Sit back, relax and scroll down
Nia Now is an expression of my new name on 9/22/09, meaning, "she is Nia now". It is also an expression of urgency to purpose, under the "the fierce urgency of now" concept. For the first 6 months of this new birth of sorts, I will chronicle my life in Nia Now (urgent purpose). Since August 22, 2009, I have been on a countdown to 44 as if someone has told me that I have exactly 3 years and 30 days to live. This is so exciting! Life has been dynamic, full, exciting and completely purposeful~meaningful~kind. I seek to perceive and live through the mantra of "live each moment like it is your last" as we are not promised tomorrow. Through this process, I believe I am meant to inspire the masses to seek purpose Now. The vision is a prolific artistic work of writings and paintings. What I can demonstrate, others can accomplish as well. My life has been designed to be an inspiration to others. Purpose lies within all of us, collectively, in unity and peace.
~The time is now. You only have now. Live & breath purposefully~
Marni Mae~Ni~Ni
(Frazier~Jones)
Nia~Amina is born: 9/22/2009
~Mae she BE Nia~
Chronicles In the Journey of Nia
11/22/2009
My mother gave birth to 2 sets of 22: My sister was born on 1/22, and I was born on 9/22. This was insignificant to me for most of my life, until I entered into a Purpose Driven perspective. When I realized that there are no coincidences in my life, I began to recognize some significance in the fact that I was created in the material realm on that date. It is the same for all of us. Here's the funny thing, however. I don't try to explain or predict all of the significance of the date, I just know to it I relate. I know that seasons and time are significant for signs unto us, but I don't profess to know much about that correlation. I have learned that the significance of the 22 is to remind me that I was and am right on time in purpose. Why Nia22?
It's as simple as this:The domain name for the website was available, nianow was not. However, the combination allows me to fully embrace who I am in purpose, planned by the Almighty. Now I love the space and the combination!
I have many stories about meeting other 9/22 folks.
~
Poetic Philosophies
2double22deuce2
There is a double deuce in me
that keeps me
Spinning
2 times
Spinning
2 times
Spinning
2 times
2
Spinning from galaxy to time frames
Changing
multiplicity of lifetimes
yet recursive
Processing
In my mind, body spirit and soul
Processing
Changing
Moving
2 times
2 times
2 times
2
Cyclical forms I go
RETRO
Purposely connect to all I see and know
No coincidence
I GET IT
Go Back
2 times
Go Back
2 times
Go BAck
2 times
2
Living in Present Moment Consciousness
with past and future
I BE and I AM
Because the Almighty Was and Is and Is to BE
Connected to spiritual umbilical cords of Mae and Jocy
That's three
I don't let go
I go RETRO
but absorb
Presently Whole
Integral Unity within me
Manifested in material realm
I exist and I BE
Completely New
Processing
I am complex category, Yet I dive in double depths
Still going Back
While moving forward
seeing myself in eternity
I exist and I BE
Freely Me
Freely Me
Nia
Not afraid to exlore
Door number 44
Actually the double 4
Has so much in store 4 me
Shared the womb
In possibility, purpose, paths and actuality
On a double deuce
Holding 2 forms of 2
Holding 2 forms of 2
Holding 2 forms of 2
Deja Vue
Chaos comes for us to master,
For us to manage
Calculated the pattern in the rising of the tide
In the direction of the wind
In the alignment of the star
war of galactic bend
time and time again
time and time again
It does spin
Like 2 circles in 8
Some call it fate, destiny or the time is late
But no time 4 debate
Just CREATE
2 times
2 times
2 times
2
2double22deuce2
Nia22
Scroll Down for more chronicles in the journey in Nia
Nia Now: An Explanation
~What's In A Name ~Part I
I have grown to truly love and embrace my name, Marni Mae. Marni was given to me by a friend of my mother under hurried circumstances (my mother wanted a boy, so she did not have a name picked out; I came quickly and easily~she doesn't recall any pain or effort in my delivery. The title of a movie, the name Marni was pretty to my mother.
Over the years, beginning in adolescence, I began to love my name. I also searched its meaning only to find nothing.My cousins' journey to new African names and a new lifestyle intrigued me as a youngster. The inquisitive in me always wondered about the journey and purpose of the life changing act. I grew to know that clan of my people in the last 4 years. I am of them; they are of me, she is the only living connection to that generation of Mae in me (my godmother Eva Bird, my grandmother's youngest and only living sister). Her children were radical in the sixties when they transformed from Amanda to Anika, Van Samuel to Shaka and Leslie to Tafiti. I have grown to love this special clan of gifted, talented, intelligent, kinfolk of mine in Atlanta.
I have considered my name and its meaning often. I have been know as NiNi all of my life by those closest to me. My sister gave me the name of Amina for her children to call me 21 years ago. They call me Mina for short. I considered my origin, Frazier, my father's last name and Jones, my mother's maiden name. Frazier Jones. It was the last 8 years of life in purpose (a present moment ~ conscious purpose perspective~ or a, "Purpose Driven Life" personal philosophy) that gave birth to Nia.
Nia is a natural transition for me. Nia means Purpose in Kiswahili. I hear Him call my New Name~Nia
Why an African name?
I connect with the atrocity of being stripped from one's native land,
Stripped of culture
Stripped of language
Stripped of heritage.
I have always known that I would take a radical, revolutionary journey to reclaim part of my roots. I say part of my roots because it is by no coincidence that we've found ourselves in a strange land; for we are peculiar BEings anyway, spiritual beings living a human experience.
New Entry: October 2011
As the season changes, I embrace dynamic change!
As I embrace transition and reflect upon the experience
of my life, I affirm my name change to Nia Amina NOW~
After spending 3 years pondering whether my African name change will be a legal one, I have decided to legally change my name. Following my second divorce, I will drop the last name, Willliams and fully embrace Nia Amina. In the legacy of my grandmother, would like retain Mae and assume her maiden name Brown, for the Brown women are spritual, strong, persistent out-spoken women of many gifts and talents. NiaMae Amina Brown. Nia Amina for short. Or NiNi. On this I pray until I make it legal.
More...Chronicles In the Journey of Nia
10/2011
When I consider the post of 10/28/09, I realize that I have been distracted from my complete purpose unto Nia. The last couple of weeks have been remarkably rich in purpose and filled with "no coincidence" factors. Like seeing one of my former students miles from where I mentored her only to realize that she still needed my support and encouragement. The last minute decision to visit her enabled my path to cross with another student who just "happened" to be in the same place at the same time picking up her diploma after persistently working to obtain it after her class graduated without her. I had just thought about whether or not she had accomplished her goal. Afterall, facebook does have some positive aspects of staying connected which enabled me to nudge her from time to time toward that goal. I held onto the intention and hoped for positive results. Happenstances like this were prolific this past few weeks, in an almost uncanny sense. I was being pushed to purpose. Fly sista, Nia, fly! Go, sista, Nia, GO! Embrace Nia Amina Now and continue to be an advocate, beat the ground for justice. I am humbled in my imperfect state, on this date to be called to purpose. Selah~
10/28/09Time is moving quickly for us all, and I have felt like I have been on the longest hiatus from my new space, Nia22 since I gave birth to it. Is it because I have not thought about the space or talked about the space? Absolutely not! It's quite the opposite. I speak about the process and the space often, and I love connecting with this unction to purpose in each moment of the day. So what has kept me away for over a week? Those very distractions that I'm determined to master as I serve as the template for this dynamic change. I will not allow this to just fade away. Isn't that what happens to our unrealized purpose to change the world in a meaningful way, to make a difference? Some of those dreams we neglect to nurture and they seem to just fade away. Well, be encouraged to strive in purpose.
When I last updated Nia22, I uttered that a message on adversity was coming. In my Nia journal I wrote the following: How I love adversity. It provides opportunity to catapult me into larger arenas and deeper depths of love; it is the reasoning and meaning behind the wisdom to "Love your enemy" and "Count it all joy when you fall into 'various' temptations". Adversity taps into the wellspring of love and produces a greater work of patience which enlarges my capacity, ability and venue to love! I wrote that the trials of adversity strengthen us to move forward to New BEginnings.
Well, the floodgates of adversity poured in during the last 9 days and I have been fighting my way back to this space. HalleluYAH for the perseverance, faith (Imani), commitment, resolve unto purpose & the affirmation confirmation from all of the people who have embraced Nia & Nia 22 that fuels this unto fruition. By uttering those words, I embraced adversity in a new way. After all, how can one "count it all joy" to have adversity, trials and tribulations? Well, I am learning valuable lessons in self discipline and focus and I know I shall pass the test to press into the next dimension.
Here are a few observations. When adversity strikes and produces stress, we have the propensity to return to the old habits and mindset. It is easier to revert back than to press forward to new territory. However, be ye encouraged! REMEMBER the principles and values in your purpose. Breathe, relax, relate, release and Write in the moment, in the now! Remember the freshness of the morning dew of Newness and allow yourself to long to be back in that place (This is after you embrace and step forward into dynamic change). Re-establish your footing in principles, peace & love. When the world is moving fast, responsibilities mount and you have a discernible barrier to overcome, hold fast and remain Positive in energy, intent and deed, which is love. Know that the adversity will pass and you will BE stronger in the end!
I took on this unction and you can too! What's more important, the distractions or the purpose? Sojourn to Nia.
10/20/09 I'm back from Sassafras, and it was truly an amazing experience! The celebration of 20 years in Sassafras was inspiring, educational and uplifting to me, the newcomer to the place. The name changing ceremony led by my cousin was completely fulfilling, meaningful, inspirational and affirming! I came back a different person with a new perspective toward embodying peace. So why did I change my first name? Calling set forth the unction to Release all distractions toward Nia~Purpose. I shall embody purpose to the fullest. That's BEaUtiFUL.
10/9/09 Went to Sassafras, Lake Nia to lay down burdens of the past, alas~
~Let me BE New~
~Journey to Nia~
Daughter of the Revolution
Evolution of Nia
Born 1968
~Revolution~
Daughter of the Revolution
9/22/68
~I am fearfully and wonderfully made~
~
Marni
NiNi
Amina
Mae
ME
~Nia~
Amina is truth
Amina Is Peaceful
Amina is trustworthy
Amina is integrity
I strive toBEAmina
W. TisdaleGlory Glory
~Journey to Lake Nia~
This weekend, I will sojourn to Sassafras in the Tennessee Blue Ridge Mountains to Lake Nia. Each time I take the journey with family, I am filled with awe, peace & joy. This time I have an particular expectancy: Radical Change. In order for me to step over into Nia in mind and spirit, I believe I need to step away from so many things that have held me back. This time away will enable me to ponder those things, write about those things and embrace NEWness. Go with me in spirit to lay burdens down to move forward in progress to purpose! 10/7/09
The Process of Change: Be Patient with Yourself
BE New~BE You to the Fullest
It's been one week since I've been Nia and it's been an interesting journey. The most amazing part about BEing Nia is that my spirit literally jumps for joy when I hear my new name.
Some people find it easy to transition to calling me Nia, and most have difficulty, understandably so. Well guess what? I have difficulty remembering also. After all, spent 40 years as Marni. I have to remind myself that although the change occurred on 9.22, it will still be a process to fully embrace the new name Nia. And that's the thing about change that's promising: It is a constant process. BE inspired to embrace dynamic change Now~ 9/30/09
NIA 9/22/09
This Process is Truly Amazing!
Be Inspired to New Life of purpose, passion and peace.
Chronicles in the passage to Purpose
Day of Sabbatical
Patio moments, quiet serenade of crickets chirping, birds singing and the wind caressing my BEing~ Peace, Purpose, Power~ Searching for meaning and symbolism. Led unto three examples: Sarai, Abram & Jacob unto Sarah, Abraham and Israel. Common lessons? Struggle & faith unto blessings and inheritance!
The Almighty has been faithful to provide confirmation when I ask. So I asked for confirmation. I was led to my wooden heirloom journal which was dedicated on 9/22/06 (amazing discovery). Here is what I wrote on 1/23/07:
I ordained and appointed this day for you
I knew you, formed you, called you forth
Made you go through adversity so you could be used
To do what I called you to do now this day BE NEW...
~Archived~
~Now~
11:11
9/19/09
5770
Countdown
11:16
44 minutes and 2 days ~ TO Nia Now
Footprints in the Journey~ Stomped past SuiteFranchon yesterday, ringing in the season of Newness,
a blend
Of Chocolate Sassafras Cocoa Dew
Totally New
Experience
Suite blend of Music, Poetry, Soul
Suite blend of Music, Poetry, Soul
Family
New
With more than a few
More than a few
Old friends
I left FULL: BEaUtiFUL
Full of Life, Full of Peace, Full of Inspiration to BE
Me
Marni
NiNi
Nia
More to come in: "What's In A Name":
More Testimony in the Journey to Nia (The meaning of Amina)
Yeshua, Yahshua or Jesus: My conviction;
Birth Date Blues: Going through Changes landing on a double deuce~22
~The time is now. You only have now. Live & breath purposefully~
Marni Mae~Ni~Ni (Frazier~Jones)
Nia~Amina is born: 9/22/2009
~What's In A Name ~
Part I
I have grown to truly love and embrace my name, Marni Mae. Marni was given to me by a friend of my mother under hurried circumstances (my mother wanted a boy, so she did not have a name picked out; I came quickly and easily~she doesn't recall any pain or effort in my delivery. The title of a movie, the name Marni was pretty to my mother. Over the years, beginning in adolescence, I began to love my name.
I also searched its meaning only to find nothing.
My cousins' journey to new African names and a new lifestyle intrigued me as a youngster. The inquisitive in me always wondered about the journey and purpose of the life changing act. I grew to know that clan of my people in the last 4 years. I am of them; they are of me, she is the only living connection to that generation of Mae in me (my godmother Eva Bird, my grandmother's youngest and only living sister). Her children were radical in the sixties when they transformed from
Amanda to Anika, Van Samuel to Shaka and Leslie to Tafiti. I have grown to love this special clan of gifted, talented, intelligent, kinfolk of mine in Atlanta.
I have considered my name and its meaning often. I have been know as NiNi all of my life by those closest to me. My sister gave me the name of Amina for her children to call me 21 years ago. They call me Mina for short. I considered my origin, Frazier, my father's last name and Jones, my mother's maiden name.
Frazier Jones.
It was the last 8 years of life in purpose (a present moment ~ conscious purpose perspective~ or a, "Purpose Driven Life" personal philosophy) that gave birth to Nia.
Nia is a natural transition for me. Nia means Purpose in Kiswahili.
I hear Him call my
New Name~Nia
Why an African name?
I connect with the atrocity of being stripped from one's native land,
Stripped of culture
Stripped of language
Stripped of heritage.
I have always known that I would take a radical, revolutionary journey
to reclaim part of my roots. I say part of my roots because it is by no
coincidence that we've found ourselves in a strange land; for we are
peculiar BEings anyway, spiritual beings living a human experience.
More to come in: "What's In A Name":
More Testimony in the Journey to Nia
(The meaning of Amina)
Yeshua, Yahshua or Jesus: My conviction;
Birth Date Blues: Going through Changes landing on a double deuce~22
