly than others. To me, there’s a duality in that phrase, “they call me.” I can only assume that Gorman is referring to her ancestors, but I think those of us with the gift to move masses are also called by those needing to be moved.
In preparation for any performance, Gorman recites her mantra. Our mantras aid us in focusing our energies, training our minds and intentions to deliver. They center and remind us of the paths that we walk; the greatness that we are here to receive and the change we’re here to effect. There’s another mantra of mine that I repeat before going into any nerve-wracking and seemingly insurmountable situation: “You can do anything.” And so far, I haven’t been wrong.
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