Native American Spirituality

[Two-spirit]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Hello,

I'm Czexh and Scotch. I raised a little girl who was Shoshone, and through her studied Native American History , Customs, etc. We attended powwaows, she learned to dance, and was a mystical , magical child, with many gifts and talents for healing and helping. Through another, I waw bestowed my Native name. Now grown, with her own family, she is teaching and dancing with her children,

I love the Narive American and other wisdom and writings of times gone by.

Rolling Thunder

Hi,

This post made me smile.I'm so happy yr daughter kept up and is proud of her nationality.Then teaching her children thier heritage.I love seeing the small children dance in the powwows..They are the future,and should be brought up to be proud..smiles..
I wasn't so proud to be Native when I was growing up.I was adopted and grew up in a mostly white community.I was called many racist names and wanted to look like everybody eles in my community and family.White,blond,blue eyes..
So reading this makes me smile..

Little Feather

[Spirit Dancer]

Originally Posted by Two-spirit

Hi,

This post made me smile.I'm so happy yr daughter kept up and is proud of her nationality.Then teaching her children thier heritage.I love seeing the small children dance in the powwows..They are the future,and should be brought up to be proud..smiles..
I wasn't so proud to be Native when I was growing up.I was adopted and grew up in a mostly white community.I was called many racist names and wanted to look like everybody eles in my community and family.White,blond,blue eyes..
So reading this makes me smile..

Little Feather

Little Feather
it must have been difficult to for you to have those feelings growing up so glad you're embracing the spirit inside you now, I have four siblings 1 brother and 1 sister were always referred to as half breed to them they were fightinmg words. Even today as a adult I experience those who say you aren't native you're just a white women with words, it angers me then I step back and look at the source and think I feel sorry for you; i'm proud of who I am and of my parents for instilling the word of our the elders. It's in my soul.

[Licious]

Cool Thread. *subscribing*

[Spirit Dancer]

"So don't be afraid. What we left behind, leave it back there. Try to do some good. Let's try to take a step, try to think something good."





--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA



Every day is a new day. Sometimes we make mistakes. We do not need to carry these mistakes along with us. Take the lessons and leave the mistakes behind. Look forward to today. Today we can do something good. Today we can have good thoughts. Today we can think kind, uplifting thoughts about ourselves. Today I will think good about ...


My Creator, today I ask You to direct my thoughts

[Spirit Dancer]

What We See
Judging Others
Though it is human to evaluate people we encounter based on first impressions, the conclusions we come to are seldom unaffected by our own fears and our own preconceptions. Additionally, our judgments are frequently incomplete. For example, wealth can seem like proof that an individual is spoiled, and poverty can be seen as a signifier of laziness—neither of which may be true. At the heart of the tendency to categorize and criticize, we often find insecurity. Overcoming our need to set ourselves apart from what we fear is a matter of understanding the root of judgment and then reaffirming our commitment to tolerance.

When we catch ourselves thinking or behaving judgmentally, we should ask ourselves where these judgments come from. Traits we hope we do not possess can instigate our criticism when we see them in others because passing judgment distances us from those traits. Once we regain our center, we can reinforce our open-mindedness by putting our feelings into words. To acknowledge to ourselves that we have judged, and that we have identified the root of our judgments, is the first step to a path of compassion. Recognizing that we limit our awareness by assessing others critically can make moving past our initial impressions much easier. Judgments seldom leave room for alternate possibilities.

Mother Teresa said, “If you judge people, you don’t have time to love them.” If we are quick to pass judgment on others, we forget that they, like us, are human beings. As we seldom know what roads people have traveled before a shared encounter or why they have come into our lives, we should always give those we meet the gift of an open heart. Doing so allows us to replace fear-based criticism with appreciation because we can then focus wholeheartedly on the spark of good that burns in all human souls.

[Spirit Dancer]

Observing Evolution
Allowing Others to Walk Their Paths




It is important to allow others to walk their own path because it is just that, their own path.


Watching a loved one or a peer traverse a path littered with stumbling blocks can be immensely painful. We instinctively want to guide them toward a safer track and share with them the wisdom we have acquired through experience. Yet all human beings have the right to carve their own paths without being unduly influenced by outside interference. To deny them that right is to deny them enlightenment, as true insight cannot be conveyed in lectures. Rather, each individual must earn independence and illumination by making decisions and reflecting upon the consequences of each choice. In allowing others to walk their paths freely, you honor their right to express their humanity in whatever way they see fit. Though you may not agree with or identify with their choices, understand that each person must learn in their own way and at their own pace.

The events and circumstances that shape our lives are unique because each of us is unique. What touches one person deeply may do nothing more than irritate or confound another. Therefore, each of us is drawn to different paths—the paths that will have the most profound effects on our personal evolution. If you feel compelled to intervene when watching another human being make their way slowly and painfully down a difficult path, try to empathize with their need to grow autonomous and make their own way in the world. Should this person ask for your aid, give it freely. You can even tell them about your path or offer advice in a conscious loving way. Otherwise, give them the space they need to make their own mistakes, to enjoy the fruits of their labors, to revel in their triumphs, and to discover their own truths.

The temptation to direct the paths of others is a creature of many origins.
Overactive egos can convince us that ours is the one true path or awaken a craving for control within us. But each person is entitled to seek out their path leading from the darkness into the light. When we celebrate those paths and encourage the people navigating them, we not only enjoy the privilege of watching others grow—we also reinforce our dedication to diversity, independence, and individuality.

[Spirit Dancer]

"Laughter - that is something very sacred, especially for us Indians."





--John (Fire) Lame Deer, ROSEBUD LAKOTA



Laughter is mental, laughter is emotional, laughter is physical, and laughter is spiritual. Laughter helps us find balance. If we get too angry, laughter will turn that emotion in a balanced direction. If we have a mental picture of someone who is too strong, laughter will help ease the tension. If the body is stressed, laughter will release natural relaxants into our muscles and our nervous system. Laughter often changes our attitude. We need to lighten up and laugh more.


Great Spirit, teach me to laugh.

[JustLovelyJenn]