| Meditations for women... |
[05 Nov 2006|03:29pm] |
November 3rd:
"A sundance woman is like the morning star, filled with spiritual beauty, wisdom and knowledge. Men and women are the most powerful of the polarities. We walk beside men as equal partners. It takes men and women who have respect and love for one another to live within the embrace of Father Sky and Mother Earth."
--Dr. Henrietta Mann, SOUTHERN CHEYENNE
Our ceremonies bring out the best in us. It's in the ceremony that we find the place of honor and respect for each other. The place where the men honor the women and the women honor the men. We dance for each other. The ceremony helps us remember our responsibility toward each other. Men and women need to be strong, to love one another and be faithful. Only by doing this can we give our children knowledge of good relationships.
Great Spirit, today I will notice the power of the women; today I will notice the power of the men.
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November 4th:
"The honor of the people lies in the moccasin tracks of the woman. Walk the good road.... Be dutiful, respectful, gentle and modest my daughter... Be strong with the warm, strong heart of the earth. No people goes down until their women are weak and dishonored, or dead upon the ground. Be strong and sing the strength of the Great Powers within you, all around you."
--Village Wise Man, SIOUX
The Elders say the Native American women will lead the healing among the tribes. We need to especially pray for our women, and ask the Creator to bless them and give them strength. Inside them are the powers of love and strength given by the Moon and the Earth. When everyone else gives up, it is the women who sings the songs of strength. She is the backbone of the people. So, to our women we say, sing your songs of strength; pray for your special powers; keep our people strong; be respectful, gentle and modest.
Oh, Great One, bless our women. Make them strong today.
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| thoughts on saints and helpers |
[23 Oct 2006|10:36pm] |
I was folding clothes this morning and pondering the fundamentals of Christian faith and the tie ins to my native heritage.
They believe in helpers from the animal world and ancestors, Catholics believe in saints which are people who have long passed on... new *traditional* Christians only believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God. The helpers tend to dwindle after the new testament, although it doesn't make any sense because in the Bible's New Testament, there are angels who are helpers.
Technically, in whatever form, there have always been some type of unseen helpers in the world... sometimes they are seen. The donkey spoke in the Bible, so why is it hard to believe that an animal can speak to you now? Angels came to aid people all the time, to tell them messages, and whatnot. Why is it hard to believe that there are spirits helping us now that come in dreams and visions. Did they not do the same in the Bible? As for ancestors and those who have passed on, who is to say that they aren't our helpers, too? Funny, too, is it that when I opened my email and found this meditation:
"We do not walk alone. Great Being walks beside us. Know this and be grateful."
--Polingaysi Q“yawayma, HOPI
Many religions have different names for these Beings. Some are called angels, some are called spirits. These Spirit Beings are helpers. They guide us, protect us and will help us during our times of need. Sometimes they give us dreams. We need not be afraid when these Spirit Helpers come. We need to understand they are the Creator's helpers.
Great Spirit, send me the helpers to guide my path as I seek to walk in Your service.
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| The Spirit of the Eagle |
[17 Oct 2006|09:37pm] |
The EagleHe clasps the crag with crooked hands; Close to the sun in lonely lands, Ring'd with the azure world, he stands. The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls; He watches from his mountain walls, And like a thunderbolt he falls. Alfred Tennyson
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| Meditation for today |
[14 Oct 2006|10:17am] |
"Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth and the Great Silence alone!"
--Ohiyesa (Dr. Charles A. Eastman), SANTEE SIOUX
The most important thing we can do during the course of the day is pray in the morning. There is a special time in the morning that has great power. This is the exact time the sun is rising. During the rising of the sun, everything on the Earth is waking up. Animals, plants, birds and humans will be blessed at the rising of the sun. This is a special time to help us prepare for the day. During this time we ask the Creator to bless our day. We ask Him to guide us, to protect us and to give us courage to overcome the day's obstacles. Doing this everyday will give us knowledge of God's will for us.
Grandfather, Grandmother, guide my path. Let my thinking be guided by You.
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| Meditations |
[09 Sep 2006|10:58am] |
"We all form self-images and much of our behavior is pretty well determined by how we feel about ourselves."
--Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT
There is a cycle of building beliefs called the self talk cycle. Our self talk builds our self image and our self image determines our behavior, our actions, and our self worth - how we feel about ourselves. If we want to change the way we feel about ourselves we need to change our self talk. We need to build ourselves up. We need to talk to ourselves in a kind, positive, uplifting, good way. We need to talk to ourselves about the good things that are happening and know that we are worthy and expect abundance.
h Great Spirit, today help me to know myself. Help me to see the joy, kindness, strength and beauty that I am.
sept 6th
"Keep your life simple because the more you get, the more complicated it becomes."
--Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE
The old ones say, lead a simple life. The society we live in is all about getting more houses, cars, luxury and credit cards. The law of worry says, the more you have, the more you need to worry. You get a house, then you need insurance, then you need to take care of the yard and the list goes on. Next, you may want a bigger house with a bigger yard whick costs more in insurance. Along with the accumulation of materialism, are other "gifts." Soon you become a slave and the materialism owns you. Lead a simple life and have peace of mind. Lead a simple life and be spiritual.
Creator, let my foundation be spiritual and simple.
sept 8th
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| Meditation for Today and thoughts |
[06 Sep 2006|10:36am] |
"We all form self-images and much of our behavior is pretty well determined by how we feel about ourselves."
--Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT
There is a cycle of building beliefs called the self talk cycle. Our self talk builds our self image and our self image determines our behavior, our actions, and our self worth - how we feel about ourselves. If we want to change the way we feel about ourselves we need to change our self talk. We need to build ourselves up. We need to talk to ourselves in a kind, positive, uplifting, good way. We need to talk to ourselves about the good things that are happening and know that we are worthy and expect abundance.
Oh Great Spirit, today help me to know myself. Help me to see the joy, kindness, strength and beauty that I am.
I really needed this one today. I have been feeling so out of place since everything went down. I feel so agitated most of the time because I am not in harmony with anything. Mother Earth sang to me last night...taught me how to meditate over the sweet hum of her energy. It was what I had prayed to the Creator to achieve. I never knew the peace of that constant melody til now. I believe the Creator wants me to learn how to live with harmony inside no matter the chaos outside or in my mind...that I need to teach my mind to listen to the hum of my soul and the rythym of my heart to finally achieve that joy which seems to be so elusive. Once you have that joy, it is constant like the hum and rythym of Mother Earth...it never fails...it never leaves you.
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 28 *whitebison.org* |
[28 Aug 2006|03:32pm] |
"With prayer and good intentions, we make our lives sacred and so come to balance."
--Don Jose Matsua, HUICHOL SIERRA MADRE MEXICO
Only through prayer can we make spiritual changes that are permanent. You have told us that all life is sacred. Today I intend to serve you, my Creator. Allow me to overcome temptation, and if one comes along, let me see the lessons that will give balance. You have told us that all life is sacred. Let me see today with a sacred eye. Let me see beauty in all things.
My Creator, let me know what You would have me be today. Let my intentions be honest, respectful, humble and loving.
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| Today's meditation |
[19 Aug 2006|01:07pm] |
"If we keep everything in balance, we are in harmony with ourselves and are at peace."
--Fools Crow, LAKOTA
As within, as without, our present thought determines our future. If we want peace outside ourselves, we must first have peace inside ourselves. It's not what is going on but how we are looking at what is going on. We need to keep ourselves in balance. We must be careful to not get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired. We must know the times - time to work, time to rest, time to play, time to sleep, time to pray, time to lighten up, time to laugh, time to eat, time to exercise. There is a saying "The honor of one is the honor of all." This means when we work with all, we need to also work on one. We need to take care of ourselves. You cannot give away what you don't have.
Great Spirit, let me walk in balance today. Remove from me resentment, self pity and self seeking motives. Let me love myself so I can love my neighbors.
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 16 |
[17 Aug 2006|01:23pm] |
"The best teachers have shown me that things have to be done bit by bit. Nothing that means anything happens quickly - we only think it does."
--Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI
There are no short cuts. Every tree must grow according to the growth plan of the Creator. Every flower must grow according to the plan of God. The moon must make its trip around the earth according to God's plan. Every human being must grow according to the plan of the Creator. Sometimes we look at ourselves and we think we are not growing but we are always growing. Because we cannot see it with our mind does not mean it is not happening. we must be patient with ourselves and let the Creator direct our growth.
My Creator, let me be patient. Let me realize that You are in charge of all things. Let me realize that I must grow my roots a little at a time to become strong.
all meditations come from www.whitebison.org
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| feeling pretty interesting today |
[15 Aug 2006|04:03pm] |
I've walked through this world sometimes without a friend
My life has been up and down, been close to an end
But i've been through the mill
And i've paid my dues
Walked so many miles in different peoples shoes
But i've been through the fire
And i've walked in the rain
I've felt the joy and endured the pain
Once i was a schemer
But i always was a dreamer
But it took me who i was and where i've been
To make me who i am
I've met a lot of lost souls in the bowels of hell
Traveled some crooked roads, got some stories yet to tell
I've shot up with the junkie, in piss stench halls
Broken bread with the devil, fallen on my knees to god
Some days i was blessed, some nights i was damned
But i always tried to lend a helping hand
Once i was a deceiver
Not i am a believer
But it took me who i was and where i've been
To make me who i am
Oh, i've seen the little children, all strung out on dope
No one to care about them, living without hope
But i've been lucky that i always had a song
I'll sing it with compassion, to try to right the wrong.
Once my life was wretched
But why should i regret it
Cuz, it took me who i was, and where i've been
To make me who i am
Speech:
This is dedicated to my friends in jail
For my brother jake who had to ride the rail
For my friend roonie and melvin, who were so dear
They were so misunderstood
But i wish they were still here
To hear this song i sing from my heart
They're forever in my soul, even though we had to part
Once i was a deceiver
Not i am a believer
But it took me who i was and where i've been
To make me who i am
God said i forgive you
Wipe away the scars
Cause i know it took who you were
And where you came from
To make you who you are
Cause i know it took who you were
And where you came from
To make you what you are
Aaron Neville - To Make Me Who I Am
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| Meditation for August 5th |
[08 Aug 2006|10:24am] |
"It is a paradox in the contemporary world that in our desire for peace we must willingly give ourselves to struggle."
--Linda Hogan, CHICKASAW
The Grandfathers have taught us about sacrifice. We have been taught to pray for the people in a pitiful way. Struggle and conflict is neither good nor bad, it just is. Everything that grows experiences conflict. When the deer is born it is through conflict. When the seed first grows, it is through conflict. Conflict precedes clarity. Everything has the seasons of growth. Recognize - acknowledge - forgive and change. All of these things are done through conflict.
Great Spirit, give me the courage today to see that struggle and conflict are here to teach me lessons that are a gift from you.
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| Meditation for August 1st |
[08 Aug 2006|10:11am] |
"Everyone got to find the right path. You can't see it so it's hard to find. No one can show you. Each person got to find the path by himself."
--Charlie Knight, UTE
There are certain times in our lives when a voice whispers to us. The voice doesn't always talk. Usually we hear it best when we are sick an tired of being sick and tired. Inside of every person is the knowledge that a Supreme Being exists. Sometimes a restlessness occurs and it makes me feel I need to be doing something or I need to be going somewhere or maybe I start wondering who am I? Often when this happens, I feel lost. Inside of everyone is the natural, built-in desire to be walking the Red Road, or to be seeking a relationship with the Creator. No one can force us to make this journey. We must make this journey because we want to. This journey is not on the outside. The path is inside of ourselves. It is inside that we must begin our search.
Oh Great Spirit, help me this day to look within myself. If trouble arises, let me realize that it's not what is going on but how I am looking at what's going on. Give me Your power this day to conduct myself according to Your way of life.
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| change is in the air |
[03 Aug 2006|05:52pm] |
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mood |
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 hopeful |
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music |
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relient K Be My Escape |
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I've given up on giving up slowly, I'm blending in so
You won't even know me apart from this whole world that shares my fate
This one last bullet you mention is my one last shot at redemption
because I know to live you must give your life away
And I've been housing all this doubt and insecurity and
I've been locked inside that house all the while You hold the key
And I've been dying to get out and that might be the death of me
And even though, there's no way in knowing where to go, promise I'm going because
I gotta get outta here
I'm stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake
I gotta get outta here
And I'm begging You, I'm begging You, I'm begging You to be my escape.
I'm giving up on doing this alone now
Cause I've failed and I'm ready to be shown how
He's told me the way and I'm trying to get there
And this life sentence that I'm serving
I admit that I'm every bit deserving
But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair
Cause I've been housing all this doubt and insecurity and
I've been locked inside that house all the while You hold the key
And I've been dying to get out and that might be the death of me
And even though, there's no way in knowing where to go, promise I'm going because
I gotta get outta here
Cause I'm afraid that this complacency is something I can't shake
I gotta get outta here
And I'm begging You, I'm begging You, I'm begging You to be my escape.
I am a hostage to my own humanity
Self detained and forced to live in this mess I've made
And all I'm asking is for You to do what You can with me
But I can't ask You to give what You already gave
Cause I've been housing all this doubt and insecurity and
I've been locked inside that house all the while you hold the key
And I've been dying to get out and that might be the death of me
And even though, there's no way in knowing where to go, promise I'm going because
I've gotta get outta here
I'm stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake
I've gotta get outta here
And I'm begging You, I'm begging You, I'm begging
You to be my escape.
I fought You for so long
I should have let You in
Oh how we regret those things we do
And all I was trying to do was save my own skin
But so were You
So were You
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 23 |
[26 Jul 2006|01:54pm] |
"...the greatest strength is in gentleness."
--Leon Shenandoah, ONONDAGA
Our Elders have taught us many lessons about becoming a Warrior and how to think and act like one. We have been told about the power of gentleness. We have been told about the power of the stillness. Physical power is about effort. Mental power is the opposite. It's about being effortless or less any effort. Gentleness is one of the greatest attributes of the Warrior and one of the greatest mental powers. It takes a lot of love to be gentle. Gentleness is not an ego word. Gentleness is the weapon of the Great Spirit.
My Creator, today I will be gentle with myself and with others. I will listen to the whisper of my heart and learn the power of being gentle.
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 24 |
[26 Jul 2006|01:52pm] |
"Life is like a path...and we all have to walk the path... As we walk...we'll find experiences like little scraps of paper in front of us along the way. We must pick up those pieces of scrap paper and put them in our pocket... Then, one day, we will have enough scraps of papers to put together and see what they say... Read the information and take it to heart."
--Uncle Frank Davis (quoting his mother), PAWNEE
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.
Today let me see my mistakes as a positive process. Let me learn the aha's of life... Awaken my awareness so I can see the great learning that You, my Creator, have designed for my life.
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 20 |
[20 Jul 2006|10:42pm] |
"When you begin a great work you can't expect to finish it all at once; therefore, do you and your brothers press on and let nothing discourage you until you have entirely finished what you have begun."
--Teedyuschung, DELAWARE
All things have their seasons. All thoughts are real. We must think to cause action and each action creates results. Big visions require many thoughts. It takes a series of thoughts to create a series of actions. A series of actions creates a series of results. These results are what makes vision become real. If we are here to serve the Creator then we can expect to be accomplishing big visions. How do we do this: One step at a time.
Let me focus on what needs to be done today. Give me clear thoughts to accomplish the results that you, my Creator, would have me accomplish.
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 18 |
[20 Jul 2006|10:39pm] |
"Our fathers gave us many laws which they had learned from their fathers. These laws were good."
--Chief Joseph, NEZ PERCE
The Creator gives us many laws to live by. These are different than the laws of man. The laws of the Creator are designed for us to live in harmony and balance with ourselves and each other. These laws are about having freedom and happiness. Our Elders teach us these laws. Laws about how to treat each other, laws about how to treat and respect our Mother Earth, laws about the environment.
Oh Great Spirit, teach me the laws of the unseen world. Today I pray You open my eyes so I can better see the Red Road.
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| Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 11 |
[11 Jul 2006|09:42pm] |
"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..."
--Big Elk, OMAHA Chief
Our earth continues to Grow by cycles and seasons: The cycles of growth - spring, summer, fall, winter. The cycles of the human being - baby, youth, adult, elder. It is through these cycles that we will experience the changes. I will not always necessarily agree with these changes but I need to trust the Grandfathers are in charge. Things will come and things will go. Really, I own nothing, the Creator owns all. Too often I label things as mine. I say this belongs to me, but it really belongs to the Creator. He gives me things to take care of. I need to do the best I can with what I have, with what I know at the time. And when the Creator changes things, I need to let go for His planning is the best.
Oh Great Spirit, today let me do the best I can with what I know, with what I have. Let me experience acceptance of Your will.
Grandmother's birthday is the 29th...this is a timely meditation.
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| Monotheism |
[21 Jun 2006|04:58pm] |
Apparently, since the dawn of my ancestors, we have been a monotheistic nation. We have been worshipping the Creator AKA Kishelëmùkòng and have believed in His different forms. We have believed that all things are sacred because He spoke them from His mouth and created them with His thoughts. We do NOT worship them. We call the earth our Mother because it is from dust we came.
http://www.geocities.com/wodwrght/creation.html
Since we are monotheistic, we cannot believe in animism in the form of worshipping everything unto itself. Animism is characteristic of polytheistic belief systems because they believe that there can be more than one supreme force at work.
We therefore cannot be animists.
ALSO there were no shamans in our nation. There were no crystals and things of this nature. There were witches, but they were believed to be against what the Creator wanted and therefore were cautiously recognized. No one wanted to cross them and it was taboo to seek their help.
Nanapush is like Jesus or the Holy Spirit.
Our way believes that we were able to receive the "white man's gospel" because our beliefs were so similar...that we were waiting for the gospel of Jesus and Christianity was the next step.
That is why I am proud and happy to call my heritage what it is. It is beautiful and fulfilling. Praise be to Kishelëmùkòng!
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