Niyah Center: Engage Educate Empower: Recent Episodes
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Engage Educate Empower is brought to you by Niyah (“knee-yah”) Center, an interreligious, empowerment, and holistic wellness community. Niyah means purpose and intention.
Niyah Center is a platform for all people who desire to live a fulfilled life and contribute to the collective good. Each of us is bestowed with Divine purpose and gifts that uniquely manifest through each of us. Living and contributing these gifts is our reason for being. Niyah champions greater intentionality in connecting to your gifts and generously sharing them with the world.
The method is “Insight + Application = Results.” The programs are “Sacred Space Spiritual Talks,” “AllVerse: Poetry, Prose & Purpose,” and “Conversations that Engage Educate Empower.”
The hosts are Neonu Jewell, Theologian, Attorney, Entrepreneur, and Founder Niyah Center and Marc Christmas, Reiki Master, Poet, Teacher, and Niyah Center Director of Holistic Wellness. Follow us on social media and at www.niyahcenter.org. Welcome and thank you for listening.
Come along with Marc Christmas, the Director of Wellness at Niyah Center, and Neonu Jewell, the Founder and Spiritual Director in a captivating episode of Sacred Space Sunday, where we explore our inner spirits under the light of sacred texts, wisdom from sages, and implementable strategies for personal transformation. Engage in profound conversations aimed towards creating a heartfelt environment filled with oneness, love, and joy.
Dedicating this episode to the significance of Black History Month, we focus on the theme for 2024 – African African-Americans and the Arts. Learn more about the origins of Black History Month, first celebrated in 1915 in Chicago by Carter G. Woodson, and how it evolved into a national commemoration in 1986. The episode also introduces little-known facts about John Morant, the pioneering black preacher, and discusses the influence of historical personalities such as Woodson and W.E.B Du Bois.
Apart from honoring Black History Month, the hosts also underscore the importance of Heart Health Month, observed in February. Gain insights into the concerning data about cardiovascular diseases – the leading cause of death among women, and learn how mindful health routines can help mitigate this risk.
Celebrate the zodiac sign of Aquarius, uniquely recognized for traits such as assertiveness, independence, and progression. This episode elevates the idea of everyone living a meaningful life, irrespective of its length, by embracing the power of affirmations and practicing self-love.
We invite listeners to participate in our meditation session and form deeper connections with their divine energy. Further, engage in discussions and explore spiritual teachings to achieve growth and prosperity. Join us in this enlightening journey and be part of our 'Sacred Space Sunday.'
Our poignant conversation, titled "More in 2024," discusses "Seven Ways towards Spiritual Growth" and deepens into the themes of spirituality, faith, and personal transformation. Learn practical ways to connect deeper with your faith and embark on a comprehensive path for spiritual growth.
Our philosophies are inclusive, inviting everyone to participate in the dialogue, irrespective of their beliefs. We conclude by prioritizing spiritual desires over material ones and encouraging the application of these teachings for real-life transformation. Join us in this inspiring episode and discover more about faith, spirituality, personal growth, and making the most of each day.
Daydream: a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.
Affirmation: "I give myself permission to daydream without restriction."
Affirmation: “I allow myself to release all that separates me from Source-God. I embrace the now moment as limitless, knowing I can Be Do Have anything I want when I align with Source-God. I choose alignment now.”
In this episode, we discuss the meaning of endings and beginnings. When you think about the end of 2023, how does it feel in your body? What is your relationship to endings, generally? How can you shift your perception of endings?
Affirmation: “I am giving and receiving freely and generously, with an open heart and mind.”
What would be “The Best Gift Ever” for yourself? Show kindness and forgiveness, and give yourself a present. You deserve it, no matter what anyone else says. Self-gifting is an act of self-love, and love makes the world brighter. In this episode, we discuss five invaluable gifts you deserve to give yourself. Also, we share a gifting exercise that keeps giving throughout the year.
Affirmation: “Gratitude fills my soul. I am grateful for the many ways I am thankful and appreciative of my life.” - Neonu Jewell
Gratitude is transformative and distinct from appreciation and thankfulness. Listen to learn more about the life-changing power of gratitude.
Application: https://youtu.be/wAReBDFblvM?si=aSVH8FOWhiJ70sgr
Affirmation: “God Loves Me With an Everlasting Love, and We Are In This Together.”
What is your relationship status meaning? When should you ask what is your relationship status? What's your relationship status with God? Before we can have healthy relationships with people, we must have a thriving relationship with God. This spiritual conversation explores all of this and more...
Affirmation: “I am the master of my thoughts, reactions, and experiences not circumstances. I release stress and overwhelm. I choose peace, freedom, ease, appreciation, happiness, compassion, connection, and Love.”
Follow the 6 STRESS steps to overcome stress and overwhelm in your life.
S - See It and Slow | T – Try to Identify the Triggers | R – Relax ...
Affirmation: “I am peaceful, I am grateful, I am joyful, I am kind to every living thing, I am doing my best.”
Reiki is a method of healing that dates back to about 2,500 years but was forgotten for a long time. In the nineteenth century, Dr. Mikao Usui rediscovered the system. Reiki roots come from India, having passed through Tibet and China to Japan, where Dr. Mikao Usui rediscovered it. What does Reiki do Spiritually? Where does it come from? Does Reiki change your life? Does it heal? This episode answers these questions, tells you how to do a healing self-treatment, and so much more.
Affirmation: Where my focus goes, Source Energy/God flows. Right now, I focus on beliefs that feel good and serve me. I am worthy of all good, all the time.
- What do I mean by arguing for your limitations?
- Why do we do it? What’s in it for us?
- Why should we stop?
- How can we stop and what can we expect?
- Insight + Application = Results: 7 Steps from Limitation to Thriving
Affirmation: Where my focus goes, Source Energy/God flows. Right now, I focus on beliefs that feel good and serve me. I am worthy of all good, all the time.
- What do I mean by arguing for your limitations?
- Why do we do it? What’s in it for us?
- Why should we stop?
- How can we stop and what can we expect?
- Insight + Application = Results: 7 Steps from Limitation to Thriving
Affirmation: “I love myself and others kindly and generously. I am excited about my life. I move forward courageously and excitedly.”
Scripture: “Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to make it my own…Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God.” -Philippians 3:12-14 NRSV
The Motto: Why “Forward” Is The Only Direction
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."
In this episode, Marc Christmas reminds us that we often see people become victims of their circumstances and life challenges. When life gets brutal or depressing, many people adopt a negative perspective and comment on how unfair their life is; how they should have been born into better circumstances with more money; how they should have been given better opportunities; or how things should have happened differently for them. Maybe you’ve seen people like this, too.
Well, the truth is that life will happen—sometimes for the better and sometimes for the... The one true thing that we will always have 100% control over is our response to these events. How can we not move forward when we adopt a constant and never-ending improvement mindset by constantly looking for opportunities in any situation?
“Motivating you to Keep Moving Forward – the ONLY direction!”—is his way of reminding you that something can always be learned from any given outcome or event in life. Listen to learn how.
Affirmation: "When I BE-come aligned with Spirit, I can Do and Have Everything I desire."
Learn why your emotions, not your circumstances, are your guide to clarity about what to do, not do, and when.
Affirmation: “I attract joy and joyful situations to me.”
You deserve happiness, and you deserve joy in your life. But sometimes, life can get in the way. Using affirmations for joy can help you see the power of the joy you hold and the joy you have yet to tap into.
What is Joy? Why is joy so important? How can you find joy when life circumstances are hard? This episode delves into these questions and provides answers you can take action on today.
Affirmation: "Today is a Very Good Day. I am more open and receptive to Spirit than I have been before. Today is a Very Good Day.”
There are 10 Spiritual Laws you should know that will transform your perspective of life and your relationship to it and Spirit. Understanding and embracing these laws is the key that opens the door to the life you dream and the Spiritual connection that is your birthright. None are excluded; all are included. It is the path to Oneness, Love, and Joy. Most importantly, it is already programmed into your nature. You only need to believe IT and become open and receptive to reconnecting.
Affirmation: “God sees through my eyes, hears through my ears, touches through my hands, and speaks through my voice. I am one with God.”
In this episode, Marc Christmas explores "What is Oneness?"
Oneness is not something you need to qualify for spiritually to experience. It’s free and readily available to everyone, regardless of their faith. Listen and learn how.
Affirmation: "Today is my graduation day. I strived and persevered. I appreciate all the experiences, love, and support that brought me here. I am excited for and allow all the wonderful experiences coming my way!" - Neonu Jewell
In this episode, we discuss academic versus spiritual graduation - the road to graduation, how graduation feels, what comes next, life without graduation dreams, and the need for daily spiritual graduation.
Affirmation: “There is only the Law of Attraction. There is no law of assertion. The Universe-God always says “Yes.” God-Source only responds to how I feel, not what I say or do.”
We live in a society that says the highest ethic is work. Work is privileged. It is a sign of good character. To be called a “hard worker” is a high compliment. Even though people may think it is unhealthy to be a workaholic, it is an addiction promoted throughout society. Hours are longer; seamless connectivity is greater. Why?
The Truth is that there is no law of work, effort, or assertion. There is only the Law of Attraction.
Yes is a magic word. No, it is. "Yes" has the power to unlock some of life’s greatest treasures, but often we reserve our "yeses" for the stuff we feel obligated to do, like that extra project your boss asked you to take on or the trip you have to take with your friends. But what if you started saying "yes" to significant challenges, out-of-your-comfort zone opportunities, and invitations to connect with others?
In this episode, Marc Christmas gives you 8 Reasons to unleash the Power of Saying Yes.
Affirmation: “Everything works out perfectly for me. I am creating my dream life.”
"The Universe always says yes!"
Bible Scripture
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not “Yes and No”; but in him it is always “Yes.” For in him every one of God's promises is a “Yes.” For this reason, it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NRSV
https://bible.com/bible/2016/2co.1.19-20.NRSV
Affirmation
“I choose to live in the Now moment. I release resistance to Now. In the Now eternal moment, I feel Oneness to Source, Love, Ease, Peace, and Happiness.”
Conversation
On this Sacred Space Sunday episode, we discuss whether "Now" is all that matters. We share seven (7) reasons to choose to live in the now and barriers to living in the now. We close with an application of the insight to support Flow – the energy of Oneness, Ease, Wellness, Love, Fun, and Joy.
Affirmation - “I am letting love into my life. I feel surrounded by love everywhere. I receive love in abundance from everyone I meet. My love is precious. My heart is open. The love I seek also seeks me. The Universe is guiding me to love.”
Spiritual Conversation: Love is one of the most important human emotions. Yet despite being one of the most studied behaviors, it is still the least understood. In this episode, we explore "what is love," drawing from sources across traditions.
Community Co-created "Love Is" Poem:
Love is - kind, giving, joyful, passionate, glee, fun, caring, sharing, trusting, forgiving, living, everything, everywhere, being, a spiritual force, grateful, enduring, quiet, simple, whole, abundant, loud, crazy, total, now, tomorrow, sun, wind, snow, clouds, earth, you, me, we. - Sacred Space Sunday community 2/19/23
Some spiritual traditions and communities emphasize gratitude. Gratitude is good, but appreciation is better. Listen to learn why.
Affirmation: “I am worthy of all good things. I appreciate all my good and my abundant life.” - Neonu Jewell
I
Some may recall the point where universal salutations of Merry Christmas were outed as Christocentric, assuming everyone was Christian and thus celebrating Christmas. Many traditions have holy days and celebrations in December. This holy season, ask yourself what am I celebrating? What is your intention, what values are you upholding, and what do you expect to result from your actions and words?
Affirmation: I celebrate Christ-consciousness, my awareness of my Oneness with God within. This holy season, I stay grounded in the presence of God and radiate Love through my intentions, words, and actions.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpXd_Kv0QMI
Affirmation: I am eternally grateful for all of the blessings I have in my life. I am happy and grateful for everything I have and receive daily. I constantly remind myself to enjoy all the good I have in my life right now. I express deep appreciation for the small steps I achieve each day.
Talk: Marc Christmas discusses the meaning and power of gratitude to improve health, happiness, and your spiritual connection.
Supplemental "Science of Gratitude" video: https://youtu.be/JMd1CcGZYwU
This episode discusses Neonu's participation in the 2020 Festival of Faiths, Radical Acceptance, Being a Spiritual Revolutionary, Loving your Neighbor Across Differences, and much more.
Affirmation – “My life is a gift, my health is a blessing, and this new day is filled with awesome potential. I have the capacity to bring something wholly new and unique and good into this world.”
This episode is an exploration of the Christian belief in God's will through consideration of 1) God’s Will of Decree, or Sovereign Will and 2)God’s Will of Command.
Life’s more unsettling developments can knock us off-balance sometimes. We may find out that we’re not going to get the job that we thought we wanted, be told that we are manifesting some form of dis-ease, note financial deficits, or are worried about a relationship we fear may fall apart. At times like these, we must trust and believe – knowing that the highest and best outcome is on its way to us.
In this episode we discuss
- What do I mean by “Bridging the Gap: Belief to Manifestation?”
- Why do we need to bridge the gap?
- How do we bridge the gap?
The human species is made from and of minerals. Learn why you should and how you can transition from a flesh-based diet to a plant-based live-it!
Niyah, Niyyah, and Nia mean purpose and intention. Our purpose, the intention of our life is to remember, rediscover, and reconnect with our Divine nature, Infinite Self, God. We are individualized expressions of God the One Mind, Source Energy, given the power to think-create instantaneously. We are both physical and spiritual beings, creative emissaries. We can Be Do Have anything we want.
Affirmation: I am open and receptive to God’s good as it manifests in every phase of my life now.
Why should you share your testimony?
When we share our truth with others and they respond with empathy and compassion this alleviates shame on a massive level. Not only does sharing our testimony help us heal, but our story can be the catalyst for healing in others' lives.
How often are you asked "how are you?" It is almost a throwaway phrase. We say it unconsciously and most often we answer it unconsciously. This episode discusses how to redefine your relationship with this often asked question to intentionally affirm who you Truly are and what you really want from life.
Faith is knowledge, assent, and trust in the Ultimate. Of the three components, trust is the key. What does faith give us? Faith is what helps to get us through, illuminating the pathway in times of darkness. It gives us strength in times of weakness. Without faith, we are like a stream without water.
Listen for the 5 reasons why knowledge, assent, and trust in faith are key to life and like a stream.
Happiness is a choice. Happiness stems from your thoughts. Where your thoughts go energy flows.
- Focus > Feel > Stop > Redirect > Feel Good
Affirmation: Gratefully and gracefully, I accept my place in the order of all that is, and I know that, despite any appearances to the contrary, all things—always—are coming together for good. Acceptance is the key to peace The Keys to Peace of Mind We can only experience peace by accepting ourselves and the present. That doesn't mean things can't change. It just means we end the pain of resistance. The key to peace is making peace within yourself first. It is our inherently selfish, egoistic, and hateful nature that drives us towards ruthless, exclusive competition, fighting for resources and survival. Achieving peace of mind must be the central and most important organizing principle of your entire life. It must always be the ultimate objective and goal to which all your other goals align. I will boldly assert that you can only be successful at business and life to the degree to which you can achieve your own happiness, your own contentment, your own sense of personal well-being -- in short, your own peace of mind. - Bible verses: Mark 4:35-40 NRSV, Psalm 37:23,Psalms 46:5, 10-11 NRSV
Collective meditation in memoriam, grace, and gratitude for the Divine beings recently returned to Source
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1 For the first time in 30 years Passover, Easter, and Ramadan aligned. A true season for fasting, renewal, and celebration of faith, oneness, love, and joy.
Negative thinking can contribute to issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, impostor syndrome, and low self-esteem. This discussion offers specific strategies to increase your mindfulness and self-awareness, retuning your negative thoughts and attitudes.
Sacred Space Sunday, where we engage in interactive, interreligious, & socially conscious conversations. In this episode, we discuss the spiritual meaning of Agape/Metta love. “I am One with the Power that created me. That Power is Love. I am Love. I Love Myself. I am boundless compassion, infinite empathy, friendship, passion, and nurturing care. The transcendent Power of Love guides my thoughts, words, and actions.” -Neonu Jewell