Good deeds produce good seeds and good fruits that will be reaped not only by us, but also by our children and future generations. Likewise, negative conduct and harmful habits are evil seeds planted knowingly or unknowingly, and their fruits may eventually be reaped, either now or in the future.

Thoughts, whether good or evil, are like seeds planted in the womb of the universe, waiting to produce their fruits one day, with interest.

Hidden evil conduct, deeds, habits, and thoughts possess even greater damaging and destructive capacities, affecting our destinies, our lives, and our future generations. The universe will never forget our evil habits, conduct, and deeds. Likewise, the cosmos will remember our good thoughts, habits, deeds, and actions.

We cannot escape the consequences of our actions and thoughts. However, by constantly redeeming and remoulding our thoughts and deeds toward the highest good of all, our souls, minds, and spirits undergo purification, sanctification, and illumination.

Ifa says, and Yoruba tradition also affirms:

“Agba to bimo sile ko ma sika.”

This means that an elder, whether with or without children, should not do evil. Evil has grave consequences, and those consequences may become generational if they are not rectified, curbed, and eliminated. Evil attracts curses that can negatively affect future generations.

We must therefore fight our vices. The act of doing evil, and even thinking evil toward ourselves or others, is at the foundation of many problems.

Ordinary habits can also become destructive when they are not controlled. Excessive eating that leads to obesity and damage to our organs, drinking alcohol, wine, and unhealthy beverages are among the habits that may trigger negative consequences capable of consuming our lives and affecting future generations.

Constantly reminding ourselves of the need for discipline and improvement is one of the surest ways to develop our souls and fulfil our destinies here and hereafter.

Fear, doubt, anxiety, stress, lack of a prayerful mind, worry, physical inactivity, indolence, laziness, negative thoughts, jealousy, anger, resentment, foul language, sexual misconduct, immorality, lack of respect for tradition, Ori, Orisa, Irunmole, and Olodumare, betrayal, lack of focus, unhealthy competition with family, friends, foes, and relatives, an unforgiving spirit, drunkenness, smoking, mismanagement of time and resources, theft, wastefulness, ingratitude, and other negative actions, deeds, and thoughts are ways through which we plant seeds of destruction that may eventually consume our lives.

We must redeem our lives through a prayerful attitude, a positive mental state, good deeds, positive emotions, education, wise actions, positive thoughts, good feelings, and discipline. These practices must become perpetual and effective.

A lack of consistency and persistence, together with intermittent positive attitudes, leads to stunted growth and limited results.

THE 42-DAY CHALLENGE

We should commit ourselves to forty-two days of thinking good and doing good—for ourselves, our families, and the universe.

Walking and praying for forty-two uninterrupted days, even if only for one hour each day, can become the foundation of a disciplined and divine life. Combine this practice with positive thoughts, good deeds, natural foods, drinking water, helping others, thinking positively about others, strengthening the body through physical exercise and weight training, and avoiding sugar, excess salt, and wheat throughout the forty-two days.

Forty-two days carry spiritual, divine, and profound meaning.

Let us therefore test our strength, focus, commitment, and discipline through this 42-Day Challenge, while incorporating these practices into our normal daily work and responsibilities.

During these forty-two days, we should avoid fighting, anger, and provoking others. We should read, pray, practise gratitude, work, eat moderately, and make water our primary drink.

Those who choose to do so may also incorporate a light fasting discipline, taking their food between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., according to their local time and personal circumstances.

Above all, we must guard our thoughts.

Let the mind remain pure.

Let it be filled with light, love, wisdom, gratitude, and blessings.

Every good thought is a seed.

Every good deed is a seed.

Every disciplined action is a seed.

And the fruits of what we plant today may become blessings not only for ourselves, but for generations yet unborn.

May Olodumare bless you forever.

Ase