By Cassandra Bellarei
Happy Birthday to an epic Aquarian, musician and humanitarian, Bob Marley. I remember I was about 16 years old when I was introduced to his music and it hit me. It hit me in my heart and soul. While some people just like the reggae vibe, it goes way beyond that. I remember being at a basement apartment party and while people were having conversations, playing games or looking for someone to make out with, I was sitting by the speaker just listening to Bob — all night. I was captivated by the energy, the essence, the stories and messages he shared in his songs. He was fully inspired, fully alive and living with purpose. To this day, 30 some years later, I will still get deeper layers of messages and meanings coming through the air waves.
I remember hearing Elvis say in a movie recently, “If you can’t say it, sing it.” Well Bob did both and that often caused a commotion for some. In Livicated, a documentary by Erik Crown, he chronicles Roger Steffens’ Legendary Reggae Archives. Bob was, and still is, an instrument to awaken conscious hearts and minds. His music and much of reggae music is revolutionary, because it’s about over turning a system and instigating cultural change. His message was of love and unity. This message is still relevant to this day.
“I’ll Fight This World With Music” ~ Bob Marley
There have been numerous books, videos and movies devoted to this legendary human. I am not going to cover that. I do want to offer some of his words, his lyrics and messages to honor him and the legacy of love and hope he continues to spread through his music. In his words, “Love will never leave us alone…”
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds…” One of my favorites and reminds me of the ancient Yoga Sutras and the dynamics of the mind; how to free yourself from old programming, conditioning. Our mind is so powerful, it is a garden of creation or destruction. Bob wants you to be free.
“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” They say life is an illusion, we must be in tune with the signs, symbols and vibrations because consciousness is always informing us about us. Pay attention and focus.
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
“The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love. Therefore we should not cry about something that was taken from us, but, yes, love what we have been given. Because what is really ours is never gone forever.”
“Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction.” Pass the peace pipe and read this story.
“Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.”
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”
“Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”
“Me only have one ambition, y’know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that’s all.”
― Bob Marley
When we think about our life may we all hope to leave a legendary legacy of love.
One Love.
Holistic DIVA Wellness 