Greetings! I had originally planned to offer you a different entry today, but like many things in life, a series of unanticipated events changed my plans. To start, I traveled between three states (Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado) in the past seven days. All the while, I learned of the deaths of several people with whom I share one or fewer degrees of separation, and others, such as Madam Dorothy Height, whose life in some way paved the way for me to boldly envision my own. Surely, times like these invite us all to reflect on our purpose and priorities, and indeed celebrate the life that remains available for us to live today. With this as the backdrop, I dedicate this passage to my uncle, Edwin West, Jr., who died of a heart attack just days before the time of this writing at age 58. In honor of the principles he came to love and embody, I invite his presence with this account of his impact on my life. With his permission, I write.
A Lesson in Non-judgment
The first sports car I ever saw in-person was my uncle Junior’s (an orange Datsun 280-Z). He was also the first college student (from the family), fraternity member (Kappa Alpha PSI), track star, and “jet-setter” (models included) I would encounter. Uncle Junior was handsome, charismatic and smart, “The Man” throughout the 70’s and early eighties. Indeed, it seemed he enjoyed all of the exploits that came along with the excesses of that period.
For almost twenty years, I observed the lives of my uncles and male cousins as I attempted to identify the most comfortable and authentic lifestyle for myself. Overall, Uncle Junior, the eldest, exemplified a zest for life that won me over, early. He was cool! Unfortunately, like many in Black and Brown communities from his generation, his lifestyle inevitably ended in incarceration, which also made him the first felon I ever came to know. More than anything, his example raised my standards for living, but taught me to “keep it clean” and plan strategically for the long-term. Bottom-line: All that glitters is not gold! Look beneath the surface for the things of lasting value.
Connecting Through the Past
It would be a decade before I would reconnect with Uncle Junior. By this time, I was married with a family of my own. Ironically, we would live within minutes of each other, occasionally meeting for lunch at his favorite meeting spot. Come to think of it, I still have the lawnmower he let me borrow and refused to take back. Go figure!
Upon reconnecting, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that we shared an interest and passion for ancient cultures, whose wisdom provides the foundation for my coaching work (ontological - the science of being). The most salient of these principles is listed below:
• “Know Who You Are”: Self-mastery is our most important obligation. It is the ONLY practice for living a life of purpose, happiness and fulfillment.
• “Community is Critical”: We cannot go it alone, lest we suffer and languish in isolation. It takes a village to develop and support a healthy, whole person!
• “As Above, Below”: You are a dynamic part of a living ecosystem – a Universe comprised of interconnected life forms and energy frequencies. Everything around you is a reflection of what is occurring within you. Look within for understanding of what you see, and vice-versa. You are a microcosm (little-cosmo) of the Cosmos.
Celebrating a New Phase of Life
It seems poetic justice that Uncle Junior spent the past several years of his life creating a lifestyle free of negativity. Increasingly, he spoke only of love and freedom. What’s more, he belonged to a supportive community of like-minded truth seekers called the Village, who continue to meet regularly to study and fellowship with each other.
Altogether, I am confident that he has transitioned into a dimension of pure energy, love and beauty. In your presence, I publicly wish my uncle well on the next phase of his journey. So, Cheers! Salud! Peace! And Hetep to Ancestor Edwin West Jr., who I know is excited to be among the lineage of others whom he openly and enthusiastically had come to learn from and himself honor. All is well.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you,
Your coach,
Marcus
Marcus is a Newfield Network trained Ontological Coach, which serves as an ideal vehicle to further realize his personal empowerment objectives. Marcus, his wife and four year-old-son live in New Jersey
He can be reached at marcus@blackandbrownnews.com
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