This particular community makes the most delicious "Ital" meals and juices. My last Rasta meal was yellow lentils and brown rice with various other fresh foods from a nearvy farm farm. It was one of the best meals I have had here because eveything was freshly prepared. Other actions that Rastas take towards expanding their livity include exhibiting loving behavior to everyone, plenty of prayer, and regular meditation. Saturday is their main day of worship. I love to listen to their beautiful prayers and charming. In general, the young Rasta men are kind, sweet and loving, and they often have great senses of humor. I love visiting with them.
Rastas have a very distinct look as well. They "lock" or "dread" their hair. They never cut it! Have you heard of Bob Marley? He is the most famous Rasta in the world.
Rastafarianism was born in Jamaica in the 1930s. In a relatively short period of time, it has influenced so much of Jamaican culture, especially the music. Reggae is the most obvious since many musicians are Rasta, but even before reggae, the rhythms of the Nyabinghi group (or "Mansion") can be heard in earlier Jamaican music.
Because Rastas preach peace and love, aim to be completely natural and are mostly self-sustanining, many non-Rasta people were not sure what to make of them at first. Today, this community has gained a wider respect in Jamaica and around the world.
I am very excited to continue my work within this particular community in downtown Kingston. I have found myself eating better, being more conscious and more loving, and certainly laughing more. These are all great habits to cultivate!
