When we sit to studies and duties laid before us, we are focused to a fine precision point. Very little disturbs our concentration when we are here. We are trained well. But some times the brain registers some thing “out of kilter” at the very edge of our attention, and this can distract us from our purpose. And it will distract us whether we welcome it or not. It registers as “off”.
One day, hunched over my screen, I feel some thing “off” to the side. I look up, my feeble attempt at investigation. Walking into the room is a mysterious older woman, dressed in a long black tunic that fell almost to her shoes. She moved silently, almost gliding, across the floor. I was mesmerized.
Her hair is yellow and short, but thick. She wears wire frame glasses, and (oddly enough), an anklet with bells. With each step she takes you hear the sharp, quick jingle. When you look in her face, though, you perceive that the anklet is not an expression of gaiety, but rather a warning, much like a bell on a cat’s collar. Her expression is enigmatic, hard to read, but she is aware of us all, although not looking directly at any of us. Now that I have noticed her, I am unwilling to be noticed by her, so I slink my head back in the direction of my studies, and watch out of the corner of my eye.
The instructor doesn’t acknowledge her; it’s as if she doesn’t even exist in this world, gliding to her purpose. In one door, out another, back in another door, gliding out another. I am fascinated. Who is she…what is her function here? Should we be concerned? She doesn’t have a feel of a instructor, more so an outsider with authority and a mission to accomplish. I become anxious.
I don’t want anything to disturb the balance of my life. I don’t want any one to interfere with my studies. I like it here, absorbing knowledge on an unprecedented scale. I know that the nature of all energy is to change, but I dread any change to this existence at all. I begin to resent her, because this is what she will require of us at some point. She represents our future, which is unknown, and unsettling. I can feel this all the way into my bones, and I decide that I will not be taken unaware. I will find out who she is, and what lies ahead for us. I will attempt to recruit others to this cause as well.
I will know what lies ahead for us, all of us. I will find out what her plan is. More importantly, I will choose my own destiny, and not have a path chosen for me. I choose. Me.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
August 5th, 2010 More Hopi Stuff
When I’ve seen Native American medicine wheels (a cross within a circle), the colors I have seen associated with it were yellow, black, red, and white. I always wondered why the colors were not the primary colors and ‘something thrown in’. To be honest, it wasn’t “pretty” in my mind, but I think I get it now.
I understand the significance of the number four. There are four directions, four elements, four seasons, etc. When thinking about that number, I feel that four represents solidity, strength, and stability, like the four legs on a chair. Three is better than two, less wobbly, but nothing offers protection and confidence like four. I also thought of another word to describe it, and that was ‘courage’. The stability of four lets us push the outer edges of the envelope. Having a solid foundation allows us to branch out to new and different things. If it doesn’t go well, you already have a place, a home, to head back to. You haven’t lost a thing.
In regards to the four colors, in an article I was reading, Lee Brown, a Native American, was talking about the 4 races of man, and their significance in Hopi belief. He mentioned that the colors stood for the directions, elements, and the races of man. He said that the different races were related to the four elements: The black race is the guardian of water; the yellow race is the guardian of air; the red race is the guardian of earth; and the white race is the guardian of fire. He mentioned that the ‘fire’ race had to initiate the coming together of all races, as was our nature. He said that was why we were the race to bring machines and internal combustion engines, etc. The author also noted Dr. Charles Drew, an early 20th century Negro medical scientist, as a pioneer in the uses of blood plasma for patients needing transfusions, and that this did not surprise him at all.* We all have something to give to the whole.
A quote from a different websites states:
A Medicine Wheel is a physical manifestation of Spiritual energy. An outward expression of an internal dialogue. A mirror in which we can better SEE what is going on within us. It is a wheel of protection and enables us, and allows us, to gather surrounding energies into a focal point and to commune with Spirit, Self and Nature (ALL elemental forces)........Creation!
It helps us with our "Vision," to see exactly where we are and in which areas we need to develop in order to realize and become our potentials. That we are all connected to one another, and by showing us the intricacies of the interwoven threads of life, what our part in it all is. It helps us understand that without our part in the tapestry the "Bigger Picture" is not as it should be. We add colour, dimension and life to each other, to all of life. No matter what colour, race or creed we are, we need each of us to create a beautiful existence and expression of the Whole. - Tree-Song
The medicine wheel represents us, individually, as well as the whole human race, at our very best. It reminds us to remain centered and focused on what is important. It shows us that together we can accomplish anything that is worthwhile. But without any one element, we may not be able to get the stability that we need to work from. It was mentioned in Lee Brown’s article that when this world is over, and we step over into the new world, we will all work together to survive and succeed, that we are all needed for this work.
The eighth prophecy mentioned by Frank Waters is below:
"This is the Eight Sign: You will see many youth, who wear their hair long like my people, come and join the tribal nations, to learn their ways and wisdom."
The guardians of the fire have dominated the world, and the philosophies within that way of life, and this has created imbalance. Our society rushes ever head long toward more, more, more, and still it is not enough. The Hopi say that when the prophecies have come to pass, then they will need to slow down, not speed up. Then it is time to return to the old ways.
I am starting to hear a call to ‘return’ myself. I have no desire to work for a corporation. I want to get some property out in the country, to plant a garden and learn how to become self sufficient. I want things to slow down. It is rushing by way too fast, and it is sometimes hard to catch our breath at this pace. We don’t have time to appreciate all the blessings that we have received. We don’t even have time to connect spiritually with God.
I don’t want to be dependent on this society. The philosophies that are currently prevalent do not have my best interest at heart. We are encouraged to look at ourselves and see only our “lack”. It doesn’t matter how many ‘things’ we own, it doesn’t matter how many addictions we try to feed, it will never be enough. None of these ‘things’ will sustain our souls, and our souls are the only part of us that remains forever
I hope I make it there.
* http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/charlesdrew.html
I understand the significance of the number four. There are four directions, four elements, four seasons, etc. When thinking about that number, I feel that four represents solidity, strength, and stability, like the four legs on a chair. Three is better than two, less wobbly, but nothing offers protection and confidence like four. I also thought of another word to describe it, and that was ‘courage’. The stability of four lets us push the outer edges of the envelope. Having a solid foundation allows us to branch out to new and different things. If it doesn’t go well, you already have a place, a home, to head back to. You haven’t lost a thing.
In regards to the four colors, in an article I was reading, Lee Brown, a Native American, was talking about the 4 races of man, and their significance in Hopi belief. He mentioned that the colors stood for the directions, elements, and the races of man. He said that the different races were related to the four elements: The black race is the guardian of water; the yellow race is the guardian of air; the red race is the guardian of earth; and the white race is the guardian of fire. He mentioned that the ‘fire’ race had to initiate the coming together of all races, as was our nature. He said that was why we were the race to bring machines and internal combustion engines, etc. The author also noted Dr. Charles Drew, an early 20th century Negro medical scientist, as a pioneer in the uses of blood plasma for patients needing transfusions, and that this did not surprise him at all.* We all have something to give to the whole.
A quote from a different websites states:
A Medicine Wheel is a physical manifestation of Spiritual energy. An outward expression of an internal dialogue. A mirror in which we can better SEE what is going on within us. It is a wheel of protection and enables us, and allows us, to gather surrounding energies into a focal point and to commune with Spirit, Self and Nature (ALL elemental forces)........Creation!
It helps us with our "Vision," to see exactly where we are and in which areas we need to develop in order to realize and become our potentials. That we are all connected to one another, and by showing us the intricacies of the interwoven threads of life, what our part in it all is. It helps us understand that without our part in the tapestry the "Bigger Picture" is not as it should be. We add colour, dimension and life to each other, to all of life. No matter what colour, race or creed we are, we need each of us to create a beautiful existence and expression of the Whole. - Tree-Song
The medicine wheel represents us, individually, as well as the whole human race, at our very best. It reminds us to remain centered and focused on what is important. It shows us that together we can accomplish anything that is worthwhile. But without any one element, we may not be able to get the stability that we need to work from. It was mentioned in Lee Brown’s article that when this world is over, and we step over into the new world, we will all work together to survive and succeed, that we are all needed for this work.
The eighth prophecy mentioned by Frank Waters is below:
"This is the Eight Sign: You will see many youth, who wear their hair long like my people, come and join the tribal nations, to learn their ways and wisdom."
The guardians of the fire have dominated the world, and the philosophies within that way of life, and this has created imbalance. Our society rushes ever head long toward more, more, more, and still it is not enough. The Hopi say that when the prophecies have come to pass, then they will need to slow down, not speed up. Then it is time to return to the old ways.
I am starting to hear a call to ‘return’ myself. I have no desire to work for a corporation. I want to get some property out in the country, to plant a garden and learn how to become self sufficient. I want things to slow down. It is rushing by way too fast, and it is sometimes hard to catch our breath at this pace. We don’t have time to appreciate all the blessings that we have received. We don’t even have time to connect spiritually with God.
I don’t want to be dependent on this society. The philosophies that are currently prevalent do not have my best interest at heart. We are encouraged to look at ourselves and see only our “lack”. It doesn’t matter how many ‘things’ we own, it doesn’t matter how many addictions we try to feed, it will never be enough. None of these ‘things’ will sustain our souls, and our souls are the only part of us that remains forever
I hope I make it there.
* http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/charlesdrew.html
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August 1st, 2010 – Emotional Pain
I’ve been hearing a lot of people crying out for solace, for comfort, crying because the emotional pain they feel seems unendurable. They feel that if they lash out at others, their pain will be lessened. They forget how to be happy, and forget how to do the work that comes with being happy. They want the world to change to suit them and their desires, and they may very well lose their way. It is we who must change to suit the world.
The world is not with out pain. However, it is also not without blessing. Have we counted our blessings lately? Have we looked to those around us and appreciated who they are, as they are right now? Or are we blind? We long for some ethereal “other” and forget about the people closest to us. We even push them away, thinking “This is best for everyone”. And we hurt the people around us.
The world has always been dangerous and ironic. Life is unpredictable and full of challenges. Your pain is the same pain that your ancestors felt in their life times. They say there is nothing new under the sun, and in regards to human suffering, you can believe it. If you choose to medicate yourself from emotional pain, then you may miss something that you need to understand. If you continue to medicate to block your emotional pain, you will be visited with an addiction that will take you to the deepest, darkest wells, until you choose to live your life sober. This is the way of physical beingness.
For people diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), the treatment includes getting the patient to face their fears willingly. Once in the midst of what that person fears, they will ask the patient, “Where is your anxiety level, on a scale from one to ten”. The patient assesses and responds, but conquers their fear by staying in the midst. The therapist will ask a little later, and again a little later, and the patient soon realizes that at first the anxiety spikes up really hard, and then it slowly comes down. This is how they begin to see how their bodies respond to anxiety so they make some changes in their behavior to take back control of their lives.
I believe that the emotional pain is like this. It spikes, and then comes slowly down if we allow ourselves to feel it, let it flow through us, and then let it go. We mourn, loudly at first, then more softly, then less often, and finally we release it. Let it go, simply put, means to forgive any transgressions and let God take care of it. Our mourning time is done, and although we may still feel the hurt, we have faith that everything is exactly as it should be. We can sigh, and get on with our life.
In order to be happy, you must simply put, work at it. It will not arrive at your door and extend a hand. You have to appreciate and socialize with the people you care about, or at the very least, the people who care about you. You need to extend your hand to the people around you, and learn to love them despite their flaws. You need to consider treating everyone with respect and dignity, without prejudging who they are based on income and social standing, race, looks, etc. You need to find out what you can give that makes you happy, and then give it freely without expectation of return. You need to learn to forgive them and release the hurt associated with them. The continuation of these practices will keep you happy. The smiles you generate will fill you with joy. And know that we are in a unique moment in time, when we can honestly say that we control who we are, how we are, and what we do. We choose.
The following passage is from Lee Brown, speaking at the 1986 Continental Indigenous Council.
And now it is us. We are the ones they spoke of long ago. They say to be alive, to come into creation and to live upon the earth at this time is a great honor. In the cycle of time, from the beginning to the end, this time we are in now will change the purification of all things. They say this is the hardest time to live, but it is also the greatest honor to be alive to live and see this. – Lee Brown
The world is not with out pain. However, it is also not without blessing. Have we counted our blessings lately? Have we looked to those around us and appreciated who they are, as they are right now? Or are we blind? We long for some ethereal “other” and forget about the people closest to us. We even push them away, thinking “This is best for everyone”. And we hurt the people around us.
The world has always been dangerous and ironic. Life is unpredictable and full of challenges. Your pain is the same pain that your ancestors felt in their life times. They say there is nothing new under the sun, and in regards to human suffering, you can believe it. If you choose to medicate yourself from emotional pain, then you may miss something that you need to understand. If you continue to medicate to block your emotional pain, you will be visited with an addiction that will take you to the deepest, darkest wells, until you choose to live your life sober. This is the way of physical beingness.
For people diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), the treatment includes getting the patient to face their fears willingly. Once in the midst of what that person fears, they will ask the patient, “Where is your anxiety level, on a scale from one to ten”. The patient assesses and responds, but conquers their fear by staying in the midst. The therapist will ask a little later, and again a little later, and the patient soon realizes that at first the anxiety spikes up really hard, and then it slowly comes down. This is how they begin to see how their bodies respond to anxiety so they make some changes in their behavior to take back control of their lives.
I believe that the emotional pain is like this. It spikes, and then comes slowly down if we allow ourselves to feel it, let it flow through us, and then let it go. We mourn, loudly at first, then more softly, then less often, and finally we release it. Let it go, simply put, means to forgive any transgressions and let God take care of it. Our mourning time is done, and although we may still feel the hurt, we have faith that everything is exactly as it should be. We can sigh, and get on with our life.
In order to be happy, you must simply put, work at it. It will not arrive at your door and extend a hand. You have to appreciate and socialize with the people you care about, or at the very least, the people who care about you. You need to extend your hand to the people around you, and learn to love them despite their flaws. You need to consider treating everyone with respect and dignity, without prejudging who they are based on income and social standing, race, looks, etc. You need to find out what you can give that makes you happy, and then give it freely without expectation of return. You need to learn to forgive them and release the hurt associated with them. The continuation of these practices will keep you happy. The smiles you generate will fill you with joy. And know that we are in a unique moment in time, when we can honestly say that we control who we are, how we are, and what we do. We choose.
The following passage is from Lee Brown, speaking at the 1986 Continental Indigenous Council.
And now it is us. We are the ones they spoke of long ago. They say to be alive, to come into creation and to live upon the earth at this time is a great honor. In the cycle of time, from the beginning to the end, this time we are in now will change the purification of all things. They say this is the hardest time to live, but it is also the greatest honor to be alive to live and see this. – Lee Brown
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