Enjoy all that we learn in this honored Elder's presence! Iya Tahirah Abu Bakr is an 84-year-old renowned Elder, an initiated Priestess in the Yoruba tradition, and the founder of the St. Croix Council of Elders. Iya Tahirah is also a healer, teacher, storyteller, diviner, shamanic practitioner, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In our conversation, she shared the wisdom and demonstrated that the practice of elderhood is not about age or position; it is about community, commitment and self-awareness.

Iya's love for humanity manifests through the importance she places on relationships with ourselves, the natural world, the food we eat, and especially our connections to each other. She holds space for our healing as individuals and our local and global communities.

In the amazing novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, author Angeline Boulley wrote, "I'm reminded that our Elders are our greatest resource, embodying our culture and community. Their stories connect us to our language, medicines, land, clans, songs, and traditions. They are a bridge between the Before and the Now, guiding those of us who will carry on in the Future." Iya's connections to the physical and spiritual worlds, her leadership and guidance in communal healing is connected to her ongoing evolution as an elder and citizen of the planet.  Listen to her stories in parts one and two of our interview; hear how Iya is living success fully and successfully on her own terms.

Learn more about Iya's work and the services she offers to individuals and community groups at iyatahirah.com

Editing services provided by Canton Media.

Thank you for joining me for some sister love!

I'm on social if you want to see how it all began for me on those YouTube streets or listen to my original poetry on SoundCloud. Say hi, share your thoughts on an episode, send a personal message with questions or suggestions for upcoming episode topics for the podcast. I have no affiliation, implied or otherwise, with the public figures mentioned or quoted in any episodes. My only association is as a fan and sharing their wisdom.

Thank you for joining me for a successful journey. Walk good!

SoundCloud: Deb.Be.
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Thanks again. Blessings.