Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment For All Of Us

by Yolo Akili

Dear Universe is a lighthearted and insightful collection of inspirational letters that invites each of us to transform our social and spiritual lives. Written by Akili over the span of many years working as a counselor and educator, each letter glimmers with both the joy of self-realization and a universal wisdom that echoes across the page.


Author: Yolo Akili
Yolo Akili has worked as an anti-violence and emotional wellness counselor for marginalized youth and men for almost a decade.

Akili’s writings have appeared in many publications including the Huffington Post, The Good Men Project and Voice Male. He has appeared on Huffington Post Live! and The Derek & Romaine Show (Sirius 1080 XM). Akili has also delivered keynotes and presentations at Vanderbilt University, Columbia University, Fordham University and much more.

Reviews: “No one celebrates and connects spirituality and social change in the way Yolo Akili does. Anoint yourself with these loving and strengthening words and then get out there and engage with life!” – Phyllis Alesia Perry, Author of Stigmata and A Sunday In June.

“Yolo is an existential riddle, part wise old soul and part wise kid brother. Put this delightful epistle in your pocket and put wise young Yolo in your heart. You will be happy you did. -Franklin Abbott, Author of Pink Zinnia and BoyHood: Growing Up Male.

“Dear Universe helps us see that when we encounter and embrace the truth of who we are, we become empowered to use that truth to benefit all humanity, indeed, all creation.”-Layli Maparyan, (From the Foreword) Author of The Womanist Idea & The Womanist Reader

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

72 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Yolo Akili is the author of "Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment." He has worked as an anti-violence and emotional wellness counselor for marginalized youth and men for almost a decade.

Akili’s writings have appeared in many publications including the Huffington Post, The Good Men Project and Voice Male. He has appeared on Huffington Post Live! and The Derek & Romaine Show (Sirius 1080 XM). Akili has also delivered keynotes and presentations at Vanderbilt University, Columbia University, Fordham University and much more.

Reviews

[CJ]

Written within a radical framework, this sweet little collection of affirmations is best consumed in small bites. Savor each word, allow each letter to settle comfortably into your spirit.

[C.E. G]

3.5 stars. I think a lot of these depend on reading them at the right place and right time in your life, and a couple resonated with me (though the majority, while great, just weren't speaking to me atm). This one I especially liked:

Dear Universe,
Today I ask that you help me to remember: What may seem like a setback today may actually be the Universe aligning forces for what I will need tomorrow.
A message:
Sometimes things have not happened because circumstances have not aligned for them to prosper.
Sometimes things have not happened because you are not properly equipped to persevere.
Sometimes things have not happened because the potential for failure is too pervasive.
And sometimes things have not happened because you have some healing to do in order to herald them into your life.
It’s important to remember:
The world does not operate on your ego’s timeline. Things will come into being when they are needed, when they are necessary, and when each of us has done the work to be ready.
Universe, today I remember: When and if I am ready, what I desire will come to pass.

[Corey Laine]

Life-affirming spiritual truths that never hurt to be reminded of. I will definitely be returning to this book!

[Mike Baumgartner]

One of those short, inspiring books that you can easily read many times a year to influence your life in a positive direction.

[Lauren]

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? This changed mine. Highly recommend for any activist.

[Gayatri]

there aren't very many spiritual books which connect social change with our inner divinity. this was one of them, and perhaps the first one i've read of its kind. it's amazing how when a person of color words the truth of this universe, it resonates higher. often books speak about connecting with you inner Consciousness, but this one was able to guide me in understanding how we should go about changing the world with our awakened knowledge. Yolo Akili was able to condense these messages within this short book of affirmations and explanations of them, which i deem a must-read for us social change warriors.

[Jawanza]

I give it three and a half stars. Fans of Iyanla Vanzant's "Acts of faith" will find much to enjoy in this very similar but much shorter book. It is well-written, concise and often refreshing. He is at his best when he offers concrete examples to support his affirmations, but many times his letters are too abstract and general. I was impressed by about half of them. Enough for me to recommend it.

[Karena Bakas]

Some good nuggets of wisdom, and I like the fact that the target audience isn't rich white women, but having read some really inspiring and thorough work like this by others made me unimpressed overall.

[K]

Universe things aren’t my cup of tea, but I loved this.

[Ann]

I appreciate that the book didn't try to be more than it was and didn't drag on ( it's one of the shortest books ive ever seen) but even so, I felt the point was made very quickly. I agree with most of what was written and find it to be a decent reminder, but mostly heavy handed.