The stories are episodic, they’re individual tales. But I thought, what if I created a through-line? What if I created a character that was experiencing all of these things? Then it becomes a story. It becomes a book. That’s how I decided to make it linear. I decided to use a central character who’s experiencing all these things. That’s how I figured out how to tell the story.
H: What do you hope readers take away from Chronicles of Ori? What do you want them to feel or understand?
HR: I want them to understand that this is a form of love. This is a form of appreciation. This is a form of understanding that our ancestors have been stripped of their stories, their history, and their lives. It’s all been taken from them. This is a way to give it all back. This is a way to honor them. This is a way to say thank you to them. This is a way to understand that we are the living embodiment of our ancestors. We are here because of them. In order for us to move forward, we have to understand where we come from. We have to understand who they were, what they did, what they went through. That’s the only way we can move forward.
H: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
HR: This project was hard. It was difficult. It was challenging. But it was also very rewarding. I think that in order to truly understand who we are and where we come from, we have to go back to the beginning. We have to start at the beginning. We have to understand what that was like and what that means for us now. I think that this project really helped me to do that. It really helped me to understand what that means for me as an artist, as a person, and as a human being. I think that’s the most important thing.
Harmonia Rosales, a talented artist, has taken inspiration from Indigenous mythology from around the globe to create a unique narrative that connects the Orishas with historical facts. Just like Ovid did with Greek tales and the history of Caesar, Rosales has woven together a linear overarching narrative with meaning and historical anchoring.
In her creative process, Rosales reimagined some of the mythologies to align them with Earth’s history and the distinct personalities of the Orishas. She took artistic license to connect different cultures and histories, using characters like Oduduwa and Lamuradu to create a story that spans continents and time periods. By drawing from Western religious texts and Indigenous mythologies, Rosales crafted a narrative that highlights the interconnectedness of people and cultures.
For Rosales, the word “reverence” holds significant meaning. It is about remembering and acknowledging all the elements that have shaped her identity and artistry. From her ancestors to the land and trees, reverence is a way of reflecting on the past and appreciating the influences that have guided her creative journey. This sense of reverence is evident in her work, which pays homage to her roots and heritage.
When transitioning from creating exhibitions to presenting a book, Rosales found a new way to share her stories with a wider audience. Inspired by a quote from Toni Morrison, she sees the act of writing as a way to fill a gap and offer a new perspective. By incorporating layers of meaning, symbolism, and metaphors in her writing, Rosales continues to paint with words, inviting readers into her world and inviting them to be part of a larger mission of connecting the diaspora.
The dedication of Rosales’ book to her grandmother speaks to the deep connection she feels to her family and heritage. Through her work, Rosales honors her grandmother’s legacy and traditional practices, passing down the valuable lessons she learned from her. This mission is not just for herself but for all those who feel displaced or unheard, including immigrants and those who share a similar background. As Rosales moves forward with her art, she feels fulfilled in carrying on her grandmother’s legacy and creating a space for others to see themselves reflected in her work. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research supporting the benefits of meditation for mental health. From reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression to improving focus and concentration, meditation can have a profound impact on our mental well-being.
One of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. When we meditate, we focus on our breath or a specific mantra, which helps to quiet the mind and reduce the constant stream of thoughts that can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. By practicing meditation regularly, we can train our minds to stay present and focused, which can help us manage stress more effectively in our daily lives.
In addition to reducing stress, meditation has also been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have found that meditation can help to decrease the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can in turn alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. By calming the mind and promoting a sense of inner peace, meditation can provide relief for those struggling with these mental health conditions.
Furthermore, meditation can also improve focus and concentration. By practicing mindfulness, we can train our minds to stay present and focused on the task at hand. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with attention deficit disorders or have difficulty concentrating. Meditation can help to improve cognitive function and enhance our ability to stay focused on tasks for longer periods of time.
In addition to these benefits, meditation has also been shown to improve overall well-being and promote a sense of inner peace. By practicing meditation regularly, we can cultivate a sense of mindfulness and awareness that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life with more ease and grace. Meditation can help us to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and compassion for ourselves and others, leading to improved relationships and a greater sense of connection with the world around us.
In conclusion, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous and well-supported by research. By incorporating meditation into our daily routine, we can reduce stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhance focus and concentration, and promote overall well-being. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, there is no doubt that the mental health benefits of meditation are truly transformative.
