We recently connected with Olusegun Daramola and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Olusegun , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Discovering my purpose has been one of the most profound and joyous experiences in my life, imbued with a sense of divine significance. From a young age, I exhibited a natural curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking answers to life’s mysteries. I was fortunate to possess the gift of literacy from an early age, which opened the door to a world of books and wisdom that profoundly influenced my journey towards finding my purpose.
As I navigated through life, I found myself drawn to the wisdom of elders, eagerly sitting at their feet as they shared their life experiences and insights. Their stories illuminated my path and offered invaluable lessons that shaped my understanding of the world and my place within it. Additionally, the values instilled in me by my parents provided a strong foundation upon which to build my journey of self-discovery.
Finding my purpose, I essentially cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness and introspection. Take the time to reflect on my passions, interests, and values, and consider how they align with the greater good and my contribution to the world. Engage in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment, and pay attention to moments of inspiration and clarity that guide me towards my purpose.
Seeking out mentors and wise elders who can offer guidance and share their wisdom, I opened myself up to learning from their experiences. Embrace opportunities for growth and self-discovery, and trust in the unfolding of my unique path.
Ultimately, finding my purpose is a journey of exploration and self-discovery that requires patience, perseverance, and an open heart. Trust in the wisdom of my own intuition (Ori) and inner guidance, and allow myself to be guided by the divine forces that are at work within me and around me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an Author, spiritual teacher and Priest, my mission is to guide others on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, helping them realize their divine purpose and unlock the infinite potential of their own Ori, or higher self. Through my teachings in Ifá and Òrìsà spirituality, I offer timeless wisdom and practical tools to support individuals in living abundant lives free from suffering.
Ifá, often described as the akashic records of the Yorùbá people, encompasses the totality of life experiences in all its forms, spanning from the origins of creation to the present day. It encapsulates not only human experiences but also the animistic realm and the unseen forces of nature, offering profound insights into the interconnectedness of all existence.
Drawing upon my diverse life experiences and extensive initiation into the mysteries of Ifá spirituality and various Òrìsà, including Ọbàtálá, Ogoko, Èṣù, Ogun, Obaluaye, Osun, Eri, Egbe, and EGÚNGÚN, I am equipped to offer guidance and support to those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
I am passionate about sharing this ancient wisdom through various mediums, including writing, coaching, teaching, speaking engagements, and more. My work is centered around empowering individuals to recognize their own divinity from within and to embrace their role as the answer they have been seeking in their own lives, embodying the essence of ÒRÌSÀ.
Through my books available on Amazon, (https://www.amazon.com/Olusegun-Daramola/e/B09XBWN1ZL/ref=aufs_dp_mata_mbl) and different online bookstores, I aim to reach a broader audience and share the transformative power of Ifá and Òrìsà spirituality with those who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
In addition to my ongoing work, I am excited to announce upcoming events, product launches, and expansions that will further support individuals on their spiritual journey. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to engage with my teachings and offerings via my social media pages:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olusegunbooks?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
X: https://x.com/olusegunbooks?t=U0FlDP2bLcfR67hv2Rr6Cw&s=09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olusegunbook?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olusegunbooks?igsh=MWd5ZTR6MmNxeTJ0ag==
Email: [email protected]
Overall, what excites me most about my work is witnessing the profound transformation and empowerment that occurs when individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom and divine essence. It is a privilege to walk alongside others on their journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, and I am deeply honored to play a role in supporting their growth and evolution.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that stand out as particularly impactful:
1. Self-awareness and Introspection: One of the most crucial qualities that has shaped my journey is self-awareness. Understanding myself on a deep level, including my strengths, weaknesses, passions, and values, has allowed me to navigate through life with clarity and purpose. I cultivated self-awareness through practices such as meditation, journaling, and regular self-reflection. My advice to those early in their journey is to prioritize self-discovery. Take the time to explore your inner landscape, ask yourself probing questions, and listen to the whispers of your intuition. Developing self-awareness lays the foundation for personal growth and empowers you to make aligned choices that honor your authentic self.
2. Spiritual Connection and Guidance: Another essential aspect of my journey has been my connection to spirituality and the guidance I’ve received from higher sources. Whether through Ifá divination, meditation, or communion with nature, tapping into spiritual wisdom has provided me with invaluable insights, clarity, and direction. My advice to those beginning their journey is to cultivate a relationship with spirituality in whatever form resonates with them. Seek out practices that nurture your soul and deepen your connection to the divine. Trust in the guidance that comes from within and from higher sources, and allow it to illuminate your path forward.
3. Continuous Learning and Growth: A commitment to lifelong learning and growth has been instrumental in my journey. Embracing new knowledge, skills, and perspectives has expanded my understanding of the world and enriched my personal and professional development. I’ve pursued formal education, engaged in mentorship, and voraciously consumed books and other resources to deepen my knowledge in areas of interest. My advice to those starting out is to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace learning as a lifelong journey. Stay curious, remain open to new experiences, and actively seek out opportunities for growth and expansion. Remember that every experience, whether positive or challenging, offers an opportunity for learning and evolution.
In summary, cultivating self-awareness, nurturing spiritual connection, and embracing continuous learning are three key pillars that have guided me on my journey. My advice to others is to prioritize these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge as they embark on their own paths of self-discovery and personal growth. Trust in the journey, remain open to the guidance of your inner wisdom and higher sources, and commit to lifelong learning and evolution. By doing so, you will navigate your journey with clarity, purpose, and fulfillment.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a variety of strategies and practices to regain a sense of balance and calm. Here are some of the approaches that I find helpful:
1. Take a Break: Sometimes, the best thing to do when feeling overwhelmed is to step away from the situation for a while. I find that taking a short break, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing deep breathing, or simply closing my eyes for a few moments, can help me reset and regain perspective.
2. Prioritize and Delegate: When faced with a long list of tasks or responsibilities, I prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable. Additionally, I delegate tasks whenever possible, recognizing that I don’t have to do everything myself.
3. Ifá Divination: Seeking guidance from Olódùmarè through Ifá divination is another powerful strategy I turn to when feeling overwhelmed. Ifá divination is a sacred practice in Yorùbá tradition that involves consulting the oracle to gain insights, clarity, and guidance on matters of importance.
When I feel overwhelmed, I consult myself or sometimes reach out to my other Ifá priest or diviner who can perform the divination on my behalf. The diviner uses divination tools, such as the Ifá divination chain ‘Opele’ or divination board ‘Opon Ifá’ to communicate with Olódùmarè and receive guidance on my behalf.
During the divination, I approach with humility and reverence, offering prayers and supplications to Olódùmarè and the irúnmolè for wisdom and guidance. The diviner then casts the divination tools and interprets the Odù patterns and symbols that emerge, providing insights and guidance tailored to my specific situation.
Following the divination, I receive recommendations or prescriptions for action based on the guidance received. These recommendations may include offerings or rituals to appease the Orìṣà, prayers or affirmations to recite, or practical steps to take in my daily life.
I follow through with the recommendations with sincerity and dedication, understanding that they are provided with the highest intentions for my well-being and spiritual growth. By aligning with the guidance received through Ifá divination, I find clarity, reassurance, and a sense of direction in navigating through feelings of overwhelm.
Incorporating Ifá divination into my coping strategies for overwhelm allows me to tap into the wisdom of Olódùmarè and the Orìṣà, trusting in their divine guidance to lead me towards solutions and resolutions that are in alignment with my highest good.
4. Reach Out for Support: It’s important to remember that I don’t have to navigate feelings of overwhelm alone. I reach out to friends, family members, or trusted colleagues for support and guidance. Sometimes, just talking about what’s on my mind can provide a sense of relief and perspective.
5. Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries around my time and energy is crucial for managing overwhelm. I learn to say no to additional commitments when my plate is already full, and I prioritize self-care activities that replenish my energy reserves.
6. Seek Professional Help: If feelings of overwhelm persist or become overwhelming, I’m not afraid to seek professional help. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, counselor, or coach, getting professional support can provide valuable insights and strategies for coping with overwhelm.
Overall, the key is to be proactive in managing overwhelm and to prioritize self-care. By incorporating these strategies into my daily life, I’m better equipped to navigate challenging situations and maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
Contact Info:
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- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uhbAczuc8Za7zDiV8wjj5?si=4ANkzcyjRGKxToccP99vPg Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +2348136438539
Image Credits
Myself: Awo Olusegun Daramola