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Use Your Core

May 06, 2021 by Samjah Iman in Motivation

I’m still here. I’ve been doing a lot of writing for Hello Beautiful (yay!) which has been taking up the majority of my creative time. I’m flowing, not forcing things, and not crowding up my schedule these days. I’ve fallen in love with my new-found flexibility, and it’s making life more peaceful for me. It has taken me yeeeeaaarrrrssss to get to this place in my life, and I’m grateful.

Another thing that has been tremendously working for me is yoga. I know I’ve spoken about my yoga practice on here before, but during this time in my life I’m even more dedicated to it. It’s like a religion to me now. I practice it 3 times a week with a yogi (Black Yoga Bae) and 6 to 7 times a week on my own. In class, one of the main things my yoga teacher repeats constantly is, “use your core”. Whenever we are struggling to make a pose work or make our body move in an unfamiliar way, she emphasizes how using our core will help us conquer the feat. She is right. Because every time I go to pick myself up from a low lunge to Warrior 3 pose, it’s my core that supports and guides me. It’s amazing how when I don’t use my core, I struggle to get into position. But when I do rely on my core, it’s much easier to transition to the next pose. This truth also applies to my life.

Outfit Details: Tee // Jeans // Purse (Free People, old)

My center holds all the answers. It’s where my creator resides. When I make moves without being led by my core, I’m shaky. But when I allow my core to lead me, I’m unwavering and firm in my decision and purpose.

Strength and wisdom live in our core, and when we use it to sustain or guide us in any move we make we’re in alignment. This doesn’t mean the move won’t be uncomfortable or we won’t stumble at times, it means that we are cultivating our inner power, exercising our control, and strengthening our endurance. The core is where it’s at. Use it.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

I Am the Daughter Of...

October 08, 2020 by Samjah Iman in Motivation

A week or so ago I wasn’t feeling that black girl magic aura around me. My body was acting funny, my environment seemed cluttered, work was piling up, and my motivation was dwindling. I needed a boost. I needed to be reminded that I still had the power to move forward despite the stress that surrounded me. I eventually surrendered to my feelings and opened myself up to receive anything positive. And not too soon after I pleaded for any type of encouragement or motivation, I checked my email.

Rooted in Royalty Tee_Gifted Apparel_Samjah Iman_Style and Energy_Black Fashion Blogger

Months ago my good friend forwarded me an email which included an invitation to join a 21-day walking meditation series that highlighted black women and their accomplishments in history. This series was hosted by Girl Trek - an organization that advocates for the mental and physical health of black women. This is the same organization that hosted the beautiful live discussion on Facebook between Angela Davis and Nikki Giovanni. So of course I signed up for the series….it was my type of groove. However - I didn’t keep up with the series like I wanted to. So a week or so ago when I was pleading to get out of my funk, I opened my email and saw that Girl Trek was hosting another 21-day walking prayer meditation that highlighted more phenomenal, relatable black people. I joined it, and jumped on the call the next day. Long story short…my soul thanked me.

I got on the call, and the two ladies who created Girl Trek were having an informal conversation about the struggles we as black women face daily and how they’ve pushed through them. It felt like home. It was like being on a three-way call with my girls. They laughed, shed some tears, excitedly finished each other’s sentences, and then they had someone pray over everyone on the call. But the main thing they did that caught my attention was summons their ancestors for strength. They reached back and borrowed some of that tenacity our foremothers so graciously carried with them through life’s trials. I felt the power of that conjure. My spirit was touched. I began to feel alive again immediately.

Sometimes we not only have to remind ourselves who we are, but from whom we came. Those ladies on that call got me thinking about my lineage. I thought about how my mother overcame some of her biggest battles in life, how my grandmother (on my mother’s side) believed in pressing on no matter how dark the day looked, and how my great-grandmother (on my father’s side) took on the responsibility of toiling in the fields (after the death of her husband) in order to continue to feed all of their children. After hanging up that call and thinking about my predecessors, my chest was swollen with pride. I stood right where I was and said to myself, “I am the daughter of Pamela, who is the daughter of Gladys, who is the daughter of Georgia Ann, who is the daughter of Momma Aim.” Resilience runs through my blood. Love runs through my blood. Discipline runs through my blood. Perseverance runs through my blood. Royalty runs through my blood. Prayers were released into the atmosphere for me before I even set foot on this earth. I will not lose.

“No weapon formed against me shall prosper, ‘cause I’m walking with the prayers of my mother. ”

— India Arie

I encourage you all to reach back into your lineage for some strength. Know that we all come from some powerful sisters and brothers whether we know them or not. Remember the power we seek is already in us. All we have to do is tap into it.

Rooted in Royalty,

Pam’s Daughter

Outfit Details: Shirt // Pants (old)

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

If you would like to join the call, it’s not too late. It takes place every week day (not weekends) at 11 am CST. The information to call in is below. If you need some uplifting, please call…..you won’t regret it!

Dial: 1 (646) 876-9923 CODE: 734464325 (push pound after you enter the code and then the recording will ask you for another code or give you the option to push pound again - push pound again.)

Quarantine Confession...

March 26, 2020 by Samjah Iman in Style, Energy

I have a confession. I think I may have played a part in conjuring up this crisis we are currently in *nervously bites nails*. I know, I know….I apologize! You see…I’m working on this manifestation thing, and I’m still learning how to be precise with the universe. But just hear me out before you plot my demise, okay?

About a month ago I was over everything that drained my energy. Men were getting on my last nerve, and the world was too loud for my central system. So I cried out to the universe (God), Mary, Joseph, Peter, friends, strangers, the trees, my ancestors, and whoever would listen and asked for a break. I repeatedly said I needed a break from men and the world. I said it so much that it was all I thought about. The next thing I knew the world started shutting down, and everyone was forced to watch the pandemonium unfold behind their sanitized doors. At first I didn’t connect my wishes to what was going on, but a question from a friend made me realize that my plead had been heard.

In an effort to look at the bright side of our current crisis, my friend decided to ask her social media followers what positive things were happening as a result of being quarantined. She stated that she had finally met her neighbor after being in her house for quite some time. Another person stated that they were able to spend more time with their kid. I’m an introvert so it didn’t take me long to come up with several positive things that have transpired during my quarantine. Hell, I self-quarantine every chance I get when the world is normal. But I decided to think beyond the surface before I answered the question….and it came to me. This quarantine gave me the break I had been manifesting since January.

I’ve been vowing to slow down since 2019, but every time I turned around something or someone was in my face. Being that I get my energy from solitude and there was no solitude happening in my world, I was internally drowning. I didn’t have time to sort things out or to make the best decisions because I felt overwhelmed. Creating was pushed to the back burner and dating even became a burden. I wanted a timeout so bad that I confessed to a gentleman, while sitting across from him on a date, that I needed a break from him and any species that resembled him. I was meeting this person over here, going to several events, taking a picture in between, and responding to requests, emails, texts, calls, and inquiries on top of all those things. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY TOO MUCH! So slowly I began to clear my schedule, but I wasn’t doing the best job at it; therefore, I asked for help. And boy did I get it!!

Although the reason behind this quarantine truly sucks, I can’t help but express my sincere gratitude for it. Not only am I completing a lot of tasks, I’m also getting that much-needed time to sort through some thoughts and feelings. My mindset is shifting. I’m relearning some things. I’m having essential, detailed conversations and enjoying the process of gradual maturation. When this is all said and done, I think I’m going to have an interesting story to share. Stay tuned y’all.

Quarantining and Smiling,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Relationship Pending Tee // Flare Pants

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

I Asked 25 People What They're Saying No To in 2020. Here Are Their Responses...

January 03, 2020 by Samjah Iman in Energy

I learn something from every person I encounter. I’m intrigued by getting into people’s minds and listening to their perspectives on life because it expands my understanding. So I decided to randomly ask 25 people (male and female, minorities and majorities) what they planned on saying NO to in 2020 (and of course I included my response in the bunch). I wasn’t seeking any new year’s resolutions from my subjects. Instead, my goal was to see what they plan to disassociate themselves from as a result of their 2019 experiences. I didn’t give them a topic nor did I tell most of them their responses would be on my blog. I just popped the question during casual conversation, and you better believe the answers were not only organic - but interesting to say the least.

I know what some of you may be thinking - why focus on what you’re going to say no to instead of what you are going to say yes to? I get it. But isn’t saying no to some things kind of the same as saying yes to some things? For example, if I vow to say no to processed sugar for 2020, doesn’t that actually mean I’m saying yes to a somewhat healthier way of eating? Yup, it does. So put your positive police badge down for a second and get into these very entertaining and insightful responses below. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these answers in your 2020 journey.

“What will you be saying NO to in 2020?”

S.J - “I’m saying no to procrastination.”

M.B. - “Settling.”

J.J. - “A circle that’s not beneficial.”

M.M. - “Fuckery!”

B.R. - “I’m saying no to people who steal my good energy.”

T.G. - “I’m saying no to spam emails…..hitting that unsubscribe button with the quickness!”

K..L. - “I’m saying no to yesterday.”

M.S. - “I ain’t saying no to nothing unless it’s something I need to say no to.”

T.S. - “Anything that no longer suits the life I want to live.”

H.L. - “You.”

J.K. - “I’m saying no to brownnosing to make insecure adults feel good. Their self-esteem is their job.”

Y.H. - “Events without food.”

T.R. - “Social media bandwagons.”

C.S. - “I’m saying no to standing in my own damn way!”

A.C. - “Broke men!”

C.R. - “I’m saying no to people who want to vent without being constructive.”

B.S. - “This job and bacon.”

P.S. - “I’m saying no to being impatient. We can mess up the process when we move too fast and don’t let things take root.”

N.B. - “Unhealthy food….it’s time out for that shit.”

T.G. - “Cheap liquor.”

R.E. - “Feeling the need to laugh at not-so-funny jokes so things won’t get awkward.”

S.S. - “People pleasing, I’m done trying to make people comfortable while making myself uncomfortable. Oh, and I’m also saying no without an explanation in most situations. No means no, and that’s all you need to know.”

W.H. - “I’m saying no to group texts that I didn’t ask to be a part of.”

D.F. - “I’m definitely saying no to playing small and to anything that doesn’t serve me.”

G.J. - I’m rebuking ice-cream in 2020. It’s the devil! Okay….no I’m not, Guess I need to say no to lying in 2020, huh?”

And there you have it, 25 things from 25 people that are being thrown out of the window this year. May your 2020 be filled with all the peace and more blessings than you can stand!

Outfit Details: Retired Hot Girl Sweatshirt

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Photo Credit: https://mandmphotographygallery.com/

I'm Someone's Daughter Too....

July 11, 2019 by Samjah Iman in Style

The idea for this shirt came to me organically. I was having a conversation with a young man a while ago about his immature behavior. In order to make him deeply understand where I was coming from I said to him, “be the kind of man you’d want your daughter to date or be friends with.” He had no rebuttal.

That evening, I was venting to my mother about the behavior of some men and how I was sick of it. I then told her about my conversation, and I reiterated the fact that I wanted men to treat women like they would want someone to treat their daughters. My mother began co-signing my proclamation and in the middle of her praise, I interrupted her and said, “Ma, that should really be on a shirt.” And here we are…..

Although this shirt evolved from my experiences with some males. It actually speaks to both men and women. Check out what I’m talking about below.

Men – this movement has nothing to do with how you actually treat your daughter or how you will treat your future daughter. It has everything to do with how you want another man to treat her and you reciprocating that behavior when it comes to other girls/women. When you encounter a female, be mindful of the fact that your own daughter (or future daughter) will be navigating this world one day – plant some good seeds for her karma.
~ Talk to us like you would want someone to talk to your daughter.
~ Be considerate of our feelings like you wish for someone to be considerate of your daughter’s feelings.
~ Don’t govern our bodies because you wouldn’t want another man governing your daughter’s body.
~ Protect and stand up for us like you hope someone will do for your baby girl.

Keep in mind that every female you meet, deal with, have a friendship with, a relationship with, etc. is someone’s daughter. Treat her as such.

Women – Show your fellow woman the same grace you would want another female showing your daughter.
~ Don’t stare her up and down with negativity burning through your eyes.
~ Don’t publicly support her then silently pray for her downfall.
~ Lift her up with beautiful words and unending inspiration just like you would want someone to lift your little girl up.
~ Don’t be nasty to her because her abilities make you feel insecure.
~ Don’t hate when you see God’s favor shining through the fruits of her labor.

The last thing you would want is for someone to do any of these things to your daughter….or even you – you’re somebody’s daughter too.

Self – Ladies, let’s love ourselves as if we are our own daughters. Let’s give ourselves the understanding, unconditional love, patience, grace, and forgiveness we would give our little girls. Let’s take care of ourselves and have mercy on ourselves, all while keeping in mind that we aren’t perfect - but as close to perfection as it will get.

We are divine energy personified. We are constantly evolving. We are walking, talking blessings. Let’s act accordingly.

This shirt is the beginning of a campaign - a campaign to hold ourselves and our men accountable. Join the campaign by purchasing your shirt here.

P.S. - There is a only a limited supply of these shirts for now. I wanted to introduce them to my subscribers first before I put them on social media. I hope you will consider spreading this message by purchasing a t-shirt….if not, it’s all good…..I’m still rocking with ya! xoxoxo

Oh and one more thing, check out my recent Essence Festival recap here! My email system did something crazy earlier this week and sent an old post out…oh well - s%^& happens!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Free Mind

March 10, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Chokolat Creme, Style Review

"Free your mind and the rest will follow." - En Vogue

I believe a free mind is essential in order to live the best life you can possibly live. Freeing my mind is something that I have been working on for a while. I used to be caught up in certain standards and perceptions that I just couldn't let go, but the more I experience life, the more my mind opens up.

My friend sent me a picture of some jeans that had chains attached to them. I decided to try and create my own. I hadn't worn these jeans in a minute because the cut on the thigh area was too wide. So I decided to take my chain necklace and loop it through the holes in my jeans. It worked out perfectly for me.

This statement t-shirt was created by Chokolat Creme. We aim to promote liberation, forward thinking, and openness; hence, the "Free Mind Tee."

I told you guys that I would start adding some pop colors to my wardrobe....boom!

If you are a believer in having a free/open mind, check this t-shirt out by clicking the outfit details below or by clicking shop above. Until next time....

- Samjah Iman

Is your mind free?

Photo Credit: Sailor Jackson Jr. (Facebook Page)

Outfit Details: Free Mind Tee // Shoes - Steve Madden (old) // BDG Jeans - Urban Outfitters (old) // Felicitat Sunglasses