Native American Spirituality

[Spirit Dancer]

A place to post thoughts and share Native ways.

Words of an anonymous Native American woman
"If you take the christian bible and put it in the wind and rain,
soon the paper on which the words are printed
will disintegrate and the words will be gone.
Our bible is the wind and the rain."

[Spirit Dancer]

Words of Black Elk, Lakota
Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux
"Everything the power of the world does is done in a circle. The Sky is round, and I have heard that the Earth is round like a ball and so are the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nests in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same, and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back where they were. The life of a human being is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves."

[Spirit Dancer]

Once you have heard the meadowlark and caught the scent of fresh-plowed earth, peace cannot escape you.
Sequichie

[Spirit Dancer]

Earth teach me stillness
as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering
as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility
as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring
as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage
as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation
as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom
as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation
as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration
as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness
as dry fields weep with rain.
Ute prayer

[Spirit Dancer]

When a man does a piece of work which is admired
by all we say that it is wonderful; but when we see the
changes of day and night, the sun, the moon, and the
stars in the sky, and the changing seasons upon the
earch, with their ripening fruits, anyone must realize
that it is the work of someone more powerful than man.
Chased By Bears
Santee Lakota

[DELSDAUGHTER]

amazing..thank you for enlightening us with these writings

[Andrew, Jr.]

Thank you for starting this thread. I am not Native American, but I have the most respect for those who are. I will be following here for inspiration.

Namaste,
Andrew

[Spirit Dancer]

amazing..thank you for enlightening us with these writings

Thank you for starting this thread. I am not Native American, but I have the most respect for those who are. I will be following here for inspiration.

Namaste,
Andrew


I'm glad you both enjoy the elders sayings, feel free to share:)

[Spirit Dancer]

May the stars carry your sadness away,
May the flowers fill your heart with beauty,
May hope forever wipe away your tears,
And, above all, may silence make you strong.

Chief Dan George

[Spirit Dancer]

Hold On

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand,
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

A Pueblo Indian Prayer

[Spirit Dancer]

"We who are clay blended by the Master Potter, come from the kiln of Creation in many hues. How can people say one skin is colored, when each has its own coloration? What should it matter that one bowl is dark and the other pale, if each is of good design and serves its purpose well."

~Polingaysi Qoyawayma, Hopi ~

[violaine]

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.

There is no death. Only a change of worlds.

When the Earth is sick, the animals will begin to disappear, when that happens, The Warriors of the Rainbow will come to save them.

- - Chief Seattle


Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator:

"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."

[violaine]

Certain things catch your eye, But pursue only those that capture your heart.
~ An old indian saying

Red Cloud (Makhipiya-luta) Sioux Chief:
I am poor and naked but I am the chief of a nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.

Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation:
We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees.

Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Sioux Chief :
Conversation was never begun at once, nor in a hurried manner. No one was quick with a question, no matter how important, and no one was pressed for an answer. A pause giving time for thought was the truly courteous way of beginning and conducting a conversation. Silence was meaningful with the Lakota, and his granting a space of silence to the speech-maker and his own moment of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regard for the rule that "thought comes before speech.

There is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom traveled, which leads to an unkown, secret place. The old people came literally to love the soil, and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. Their teepees were built upon the earth and their altars were made of earth. The soul was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing. That is why the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him.

[cara]

Just out of curiosity, is this thread going to be more than people simply posting quotes from our First Nations brothers and sisters (and Ancestors)? It appears that way. Frankly, I am glad to read them, but came in this thread sincerely hoping for some good conversation beyond quotations.

:stillheart:

cara

[violaine]

:flyingpig::rubberducky::penguin:

cara,

hi :) i find this thread lovely for placing daily meditations- all across the board. it's fairly new, so the potential is there i think, for much to unfold. i do actually have experiences/resources to contribute with regard to grandparents [cherokee and shawnee]- though when i will post them, i cannot really be sure! some understandings are deeply personal such as how we may be taught about guides and visions.

[Spirit Dancer]

Just out of curiosity, is this thread going to be more than people simply posting quotes from our First Nations brothers and sisters (and Ancestors)? It appears that way. Frankly, I am glad to read them, but came in this thread sincerely hoping for some good conversation beyond quotations.

:stillheart:

cara

Cara
First welcome to the thread, yes I too was hoping for conversation but without knowing how the thread would go or not go, I started with quotes as not to be conversing with myself. So come share your insights and beliefs all are welcome and i look forward to it.:rrose:

[Spirit Dancer]

Upon reading this quote and thinking on the words I wonder how many of you feel the same as Jim Pell?
In our household you lived and breathed your heritage, and ours was a blended house divided we were taught the heritage of our ancestors from both sides.
Discrimination based on blood quantum wasn't allowed my family wouldn't permit it, their pride in heritage and beliefs ran strong.








"There is no such thing as 'part-Cherokee.' Either you're Cherokee or you're not.

It isn't the quantity of Cherokee blood in your veins that is important, but the quality of

it . . . your pride in it. I have seen full-bloods who have virtually no idea of the great

legacy entrusted to their care. Yet, I have seen people with as little as 1/500th blood

quantum who inspire the spirits of their ancestors because they make being Cherokee a

proud part of a their everyday life."

~Jim Pell: Principal Chief of the North Alabama Cherokee Tribe ~

[Spirit Dancer]

“Walk tall as the trees; live strong as the mountains; be gentle as the spring winds; keep the warmth of summer in your heart, and the Great Spirit will always be with you.”
Anonymous Native American

[Passionaria]

A little late night gift for you.........


YouTube- Wash Your Spirit Clean (Song in Cherokee and English by Walela)

Walela one of my favorites,
Pasionaria

:rose:

[Spirit Dancer]

A little late night gift for you.........


YouTube- Wash Your Spirit Clean (Song in Cherokee and English by Walela) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRFuc9bVO4M)

Walela one of my favorites,
Pasionaria

:rose:

O'siyo
Welcome to the thread and thank you I adore Walela, hoping your late nite is plesant.:moonstars:

[WILDCAT]

Just out of curiosity, is this thread going to be more than people simply posting quotes from our First Nations brothers and sisters (and Ancestors)? It appears that way. Frankly, I am glad to read them, but came in this thread sincerely hoping for some good conversation beyond quotations.

:stillheart:

cara

Now, it's "beyond quotes"...

Actually, I think many tribal quotations (?) are often great and profound words of wisdom. For they represent truth, tradition, and great respect for all that lives... leaf or rock, the wind and the trees, the appreciation of beautiful sunsets, the streams/lakes, Moon & Stars, Mother Earth/Nature in all of her glory, beauty, and phases - and on and on and on... :wolf:

Just out of curiosity now myself, I am looking forward to more than "simply posted quotes" coming from you. Actually, I should check in case you started your own thread... will do that now.
__

Nice thread start OP'er, Spirit Dancer. Thank you. :rrose:

WILDCAT

:moonstars:

[WILDCAT]

Got this as an email several years back, had it printed - and have it on my wall here:



Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee man told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between the two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentement, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith".

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins"?

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed".

[Andrew, Jr.]

I find this interesting. When I go ghost hunting or am in the presence of the paranormal, it is common to say this Navajo Prayer. It goes like this, " Peace before us, peace behind us, peace under our feet. Peace within us, peace over us, let all around us be peace." Then we say "The Lord's Prayer". Both are said today in Christain Churches.

Andrew
:pipe:

[Toughy]

I never heard the Dine people (what they call themselves among themselves) talk about peace............beauty yes.........

It figures the Christians would continue to bastardize Dine spiritual practices; they have been doing it in this country over 500 years.

Here is how the Dine say that prayer:

The Beauty Way is a Dine prayer

Always walk in Beauty ahead of me

Always walk in Beauty behind me

Always walk in Beauty above me

Always walk in Beauty below me

And All around me. Always walk in Beauty

[Spirit Dancer]

:reader:Now, it's "beyond quotes"...

Actually, I think many tribal quotations (?) are often great and profound words of wisdom. For they represent truth, tradition, and great respect for all that lives... leaf or rock, the wind and the trees, the appreciation of beautiful sunsets, the streams/lakes, Moon & Stars, Mother Earth/Nature in all of her glory, beauty, and phases - and on and on and on... :wolf:

Just out of curiosity now myself, I am looking forward to more than "simply posted quotes" coming from you. Actually, I should check in case you started your own thread... will do that now.
__

Nice thread start OP'er, Spirit Dancer. Thank you. :rrose:

WILDCAT

:moonstars:

Thank you Wildcat and welcome, it's ironic you should post the above here today. This morning ny eldest and I were discussing how my grandfather spoke more in quotes during our lessons and the lessons he taught my children. Way more was learned and by this I mean we were taught the origination of words and events not from books but through my grandfathers eyes.:mohawk::bow:


Got this as an email several years back, had it printed - and have it on my wall here:



Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee man told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between the two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentement, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith".

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins"?

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed".

Thank you so much for sharing this quote and a reminder of an important lesson:reader:

I find this interesting. When I go ghost hunting or am in the presence of the paranormal, it is common to say this Navajo Prayer. It goes like this, " Peace before us, peace behind us, peace under our feet. Peace within us, peace over us, let all around us be peace." Then we say "The Lord's Prayer". Both are said today in Christain Churches.

Andrew
:pipe:

Andrew good to see you here. Thi statement is true, but which came first?
I never heard the Dine people (what they call themselves among themselves) talk about peace............beauty yes.........

It figures the Christians would continue to bastardize Dine spiritual practices; they have been doing it in this country over 500 years.

Here is how the Dine say that prayer:

The Beauty Way is a Dine prayer

Always walk in Beauty ahead of me

Always walk in Beauty behind me

Always walk in Beauty above me

Always walk in Beauty below me

And All around me. Always walk in Beauty

Welcome Toughy and Thank you for sharing the Dine Prayer it's quite lovely.

[violaine]

"Day and night cannot dwell together. Your religion was written on tables of stone, ours was written on our hearts."

"Our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch of our ancestors as we walk over this Earth."

~Chief Seattle, Duwamish-Suquamish~

"When temptations comes, I don't say, "Yes," and I don't say, "No," I say, "Later." I just keep walking the Red Road--down the middle. When you're in the middle, you don't go to either extreme. You allow both sides to exist."

~Dr. A. C. Ross~Lakota

[Spirit Dancer]

Who Are We?

The first spiritual law of success is the law of pure potentiality.
This law is based on the fact that we are, in our essential state, pure consciousness.
Pure consciousness is pure potentiality; it is the field of all possibilities and infinite creativity.
Pure consciousness is our spiritual essence. Being infinite and unbounded, it is also pure joy.
Other attributes of consciousness are:
pure knowledge, infinite silence, perfect balance, invincibility, simplicity, and bliss.
This is our essential nature. Our essential nature is one of pure potentiality.
~ Deepak Chopra ~

[violaine]

pure consciousness!

venomous semiaquatic pitvipers lifting of a shadowy lake, aggressively racing onto the land to strike after swimming dogs ; osprey mother raising a family inside of a towering dead cypress ; soundless/unspoken owl moving past, then perching, deep inside the forest -my clumsy intrusion long recognised by her ; lichens ; forest floor: the greenest sea of ferns ; gopher tortoises eating grass ; spider webs ; & walking fields for miles and a small snake crossing over my foot -

[Spirit Dancer]

pure consciousness!

venomous semiaquatic pitvipers lifting of a shadowy lake, aggressively racing onto the land to strike after swimming dogs ; osprey mother raising a family inside of a towering dead cypress ; soundless/unspoken owl moving past, then perching, deep inside the forest -my clumsy intrusion long recognised by her ; lichens ; forest floor: the greenest sea of ferns ; gopher tortoises eating grass ; spider webs ; & walking fields for miles and a small snake crossing over my foot -

Absolutly beautiful Sister :rose: thank you for sharing

[Andrew, Jr.]

Spirit Dancer,

Hello my friend! It is good to see you as well.

As for your question as to what came first, peace or the beauty prayer...I have no idea. I learned the Navajo Prayer from a very good friend of mine.

Love,
Andrew


**For everyone, please be safe in this crazy weather**

[violaine]

“The crow wished everything was black, the owl, that every thing was white.”
-- William Blake

[friskyfemme]

I celebrate the Full Moon. Time of love sharing/growing. Ceremony starts with cleansing with white sage, sweet grass, cedar, and tobacco. Using the Medicine Wheel, first to identify my path in the last cycle, then to commit improve during the next cycle. Full Moon ceremony is the Healing ceremony, this is the time I ask Spirit for healing for those I know need healing at some level. Then, for those who I am not aware need healing. Last asking for healing of my neighbors, my city, state, country, world, universe.

[Andrew, Jr.]

FF or anyone really,

Where do you find info on medicine men that still practice? And in your perspective what is more - I am not sure of what the word is - effective Chinese or Native Americans in terms of healing?

Thank you for your insight.

Namaste,
Andrew

[violaine]

andrew,

if you have an american indian center, national center for native american culture, college, or sources for native american goods- you might start there. if you get involved with pow wows in your area [or away from], meeting people there may lead you to find what you are seeking.

best,
belle
ox

[Toughy]

FF or anyone really,

Where do you find info on medicine men that still practice? And in your perspective what is more - I am not sure of what the word is - effective Chinese or Native Americans in terms of healing?

Thank you for your insight.

Namaste,
Andrew

Andrew my friend.......

No one can say which is more effective for a white person.

If by Chinese medicine you mean herbs and acupuncture, my experience is they work for some things for me. Herbs not so much. My body readily responds to acupuncture for my asthma and allergies. I also found it useful for fatigue. I never seriously tried it for chronic pain.........I was not willing to have needles stuck in my body every other day for probably a month, followed by weekly treatments forever. Besides I only ever found one woman acupuncturist whose skills actually worked for me (other than the old woman in SF Chinatown who spoke no English and healed my asthma with one treatment for about 3-4 years) I probably have been to around 5-6 different acupuncturists in different states.

The Japanese use a different system of acupuncture.... different meridians (acupuncture points). I have no personal experience with Japanese acupuncture.

There is no one Native American healing method. If you are talking about the use of herbs, then different herbs are used by different tribes based on where they live. The other basis for indigenous peoples healing practices is on a spiritual level and has to do with returning harmony to the physical and spiritual bodies. That would be the chanting/singing, eagle feathers and smudging you see in western movies....although it is a hollywood bastardization of the healing ceremonies. Different tribes have different ceremonies for the same things.

For a white person to just go to a shaman and expect healing is folly. Healing is based on the cosmology (the way the world is seen) of the particular tribe of the shaman. Your ancestors have their own ceremonies and healing practices. You might consider seeking those out for yourself.

And I would also say...........healing is not the same as curing. I personally prefer healing over curing. If I am cured but not healed, then the cure is just a band-aid. The dis-ease will return in one form or another until I am healed.

[Andrew, Jr.]

:givingarose: Violaine, thank you for your advice.

:harley: Toughy, thank you for your advice.

Namaste,
Andrew

[friskyfemme]

Andrew

I am not Native American in this life. I have learned various ceremonies from people I have met and/or loved in my lifetime. I have an eclectic believe system. I am Norweigan/Swedish mostly. These traditional belief systems have some things in common with the North American 'indigenous' people, such as respect for the balance in nature with oneself, use of herbs in healing ceremonies, use of 'sweats' to remove negative energy/illness and purification. Following moon phases (to my knowledge) for healing in not part any American native way but is Nordic. I do follow the medicine wheel in my daily life. I pray, meditate, and confer with my Ancestors. I use the Chinese belief of energy flow for maintaining health. I believe in the Great Spirit but I do not believe Spirit has a one sex, so I refer to IT. I have been fortunate to have been taught by Dine, Choctaw, Kickapoo, and White Mountain Apache persons about use to plants used for healing. I have never sought out healers. When it's time, they appear in my life. Before you use anything you might learn, you really need to understand the culture that uses it and why it is used.

[Spirit Dancer]

Andrew my friend.......

No one can say which is more effective for a white person.

If by Chinese medicine you mean herbs and acupuncture, my experience is they work for some things for me. Herbs not so much. My body readily responds to acupuncture for my asthma and allergies. I also found it useful for fatigue. I never seriously tried it for chronic pain.........I was not willing to have needles stuck in my body every other day for probably a month, followed by weekly treatments forever. Besides I only ever found one woman acupuncturist whose skills actually worked for me (other than the old woman in SF Chinatown who spoke no English and healed my asthma with one treatment for about 3-4 years) I probably have been to around 5-6 different acupuncturists in different states.

The Japanese use a different system of acupuncture.... different meridians (acupuncture points). I have no personal experience with Japanese acupuncture.

There is no one Native American healing method. If you are talking about the use of herbs, then different herbs are used by different tribes based on where they live. The other basis for indigenous peoples healing practices is on a spiritual level and has to do with returning harmony to the physical and spiritual bodies. That would be the chanting/singing, eagle feathers and smudging you see in western movies....although it is a hollywood bastardization of the healing ceremonies. Different tribes have different ceremonies for the same things.

For a white person to just go to a shaman and expect healing is folly. Healing is based on the cosmology (the way the world is seen) of the particular tribe of the shaman. Your ancestors have their own ceremonies and healing practices. You might consider seeking those out for yourself.

And I would also say...........healing is not the same as curing. I personally prefer healing over curing. If I am cured but not healed, then the cure is just a band-aid. The dis-ease will return in one form or another until I am healed.



Toughy,
I want to thank you for sharing this here, I cannot tell you how many people will ask a Shaman to "Cure" them or what is the "Cure" for their illness. Most have never been to a healing ceremony.
They have no idea the traditions and beliefs that are taught for generations, an easy fix with an herb is what most seek. Herbs are not for everyone and have a very adverse effect on some.

[Spirit Dancer]

There are many things to be shared with the Four Colors of humanity in our common destiny
as one with our Mother the Earth. It is this sharing that must be considered with great care by
the Elders and the medicine people who carry the Sacred Trusts, so that no harm may come
to people through ignorance and misuse of these powerful forces.

Resolution of the Fifth Annual Meetings of the Traditional Elders Circle, 1980

[Spirit Dancer]

Among the Indians there have been no written laws. Customs handed down from generation
to generation have been the only laws to guide them. Every one might act different from what
was considered right did he choose to do so, but such acts would bring upon him the censure
of the Nation . . . . This fear of the Nation's censure acted as a mighty band,
binding all in one social, honorable compact.
George Copway (Kah-ge-ga-bowh)

[TIMBERWOLF]

Luther Standing Bear Oglala Sioux


1868-1937


The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas. He fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers, he belongs just as the buffalo belonged...

Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power, and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.

[TIMBERWOLF]

Black Elk Oglala Sioux Holy Man


1863-1950


You have noticed that everything as Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round..... The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours.... Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.

[TIMBERWOLF]

Among the Indians there have been no written laws. Customs handed down from generation
to generation have been the only laws to guide them. Every one might act different from what
was considered right did he choose to do so, but such acts would bring upon him the censure
of the Nation . . . . This fear of the Nation's censure acted as a mighty band,
binding all in one social, honorable compact.
George Copway (Kah-ge-ga-bowh)
Hey my sister..It's so good to see you posting again. Just popping to say hi ,still looking for the right job.Have gone on a few jobs here and there.
TIMBER

[Spirit Dancer]

Hey my sister..It's so good to see you posting again. Just popping to say hi ,still looking for the right job.Have gone on a few jobs here and there.
TIMBER


It's good to see you here as well, thanks for sharing with us. As for the job well you will get the right one this i'm sure of.:bow:

[TIMBERWOLF]

It's good to see you here as well, thanks for sharing with us. As for the job well you will get the right one this i'm sure of.:bow:
With candles burning and prayers to my Great Spirit and those that help me Im sure to find the right one. And Thankfully that Moon is gone:praying:

[Spirit Dancer]

With candles burning and prayers to my Great Spirit and those that help me Im sure to find the right one. And Thankfully that Moon is gone:praying:

The wolf moon was by far the most beautiful one in a long time, here are the up coming names for the year.

The name came from hungry wolf packs that would howl outside the villages of Native Americans during this particular full moon. The Wolf Moon is also known as the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule.

The name wolf moon comes from the “Farmer’s Almanac” who were Native Americans who kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Here are the other names of full moons that appear on other months.

* January – Wolf moon
* February – Ice moon
* March – Storm moon
* April – Growing moon
* May – Hare moon
* June – Mead moon
* July – Hay moon
* August – Corn moon
* September – Harvest moon
* October – Hunter’s moon
* November – Snow moon
* December – Winter moon.


Full moon craziness

Many people think full moons cause strange behavior among animals and even humans. In fact several studies over the years have tried to tie lunar phases to births, heart attacks, deaths, suicides, violence, psychiatric hospital admissions and epileptic seizures, and more. Connections have been inclusive or nonexistent.

[Spirit Dancer]

"It's very hard to do things in the right manner, but as long as we do things right, we are in turn with the Great Spirit."
--Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE
When we are right with the Great Spirit, we are right with all things. It is impossible to be out of harmony with anything or anybody when we are in harmony with the Great One. So, if during the day a problem crops up and someone makes us mad, the best thing we can do is talk to the Creator first, ask for His help, then continue our conversation with the other person. In this way, our emotional nature will keep aligned with our thoughts, and we will always stay right with the Great Spirit.

Great Spirit, I ask You to guide me on the Red Road today

[Spirit Dancer]

Traditional people of Indian nations have interpreted the two roads that
face the light-skinned race as the road to technology and the road to spirituality.
We feel that the road to technology. . . . has led modern society to a damaged and seared
earth. Could it be that the road to technology represents a rush to destruction,
and that the road to spirituality represents the slower path that the traditional
native people have traveled and are now seeking again?
The earth is not scorched on this trail. The grass is still growing there.

William Commanda

[Toughy]

One story of Spider Woman I have heard many times is about the modern day.

It is said that Spider Woman weaves her web that will unite all people on the earth. Some modern day Indians believe the web She weaves is the internet; that funny thing called the world wide web.....www

[Spirit Dancer]

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the dust and blood of our ancestors."
--Plenty Coups, CROW
Mother Earth is the source of life and the place all life returns to. She gives us life. She feeds us through our journey and she waits for us to return to her. The Indian way is to recognize the earth as the place of our ancestors. That is why certain places on earth are considered sacred areas and sacred land; this is the place of our ancestors. We all need to reflect upon the earth, the place where our ancestors lived. We need to have love and respect for the earth.

[Spirit Dancer]

Beauty
A sea beauty lies beneath me as I soar upwards.
A sea of beauty is in front of me as I soar upwards.
Green and Brown beneath blue and white above.
A sea of beauty which is life.
A wisp of smoke rising upwards,
Voices calling and called rising upwards.
From the sea of beauty beneath me
Into the sea of beauty above me
From temporal to eternal life.

The bird of beauty looks downward.
The spirit of the beauty looks downward.
Man, who lives in the beauty looks upward
and sees perfection.

Then he who lived in beauty looks into the sea;
Then he who sang in beauty looks into the sea
Then he who spoke in beauty looks into the sea
And he sees nothing.

Oh man, who was of the beauty. What did you do?
Oh man, who sang in the beauty. What did you do?
Oh man, who spoke in the beauty. What did you do?
Bird of the beauty, can you give me comfort?
Spirit of the beauty, can you give me comfort?
This smoke which is of the beauty calls to you.

I hear the man of the beauty calling me.
I see the smoke of the beauty seeking me out.
I see worthiness from the beauty coming forth.

I will return Man to the beauty.
I will return in the song to the beauty.
I will return the Wisp to the beauty.

You must keep the beauty now or I will not soar.
You must keep the beauty now or I will not hear.
You must keep the beauty now or I will not see.

Keep the beauty alight with the flames of history.
Keep the beauty singing with the songs of the past.
Keep the beauty speaking with desires of the future.

Then the beauty will be forever yours!

Riverbird Woman,
Turtle Clan, Lenape
1996

[Spirit Dancer]

Four White-Feathered Crows

This story is dedicated to Chief Bill Thompson of the Eastern Lenape Nation who has been an inspiration to me and to many, many others over the years. White Feathered Crow

Many, many moons ago, before the two-legged ones were on the Earth, Rainbow Crow, who was a magnificent creature, with beautiful coloring and a magnificent voice, saved the four-leggeds from the Great Snow, but in doing this his beautiful feathers became sooty black, his beak also became black and his voice became hoarse and ugly. But this is another story. Today, Crow is all black and has as his song, the hoarse "CAW".



Today, one Crow was flying over the Earth Mother and looked down into a stream and saw his reflection. All of a sudden he noticed that on one wing he had four white feathers. "What is this," he said. "What does this mean?" He looked at himself in bewilderment. He remembered what the Great Spirit had told him when he became all covered with black soot. Crow flew away and then returned to the stream and look again upon his reflection and the four white feathers were still there. "I will ask the Great Spirit what this means." And, he flew up towards where the Great Spirit is to ask Him about his new four white feathers.

When Crow came into the presence of the Great Spirit, he called to Him and said, "Great Spirit, look at my wing with the four white feathers. What does this mean?" The Great Spirit looked upon Crow and said to him "It is for you to find out for yourself. But I will tell you what to look for to help you find the answer. You, of all of your family of Crow, are very special in that you will again be able to save your People, not only the four-leggeds and the winged ones, but the two-leggeds also."

The Great Spirit then told this special Crow to return to the Earth Mother and listen for Her heartbeat and then he will find the answer he is searching for. He did this because it is more important for an individual to search for his own answer to a question then for someone to tell him the answer directly.
Four White-feathered Crow returned to the Earth Mother in a dilemma. "Where can I find the heart beat of the Mother. How will I know it is Her's?" Crow was flying around in a circle listening hard to hear the Mother's heart beat, when all of a sudden he heard in the far distance an even beat of the Drum. As Crow flew in the direction of this Drum beat, it became louder and louder and Crow was filled with a great peace. He came closer to the earth and he saw the two- legged ones, the People, dancing in a circle and in the center of this circle was the Drum which is the heartbeat of the Mother. He came down closer and Crow saw the beauty of the People who were dancing and he followed them around the Circle, going from East to South to West to North. Crow flew around again in the same direction the People were dancing - from East to South to West to North and the peace which was within him became greater and greater as he followed the Circle. He felt a wholeness, a oneness with all: with the four-leggeds, with the ones who fly, with the crawly ones, with the two-leggeds. He felt renewed hope.

Crow saw the People in the Circle become one with the Earth Mother. Crow saw the continuity of the Circle as meaning the continuity of the People - that the People would always be one with the Earth Mother as long as they danced to Her glory and were caretakers of Her Earth. He felt renewed hope for all things living.

Then, it came to Crow -- the meaning of the four white feathers on his wing. They celebrated the four directions: East, South, North and West. They were a reminder to him and to everyone that the Circle of Life depends upon ALL the People to care for the Earth Mother and to respect Her and to celebrate Her, for without the Earth Mother we have no life and there is no future for our children. And Crow also realized that the Great Spirit had given him this sign so that he could save his People again as he did once before, so very, very long ago.


OINK, OINK, OINK

A very long time ago, so long ago that there was NOTHING, the Creator looked out into space and created the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars and the Earth. On Turtle Island, which is what is now called the North American continent, there were beautiful mountains, valleys, trees, rocks, lakes, rivers, springs. There was great beauty. It was good. And then the Creator added to this beauty by putting baby animals on Turtle Island. All kinds of animals were put there. And they played with one another, talked to one another, had a wonderful time with one another. The one thing they all enjoyed most was going into the various waters and splashing each other while they cooled off from being warmed by the sun. This was good. Everything was in harmony.

Then the animals got older. They started to notice various things about each other. Fox saw that he had a beautiful tail. He looked at buffalo and saw that he had a beautiful tail. Even rabbit, whose tail was short, looked like a little cloud all puffed up. He was beautiful too. Other animals took notice of what they looked like as they saw their reflection in the waters. And when they jumped into the waters, and played and splashed with oneanother, they talked about how they all looked so nice. This was good. Everything was in harmony.

Then the animals got older. The started to really see the difference in each other. They saw mouse with its long tail was little. They saw beaver with its flat tail had a beautiful pelt. They saw Cougar had a magnificent pelt and tail. They told each other how beautiful each looked, and went into the waters to cool off and to play with each other. And they splashed and they splashed and they splashed. This was good. Everything was in harmony.

Then the animals got older. They started to notice more of the differences in each other and to talk about them, and then they noticed pig. They pointed at pig, laughed at pig. Pig didn't have the beautiful tail of the fox, nor the beautiful pelt of the beaver. All pig had as a little corkscrew of a tail. They other animals thought pig was funny. They started to taunt pig and wouldn't let pig play with them because he had such a funny-looking tail. This was NOT good.

Pig went to the other animals and asked them why he couldn't play with them. He asked them what was wrong. The other animals just laughed at pig and pointed to his tail. Then they turned their backs on pig. When pig wanted to go into the waters to cool off, the others wouldn't let him. They told him that he couldn't play with them, and couldn't use the waters they used, because he was a ridiculous-looking animal. When pig started to say something to them, the other animals refused to listen and told pig that from then on whenever he spoke all anyone would hear would be "oink, oink, oink." This was NOT good.




The Creator saw that pig was being treated unfairly and He made a great patch of cool mud where pig could roll and keep himself cool. It felt so wonderful to pig to be cool again. He rolled in the mud, cooled his skin, and protected himself from hot rays of the sun. It was good. When he came out from the mud, the other animals looked at pig, and made fun of him because he looked so muddy. They laughed at pig, called him all kinds of names. This was NOT good. When pig tried to say something to the other animals, all the others heard was OINK, OINK, OINK.

Then, the Mantantu came and brought flies to Turtle Island. The flies buzzed around the Buffalo, the Elk, the Deer, the Fox. The flies buzzed around all the animals and neither their beautiful tails nor their beautiful fur could keep the f lies away from their eyes, and noses, and mouths. The flies were driving all the animals crazy. They jumped into the waters, but the flies followed them. As soon as they came out of the waters the flies buzzed round them again, and again, and again. This was NOT good. It seemed that nothing was in harmony.

The other animals looked all around. Then they saw pig. Pig was not bothered by flies at all. They looked at each other, then ran to Pig and said to Pig "How is it that you aren't bothered by the flies?" Pig, though he was very hurt by what the other animals had done to him, started to tell the fox, the buffalo, the deer, the elk, the beaver, and all the animals, that it was the mud that was keeping the flies away, and that all they had to do was roll in the mud and their problems with the flies would be over; but all the other animals heard Pig say was "Oink, Oink, Oink."

How foolish we can be when we refuse to listen or turn our backs upon others who are different than we!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doris Riverbird Woman
2002


HOW COYOTE GAVE AWAY THE MEADOW

A long time ago, before the two-leggeds were created; Turtle Island was thought about and therefore became. It was beautiful. Mountains, valleys, lakes, streams: everything one needed to survive in Beauty. Then the Creator put animals on Turtle Island and they grew and were nourished by all the Beauty that was there. The meadows were green and seeds from corn and the berries from the brush were bursting with goodness. The deer was able to graze and to strip the bark from the trees with ease and grow and be fulfilled as he danced his deer dance. The turkey was able to fulfill her needs as well. And the Beauty of the Meadow prevailed over all.

Coyote, who was prowling and cavorting as usual, had heard that the Creator had made other lands. And as he was a curious creature anyway, he decided to go exploring what was on the other sides of the oceans of Turtle Island. He first went to what is now known as Europe and surveyed all that was there. He saw beautiful meadows, and huge trees and very happy animals.

Now, Coyote, was never really happy unless he was disturbing something. I guess it was inherent in him to sometimes see how far he could "push" others. In many ways, Coyote reminds me of many of the People: never satisfied. In Europe, he met horse and had a most interesting conversation with him.

"Horse, you have a beautiful meadow here. Much grass is growing as is hay. But it is nothing like what we have on Turtle Island." Horse just looked at Coyote and continued to munch his grass.

"Horse," said Coyote, "you must come and see what real grass is like. You must come to Turtle Island. You can bring, if you wish, some of your own grass to compare it with what we have on Turtle Island; but I can assure you, our grass is much better, greener, filled with more nutrients than that which you have here."

Horse was interested in what Coyote told him and felt a little trip would do him no harm, so he took some of his seeds, just in case he needed them, and went to Turtle Island and saw the Beauty that was there. The grass was good in the meadows of Turtle Island. But, Horse took some of his own seeds from his homeland and planted them on the beautiful meadow and from the earth came a wondrous grass that horse could not believe. It was very rich and full and horse was happy.

Coyote, in the meantime, traveled to Asia. In Asia he found Chicken pecking away at her most plenteous seeds which were there for her nourishment. Coyote told chicken the same as he told horse and invited her to come to Turtle Island too. And Chicken listened to Coyote and came to Turtle Island with some of her seeds. She, as did horse, found Turtle Island to be very much to her liking and she planted the seeds she had brought with her and there grew a most diverse and pleasant grain.

One day, Deer came upon horse in his pasture. Horse invited deer to dinner and told him to partake of this special grass. This, Deer did and found the grass very good and to his liking. In the same way Turkey was invited to partake of the grains which were planted by Chicken, which she did. And she too also was surprised at how good the grain was.

BUT, all of a sudden, Deer, while he was talking with Horse, started to neigh. And Turkey, while she was talking with Chicken started to cackle. Others who were near heard this and became very worried. What is happening to Deer and to Chicken. We must go to the wise ones and asked them for their help. We cannot let Deer become Horse; nor Turkey become Chicken. It would not be good for Turtle Island.

So some of the old ones approached the old wise Bear and told him what had happened. Bear, in his very deep voice, after much cogitation, said that the old ones were to go and REPLANT the grass and the seeds in the old way. And Bear gave them some of the old seeds which he had been keeping. He told them to go and plant them in the Meadows of Turtle Island. There is plenty of room for both seeds to grow. This way Horse and Chicken can have their grass and seeds; and Deer and Turkey can have theirs. This was done. Deer started to graze in his Meadow and was happy and became Deer again-- didn't neigh. And Turkey stopped clucking like a chicken and started to gobble again as a Turkey should.




It has been said that every blade of grass and every dropped seeds is a ceremony, a dance, a song. A very important part of the Culture of the People of Turtle Island. Let the ceremonies, dancing and signing continue in the spirit of the old ones.

We do not expect Horse and Chicken to become Deer and Turkey. So please, don't expect Deer and Turkey to become Horse and Chicken.

Doris Riverbird Woman
2004

[Spirit Dancer]

Wounded Knee
ODE TO WOUNDED KNEE
It is silent tonight, the moon is red
filled with the blood of the dead.
The innocents are gone, the heart beats not
The Soul is not filled with dread.

The Soul flies high, on Eagle's wings
The Hawk is screeching its song.
The field below is a bloody view
For the buzzards to feed on our own.

But we are not gone, our song still sings
In the mouths of the People left.
And as long as that song sings loud a clear
The Hoop will not be bereft.

Doris RiverBird Woman
Turtle Clan
Eastern Lenape Nation

[Spirit Dancer]

".the spirit still has something for us to discover - an herb, a sprig, a flower - a very small flower, maybe you can spend a long time in its contemplation, thinking about it."
--Lame Deer, LAKOTA
The world today is about hurry up! Get there faster! Work harder, produce more, hurry up, eat quickly, be on time, don't get stressed- headaches, conflict, drink to calm down, go to training on stress management, time management - STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! Go spend 5 minutes with a flower or a plant. Look at it - think about it - look at its beauty, smell it, close your eyes and smell it again. Touch it; touch with your eyes closed. Listen to it; listen to it with your eyed closed. Slow your mind down. Think about the little things. Now close your eyes and pray.

Great Spirit, this feeling of calmness that I have, let me have it all day long

[Tommi]

".the spirit still has something for us to discover - an herb, a sprig, a flower - a very small flower, maybe you can spend a long time in its contemplation, thinking about it."
--Lame Deer, LAKOTA
The world today is about hurry up! Get there faster! Work harder, produce more, hurry up, eat quickly, be on time, don't get stressed- headaches, conflict, drink to calm down, go to training on stress management, time management - STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! Go spend 5 minutes with a flower or a plant. Look at it - think about it - look at its beauty, smell it, close your eyes and smell it again. Touch it; touch with your eyes closed. Listen to it; listen to it with your eyed closed. Slow your mind down. Think about the little things. Now close your eyes and pray.

Great Spirit, this feeling of calmness that I have, let me have it all day long

just when I needed help...:seeingstars:..I read this post

[Jet]

Interesting to note:

Kateri Tekakwitha beatified to become the first native american saint

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Feastday: July 14
Patron of the environment and ecology
b. 1656 d. April 17, 1680


Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, has not yet been canonized.

Kateri was born near the town of Auriesville, New York, in the year 1656, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior. She was four years old when her mother died of smallpox. The disease also attacked Kateri and transfigured her face. She was adopted by her two aunts and an uncle. Kateri became converted as a teenager. She was baptized at the age of twenty and incurred the great hostility of her tribe. Although she had to suffer greatly for her Faith, she remained firm in it. Kateri went to the new Christian colony of Indians in Canada. Here she lived a life dedicated to prayer, penitential practices, and care for the sick and aged. Every morning, even in bitterest winter, she stood before the chapel door until it opened at four and remained there until after the last Mass. She was devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified. She died on April 17, 1680 at the age of twenty-four. She is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks". Devotion to Kateri is responsible for establishing Native American ministries in Catholic Churches all over the United States and Canada. Kateri was declared venerable by the Catholic Church in 1943 and she was Beatified in 1980. Work is currently underway to have her Canonized by the Church. Hundreds of thousands have visited shrines to Kateri erected at both St. Francis Xavier and Caughnawaga and at her birth place at Auriesville, New York. Pilgrimages at these sites continue today.

Bl. Kateri Teckakwitha is the first Native American to be declared a Blessed. Her feastday is July 14. She is the patroness of the environment and ecology as is St. Francis of Assisi.

[Spirit Dancer]

This woman has been kind, gentle,
and has much love,
All of this has been given with
the blessing of the Great Spirit above,
But Great Spirit gave her something
else and she didn't know it...
The Great Spirit gave her
the blessing of being a warrior woman
as now her light is lit!

This warrior woman has come
fully alive today,
She is no longer anyone's slave or prey,
She is taking back her life today,
And those who know who she truly is,
can stay.
No longer will she live the lives of others,
She will give back the blames and responsibilities of others
where it belongs,
For she also has the bear and wolf inside her,
which is now so very powerful
and uniquely strong.


The warrior woman now knows what road she must follow,
For others it will be to hard to swallow.
Her life was taken from her unknowingly many years ago,
And this warrior woman is taking back her life before the next winds blow.

Oh Sister Moon you give me the strength
as a warrior woman to conquer what's on my path,
high above and way beneath,
and the much needed strength to take on the wrath.

This warrior woman is fully awakened and is taking a stand,
taking the problems by the horns with my hand.
I will conquer all that is there,
all and who comes as they dare.

Warrior woman has fully awoken,
and many will see that they were mistaken
in robbing her of her life.
They as a thief, Warrior woman will conquer
and have no grief!

This warrior woman will protect her people, her son,
and those who need her.
If anyone hurts them, look out!
They will hear a GGGGGGRRRRRRRRR,
As they run and shout!

This warrior woman is taking back her life,
taking back the respect that was taken from her
throughout the years ever so slow.
This warrior woman is removing pain and hurt from within the heart
caused by the knife,
from all those who are both family and foe.

I am claiming what's mine, and my dignity,
From those who live in this society of vanity.
I am claiming back in full my heritage.
And as a warrior woman, I am going to clean up
many years of carnage.

For now standing in front of you,
you see this warrior woman... you see me.
Someone special has taught me to be free,
From this day forward for me no more slavery...
Gentleness, kindness, and love is part of me, and so is my dignity.
This is NOT WEAKNESS, as others believe.
But this strength is within me and within you.

I will listen to the spirits and grow,
I will travel in the whispering winds as they blow.
All the work I now do will be for Our People and all nations,
I will protect and guide the future generations.

Now it is time for me to travel on my new path,
As a warrior woman conquering all wrath.
If you ever see and want to meet me,
Please come, and I will also teach and share with you how to be free.



Lady J-Ann

[Spirit Dancer]

O'siyo Oginalii

Tsilugi



Hello Friends

Welcome!
Tommi and Ol`Jet






just when I needed help...:seeingstars:..I read this post
It's good to find what we need at the right moment, glad You found it here:mohawk:
Interesting to note

Kateri Tekakwitha beatified to become the first native american saint

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Feastday: July 14
Patron of the environment and ecology
b. 1656 d. April 17, 1680


Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, has not yet been canonized.

Kateri was born near the town of Auriesville, New York, in the year 1656, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior. She was four years old when her mother died of smallpox. The disease also attacked Kateri and transfigured her face. She was adopted by her two aunts and an uncle. Kateri became converted as a teenager. She was baptized at the age of twenty and incurred the great hostility of her tribe. Although she had to suffer greatly for her Faith, she remained firm in it. Kateri went to the new Christian colony of Indians in Canada. Here she lived a life dedicated to prayer, penitential practices, and care for the sick and aged. Every morning, even in bitterest winter, she stood before the chapel door until it opened at four and remained there until after the last Mass. She was devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified. She died on April 17, 1680 at the age of twenty-four. She is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks". Devotion to Kateri is responsible for establishing Native American ministries in Catholic Churches all over the United States and Canada. Kateri was declared venerable by the Catholic Church in 1943 and she was Beatified in 1980. Work is currently underway to have her Canonized by the Church. Hundreds of thousands have visited shrines to Kateri erected at both St. Francis Xavier and Caughnawaga and at her birth place at Auriesville, New York. Pilgrimages at these sites continue today.

Bl. Kateri Teckakwitha is the first Native American to be declared a Blessed. Her feastday is July 14. She is the patroness of the environment and ecology as is St. Francis of Assisi.

Thanks for sharing this article,:) her medals are already available, I own a chaplet with one. It's beautiful as was she.

[Spirit Dancer]

"I wanted to feel, smell, hear and see, but not see with my eyes and my mind only. I wanted to see with CANTE ISTA - the eye of the heart."
--Lame Deer, LAKOTA
Why is it that some people seem to have peace of mind every day? How do some people remain so darn positive? How do you stay positive if you work or live in a negative environment? How is it that two people can observe the same difficult situation, but one person is upset about it, and other isn't? Two people experiencing the same situation react entirely different. If each morning we ask the Creator to allow us to see with His understanding and with His love, we will open a new way of "seeing". This eye of the heart is a free gift given to us if we ask for it in prayer each day.

Grandfather, allow me to see the world and all things You have made through "the eye of my heart."

[Spirit Dancer]

"The first peace, which is the most important,
is that which comes within the souls of people
when they realize their relationship, their oneness,
with the universe and all its powers,
and when they realize that at the center of the universe
dwells the Great Spirit,
and that this center is really everywhere,
it is within each of us."
~ Black Elk - Oglala Sioux ~

[Andrew, Jr.]

I have a connection to the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

[violaine]

"Thousands of years ago, tribes of human beings suffered great privations in the struggle to survive. In this struggle it was important not only to be able to handle a club, but also to possess the ability to think reasonably, to take care of the knowledge and experience garnered by the tribe, and to develop the links that would provide cooperation with other tribes. Today the entire human race is faced with a similar test. In infinite space many civilizations are bound to exist, among them civilizations that are also wiser and more "successful" than ours. I support the cosmological hypothesis which states that the development of the universe is repeated in its basic features an infinite number of times. In accordance with this, other civilizations, including more "successful" ones, should exist an infinite number of times on the "preceding" and the "following" pages of the Book of the Universe. Yet this should not minimize our sacred endeavors in this world of ours, where, like faint glimmers of light in the dark, we have emerged for a moment from the nothingness of dark unconsciousness of material existence. We must make good the demands of reason and create a life worthy of ourselves and of the goals we only dimly perceive."

(Last paragraph of Sakharov's Nobel Lecture, December 11, 1975)

[Spirit Dancer]

"Sometimes, life is very simple, but it is we two-leggeds, we who are thought to be smart that make it complicated."
--Larry P. Aitkin, CHIPPEWA
Sometimes it may take years for us to find out what we are really after - it is to be happy. The Elders say, lead a simple life. This doesn't necessarily mean poor, it means simple. There are some things that makes life complicated such as needing control, needing power or being resentful or angry. These things make complications happen. We need to walk in balance in every area of our lives.

Great Spirit, let me lead a simple life.

[Spirit Dancer]

Written by an 1895 senior of the Cherokee National Female Seminary upon her graduation.

Alma Mater

Many years ago, some Indians
Left their homes in Alabama
Left the red sand hills of Georgia;
Left their friends and all behind them
And with faces stern and solemn
Set out for the western country-
For the new land purchased for them
Many weary miles they traveled
Many hardships they encountered
Climbing mountains, crossing rivers,
Facing wind and rain and weather
Braving hunger and misfortune
Till ot last stretched out before them
Beautious hills and fertile valleys,
Prairie lands and herds of cattle,
Beulah land of peace and plenty.
This, the goal of all their wanderings,
Rest for weary way-worn travelers.
Here they settled with their families,
Built them homes of log and mortar,
Built their chimneys wide and ample,
Hung outside the door the latchstring;
Tilled the soil, and planted orchards,
Herded steers and drove them northwards.
Prosperous was this tribe of Indians
As the happy years passed o’er them.
Spacious grew their humble dwellings,
Wide their fields, and rich their orchards.
Towns they built for trade and barter,
Fairest of all – the town Tahlequah,
Nestled in a smiling valley,
Wrapped is softest summer sunshine,
Kissed by gentle fragrant breezes,
With the hill’s strong arms about her-
Fairest of all the Nation’s children.
In this little town Tahlequah
At the bottom of a foot-hill
Gushes forth a spring of water
Pure and sweet and clear and sparkling
As the one the Muses drank from,
And our fathers, as they stood there,
Drinking the life-giving nectar,
Looking upward, looking northwards,
Let their eyes rest on this hill-top
Felt the spell of Jove upon them,
As when in the old time legend,
From his forehead sprang Minerva

Then came heaps of sand and mortar,
Bricks and stones and heavy timbers;
Men with axes, saws and hammers,
Men with squares, and planes, and trowels,
Men with horses, mules and wagons--
All the air was filled with rumbling
Sharp reports and heavy pounding,
Blasting rock and earth upheavals,
When at last the din was over
And the darkened sky grew clearer,
There arose from out of the chaos,
Bright and shining, grand and classic,
Graceful arches, Gothic towers,
Fit abode for Wisdom’s goddess.

Then from all parts of the nation,
From humblest homes, and from the richest
Came the bright-faced Indian maidens;
Maidens fair and maidens dusky,
Maidens tall and short and ‘pudgy,’
Came they to this seat of learning;
Drank they from this sparkling fountain
And with thirsty souls unslaked
Longed for more of Hebe’s potion; --
And in time sent back their daughters
That their lives might be so sweetened
And their days and deeds be fruitful.
Should you ask me whence the learning--
Whence the power and pride and greatness
Of this tribe of Indian people,
I shall point you to this college,
That for years has schooled its women
Wives and mothers of these people
Whose brief story I’ve related.

And the maidens now departing
From this dear old Alma Mater,
From this dear old second Mother
Who has cared for them so gently
Through the sweet years of their girlhood,
Leave the wish and prayer behind them
That, as future years roll onward
Blotting out our race of people,
She may stand here always ready,
Glad to welcome Indian children
And to keep alive tradition--
Monument to all the greatness
Of this proudest Indian Nation.

-by an 1895 Senior

[Spirit Dancer]

u-ha
a
u-wo-du-hi
i-ga

Have
a
beautiful
day

[Andrew, Jr.]

Absolutely, Spirit Dancer. I too wish everyone a beautiful day indeed. :angel:

Peace and Love,
Andrew

[Spirit Dancer]

"One of the essential characteristics we need to learn as men was to be gentle, and to be gentle means to be serene, to enter meditation or a prayerful state in the morning and evening."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
The most important talk we can do during any day, is to start the day with prayer and meditation. We need to ask the Creator to be in our lives. We ask Him to direct our thinking. We ask Him for the courage and the power to be gentle. In the morning quiet time, we make our request for guidance using our spiritual tools. We pray for the people and we pray for ourselves. In the evening we thank the Creator for the day, for the lessons and for the opportunity to be of service to others. Then we go to sleep.

Great Spirit, today, show me the power of being gentle.

[Spirit Dancer]

ah sss guh tee
ooh nay kwa
wah jee
day lee
knee he
knee go he luh ee

May
Great Spirit
Watch
Over
You
Always





Wakan Tankan Nici Un

(May the Great Spirit walk with you)

[Spirit Dancer]

"Because woman lives so close to our first mother, the Earth, she emanates the strength and harmonious nature of all things."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
At an Elders gathering, held in July 1991, we were told the Indian woman would play an instrumental part in leading the healing of Indian nations. The old people said we were to look up to her in a sacred manner. They said the Earth Mother would give the woman special gifts of love. The woman and the Earth Mother are connected in a special way. Women should pay attention to the lessons coming from the earth. Men should treat the women with respect, dignity and honor.

Grandfather, Grandmother, give the Indian woman Your strength to heal our earth.

[Spirit Dancer]

ah dah lee hay lee jay dee
he ee gah
ah dah doe lee gee

Appreciate todays blessings

[Spirit Dancer]

a-ga-ta-hna-i ~ Wise

go guh ~ Crow

a-ga-ta-hna-i ~ Wise

ooh goo goo ~ Owl

go ~ Lessons

ah nah day low kwa sss guh ~ Learning

gah no dew ~ Life's

nuh wah doe he yaw duh ~ Harmony

gah luh kwo dee~ Precious

soo nah lay ~ tomorrows

[Spirit Dancer]

"Silence and self-control permeate the entirety of our lives."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
The Creator gave us all the Red Road and on this Red Road we are required to think and act in a spiritual way. To make sure I conduct myself according to the Red Road, I must make sure I develop my self discipline. Self control works best when we pray for the courage and power to do the will of the Great Spirit. We are here on the earth to do the will of the Great Spirit. Sometimes, we must battle ourselves to do this.

Great Spirit, help me to have my self- control guided by spiritual ways.

[Spirit Dancer]

nuh woe tee
uh lee tah
ah sss duh gee
go loo wah duh dee
new dah lay
ah jay
ay gah


Quiet, Breathe deep discover another new day.:harp:

[Spirit Dancer]

"Laughter is a necessity in life that does not cost much, and the Old Ones say that one of the greatest healing powers in our life is the ability to laugh."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
Laughter is a good stress eliminator. Laughter causes healing powers to be distributed through our bodies. Laughter helps heal relationships that are having problems. Laughter can change other people. aughter can heal the sick. Laughter is spiritual. One of the greatest gifts among Indian people has been our ability to laugh. Humor is natural to Indian people. Sometimes the only thing left to do is laugh.

Great Spirit, allow me to laugh when times get tough.

[Spirit Dancer]

Today, I remember to laugh with myself; even when others find fault.
Today my spiritual perscription is to laugh out loud.
Blessings, SD

[violaine]

The secretive habits of the owl, its quiet flight and various calls from whistles, screeches and hoots, have made them objects of fear and superstition. The Creator made no evil creatures. Individuals to whom the owl speaks are very fortunate because messages of the owl are deep, far reaching and complex.

[Spirit Dancer]

The Old Man said,`you are both ugly and handsome and you must accept your ugliness as well as your handsomeness in order to really accept yourself."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
My Grandfather told me one time that any person who is judgmental to another is also judgmental to themselves. If we want to be free of being judgmental, we need to first work on how judgmental we are to ourselves. If we quit judging ourselves and start accepting ourselves as we are, we will start accepting others as they are. Then we will experience a level of new freedom.

Great Spirit, let me accept myself as I am - honoring both my strengths and my weaknesses.

[friskyfemme]

The Old Man said,`you are both ugly and handsome and you must accept your ugliness as well as your handsomeness in order to really accept yourself."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
My Grandfather told me one time that any person who is judgmental to another is also judgmental to themselves. If we want to be free of being judgmental, we need to first work on how judgmental we are to ourselves. If we quit judging ourselves and start accepting ourselves as we are, we will start accepting others as they are. Then we will experience a level of new freedom.

Great Spirit, let me accept myself as I am - honoring both my strengths and my weaknesses.
Very profound thinking. Thank you for sharing this. I need to take advice to heart.

[Spirit Dancer]

"When a community does something together, that community is very happy, jovial, connected, and unified."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
The Indian People have always been able to adapt. If the hunting changed, we found new hunting grounds. If the earth changed, we moved to a better place. If the river changed course, we followed the river. But with every change, we kept our Indianness and spirituality. Our culture and spirituality have always been our strength. Our culture and spirituality taught us to live in harmony. We must change with the times, but we must maintain our culture and spirituality, always living in harmony.

Great Spirit, You have taught us to survive. Let me always maintain my Indianness

[Spirit Dancer]

It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its
appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way, it will in time disturb one's
spiritual balance. Therefore, children must early learn the beauty of generosity.
They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving.

Ohiyesa

[Spirit Dancer]

May the sun
bring you new energy by day.
May the moon
softly restore you by night.
May the rain
wash away your worries.
May the breeze
blow new strength into your being.
May you walk gently through the world
and know its beauty all the days of your life.

Apache blessing

[AtLast]

I am not Native American but have found that the solace, peace, and inner balance that many native spiritual practices bring me changed my life for the better. I claim no expertise in any of these practices. I'm simply grateful I opened myself up to differing ways of experiencing spirit in my life.

I have had a pretty rough year and a half on several fronts and could not have landed on my feet without what I have been able to integrate in my life through native American spiritual teachings.

I'm going on a personal pilgrimage of calm next week to some geographic areas that are sacred to CA Native people that have opened up to me a place to reflect and chant, to commune. Places to honor the Native stewards that keep them sacred so that someone like me can be humbled by the very different holiness that surrounded my childhood.

[Spirit Dancer]

"Every thing or living being that exists in this world, be it trees, flowers, birds, grasses, rocks, soil of the earth, or human beings, has its unique manner of existence - its essence, its spirit that makes it what it is. That is what is meant by connectedness."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
Scientists are finally realizing what the Elders have taught for thousands of years - everything is connected. Because everything is interconnected, whatever you do to any one thing, you do to everything. If you poison any part of the earth, the poison eventually affects everything else. If you poison the plants, the birds will eat the plants, which poisons the birds. The birds are eaten by humans which poisons the humans. The humans will have babies who could be deformed because the plants were poisoned. We must learn to live in harmony with the earth. We must learn to think good things. Every good thought is felt by everything, which causes everything to be happy.

Creator, let my thoughts only be good thoughts.

[Spirit Dancer]

Unfortunately, all is not beauty and peace. I don't believe I've ever met a person
who hasn't been challenged or wounded by something. Difficulties present choices:
we can either waste away from our wounds or use them to grow our souls.
My husband, for example, is a survivor of the Second World War. As a child,
he suffered through six years of bombings, near-escapes, and concentration camps.
Part of his soul work has been the gradual transformation of this deep well
of grief and pain. As he heals himself, he also participates in healing that terrible idea
of war in others. I have always said that no one heals alone--we heal through and for one another.

Joan Borysenko

[Spirit Dancer]

Atlast:)
Welcome, i'm happy that you find comfort and sloace in Native ways.
One doesn't have to be Native to feel drawn and derive a healing and comfort from their practices. I hope the remainder of your year is better and your commune brings the peace you desire.(f)




I am not Native American but have found that the solace, peace, and inner balance that many native spiritual practices bring me changed my life for the better. I claim no expertise in any of these practices. I'm simply grateful I opened myself up to differing ways of experiencing spirit in my life.

I have had a pretty rough year and a half on several fronts and could not have landed on my feet without what I have been able to integrate in my life through native American spiritual teachings.

I'm going on a personal pilgrimage of calm next week to some geographic areas that are sacred to CA Native people that have opened up to me a place to reflect and chant, to commune. Places to honor the Native stewards that keep them sacred so that someone like me can be humbled by the very different holiness that surrounded my childhood.

[Andrew, Jr.]

AtlastHome and Spirit Dancer,

I agree with you. Native American Spirituality does bring comfort to me as well. It reminds me of my Buddist ways. It makes me so very happy.

Andrew

[Tommi]

AtlastHome and Spirit Dancer,

I agree with you. Native American Spirituality does bring comfort to me as well. It reminds me of my Buddist ways. It makes me so very happy.

Andrew

Same here..It is a force and a consciousness. I used to take the Ex and our daughter to all the American Indian events we could get too. The kiddo is Shoshone and Cherokee and Irish...., and was a very spiritual child who needed to be away from the rat race, and loved to just Be In Nature..And she loved to dance at the Pow Wow's. We visited and camped on a reservation and got to stay in a real wigwam when she was 7.It was awesome

The Ex is Shoshone and well, she just loved getting away from the house,,:cheesy:

. Thanks for this thread.

[Spirit Dancer]

"In the Indian way, we are connected to that flower if we understand its spirit, the essence of its life."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
Everything on our Earth is alive. Every rock, every plant, every animal, every tree, every bird, every thought is alive. This is true because everything is made by the Great Spirit and the Great Spirit is alive. We need to slow our lives down each day and realize, consciously, that this is true. First we need to realize it, second, we need to acknowledge it, third, we need to appreciate it and, finally, we need to go on.

Great Spirit, let me see life through Your eyes. Today let me be alive

[Spirit Dancer]

There is in this world no such force as the force
of a person determined to rise.
The human soul cannot be permanently chained.
W.E.B. Du Bois

[Spirit Dancer]

do-hi, sv-hi-ye-yi, a-da-do-li-gi, tsv-gi-ne-li

Peaceful evening blessings my friends

[TIMBERWOLF]

Sitting Bull Hunkpapa Sioux (http://www.ilhawaii.net/%7Estony/sittbull.html)


"I am a red man. If the Great Spirit had desired me to be a white man he would have made me so in the first place. He put in your heart certain wishes and plans, in my heart he put other and different desires. Each man is good in his sight. It is not necessary for Eagles to be Crows. We are poor..but we are free. No white man controls our footsteps. If we must die...we die defending our rights."

[Spirit Dancer]

"We've got to learn what's going on today in the world, and we've got to get an education so we can survive."
--Jimmy Jackson, OJIBWA
Indian people have the ability to adapt. In these modern times, we Native people must walk two roads. We must get educated so our people don't lose. We need lawyers, doctors, nurses, foresters, scientists, educators, carpenters, welders. These skills are needed to help the people. While we are learning we need to remember to keep our culture, learn our dances, sing our songs, learn to speak our own language and maintain our culture for future generations.

Great Spirit, let my education never lack the meaning and value of Indian spirituality.

[Spirit Dancer]

"But each of us must find out for himself or herself what their gift is, so that they can use it in their life."
--Jimmy Jackson, OJIBWAY
The old people say, everyone has a song to sing. This song is the reason we are on this earth. When we are doing what we came on this earth to do, we know true happiness. How will we know our song? Pray. Ask the Great Mystery, "What is it you want me to do during my stay on earth?" Ask. He will tell you. He will even help you develop yourself to accomplish His mission.

Great Spirit, help me find my song and let me sing it.

[Spirit Dancer]

I release others from all blame
that I assign them.

They only play roles in my life that help me
become more awake and
aware of who I really am.

[Andrew, Jr.]

This morning on The Today Show, there was a segment on totem poles. It was amazing how you read them from the bottom to the sky. And each one tells a story. It is passed down from generation to generation. This is a lifelong skill that is such a gift of love. I was really amazed at the connection of the artist to the wood/tree - love and dedication.

[TIMBERWOLF]

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion;
respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
even a stranger, when in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools
and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled
with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep
and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

Chief Tecumseh (Crouching Tiger) Shawnee Nation 1768-1813

[Spirit Dancer]

"The Creator was responsible for the existence of everything, a part of the Creator's spirit exists in everything and thus all things are connected."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
The Creator designed nature, people, and all things as an interconnected system. Everything is connected to each other. This connection exists in the Unseen World. The same way our body parts are all port of the body - the parts are separate but also connected. If a part of our body is in pain, the rest of the body recognizes this pain as its own. In other words, the pain of one is the pain of all. This is also true of every interconnected system. Because we are connected, we should respect and take care of our Earth and each other.

Great Spirit, let me treat everyone, today, as if they were You

[Spirit Dancer]

The unrest you are experiencing is not individual psychological difficulty,
but rather part of a widespread spiritual awakening.
Carol Osborn

[Tommi]

YouTube- Havasupai Indian Waterfall Relaxation Video

[Andrew, Jr.]

Today I was watching a Native American show on TV. I don't understand why the Indians would fight amongst themselves. That truely baffles me. And then they would take in "white men" as their own.

Can someone explain this to me? Was this true to life or just Hollywood?

[The_Lady_Snow]

Today I was watching a Native American show on TV. I don't understand why the Indians would fight amongst themselves. That truely baffles me. And then they would take in "white men" as their own.

Can someone explain this to me? Was this true to life or just Hollywood?


I am not Native American, but I can say this..

Humans do that, we all fight amongst our own. Hell Andrew look around this site or any other site..

So I say human nature yes?

:ohm:

[Liam]

Today I was watching a Native American show on TV. I don't understand why the Indians would fight amongst themselves. That truely baffles me. And then they would take in "white men" as their own.

Can someone explain this to me? Was this true to life or just Hollywood?

Its not just Hollywood, Andrew, Native Americans fought Native Americans. They took prisoners and some were enslaved and others were adopted. Yes, some Native Americans had slaves. Why did they do it? I think Snowy nailed it, its human nature.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Snowy and Liam,

You both are right. I never thought of it that way before. But yes.

[alex k]

hoorah for human nature! Cos even when everyone else is against us and we should be banding together we will find a way to divide ourselves and eliminate the weakest

[TIMBERWOLF]

http://www.butchfemmedance.com/forums/images/smilies/flower.gifWild and Freehttp://www.butchfemmedance.com/forums/images/smilies/flower.gif
In my heart I am Indian,Wild and Free
But in this world,it was not meant to be.
Sun father,Moon Woman,Earth Mother,
Guiding me through my day
But somehow,In this world I loss my way
Great Spirit, far and wide,
Please come to me and be my guide,
take me as your daughter and you'll be proud of me
And then I shall become an Indian on the wind that's
Wild and Free
Where for me happiness shall always be.http://www.butchfemmedance.com/forums/images/smilies/flower.gif

Author Unknown

[TIMBERWOLF]

Do not grieve. Misfortunes will happen to the wisest and best of men. Death will come, always out of season. It is the command of the Great Spirit, and all nations and people must obey. What is past and what cannot be prevented should not be grieved for ... Misfortunes do not flourish particularly in our lives - they grow everywhere.
Big Elk - Omaha Chief

[Spirit Dancer]

YouTube- Havasupai Indian Waterfall Relaxation Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYs5zyM9zk8&feature=related)
Today I needed this thank you my friend:)
Today I was watching a Native American show on TV. I don't understand why the Indians would fight amongst themselves. That truely baffles me. And then they would take in "white men" as their own.
My family still fights amongst themselves Andrew, it's human nature and personalities they do clash.:)
Can someone explain this to me? Was this true to life or just Hollywood?

I am not Native American, but I can say this..

Humans do that, we all fight amongst our own. Hell Andrew look around this site or any other site..

So I say human nature yes?

:ohm:
Thank you:)
Its not just Hollywood, Andrew, Native Americans fought Native Americans. They took prisoners and some were enslaved and others were adopted. Yes, some Native Americans had slaves. Why did they do it? I think Snowy nailed it, its human nature.
Liam glad to see you and thank you too.:)
http://www.butchfemmedance.com/forums/images/smilies/flower.gifWild and Freehttp://www.butchfemmedance.com/forums/images/smilies/flower.gif
In my heart I am Indian,Wild and Free
But in this world,it was not meant to be.
Sun father,Moon Woman,Earth Mother,
Guiding me through my day
But somehow,In this world I loss my way
Great Spirit, far and wide,
Please come to me and be my guide,
take me as your daughter and you'll be proud of me
And then I shall become an Indian on the wind that's
Wild and Free
Where for me happiness shall always be.http://www.butchfemmedance.com/forums/images/smilies/flower.gif

Author Unknown
Timber, this was quite beautiful, I thank you my friend and look forward to a sweat soon.:)
Do not grieve. Misfortunes will happen to the wisest and best of men. Death will come, always out of season. It is the command of the Great Spirit, and all nations and people must obey. What is past and what cannot be prevented should not be grieved for ... Misfortunes do not flourish particularly in our lives - they grow everywhere.
Big Elk - Omaha Chief

Thanks for sharing this quote.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The Great Spirit is the one that's looking after us."
--Jimmy Jackson, OJIBWAY
The only place our minds can find peace is when our focus is on the Creator. Daily we need to ask the Creator to direct our thinking. When we look at our brothers and sisters, we need to see the Creator in them. When we look at the trees, plants and the animals, we need to realize the Creator is within us. Our attention needs to be on the Creator. When we work, we do it for the Creator. When we are troubled, we need to pray to the Creator. When we are happy and joyful, we need to realize we are feeling the presence of the Creator. Thinking God thoughts will produce peace.

Oh Great Mystery, let me focus on You today.

[Spirit Dancer]

My face is a mask I order to say nothing
About the fragile feelings hiding in my soul.



-Glenn Lazore (Mohawk)

[violaine]

if you do not understand your friend under all conditions you will never understand him-

how narrow is the vision that exhalts the busyness of the ant above the singing of the grasshopper

sand and foam
kahlil gibran

[TROOPER]

Wakan Tanka, Great Mystery,
teach me how to trust my heart, my mind, my intuition,
my inner knowing, the senses of my body, the blessings of my spirit.
Teach me to trust these things so that I may enter my Sacred Space
and love beyond my fear, and thus Walk in Balance
with the passing of each glorious Sun.

~ Lakota Prayer ~

[TROOPER]

Peace and happiness
are available in every moment
Peace in every step
We shall walk hand in hand
There are no political solutions to spiritual problems
If the Creator put it there, it is in the right place.


~~The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears ~~

[TROOPER]

if you do not understand your friend under all conditions you will never understand him-

how narrow is the vision that exhalts the busyness of the ant above the singing of the grasshopper

sand and foam
kahlil gibran



Tell me and I'll forget
Show me, and I may not remember
Involve me, and I'll understand

~~Tribe Unknown~~

[Spirit Dancer]

"The Old Ones have always said that no matter who despises or ignores you, no matter who keeps you from entering their circles, it is right to pray for them because the are like us, too."

--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA

You don't know how an apple tastes until you taste it. You don't know what a fish tastes like until you eat it. You don't know how it is to be a woman unless you are one. You don't know what it means to have a baby until you have one. So it is with the natural laws. An example: the natural law of forgiveness says, if you hate someone, pray for the person to be blessed with happiness, joy and all the blessings of the Great Spirit. You will not know about this law unless you do it. The natural law says love others as you love yourself. If you hate yourself or feel guilt in some area of yourself, you will tend to judge and condemn your neighbor. You cannot give away what you don't have. You teach your children by your example, not by your words. The natural laws are written in our hearts.


Great Spirit, teach me how to look into my heart

[Spirit Dancer]

"Ultimately, nature will do the teaching."
--Tom Porter, MOHAWK
There are things man has control over, and there are things man does not have control over. No matter how smart we get, whether it be in technology or science, there are things we will never control. The Great Spirit carefully protected and hid the control over certain things in the Unseen World. There are forces in the Unseen World that make sure humans don't mess things up. The bottom line is, no matter what we do, nature will have the last say. Nature is the teacher, we are the students. May we honor and respect our teacher.

Great Spirit, today, help me to live in harmony with people, principles, and life.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The beginning is purification, that's the first step. And purification means purification of body and mind. You don't purify the body without cleansing the mind; that's the way it works."
--Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE
If we have bad thoughts or poison in our minds, they will eventually show up in our bodies in the form of headaches, pains, and stomach problems. It works this way because we are interconnected. Our minds and our bodies are one system. So when we start to grow, or commit to the Red Road, we need to start cleaning up our thoughts and start showing respect for our bodies. We start purifying our minds by prayer and meditation, and we start cleansing our bodies by getting the right amount of sleep and developing good eating habits. Today, I'm going to observe my thoughts. Will my thoughts be clean today?

Great Spirit, let me focus on Your love today so my mind will be pure.

[Spirit Dancer]

Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts.
Native American Proverb

[Spirit Dancer]

Friendship between two persons depends upon the patience of one.
Native American Proverb

[Liquefaction]

Tell me and I'll forget
Show me, and I may not remember
Involve me, and I'll understand

~~Tribe Unknown~~

This is so true for me!!! Thank you!

[Liquefaction]

I just want to tell all of you that I really enjoy this thread! There is a lot of wisdom in these words.

Some years ago(10+) I started to read about Native American Spirituality and went to see a shaman. It changed the way I saw the world, into a more positive/understanding light.

Thank you all for reminding me of the power of this knowledge!

[Spirit Dancer]

I just want to tell all of you that I really enjoy this thread! There is a lot of wisdom in these words.

Some years ago(10+) I started to read about Native American Spirituality and went to see a shaman. It changed the way I saw the world, into a more positive/understanding light.

Thank you all for reminding me of the power of this knowledge!

Welcome and i'm glad you find positivity in the elders word. May your day be blessed.

[Lady Jewel]

An American Indian elder described his own inner struggles this way: "Inside of me there two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time." When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, "The one I feed the most."
Unknown

[violaine]

http://10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/red-tailed-hawk-eating.jpg

[Spirit Dancer]

There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of
themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet.

Brooke Medicine Eagle

[Spirit Dancer]

YouTube- Great spirit

[Spirit Dancer]

"We are taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything, and that he never forgets: that hereafter he will give every man a spirit-home according to his deserts....This I believe, and all my people believe the same."
"Chief Joseph - Nez Perce"

[Spirit Dancer]

"The difference between the white man and us is this: You believe in the redeeming powers of suffering, if this suffering was done by somebody else, far away, two thousand years ago. We believe that it is up to every one of us to help each other, even through the pain of our bodies. ...We do not lay this burden onto our God, nor do we want to miss being face to face with the Spirit Power. ...We want no angel or saint to gain it for us and give it to us second-hand."

-John Fire Lame Deer

[Spirit Dancer]

May their roads home be on the trail of peace,
Happily may they all return,
In beauty I walk.
With beauty before me, I walk.
With beauty behind me, I walk.
With beauty above and about me, I walk.
It is finished in beauty.
It is finished in beauty.

[Liquefaction]

"You already possess everything necessary to become great."
A Crow Proverb

[TIMBERWOLF]

"Civilized people depend too much on man-made pages. I turn to the Great Spirit's book which is the whole of his creation."
~Tatanga Mani~



YouTube- native american the song of wolf

[TIMBERWOLF]

ALL IS FINISHED I WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING OF MY PAST
TO MY GRANDSON.
I TOLD HIM THAT I WOULD SING
THE SACRED WOLF SONG OVER HIM.
IN MY SONG, I APPLEALED TO THE WOLF
TO COME AND PRESIDE OVER US,
WHILE I WOULD PERFORM THE WOLF CEREMONY.
SO THAT THE BONDAGE BETWEEN MY GRANDSON
AND THE WOLF WOULD BE LIFE LONG.

I SANG.
IN MY VOICE WAS THE HOPE
THAT CLINGS TO EVERY HEARTBEAT.
I SANG.
IN MY WORDS WERE THE POWERS
I INHERITED FROM MY FOREFATHERS.
I SANG.
IN MY CUPPED HANDS LAY A SPRUCE SEED..
THE LINK TO CREATION.
I SANG.
IN MY EYES, SPARKLED LOVE.
AND THE SONG FLOATED
ON THE SUN'S RAYS FROM TREE TO TREE.
WHEN I HAD ENDED,
IT WAS AS IF THE WHOLE WORLD
LISTENED WITH US
TO HEAR THE WOLF'S REPLY.
WE WAITED A LONG TIME
BUT NONE CAME.
AGAIN I SANG,
HUMBLY
BUT AS INVITINGLY AS I COULD,
UNTIL MY THROAT ACHED
AND MY VOICE GAVE OUT.
ALL OF A SUDDEN
I REALIZED WHY NO WOLVES HAD HEARD
MY SACRED SONG.
THERE WERE NONE LEFT!
MY HEART FILLED WITH TEARS.
I COULD NO LONGER
GIVE MY GRANDSON
FAITH IN THE PAST, OUR PAST.
I...WEPT IN SILENCE.
ALL IS FINISHED!



CHIEF DAN GEORGE
SALISH
(1899-1981)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q213/timberwolf1955/98c8.jpg

[TROOPER]

YouTube- Ghost Dance

[TROOPER]

Native American Prayer

Oh, Great Spirit
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me, I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have
made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things
you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have
hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my Spirit may come to you without shame.



~~ translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887 ~~
published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church

[Spirit Dancer]

"The voice and the heart are not working together."
--Barney Bush, SHAWNEE
We can say any words we want with our voice but we cannot hide the true meaning and the true spirit behind the words. The true meaning is always understood. The voice is heard in the physical world, but the meaning is transmitted in the spiritual world. If our voice says one thing but the heart is saying something else, it's the something else that is heard. It is said that the truth will set you free. Reaching the truth means your voice and your words will be in alignment with the heart.

Great Spirit, let my tongue, speak the truth today

[Spirit Dancer]

Shooter Teton Sioux

All birds, even those of the same species, are not alike, and it is the same with animals and with human beings. The reason WakanTanka does not make two birds, or animals, or human beings exactly alike is because each is placed here by WakanTanka to be an independent individuality and to rely upon itself.

[Spirit Dancer]

Our first teacher is our own heart. - Cheyenne

[Spirit Dancer]

Lakota Instructions for Living

Friend do it this way - that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.

And if you do it that way,
the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.

When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.

If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be.

Passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman

[Spirit Dancer]

"For me writing has become prayers that say, `Great Spirit, return to us our freedom, our land, and our lives. We are thankful for the present from which we learn how to be thankful for the past, and how to be hopeful for the future."
--Barney Bush, SHAWNEE
We Native people have really been tested. This testing is having our land taken from us, our culture challenged, and our way of living altered. Gratefully, we have not lost our spirituality. Our spirituality has been the key for our people making it through all of these tests. Our prayers are strong. Indian people have also been able to adjust to change and still keep their culture and spirituality. Today, we should be grateful to the Creator for the present and for the lessons of the past. May our future be guided by the Great Spirit.

Great Spirit, thank You for Mother Earth and Father Sky. Thank You for my life.

[Spirit Dancer]

Like the elephant, we are unconscious of our own strength. When it comes to
understanding the power we have to make a difference in our own lives, we might
as well be asleep. If you want to make your dreams come true, wake up. Wake
up to your own strength. Wake up to the role you play in your own destiny.
Wake up to the power you have to choose what you think, do, and say.

[TIMBERWOLF]

The Creator designed us to learn by trial and error. The path of life we walk is very wide. Everything on the path is sacred - what we do right is sacred - but our mistakes are also sacred. This is the Creator's way of teaching spiritual people. To criticize ourselves when we make mistakes is not part of the spiritual path. To criticize mistakes is not the Indian way. To learn from our mistakes is the Indian way. The definition of a spiritual person is someone who makes 30-50 mistakes each day and talks to the Creator after each one to see what to do next time. This is the way of the Warrior.

[TIMBERWOLF]

Prayer of Renewal

Beginnings, fresh and clean, Part of the Sacred Wheel
Each morning is a new opportunity,
To share our love, our Souls, and Spirits,
With those who choose to Walk this Path along with us,
To learn the lessons of the Wheel, and grow closer,
To The One Who- Created- All.
Each day is fresh and unblemished, clean and pure.
Look around, Rejoice in the New Beginning,
The Sun rises again, our hearts beat within our bodies,
We draw fresh Breath, and re-enter the World.
Set aside the pain of past days, each day begins afresh,
Build upon the past, its lessons and joys,
Be strengthened by the love within,
Reach out in love to those around us.
For each day is a gift, given but once.

KiiskeeN'tum- She Who Remembers -Mohawk

[Daywalker]

Hey there...I wanted to share an Article from yesterday about a woman
who is ending her Journey, and oh...what a Journey is has been.

A friend of mine is in close Relations with her
and asked for prayer and energy for Wilma Mankiller:
:praying:

Ex Cherokee Chief Mankiller Diagnosed with Cancer:

Oklahoma - TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) - The husband of former Cherokee Nation
principal chief Wilma Mankiller says Mankiller has been diagnosed with
advanced pancreatic cancer. Charlie Soap, Mankiller's husband, made the
announcement Tuesday in a news release issued by the American Indian tribe.
Soap says the 64-year-old Mankiller has stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer
but offered no other details. He asked that the public respect the family's
privacy. Mankiller served as the tribe's chief from December 1985 until retiring
in 1995. In September, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah named her
as its first Sequoyah Institute Fellow. Mankiller says in a statement that she is
"mentally and spiritually prepared" for dealing with the cancer.




Also, there is a Group on Facebook that I joined that showcases,
and invites folks to submit Native American Photos from all Tribes:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/NATIVE-AMERICAN-INDIAN-Old-Photos/10150102703945578?ref=mf (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/NATIVE-AMERICAN-INDIAN-Old-Photos/10150102703945578?ref=mf)

Pilomaya
:vigil:


:daywalker:

[Spirit Dancer]

Daywalker
Thank you for sharing this information and the facebook link as well. It's greatly appreciated.




Hey there...I wanted to share an Article from yesterday about a woman
who is ending her Journey, and oh...what a Journey is has been.

A friend of mine is in close Relations with her
and asked for prayer and energy for Wilma Mankiller:
:praying:

Ex Cherokee Chief Mankiller Diagnosed with Cancer:

Oklahoma - TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) - The husband of former Cherokee Nation
principal chief Wilma Mankiller says Mankiller has been diagnosed with
advanced pancreatic cancer. Charlie Soap, Mankiller's husband, made the
announcement Tuesday in a news release issued by the American Indian tribe.
Soap says the 64-year-old Mankiller has stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer
but offered no other details. He asked that the public respect the family's
privacy. Mankiller served as the tribe's chief from December 1985 until retiring
in 1995. In September, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah named her
as its first Sequoyah Institute Fellow. Mankiller says in a statement that she is
"mentally and spiritually prepared" for dealing with the cancer.




Also, there is a Group on Facebook that I joined that showcases,
and invites folks to submit Native American Photos from all Tribes:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/NATIVE-AMERICAN-INDIAN-Old-Photos/10150102703945578?ref=mf (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/NATIVE-AMERICAN-INDIAN-Old-Photos/10150102703945578?ref=mf)

Pilomaya
:vigil:


:daywalker:

[Spirit Dancer]

"My father told me that Hopi earth does contain my roots and I am, indeed, from that land. Because my roots are there, I will find them."
--Wendy Rose, HOPI/MIWOK
Everything that comes from the earth will return to the earth. We should be able to realize the connectedness to the earth. We should be able to feel toward Her just like She is our real Mother. We can easily feel this connectedness if we can answer these three questions: why am I?, who am I?, and where am I going? If we cannot answer these questions, then perhaps we need to talk to the Elders. Go to the Elders and ask, "Grandfather, why am I?; Grandmother, who am I?; Oh Great One, where am I supposed to go?" The Elders will help us with these three questions.

Grandfather, help me to stay centered today

[Spirit Dancer]

Forgiveness is the perfume the trampled flower
casts back on the foot that crushed it.

Author Unknown

[Spirit Dancer]

"I have always searched for my place and my people."
--Wendy Rose, HOPI/MIWOK
For every human being to feel connected, we must have the feeling of belonging. That is one of the values and benefits of a culture: it creates the feeling of belonging. If for some reason, while you were growing up, you did not develop the feeling of belonging, a search will be triggered and a restlessness will be present in your heart. You will have a hole inside you, something missing, until you find your place and your people. Remember, we can get this feeling of belonging when we realize we belong to the Great Spirit and that He really loves us a lot.

My Creator, today, I belong to You. Let me feel Your presence. Thank You.

[Spirit Dancer]

Kill the snake of doubt in your soul,
crush the worms of fear in your heart
and mountains will move out of your way.

Kate Seredy

[Andrew, Jr.]

I am really enjoying this thread. Thanks everyone for sharing and participating. :pipe:

[Spirit Dancer]

"And there are Four Corners of the Earth that we talk about, the Four Colors of people, and the Four Winds. You see the winds - they are spirits."
--Grandfather William Commanda, ALGONQUIN
The Elders teach us about the four directions. If we learn about direction, we also learn about attention, about focus, and about power. Each direction has spiritual power. In the morning, go outside, face the east and get still; then, listen to your thoughts. After you have done this for a while, turn and face the west. Get quiet once again and listen to your thoughts. Did your thinking change when you changed direction?

Great Spirit, teach me the power of the four directions

[Spirit Dancer]

Miracles rest not so much upon healing power coming suddenly
near us from afar, but upon our perceptions being made finer,
so that for the moment our eyes can see and our ears can hear
what has been there around us always.
Willa Cather

[Spirit Dancer]

Healing is not the same as curing. Healing does not take us back
to what was before, rather, Healing brings us closer to our true Self.

unattributed

[Spirit Dancer]

Today
Great Spirit I come to you a mere lamb, asking for saving grace; not for me
but for the child you gave this gift of life.
Today a healing is needed, with you all things are possible even the smallest detail you control.
As we walk the red road today father sky I seek your power the power to heal.

a-do-nv-do tsa-la-tsi-s-gi:praying:
Spirit Dancer

[Spirit Dancer]

"We are responsible for the condition of the Earth. We are the ones who are responsible and we can change that. If we wake up, it is possible to change the energy. It is possible to change everything."
--Hunbatz Men, MAYAN
The environment we want outside will be created by the mental pictures we have inside our heads. We must have the right environmental picture as well as the right values. These values will give the mental picture its true meaning. If we respected Mother Earth, we would not throw garbage on Her, nor would we put poison in Her. We would not misuse Her in any way. Mother Earth is like She is today because of the mental pictures of previous generations as well as the mental pictures of our own generation. If we want the environment to change, each individual must change their mental picture. "As within, so without."

Great Spirit, today, let me be alert to Your guiding voice.

[Spirit Dancer]

Take the breath of the new dawn and
make it part of you. It will give you strength.

from the Hopi

[Spirit Dancer]

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light,
for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy
of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

Tecumseh

[Spirit Dancer]

The way to overcome the angry person is with gentleness,
the evil person with goodness, the miser with generosity and the liar with truth.
Indian Proverb

[Liquefaction]

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand,
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

A Pueblo Indian Prayer

[Spirit Dancer]

"Balance is implicit in the Red Road. When you're on the Red Road, you are in the center. Yet, you do not go to either extreme, and you allow both sides to exist. This is accomplished by continually postponing surrendering to temptation, whatever it may be. It is saying `later' instead of `no.'"
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
The Sacred Path of life has a middle, a left side, and a right side. As human beings, we are designed to walk this middle path as much as we can. As we walk, we will stray to the left and to the right and come back to the middle. Straying to the left or right side is as sacred as being in the middle. Sometimes we call this straying our mistakes. We are designed by the Creator to walk the Sacred Path of life, and realize that our mistakes are the source of lessons. These lessons give us our wisdom. It is not wrong that we are tempted. What matters is what we do with the temptation.

Great Spirit, today, let me enjoy the Sacred Path of Life.

[Spirit Dancer]

Balance is the perfect state of still water.
Let that be our model.
It remains quiet within and is not disturbed on the surface.

Confucius

[Spirit Dancer]

"In the life of the Indian there was only one inevitable duty, the duty of prayer, the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. His daily devotions were more necessary to him than daily food."
--Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), SANTEE SIOUX
The most important habit one can develop is the daily act of prayer. Prayer is our eyes, our ears, our feelings, our success, our guidance, our life, our duty, our goal. There really is only prayer and meditation. We can only help others through prayer. We can only help ourselves through prayer. You can never become an Elder unless you pray. You can never stay an Elder unless you pray. You never get wisdom unless you pray. You never understand unless you pray.

Great Spirit, today, teach me to pray.

[friskyfemme]

Healing is not the same as curing. Healing does not take us back
to what was before, rather, Healing brings us closer to our true Self.

unattributed
Become aware of the greatness from which we are. Grow the greatness from what we do. Being greatness is being in harmony with all that is and will be. Healing is realizing your greatness.

MoonWing

[Spirit Dancer]

"I know Grandpa told me that to smoke is wakan (holy). The smoke you inhale represents the spirits of everything you put into the pipe. When you breathe in the smoke, you are asking to become one with everything or to become whole."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Enhanamani), LAKOTA
The smoke allows us to go from the Seen World to the Spirit World. It is in the Spirit World where we are all connected. In this way, we can become one with all things. Our pipe is sacred. We need to be respectful of our medicine. When we smoke the pipe, we need to have good thoughts because these thoughts are shared with the Spirit World. The pipe, the smoke, the spirits, our thoughts - these things are Wakan.

Great Spirit, today, let my thoughts be Wakan.

[Spirit Dancer]

Anticipation was the soul of enjoyment.

Elizabeth Gaskell


http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad355/gls1962/fantasy.jpg

[Spirit Dancer]

"The symbol of wholeness, represented by the medicine wheel, is still being used in D/Lakota ceremonies today. The center where the "X" crosses is considered the home of Tunkasila, Wakan-Tanka, God. I speculated, `If this is the symbol of wholeness, the symbol of the psyche, with Wakan-Tanka at the center, then Wakan-Tanka or God would be within you.'"
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
The Medicine Wheel represents everything. All the directions originate from the center outward. The center is the home of the Creator. The Medicine Wheel represents the human being. At our center is the home of the Great Spirit. This is why we are spiritual. The easiest way for us to find God and talk to Him, is for us to become centered. This means, relax our bodies, still our minds, let go of our emotions and listen quietly. Shhh. Be still.

My Creator, let me walk in the stillness today.

[Spirit Dancer]

As there are silent depths in the ocean which the fiercest storm
cannot reach, so there are silent, holy depths of the hearts of people
which the storm of sin and sorrow can never disturb. To reach
this silence and to live consciously in it is peace.

James Allen

[Spirit Dancer]

I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between
two people, that each protects the solitude of the other.

Rainer Maria Rilke

[Spirit Dancer]

"The old people say, `Learn from your mistakes'. So I try to accept everything for what it is and to make the best of each situation one day at a time."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
The Creator did not design us to beat ourselves up when we make mistakes. Mistakes are our friends. It is from mistakes that we learn. The more mistakes we learn from, the faster we gain wisdom. The faster we gain wisdom, the more we love. The more we love, the fewer our mistakes. Therefore, mistakes help us to learn love. God is love. Mistakes are sacred and help us learn about God's will for ourselves.

Great Spirit, help me, today, to learn from my mistakes

[Spirit Dancer]

What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.
Crowfoot





Once you have heard the meadowlark and caught the scent of fresh-plowed earth, peace cannot escape you.
Sequichie

[Spirit Dancer]

The promise Creator gives us
Comes with every new day,
The gift of breath, the gift of life,
Opportunities in a vast array.
How do we count our blessings,
Through the choices life can bring?
Is it through joyful lessons?
Or the fears to which we cling?
Are we learning to show gratitude,
For the victories over human pain?
By honoring the feeling choices,
We grasp the will we've regained.
Can we change our focus,
With no need to defend?
Acknowledging joy and sorrow,
Without judging foe or friend?
Tomorrow promises the fullness
Of every human way to know:
How we master each challenge
Determines our balance -
reflecting how we grow.
The Promise of Tomorrow
Jamie Sams
"Earth Medicine"

[violaine]

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)

We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.
Marcel Proust (1871 - 1922)

To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.
Marilyn vos Savant

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.
Zeno (335 BC - 264 BC), from Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Force without wisdom falls of its own weight.
Horace (65 BC - 8 BC), Odes

One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything.
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742 - 1799)

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.
Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804)

[Spirit Dancer]

"I went to a holy man and asked him for help. He told me to get on the Red Road. Pray to Wakan-Tanka (Great Spirit) to help you walk the Red Road."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
All Indian traditions, customs and ceremonies help us answer three questions: who am I?, why am I?, and where am I going? Only on the Red Road can we find the answer to these three questions. When we can answer these three questions, we are on the Red Road. When we cannot, we have gone astray. That is why the Holy Men tell us to pray to the Great Spirit and to seek the Red Road. Why am I? My purpose is the serve the Great Spirit. Who am I? I am an Indian who walks the Red Road. Where am I going? My vision is to serve my people.

Great Spirit, when I know You, only then do I know me. Help me today to know You.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The concept that we are all related is one of the basic philosophies of D/Lakota religion."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
The Medicine Wheel teaches the four directions of the races, Red people, Yellow people, Black people and White people. These four directions are symbolic of all races. Everything in the circle is connected and related. All races are brothers and sisters. If we are related to each other, then it is important to love one another as brother and sister, aunt and uncle, Fathers and Mothers, Grandfathers and Grandmothers. We need to care for each other and especially respect each other. We need to honor one another's differences whether that difference is the color of our skin or our opinions. We should respect differences.

My Creator, let me feel the connectedness to all things. Let me know the lessons I need to learn today. Above all, let me feel my connectedness to You.

[Spirit Dancer]

"We were taught generosity to the poor and reverence for the Great Mystery. Religion was the basis of all Indian training."
--Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), SANTEE SIOUX
Every Indian knows and has a feeling inside that, bottom line, our real purpose on earth is to be of service to our fellow man and to be of maximum service to the Great Spirit. The Creator designed the earth to be self supporting - everything is interconnected and all things were created to be of service to each other. The Indian way is to pray about all things. Religion is not separate from any part of our lives. Everything is spiritual and we are to view all matters in this way. Family is spiritual, work is spiritual, helping others is spiritual, our bodies are spiritual, our talk is spiritual, our thoughts are spiritual. We need to practice seeing all things as spiritual.

Great Spirit, today let me help the needy and allow me the wisdom to have respect and reverence for Your teachings.

[Spirit Dancer]

"Each of us must know in our minds and believe in our hearts that even though we are different, you are like me and I am like you."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA
One of the definitions of humility is having an awareness of one's own character defects. To recognize and acknowledge that one has imperfections is being humble. We should never pray for ourselves unless by doing so it would help another person. To have self-importance puts self first and this is not humble. We each have strengths and we each have weaknesses. Both the strengths and weaknesses are sacred. Life is sacred. We learn sacred things from weaknesses also. Therefore, all lives are developed through trial and error, strength and weakness, ups and downs, gains and losses - all of these are part of life and life is sacred.

Great Mystery, let me see and know about the sacredness of life.

[Spirit Dancer]

Do not judge me unless you walk a mile in my mocassins.

(Indain Proverb)

[Spirit Dancer]

"By listening to the inner self and following one's instincts and intuitions, a person may be guided to safety."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
Be still and know. The Medicine Wheel teaches the four directions of inner power - not personal power, but the power of God. These four directions are emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. As our emotions get too far out of control, we simultaneously create an equivalent mental picture, our physical body fills with stress and tension, and we become spiritually confused. When we experience these uptight feelings, the best thing to do is mentally pause, slow down our thinking, breathe slowly, or pray and ask the spirits to help. Only when we approach the stillness of the mind do we get access to our spiritual guidance system. To be guided, let your mind be still.

Creator, today, let me reside in Your stillness.
__________________

[Spirit Dancer]

the Elders say that if you want something good, you have to suffer for it."
--Chuck Ross, LAKOTA
People sometimes have a misconception of sacrifice. This is a strong word for Indian people. On the other side of sacrifice is another whole world. During sacrifice, our beliefs are tested. We may all have good beliefs but if you test a good belief, then you get real beliefs. Real beliefs make new people; real beliefs make new self images. Real beliefs allow determination and desires and faith to come true. Good is always available to us but we often can't bring it within until we let go of the old ways. We let go of the old ways by suffering. Suffering is only letting go of things that don't work anymore. On the other side of suffering is a new world.

Creator, help me to let go of old ways. Let my old thoughts and beliefs be abandoned. Every change is preceded by struggle. Help me go through the struggle today

[Spirit Dancer]

"You must be prepared and know the reason why you dance."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW
Inside every human being is a need to dance. We dance to music. Have you even wondered why people are moved when they hear an Indian Drum? The drum is the heartbeat of the Mother Earth. Every Indian dance is for a purpose and a reason. Every Song is for a reason. The beat of the drum makes our bodies, minds and spirits join together in harmony. It allows us to connect to Mother Earth and to each other. The dance aligns our minds to think spiritual thoughts. Dancing to the drum is healthy.

Great Spirit, today, I dance to honor you.

[TROOPER]

"I have always searched for my place and my people."
--Wendy Rose, HOPI/MIWOK
For every human being to feel connected, we must have the feeling of belonging. That is one of the values and benefits of a culture: it creates the feeling of belonging. If for some reason, while you were growing up, you did not develop the feeling of belonging, a search will be triggered and a restlessness will be present in your heart. You will have a hole inside you, something missing, until you find your place and your people. Remember, we can get this feeling of belonging when we realize we belong to the Great Spirit and that He really loves us a lot.

My Creator, today, I belong to You. Let me feel Your presence. Thank You.




"There is no such thing as 'part-Cherokee.'
Either you're Cherokee or you're not.
It isn't the quantity of Cherokee blood in your veins that is important,
but the quality of it . . . your pride in it.
I have seen full-bloods who have virtually no idea of the great legacy entrusted to their care.
Yet, I have seen people with as little as 1/500th blood quantum who inspire the spirits of their ancestors
because, they make being Cherokee a proud part of a their everyday life."


~Jim Pell: Principal Chief of the North Alabama Cherokee Tribe ~

[Passionaria]

Someone who always makes me think, I love him for that.

YouTube- John Trudell " Religious vs Spiritual" Perception of Reality
:rose:

[TROOPER]

YouTube- rage against the machine - freedom

[violaine]

do you remember
owl found us in daylight
the first time we met-

driving through mountains
visited by hawks and crows
we knew of them all-

[Spirit Dancer]

"The sacred fire used to heat the rocks represents the eternal fire that burns at the center of the universe."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
Our Sweat Lodge represents the womb of Mother Earth. This is the place of forgiveness. The altar is the place where the Grandfathers are heated. The Sweat Lodge and the altar represent the whole story of the universe. The Sweat Lodge and the ceremonies are sacred. The Great Spirit gave these things to us to help us. He taught us to do the ceremonies in harmony with Mother Earth. We need to know and understand these things.

Great Spirit, let me understand harmony.

[Tommi]

"The sacred fire used to heat the rocks represents the eternal fire that burns at the center of the universe."
--Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
Our Sweat Lodge represents the womb of Mother Earth. This is the place of forgiveness. The altar is the place where the Grandfathers are heated. The Sweat Lodge and the altar represent the whole story of the universe. The Sweat Lodge and the ceremonies are sacred. The Great Spirit gave these things to us to help us. He taught us to do the ceremonies in harmony with Mother Earth. We need to know and understand these things.

Great Spirit, let me understand harmony.

Can't find one on my :harley: GPS?

[Spirit Dancer]

Can't find one on my :harley: GPS?

I'll send you the link to one:praying::moonstars:

[Tommi]

I'll send you the link to one:praying::moonstars:
and a Pow Wow.I NEEEEED a Shaman..:builder:

[Spirit Dancer]

Don't seek to gain anything for yourself that forces you to break your
word or lose self-respect; to hate, suspect, or curse another; or to be
insincere or to desire something that needs to remain secret.
Look to the people whose main desire is to nurture their minds and their
inner spirits. They do not fuss, complain, or crave either solitude or
a crowd. And, most important of all, they will live without either striving
or avoiding, and will not care whether their lives are long or short.
If death comes for them at this very instant, they will go as easily as if
they were doing any other act needing self-respect and calm, being careful
of only this through their lives: that their thoughts do not stray into paths
incompatible with an intelligent and social being.

Marcus Aurelius

[Spirit Dancer]

"There's a deep wound in people - that they have been so cut off from the source of their being, their mother, their Earth Mother."
--Francis Story Talbott II (Medicine Story), WAMPANOAG
When we are connected to the Earth Mother, or when we are clear on our purpose, we will feel connected and safe. We will feel love. When we are disconnected from the Earth Mother, or we don't know who we are or why we are, we will feel pain. It will be similar to a little child who has lost its Mother. We will hurt insid - we will be wounded within. If this happens to the whole community, the people will be very sad and lost. It will seem like there is death in the air. When this happens, it is time for ceremony and reconnection to God and Mother Earth. This is the time of prayer.

Great Mystery, today, help me to stay connected to the Earth and to You, my Creator.

[Spirit Dancer]

The Rainy Day

The day is cold and dark and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the moldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold and dark and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the moldering past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining:
Thy fate is the common fate of all:
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

Henry W. Longfellow

[Spirit Dancer]

Sadness is related to the opening of your heart.
If you allow yourself to feel sad, especially if you can cry,
you will find that your heart opens wider
and you can feel more love and more joy.

Shakti Gawain

[Spirit Dancer]

"You have wandered away from your teachings. You must concentrate on your spiritual teachings...Don't be sidetracked."
--Henry Quick Bear, LAKOTA
Why are the Elders always telling us to know The culture and listen to the teachings? When we go off track, why do the Elders say, return to the teachings? The teachings tell us how to live in harmony with the Laws and principles of the Great Spirit. Living means life � a good life, a happy life. Many of us have grown up without the teachings and the culture, that is why we don't know how to live. To improve on relationships, to treat our children with honor, and to respect our Elders, we need to live by the old teachings again.

Great Spirit, today, show me how to live.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The manner with which we walk through life is each man's most important responsibility, and we should remember this with every new sunrise."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW
Every spiritual person should carry a vision of God's will in every area of their life. One day at a time, each morning at sunrise, we should spend time praying to the Creator. We should say something like, my Creator, this morning I ask you to show me, in terms I can understand, what you have for me to do. By doing this daily, over time, we will develop an unquestionable vision. Each person is responsible for taking the time to do this. It will bring great joy and peace of mind to those warriors who do.

My Creator, give me the vision, today, of what you want me to do.

[Spirit Dancer]

A plant is a weed only within a certain context; one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower.


Simply expressed, a weed is any plant that grows where it isn’t wanted. Weeds are defined by their tendency to flourish at the expense of a gardener’s overall vision, and we tend to battle their presence in our yards. It is interesting to consider, though, that a plant is a weed only within a certain context, which is to say that one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower. Most of us have pulled at least one dandelion up by its roots and disposed of it in the interest of preserving the look of a perfect green lawn, yet the dandelion is good medicine, packed with healing properties and vitamin-rich leaves that are a delicious, spicy surprise in a summer salad.

In the wild, there is no such thing as a weed because the overall vision is in the hands of Mother Nature, who accommodates and incorporates all forms of life. In nature, balance is achieved over the long term, without the aid, or interference, of a human supervisor. While one plant may prevail over others for a certain period of time, eventually it will reach an apex and then it will naturally decline, allowing for other forms to be born and survive. This self-regulating realm was the first garden of our ancestors, who learned the art of agriculture from studying the forests and fields of the as yet uncultivated earth. In a sense, weeds are harbingers of this wildness, pushing their way into our well-ordered plots, undermining more delicate flora, and flourishing in spite of us.

The next time you see a weed, you might want to look deeply into its roots, discover its name, its habits, and its possible uses. Instead of seeing an unwanted intruder, you might see a healer offering its leaves for a medicinal tea or its flowers for a colorful salad. At the very least, if you look long enough, you will see a messenger from the wilderness of Mother Earth, reminding you that, even in the most carefully controlled garden, she cannot be completely ruled out.

[Tommi]

I love all living earthly /earthy things (without a beating heart), even weeds. (Exception. Crabgrass creeping under the fence into my manicured Marathon III. There goes the neighborhood:lawnmower:

[Sachita]

A plant is a weed only within a certain context; one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower.


Simply expressed, a weed is any plant that grows where it isn’t wanted. Weeds are defined by their tendency to flourish at the expense of a gardener’s overall vision, and we tend to battle their presence in our yards. It is interesting to consider, though, that a plant is a weed only within a certain context, which is to say that one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower. Most of us have pulled at least one dandelion up by its roots and disposed of it in the interest of preserving the look of a perfect green lawn, yet the dandelion is good medicine, packed with healing properties and vitamin-rich leaves that are a delicious, spicy surprise in a summer salad.

In the wild, there is no such thing as a weed because the overall vision is in the hands of Mother Nature, who accommodates and incorporates all forms of life. In nature, balance is achieved over the long term, without the aid, or interference, of a human supervisor. While one plant may prevail over others for a certain period of time, eventually it will reach an apex and then it will naturally decline, allowing for other forms to be born and survive. This self-regulating realm was the first garden of our ancestors, who learned the art of agriculture from studying the forests and fields of the as yet uncultivated earth. In a sense, weeds are harbingers of this wildness, pushing their way into our well-ordered plots, undermining more delicate flora, and flourishing in spite of us.

The next time you see a weed, you might want to look deeply into its roots, discover its name, its habits, and its possible uses. Instead of seeing an unwanted intruder, you might see a healer offering its leaves for a medicinal tea or its flowers for a colorful salad. At the very least, if you look long enough, you will see a messenger from the wilderness of Mother Earth, reminding you that, even in the most carefully controlled garden, she cannot be completely ruled out.

I love this. Can I please post it on my blog?

[Sachita]

I love all living earthly /earthy things (without a beating heart), even weeds. (Exception. Crabgrass creeping under the fence into my manicured Marathon III. There goes the neighborhood:lawnmower:

Last week J and I were walking on an old farm road on the land here at the farm. From the creek flooding and all the storms we had so many trees fallen, broken, tossed around. at first I was sad about it, its such a mess and then I thought about how many animals had shelter from this awful winter. The Goddess/Mother Earth works in mysterious ways and sometimes we forget that,

[Spirit Dancer]

Welcome, and yes as it was on the daily om. Have a beautiful day.


I love this. Can I please post it on my blog?

[Sachita]

Welcome, and yes as it was on the daily om. Have a beautiful day.

is it yours? If not can I lhave the link to get permission to post? My blog is public.

[friskyfemme]

A plant is a weed only within a certain context; one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower.


Simply expressed, a weed is any plant that grows where it isn’t wanted. Weeds are defined by their tendency to flourish at the expense of a gardener’s overall vision, and we tend to battle their presence in our yards. It is interesting to consider, though, that a plant is a weed only within a certain context, which is to say that one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower. Most of us have pulled at least one dandelion up by its roots and disposed of it in the interest of preserving the look of a perfect green lawn, yet the dandelion is good medicine, packed with healing properties and vitamin-rich leaves that are a delicious, spicy surprise in a summer salad.

In the wild, there is no such thing as a weed because the overall vision is in the hands of Mother Nature, who accommodates and incorporates all forms of life. In nature, balance is achieved over the long term, without the aid, or interference, of a human supervisor. While one plant may prevail over others for a certain period of time, eventually it will reach an apex and then it will naturally decline, allowing for other forms to be born and survive. This self-regulating realm was the first garden of our ancestors, who learned the art of agriculture from studying the forests and fields of the as yet uncultivated earth. In a sense, weeds are harbingers of this wildness, pushing their way into our well-ordered plots, undermining more delicate flora, and flourishing in spite of us.

The next time you see a weed, you might want to look deeply into its roots, discover its name, its habits, and its possible uses. Instead of seeing an unwanted intruder, you might see a healer offering its leaves for a medicinal tea or its flowers for a colorful salad. At the very least, if you look long enough, you will see a messenger from the wilderness of Mother Earth, reminding you that, even in the most carefully controlled garden, she cannot be completely ruled out.
Ok then. I am growing several people's wildfowers. Please feel free to harvest them. LOL. I live in a desert that is full of plants that will live no matter what. In the heat of summer they do not die that hybernate. The plants that don't do well here are the ones that someone has forced to be here. Mother Earth and Great Spirit have distributed the proper things to the each area of earth. I have a theory that the most discussing or annoying things (bugs and weeds) have been strategic placed here for healing reasons not yet realized. So if we are tolerant, we will be rewarded.

[Tommi]

Last week J and I were walking on an old farm road on the land here at the farm. From the creek flooding and all the storms we had so many trees fallen, broken, tossed around. at first I was sad about it, its such a mess and then I thought about how many animals had shelter from this awful winter. The Goddess/Mother Earth works in mysterious ways and sometimes we forget that,

Swweeeet post Sachita.

The Daily Om Link is here. (http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?subscribe=1)

Yes, and if we just could be as moved by the beauty of it all.I am always in awe when we go through a wildfire burn area and see life in the ashes, burned trees, and ground cover that is black to grey, piled aside by burrowing creatures that came back. Birds sitting on dead branches still sing a song.

I am still in awe of every drop of water, especially since we get ours from the Colorado river, and are just a few miles from the Pacific ocean

[Spirit Dancer]

"Everything's so simple, and we make everything so complicated. That's why we're confused."
--Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo
The Creator designed a very simple set of Laws for us to follow. If we follow these simple things, we'll be happy. If we don't follow these simple things, our lives become complicated. For example:
•Respect Mother Earth
•Love one another
•Be truthful
•Give to your brother and sisters
•Be gentle with each other
•Be happy
Following these simple Laws will have great rewards.


Great Spirit, let me lead a simple life.

[Spirit Dancer]

I love all living earthly /earthy things (without a beating heart), even weeds. (Exception. Crabgrass creeping under the fence into my manicured Marathon III. There goes the neighborhood:lawnmower:

Last week J and I were walking on an old farm road on the land here at the farm. From the creek flooding and all the storms we had so many trees fallen, broken, tossed around. at first I was sad about it, its such a mess and then I thought about how many animals had shelter from this awful winter. The Goddess/Mother Earth works in mysterious ways and sometimes we forget that,

Ok then. I am growing several people's wildfowers. Please feel free to harvest them. LOL. I live in a desert that is full of plants that will live no matter what. In the heat of summer they do not die that hybernate. The plants that don't do well here are the ones that someone has forced to be here. Mother Earth and Great Spirit have distributed the proper things to the each area of earth. I have a theory that the most discussing or annoying things (bugs and weeds) have been strategic placed here for healing reasons not yet realized. So if we are tolerant, we will be rewarded.

My grandparents wanted to ultilize everything Mother Earth had to offer so they did indeed use the weeds for their medicinal purposes. All have properties even if it's just used in the medicine pouch. Funny thing when it came to her rose bushes
her land was pulled cleard and ground covered layed so the weeds didn't invade those blooms:rose:
So we are truly rewarded by all the gifts Mother Nature provides everyday.

[Spirit Dancer]

It’s simple things, like a glowing sunset, the sound of a running stream
or the fresh smell in a meadow that cause us to pause and marvel
at the wonder of life, to contemplate its meaning and significance.
Who can hold an autumn leaf in their hand, or sift the warm white sand
on the beach, and not wonder at the Creator of it all?

Wendy Moore

[Spirit Dancer]

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q6/whatevergirl_03/american%20indian/cherokeeprayer-1.jpg


Trying not to allow my faith to be taken or forsaken, remembering these words as I dig deep within.

[Spirit Dancer]

"We must relearn how to cry. A strong man cries; it is the weak man who holds back his tears."
--Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA
Indian men and other men should really meditate on this Elder's saying. So many men have been taught it is unmanly to cry, to show emotions or to feel. When people cry, the Elders say there are two types of tears � one type will taste salty; the other type will taste sweet. One is caused by pain, and the other is caused by the release from the pain, or joy tears. A strong man knows himself and knows his relationship with the Great Spirit. The release of tears is a spiritual act. Our bodies are designed to cry. We should honor our bodies and use them as the Creator intended.

Great Spirit, Grandfather, today, teach me to cry.

[Spirit Dancer]

Today I cry freely as our family gathers to say our last
good byes to our father. Today I remembered the good not the bad times,
and know that Great Spirit has shown me how to cry once again.
I find my solace here being able to write, an escape where no one but me can see my tears.
Knowing I must remain strong for them while inside I cry.

[violaine]

" ... There is no death, only a change of worlds... "

http://www.halcyon.com/arborhts/chiefsea.html

[Spirit Dancer]

Our religion is the traditions of our ancestors; the dreams of our old men, given them in the solemn hours of night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of our sachems, and is written in the hearts of our people.
--Chief Seattle, SUQUAMISH
Our Spiritual ways have carefully been given to chosen people. Slowly, through our past generations, through past conflicts, our Elders prayed for guidance, which the Creator provided. Then it was passed down to the next generation through culture, ceremony and oral traditions. Our Indian religion has been tested and is about how we should behave and treat other people, animals and the earth. This knowledge is written in the heart of every person. We can find this knowledge by looking inside ourselves.

My Creator, today, when conflict occurs, I will look inside myself for the answers.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I find such joy and comfort in this thread. Thank you for this thread, Spirit Dancer. :praying:

Love,
Andrew :ohm: :pipe:



:moonstars:

[violaine]

http://www.old-picture.com/indians/pictures/Medicine-Crow.jpg

[Spirit Dancer]

"Come forward and join hands with us in this great work for the Creator."
--Traditional Circle of Elders, NORTHERN CHEYENNE
The Elders have spent years learning to pray and communicate with the Great Spirit. Their job is to pass this knowledge to the younger people. The Elders have told us we are now in a great time of Healing. The Creator is guiding the younger people to help them figure this out. We must get involved and participate. We should pray and see what it is the Great Spirit wants us to do. We need to sacrifice our time and do what is our mission � to help the people and be of maximum use to the Creator. Every person is needed to accomplish this great Healing.

Creator, whisper what you want me to do

[Spirit Dancer]

"In our modern world today, we may seem like drowning men because of the loss of much of our spiritual tradition."

--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

Our spiritual tradition shows us the way to live in harmony, balance and respect. The tradition taught us how to behave and how to conduct ourselves. The spiritual way taught us to pray and to purify ourselves. Handed down from generation to generation were the teachings about a way of life. Our relationship to Mother Earth and to each other was very clear. The Modern World does not relate to spirituality but to materialism. If we do not allow spirituality to guide our lives, we will be lost, unhappy and without direction. We are spiritual beings trying to be human, not human beings trying to be spiritual. It is said, Know thyself.


Grandfather, lead me to spirituality.

[Spirit Dancer]

"...you have to believe it first. Not wait until you see it first, then touch it, then believe it...You have to say it from the heart."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
We are designed to function from faith. First we pray. Then we use our imagination to create a vision or picture in our mind. We surround this mental picture with our emotions or feelings. These feelings are available when we ask or say it from the heart. The combination of the mental picture and asking from the heart to create the emotions will cause us to believe it. Then we just need to wait. We need to believe as though it is already done.

Great Spirit, remove from me any doubt that comes up today

[Spirit Dancer]

"Sacred sites and areas are protection for all people � the four colors for man � and these sites are in all areas of the earth in the four directions."
--Traditional Circle of Elders, NORTHERN CHEYENNE
The Elders say that values come from the Mother Earth. Different places and areas around the Earth have different values. The Water people live in harmony and know the values that correspond to that particular part of the Earth. The Desert people know the values of the desert and respect and live in harmony with that part of the Earth. The Woodland people know the values of their part of the Earth and live in harmony. If you live in harmony with the Earth, you will live a life that is full of values. We should have great respect for the Mother Earth.

Grandfather, today, let me learn values from Mother Earth.

[wolfwalker]

"We must relearn how to cry. A strong man cries; it is the weak man who holds back his tears."
--Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA
Indian men and other men should really meditate on this Elder's saying. So many men have been taught it is unmanly to cry, to show emotions or to feel. When people cry, the Elders say there are two types of tears � one type will taste salty; the other type will taste sweet. One is caused by pain, and the other is caused by the release from the pain, or joy tears. A strong man knows himself and knows his relationship with the Great Spirit. The release of tears is a spiritual act. Our bodies are designed to cry. We should honor our bodies and use them as the Creator intended.

Great Spirit, Grandfather, today, teach me to cry.

last week, i found the need to cry and let out the pain and confusion of the things going on in my life. it was healing and helped to give me back myself.

wolfwalker

[Sachita]

last week, i found the need to cry and let out the pain and confusion of the things going on in my life. it was healing and helped to give me back myself.

wolfwalker

good for you! Ive learned some lessons the hard way, as always. I use to be very stoic and seemed emotionless. I harbored my fears and pain and didnt let anyone close to me. Its amazing how we reach a point, find a place and just let go. Its healing, freeing and helps us grow.

brave and strong people cry and they are no afraid to expose themselves.

[Spirit Dancer]

We cannot control the evil tongues of others; but a good life enables us to disregard them.
Cato the Elder (234 BC - 149 BC)

[Spirit Dancer]

"Tell the people not to cry. Tell them to be happy."
--John Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA (told to his son, Archie, as he died)
Our Elders know about the two Worlds, the Physical World and the Spiritual World. Many times, before we pass to the Spirit World, our relatives, who have gone there before us, will come for us and they will help us. The Spirit World, the Elders say, is a good, happy, and harmonious place. When we die, it means we have only entered another world. We will all see one another again.

Great Spirit, allow me to understand both the Spirit World and the Physical World. Today, let me be happy.

[Spirit Dancer]

"If anyone has children, they better teach their children to follow the traditions that we're leaving behind because it is later than we think with all that's going on."
--Juanita Centeno, CHUMASH
The habits, attitudes, and beliefs that carry the human through the trials of life are developed at a very young age. If we are taught respect at a very young age, the odds are we'll be respectful throughout our whole lives. If we are taught to dance at a young age, we'll dance our whole lives. If we are taught to sing the traditional songs while we are young, we'll sing those songs throughout our whole lives. And who do we drum and sing songs to? Our children. This is how we keep it going.

Great Spirit, today, teach me to teach the children.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man's heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew the lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to a lack of respect for humans too. So he kept his youth close to its softening influence."
--Luther Standing Bear, OGLALA SIOUX
When we live in nature it's like constantly being in school. We are in an environment that is always teaching. We are constantly being reminded hat there are laws, Natural Laws, which are running the universe. Once we know these laws and we drift from them, we start to live our lives in a different way. Soon we become discontent, selfish, and disrespectful. Then, we get in trouble. If our lives have become this way, it can be reversed by going back to nature to be among our teachers.

Great Spirit, teach men, again, the Natural Laws.

[friskyfemme]

SpiritDancer,
Thank you so much for posting these wisdoms. I read here always. You provide a daily inspirational.

[Spirit Dancer]

SpiritDancer,
Thank you so much for posting these wisdoms. I read here always. You provide a daily inspirational.

Thank you FriskyFemme they help me to see and live better, even when I'm in a hurry I try to find time to post them. Glad you enjoy them also.
Have a beautiful day.:rrose:

[Spirit Dancer]

"People think other things are more important than prayer, but they are mistaken."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW
An Elder once said the most important thing you can do in the course of a day is to pray. If we get up late or oversleep, which is more important? Rush to work without praying or pray first and then go to work? The Elders say it's more important to pray. If we get angry, should we act on our anger or should we pray first? The Elders say it's more important to pray first. If, during the day, we face indecision, what should we do? PRAY. If, during the day, we become irritated or we experience fear, what should we do first? PRAY. The Warrior who prays first will lead a different life from those who pray last.

Great Spirit, teach me to pray first!

[Spirit Dancer]

last week, i found the need to cry and let out the pain and confusion of the things going on in my life. it was healing and helped to give me back myself.

wolfwalker

Wolfwalker
It's always great to return to oneself, it's even better when we freely cleanse our souls. Glad you were able to find you once again.

[Spirit Dancer]

"With children we always have to think about seven generations to come but yet unborn."
--Janice Sundown Hattet, SENECA
What we do today will effect the children seven generations form now. How we treat the Mother Earth will affect the children yet to be born. If we poison the water today, our children's children will be affected by the decision we made. Our children are the gateway to the future. Let us conscientiously think about the children and the seven generations to come.

My Creator, I thank you for my ancestors, seven generations ago.

[Spirit Dancer]

"We know that in all creation/Only the human family/Has strayed from the Sacred Way."
--OJIBWA Prayer
How have we gotten so far off track? What has happened to us? What is happening to our family? How did it happen so quickly? Every individual needs to answer these questions for themselves. What do we need to do to start living the Sacred Way again? Pray! Today I will start praying. I pray the Creator will lead all Native People to a great healing. I pray we'll be free from alcohol and drugs. I pray we will return to the culture, to spirituality and to unity.

My Mother, help us to heal ourselves. Make us strong again

[Spirit Dancer]

"You can pray for whatever you want, but it is always best to pray for others, not for yourself."
--John Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA
When you are selfish and you pray, you are requesting things to flow only to you. When you are selfless, you are praying for things to flow to others. The old ones say this is the highest form of prayer. Praying this way is according to the Natural Laws.

Great Spirit, today, let my thoughts be about others.

[Spirit Dancer]

Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing,
and always come back again to where they were.
The life of a person is a circle from childhood to childhood,
and so it is in everything where power moves.

Black Elk

[Spirit Dancer]

Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because
our spirit feeds upon it. We must have it because without it we
become weak and faint. Without love our self-esteem weakens.
Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look
confidently at the world. We turn inward and begin to feed upon
our own personalities, and little by little we destroy ourselves.
With it we are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and
with it alone, we are able to sacrifice for others.

Chief Dan George

[Spirit Dancer]

"As we plunge ahead to build empires and race for supremacy we should stop and listen to [the female] song of life. For without the female there is no life."
--Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman, Traditional Circle of Elders
Women are created with the ability to produce life. Women have a special tie to the Earth Mother. They have something in common. They are the source of life. The Earth Mother gives songs to the Woman to sing. These songs are about life, about beauty, about children, about love, about family, about strength, about caring, about nurturing, about forgiveness, about God. The World needs to pay attention and listen to Her. She knows.

Great Spirit, let me listen to Her songs.

[Spirit Dancer]

Each thing in the universe is a vessel
full to the brim with wisdom and beauty.

Rumi

[Spirit Dancer]

"Everybody should pray together, cheer along, root along. That brings the circle together. Everything is together."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
Life on the Earth can sometimes be very complicated. Sometimes we think we are alone in our problems. Sometime we even withdraw. Then the problems become even more difficult. We need to watch out for one another, to care for one another, to pray together, to encourage one another; and we need to support one another. Behaving in this manner will bring the circle together.

Great Spirit, today, let me support my brothers and sisters.

[Spirit Dancer]

"Women. They have the power of generations. Women have the power to have children and not to have children."
--Cecilia Mitchell, MOHAWK
The Woman is not only the key to life; she is also the key to future generations. An Elder once joked that the Woman only needs the man for one night. We need to look at and respect the power of the Woman. She is special and we need to treat her that way.

Great Spirit, today, let me show the greatest respect to our Women.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The very dust under your feet responds more lovingly to our footsteps than to yours, because it is the ashes of our ancestors, and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch, for the soil is rich with the life of our kindred."
--Chief Seattle, SUQUAMISH
If you respect something, it will respect you back. If your ancestors respected something, the future generations will be respected back. The Indian ancestors always showed great respect for the Earth. That's why the Earth is so respectful to Indians today. Every Indian naturally feels connectedness to the Earth. We know the Earth holds our ancestors. If we continue to respect Mother Earth, our children will benefit and so will our grand- children. Today, we should think about and pray for our Mother Earth.

Grandmother, let me have strong feelings for our Earth today.

[Spirit Dancer]

Receiving and giving are opposite energies that are inextricably linked together in the natural flow of life, like inhaling and exhaling. If one aspect of that cycle doesn't function, the entire cycle ceases to function and the life force cannot move freely. If you can't inhale, you will soon have nothing to exhale,
and before long, your body will be unable to continue living.

Shakti Gawain



Generosity has a flip side that few of us tend to notice--it's the side of us that accepts gifts and caring and other people's generosity with graciousness and appreciation. It doesn't reject what others wish to give us out of a false sense of modesty or a desire to seem humble to others; it allows others to give to us, and thus feel the great feeling that comes from doing something for us.

Somehow we've come to believe that it's okay to refuse gifts or help from other people. We have to do things on our own, completely alone, and it may even be a sign of weakness to accept someone else's help. But ask yourself this: how does it make you feel to help someone else out? It makes you feel pretty good, doesn't it? Well, if you don't accept help from others, aren't you robbing them of the chance to have this great feeling for themselves? Aren't you depriving them of the chance to learn what it means to give selflessly and to help another human being?

When we see a movie in which some character looks at a gift from someone else and criticizes it, we cringe and we start to despise that character, for we can see how damaging the behavior is. We know just how great it would be for that other person to have the gift accepted gracefully and gratefully. We see how selfish it is to think only of their own attitude towards the gift, and not the attitude of the gift-giver.

Inadvertently, perhaps, we all do the same thing when we turn down help, when we turn down gifts, when we disregard advice. As Shakti says, though, we can't exhale if we never inhale; our giving will be weak if we never learn to take. One of the most generous things we can do for others is to learn how to accept their generosity towards us.

[Spirit Dancer]

The idea of full dress is preparation for a battle comes not from a belief that it will add
to the fighting ability. The preparation is for death, in case that should be the result
of the conflict. Every Indian wants to look his or her best when they go to meet
the Great Spirit, so the dressing up is done whether an imminent danger is an oncoming battle or a sickness or injury at times of peace.
Wooden Leg (Cheyenne)

[Spirit Dancer]

"Everything really is equal. The Creator doesn't look at me any better than He looks at the trees. We're all the same."
--Janice Sundown Hattet, SENECA
Sometimes humans think we are the center of the Universe. Sometimes we think we are above or better than other people or things. The Great Spirit made a set of Laws and Principles by which all things should live. Everybody and everything lives by the same Laws. We are all made of atoms just like the trees. The life force in the middle of the atom is the life force of the Great Mystery. It is the same for everything. We are all equal in the eyes of the Creator.

Great Spirit, today, I will respect your handiwork.

[Spirit Dancer]

"Together we can end the Holocaust against the environment."
--Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders
We are all familiar with the Holocaust against the people. When this happens we feel bad and we vow never to let it happen again. We need to seriously examine what human beings are doing to the Earth and the environment. Many species are extinct and many more will become extinct during the next 10 years. We are methodically eliminating life that will never return again. Today, we should take time to pray real hard so we wake up before it is too late.

Great Spirit, today, I pray for us to awaken to what we are doing.

[Spirit Dancer]

Today, look at the blue sky, hear the grass growing beneath your feet,
inhale the scent of spring, let the fruits of the earth linger on your tongue,
reach out and embrace those you love. Ask Spirit to awaken your awareness
to the sacredness of your sensory perceptions.
Sarah Ban Breathnach

[Tommi]

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Let the good pass through and the web do it's job. Renew as needed.


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Rolling Thunder

[Spirit Dancer]

"Spiritual matters are difficult to explain because you must live with them in order to fully understand them."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW
To know something we must become one with it. We cannot know what a flower smells like until we actually smell it. Close your eyes and experience the fragrance. The Elders say there are two worlds, the Seen World and the Unseen World. To experience the Seen World we need to physically pick the flower and smell it. To experience the Unseen World we need to know about principles, laws and values; and no matter what our mind or our physical senses tell us, we must decide and act on these principles. If someone does wrong to us, we must pray for that person or persons to have peace, happiness and joy in their life. We must not get even or retaliate in any way. Only by doing this can we understand spiritual matters.

Great Spirit, give me your power whenever my weakness shows so I can live by spiritual decisions

[Spirit Dancer]

It’s simple things, like a glowing sunset, the sound of a running stream
or the fresh smell in a meadow that cause us to pause and marvel
at the wonder of life, to contemplate its meaning and significance.
Who can hold an autumn leaf in their hand, or sift the warm white sand
on the beach, and not wonder at the Creator of it all?

Wendy Moore

[Spirit Dancer]

"Dissimilar things were fitted together to make something beautiful and whole."
--Nippawanock, ARAPAHOE
Sometimes we look at something close up and it appears to be ugly; but then we drop back and look at it as a whole and it is beautiful. If we look at an insect close up, it may be ugly, but if we drop back and look at the whole insect it becomes beautiful. We can drop back even more and observe what its role and purpose is, and the insect becomes even more beautiful and whole. How are we looking at ourselves? Are we focused on something ugly about ourselves, or are we dropping back and looking at ourselves as a whole? We all have purpose, and we are all beautiful.

Grandfather, today, let me see the beauty of the whole

[Spirit Dancer]

Walk on a rainbow trail; walk on a trail of song,
and all about you will be beauty. There is
a way out of every dark mist, over a rainbow trail.

Navajo song

[BornBronson]

Here's one that has to do with addiction,cause we all have an unhealthy addiction to something in our life.


"Many Native people are seeking healing at this time-some because they want to stop inflicting pain on themselves and their loved ones,some to quiet the tears of their children,and some because they want to fill the spiritual emptiness...We must learn to cry our tears of sorrow,to confront our shame,to forgive the unforgivable,and to return to the values of our ancestors-love,courage,justice,
generosity,respect,humility,gratitude,and acceptance of those who are different."-The Red Road Book.

[Spirit Dancer]

Here's one that has to do with addiction,cause we all have an unhealthy addiction to something in our life.


"Many Native people are seeking healing at this time-some because they want to stop inflicting pain on themselves and their loved ones,some to quiet the tears of their children,and some because they want to fill the spiritual emptiness...We must learn to cry our tears of sorrow,to confront our shame,to forgive the unforgivable,and to return to the values of our ancestors-love,courage,justice,
generosity,respect,humility,gratitude,and acceptance of those who are different."-The Red Road Book.

BornBronson~
Welcome and thank you for sharing this quote,
you're correct at times in life we each face certain addictions,
and this quote is profound.
Timing is everything in life and
this was right on time.

[BornBronson]

Thanks Spirit Dancer,great thread.

[Spirit Dancer]

"Once you make a friend, a friend never leaves you, even to death. So a friend is really hard to find."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
Once, an Elder told me he made a decision to be my friend. He said this friendship wasn't based on my behavior or how I acted; he said the friendship was based on his decision. He decided to be my friend. This friendship has happened like he said. Even if I don't see him for a long time, or if I get mad at him, he has never changed his decision. This is true friendship.

Great Spirit, I'm glad you are this kind of Friend.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The base of all things is love and respect."
--Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo
The greatest weapon of any Spiritual Warrior is love. Love will change minds; love will forgive; love will let go; love will cause good luck; love will heal; love will cry; love will get rid of resentments; love will overcome fear. Love loves love. Any human who is loving will be guaranteed respect. Respect loves love. We need to love and respect ourselves.

Grandmother, Grandfather, today, lead me on the path of love.

[Spirit Dancer]

Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because
our spirit feeds upon it. We must have it because without it we
become weak and faint. Without love our self-esteem weakens.
Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look
confidently at the world. We turn inward and begin to feed upon
our own personalities, and little by little we destroy ourselves.
With it we are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and
with it alone, we are able to sacrifice for others.

Chief Dan George