The Octavia Butler Effect & Mini Brain Experiments
Art by Sadamasa Motonga
Congratulations, we made it to September, and Mercury retrograde is right around the corner. Life is good, signed copies of Black Gypsies have gone out into the world, and reception is positive for both books. This week I’ve been thinking about manifestation via the use of affirmations.
My first introduction to Octavia E. Butler was in a high school literature class. We had to read Kindred, which was intense yet great. I also remember fervently arguing about the possible existence of time travel with the teacher and classmates. Butler’s a true trailblazer in science fiction which is extra crazy because she’s a black woman in that space and there wasn’t much diversity in that genre back in the day.
I had my doubts about affirmations when I was younger, but I’m always one to test things out, experiment, and return to rituals, especially if it involves self improvement-one of my secondary passions.
Earlier this year I fell back down the affirmation rabbit hole thanks to some podcasts. Impact Theory introduced me to Dr. Joe Dispenza who talks at length about affirmations and the science behind it here. John Assaraf talks about reading your goals/affirmations everyday here and visualizing these things happening. He also talks about creating new neural patterns by frequently saying affirmations, I believe for 66 days in a row, and this is the wave I’m on.
Obviously, you see just about everything on Butler’s list came to fruition. She’s a legend in the game. So I figured, why not give it a shot? I’ve written down a series of “I am…” affirmations on a notecard many moons ago, and read it multiple times a day. Another ritual I do is morning and nighttime affirmations. I listen to different affirmation videos on youtube when I’m still in that sleepy state. Experts say your subconscious mind is more susceptible to affirmations during the theta state so I try to stay on top of it. We’re trying to reprogram our brains for the better out here.
An important part of manifestation is being aware of your thoughts throughout the day. I tell my tarot clients all the time, you can manifest your worst fears if you feed your negative thoughts enough food and the same goes for positive thoughts as well. Writing down your intentions on paper increases your chances of manifestation and allows the universe to hear you loud and clear. I try to stay on the positive side of things. I do sincerely believe I’ve manifested some opportunities through affirmations and visualization. I’ll report back here if I feel like certain things have manifested and y’all could say Grant really did that shit. I meditate everyday and keep a gratitude journal, which are both tools that help increase manifestation efforts, but that might be a post for another day, diving into those realms.
I finally held Black Gypsies in my hand for the first time yesterday. Beautiful book. Should be getting my copies of God’s Leftovers in the mail very soon.
On the writing front, I’m making steady progress on Project Bullet Baby and I’m having a lot of fun. I feel more confident in general so I feel like I’m molding it just the way I like. Also, I’m putting the finishing touches on Project Hum for a mystery publisher. A good amount of readers have been asking for sequels and prequels so I might fulfill that demand sooner than later. I like to keep my plate full and the people happy.
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Ozark Season 1 & House of the Dragon Season 1
I never finished the last two seasons of GOT, but I enjoyed what I watched immensely. I had slight reservations going into House of Dragon, but the first two episodes are absolute bangers. They’re setting things up wonderfully.
Currently Reading: Ill Behavior by M. Steven S. & Berserk by Kentaro Miura & God Damn Chainsaw Murderer by Sean M. Thompson & Nudes by Elle Nash & Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Currently Smoking: Alien Labs Y2K Flower
Currently Listening to: Black Tapes Podcast & The Danny Brown Podcast
June Marieezy aka ((( o ))) crafts a beautifully yet spiritually beaming song called “Fall in Me.” Earthy raw visuals saturated in amazing lighting.
“Oh you thought I was feeling you?”
Shoutout to Ice Spice, putting these Munches in their place. Let’s keep it a bean, the Bronx native went off in this catchy ass song.
Joji’s moody pop ballads have been growing on me this ear. Drenched in melancholy and surreal visuals…this is my type of party.
“fake friends and chemical temptation…”
Miya Folick claims to have done a bad thing in this indie pop record, but it sounds good as hell to me. First I’ve heard Mya, but I’ll keep my ear out for more music in the future.
Roll up, read some good books, make good art, and kiss someone you love…and don’t forget to do your affirmations.
