The Grandfathers attitude toward the Eternal, the Creator, an omnipresence, that surrounds and embraces us, was as simple as it was exalted. To them it is the Supreme Conception, bringing with it the fullest massage of Joy and Satisfaction possible in this Life.
Religion, as it is known today, is better described, in the Time of the Grandfathers, as Individual Spitituality. Solitary Worship. It was not a collective body of People nor did we have one Man as the Leader or to talk to the Creator in ones' behalf.
The Grandfathers spoke directly to the Creator. They stood erect, did not bow down nor humble themselves before the Creator. The Creator is everywhere, in all things of this Universe. With this Concept, one would have to constantly be bowed if that was required by the Creator. There were no Temples or Shrines. It would be deemed sacrilege to build a House for the Creator who may be met face to face in the mysterious, shadowy paths of the Primeval Forest, on top of a Mountain or the depth of a Valley.
The Creator set no Value upon material things. There were no Offerings nor Sacrifices.
We believe that the Spirit pervades all Creation and that everything Possesses a Spirit, though not neceaasrily a Spirit Conscious of Itself. The Plants, the Water, the Animals, the Birds and all Beings that Crawl or Swim, each have an embodied Energy, and as such an object of Reverence.
The Creator is not a "God" battling Evil. The Good and the Bad things in Life are here to ensure Balance. One without the other, the Universe would be out of Balance, thus Chaos, the Circle of Life Broken. Without the Bad things in Life, how could you comprehend the Good?
None should, nor did, exhort or in any way meddle with the Spiritual expression or experience of another. The Worship of the Creator was and is Silent, Solitary and free from all Self-Seeking.
White Crow May 1945
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Birth Prayer
The Birth Prayer -
In the Traditions of the People, at the first Dawn of a Childs' Birth, there is the Birth Prayer and Naming Ceremony. The Clan Mother of your Clan, the oldest Woman, performs this duty as Grandfather Sun crests the Eastern Horizon. The Clan Mother lifts the Child above her head, facing the Sun rise. Thus presenting the Child to the Ancestors and the Universe and giving the Child his or her Birth Name.
Due to Life Circumstance, I being thousands of miles away from my People, I performed this Cermoney for my Son.
The Birth Prayer for my Son -
CREATOR, hear my words, I Pray.
CREATOR, I ask you to look upon this Child. Protect him and bring Balance into his Life.
MOTHER EARTH, I will Teach him to Respect you as he grows. Wherever his Path will go, support and care for this Child.
GRANDFATHER SUN, shine upon this Child as he grows. Let him be strong in every way,
not only Physically but Mentally and Spiritually. Surround him with your warm Living Energy.
I know there will be cloudy days, shine through to this Child, keep him safe.
FOUR WINDS OF THE UNIVERSE, recognize this Child. Sometimes you will blow strong, sometimes gentle. Let this Child grow to know your Value and Weather the Storms.
WATER OF LIFE, he can not Live without you. I ask this Child never Thirst in any way.
FIRE, burn away the Obstacles of Life for this Child. Make the Way clear so the he will not Stumble in Walking a Path of Learning to Love and Respect all Life.
CREATOR, I will Teach this Child Honor and Respect. Let his Spirit shine in this Universe.
I THANK YOU CREATOR.
Within the Traditions, a Birth Name does not necessarily follow one throughout ones' Life.
My Birth Name was Po Quage (Shinning Lake).
Due to Natures' circumstance on the first Day of my Birth; I was born in the Moon of the Hard Cold (January), in the Mountains of New York State. When I was twelve, my Grandmother, the Clan Mother of the Bear Clan, told me the Story of the Birth Ceremony by her at the Dawning of my First day.
There was much Snow and Cold. While she stood on the Mountain looking out across a Valley that had a frozen Lake, the Sun appeared above the Eastern Mountain. As my Grandmother lifted me above her head to offer the Birth Prayer, the Sun's rays reflected off the frozen Lake and into her eyes, thus the Name Shinning Lake.
My Elders Name, White Crow. That is another Story.
White Crow November 1990
In the Traditions of the People, at the first Dawn of a Childs' Birth, there is the Birth Prayer and Naming Ceremony. The Clan Mother of your Clan, the oldest Woman, performs this duty as Grandfather Sun crests the Eastern Horizon. The Clan Mother lifts the Child above her head, facing the Sun rise. Thus presenting the Child to the Ancestors and the Universe and giving the Child his or her Birth Name.
Due to Life Circumstance, I being thousands of miles away from my People, I performed this Cermoney for my Son.
The Birth Prayer for my Son -
CREATOR, hear my words, I Pray.
CREATOR, I ask you to look upon this Child. Protect him and bring Balance into his Life.
MOTHER EARTH, I will Teach him to Respect you as he grows. Wherever his Path will go, support and care for this Child.
GRANDFATHER SUN, shine upon this Child as he grows. Let him be strong in every way,
not only Physically but Mentally and Spiritually. Surround him with your warm Living Energy.
I know there will be cloudy days, shine through to this Child, keep him safe.
FOUR WINDS OF THE UNIVERSE, recognize this Child. Sometimes you will blow strong, sometimes gentle. Let this Child grow to know your Value and Weather the Storms.
WATER OF LIFE, he can not Live without you. I ask this Child never Thirst in any way.
FIRE, burn away the Obstacles of Life for this Child. Make the Way clear so the he will not Stumble in Walking a Path of Learning to Love and Respect all Life.
CREATOR, I will Teach this Child Honor and Respect. Let his Spirit shine in this Universe.
I THANK YOU CREATOR.
Within the Traditions, a Birth Name does not necessarily follow one throughout ones' Life.
My Birth Name was Po Quage (Shinning Lake).
Due to Natures' circumstance on the first Day of my Birth; I was born in the Moon of the Hard Cold (January), in the Mountains of New York State. When I was twelve, my Grandmother, the Clan Mother of the Bear Clan, told me the Story of the Birth Ceremony by her at the Dawning of my First day.
There was much Snow and Cold. While she stood on the Mountain looking out across a Valley that had a frozen Lake, the Sun appeared above the Eastern Mountain. As my Grandmother lifted me above her head to offer the Birth Prayer, the Sun's rays reflected off the frozen Lake and into her eyes, thus the Name Shinning Lake.
My Elders Name, White Crow. That is another Story.
White Crow November 1990
Monday, November 24, 2008
Have you ever seen Weasel Dance?
As I Post this Story I am sure many of the Female readers may become annoyed at its' concepts. Please remember this Story involved me as a Boy, thus giving it a perspective from the Male point of Perceiving. All Stories have the ability to change Gender of the Symbolic Characters within the Story. Should a young Girl be curious and have the same Questions, as I did as a Boy, she would have been referred to a Female to interrupt the Symbolism, thus changing it to the Female Understandings and Concepts.
This is a Concept, a Teaching passed down from Generation to Generation, ever evolving, take from it that which WORKS FOR YOU. Indiividual interruptions are yours to Question, Accept or Reject, the CHOISE IS YOURS.
I Pray this Story, this Teaching, becomes a part of your Life Story and Perspective.
White Crow November 2008
Have You Ever Seen Weasel Dance?
Crossing the Mountains on a warn Spring Day in the Calendar year 1948, my years are twelve. I was heading for a Beaver Pond in a small Valley to swim. As I step from the cover of the Trees onto the open Meadow, a flash of white catches my eye. I pause to investigate, but I only see a few Rabbits off to the side nibbling the Grasses.
As I looked harder, there it was once again, the flash of white. All of the Rabbits lifted their heads for a moment then went back to their nibbling. Then I noticed one Rabbit was not eating, but was very intensely occupied with the spot where I had seen the white flash. To my surprise, Weasel jumped high above the Grasses, turned completely over in mid-air. This causing the white flash of her under belly. Then landing on her feet and laying flat in the Grasses, and that one Rabbit never taking its' eyes from Weasel.
Later that day, returning home, I asked my Grandmother, "Have you ever seen Weasel Dance?"
"No", my Grandmother said. "But I know of this from the Stories. The Creator has smiled upon you this day, allowing you to experience a new Lesson. But you must talk with The Grandfather about this Teaching."
A few days later The Grandfather came down from the Mountains for a visit.
"Grandfather, have you ever seen Weasel Dance?" I asked him.
The Grandfather sat quite for a long time, his face very serious. I know he was thinking very hard, but I know he would answer in his own time. Maybe right out, or it might be in Symbolic Words that I would have to think about and come to the Answer with my own Conclusions.
The Grandfathers' face relaxed, he reached out one of his big hands and placed it lightly upon my shoulder as I stood before him.
"Little Brother," began The Grandfather, "Yes, I have seen Weasel Dance, and I have heard the Stories and know of the Lessons the Creator knows you will need from this experience."
Another long pause as The Grandfather looked out across the Valley. I was thinking maybe I should not have asked. I could see The Grandfather was thinking very hard.
"Little Brother," The Grandfather began again, after the long pause. "Weasel is the Medicine of Woman and Rabbit is the Medicine of Man, that is, when Men are afraid. Some Men walk their entire Lives being afraid of this or that. They are Rabbit Medicine People, you will come to know them when you meet them. I am an Old Man, times are changing and this Lesson changes as the Generations change. In not to many Seasons you will be out there among the Todays' Men and you will need to Know the Lessons of this Generation of Man. It is best you ask your Friend Rabbit Man, he is of the todays' World."
I thanked The Grandfather and hoped Rabbit Man would come soon.
The Cycles of the Moon past twice before Rabbit Man returned to the Mountains. As always, I was pleased to see him, as was my Grandmother. Even though some times he made her blush and she would scurry off with a little giggle and the comment, "Men!"
Rabbit Man and I walked a short way from the house and sat under the Willow Trees by the Stream. It was always cooler there on warm days.
"So, my Young Friend, I have heard upon the Winds you have had an encounter with Woman Medicine," Rabbit Man said trying to contain out and out laughter.
"Rabbit Man, have you ever seen Weasel Dance?" I asked, trying not to be effected by his laughter.
"Come, let us walk and I will tell you the Lessons of Dancing Weasle," he said. "But first, tell me your Story of Weasel Dancing."
As we walked alomg a Deer Trail near the Stream, I told Rabbit Man the Story of what occurred when I saw Weasel Dance.
"Only one Rabbit watched Weasel, the others nibbled the Grass and would glance in her direction only once in a while. Weasel would run a short distance, jump, and make a complete turn in mid-air. Race back past Rabbit with her thin Tail waving so fast it was a blur. Springing up and down on her stiffened legs. Rolling in the Grass, tumbling, standing on her hind legs, bobbing her head from side to side and swaying her body. Running back and forth and the Rabbit, sitting there, following her with his eyes and turning his head to follow every movement of Weasel, often flashing her white under belly."
"I sat down with my back to a great Oak Tree to see what this funny little Weasel was up to. As I watched her actions I noticed each time Weasel ran past Rabbit she was getting closer and closer to him. I believe Rabbit was mesmerized by the antics of Weasel."
"Then Weasel reaced closer and past Rabbit, turned quickly and raced back. As Weasel reached Rabbit she lay flat on her back and grabbed Rabbit by the throat. Rabbit squealed, the other Rabbits scattered, as Rabbits do. Weasel and Rabbit rolled about for a few moments then Weasel ran off dragging Rabbit back to her Den to feed her young."
"Let us set here." said Rabbit Man, smiling at me and pointing to a large Pine Tree. Squirrel scampered up the Pine holding fast to the Pine Cone in its' mouth as we approached to relax beneath this great Tree.
"Have you told your Grandmother this Story?" he asked, still smiling.
"Yes, I have", I said. "She told me to ask The Grandfather for the Lessons about the Weasel Dance. And The Grandfather told me to ask you, because he was to old and that you are a Man of the Today World."
This is a Concept, a Teaching passed down from Generation to Generation, ever evolving, take from it that which WORKS FOR YOU. Indiividual interruptions are yours to Question, Accept or Reject, the CHOISE IS YOURS.
I Pray this Story, this Teaching, becomes a part of your Life Story and Perspective.
White Crow November 2008
Have You Ever Seen Weasel Dance?
Crossing the Mountains on a warn Spring Day in the Calendar year 1948, my years are twelve. I was heading for a Beaver Pond in a small Valley to swim. As I step from the cover of the Trees onto the open Meadow, a flash of white catches my eye. I pause to investigate, but I only see a few Rabbits off to the side nibbling the Grasses.
As I looked harder, there it was once again, the flash of white. All of the Rabbits lifted their heads for a moment then went back to their nibbling. Then I noticed one Rabbit was not eating, but was very intensely occupied with the spot where I had seen the white flash. To my surprise, Weasel jumped high above the Grasses, turned completely over in mid-air. This causing the white flash of her under belly. Then landing on her feet and laying flat in the Grasses, and that one Rabbit never taking its' eyes from Weasel.
Later that day, returning home, I asked my Grandmother, "Have you ever seen Weasel Dance?"
"No", my Grandmother said. "But I know of this from the Stories. The Creator has smiled upon you this day, allowing you to experience a new Lesson. But you must talk with The Grandfather about this Teaching."
A few days later The Grandfather came down from the Mountains for a visit.
"Grandfather, have you ever seen Weasel Dance?" I asked him.
The Grandfather sat quite for a long time, his face very serious. I know he was thinking very hard, but I know he would answer in his own time. Maybe right out, or it might be in Symbolic Words that I would have to think about and come to the Answer with my own Conclusions.
The Grandfathers' face relaxed, he reached out one of his big hands and placed it lightly upon my shoulder as I stood before him.
"Little Brother," began The Grandfather, "Yes, I have seen Weasel Dance, and I have heard the Stories and know of the Lessons the Creator knows you will need from this experience."
Another long pause as The Grandfather looked out across the Valley. I was thinking maybe I should not have asked. I could see The Grandfather was thinking very hard.
"Little Brother," The Grandfather began again, after the long pause. "Weasel is the Medicine of Woman and Rabbit is the Medicine of Man, that is, when Men are afraid. Some Men walk their entire Lives being afraid of this or that. They are Rabbit Medicine People, you will come to know them when you meet them. I am an Old Man, times are changing and this Lesson changes as the Generations change. In not to many Seasons you will be out there among the Todays' Men and you will need to Know the Lessons of this Generation of Man. It is best you ask your Friend Rabbit Man, he is of the todays' World."
I thanked The Grandfather and hoped Rabbit Man would come soon.
The Cycles of the Moon past twice before Rabbit Man returned to the Mountains. As always, I was pleased to see him, as was my Grandmother. Even though some times he made her blush and she would scurry off with a little giggle and the comment, "Men!"
Rabbit Man and I walked a short way from the house and sat under the Willow Trees by the Stream. It was always cooler there on warm days.
"So, my Young Friend, I have heard upon the Winds you have had an encounter with Woman Medicine," Rabbit Man said trying to contain out and out laughter.
"Rabbit Man, have you ever seen Weasel Dance?" I asked, trying not to be effected by his laughter.
"Come, let us walk and I will tell you the Lessons of Dancing Weasle," he said. "But first, tell me your Story of Weasel Dancing."
As we walked alomg a Deer Trail near the Stream, I told Rabbit Man the Story of what occurred when I saw Weasel Dance.
"Only one Rabbit watched Weasel, the others nibbled the Grass and would glance in her direction only once in a while. Weasel would run a short distance, jump, and make a complete turn in mid-air. Race back past Rabbit with her thin Tail waving so fast it was a blur. Springing up and down on her stiffened legs. Rolling in the Grass, tumbling, standing on her hind legs, bobbing her head from side to side and swaying her body. Running back and forth and the Rabbit, sitting there, following her with his eyes and turning his head to follow every movement of Weasel, often flashing her white under belly."
"I sat down with my back to a great Oak Tree to see what this funny little Weasel was up to. As I watched her actions I noticed each time Weasel ran past Rabbit she was getting closer and closer to him. I believe Rabbit was mesmerized by the antics of Weasel."
"Then Weasel reaced closer and past Rabbit, turned quickly and raced back. As Weasel reached Rabbit she lay flat on her back and grabbed Rabbit by the throat. Rabbit squealed, the other Rabbits scattered, as Rabbits do. Weasel and Rabbit rolled about for a few moments then Weasel ran off dragging Rabbit back to her Den to feed her young."
"Let us set here." said Rabbit Man, smiling at me and pointing to a large Pine Tree. Squirrel scampered up the Pine holding fast to the Pine Cone in its' mouth as we approached to relax beneath this great Tree.
"Have you told your Grandmother this Story?" he asked, still smiling.
"Yes, I have", I said. "She told me to ask The Grandfather for the Lessons about the Weasel Dance. And The Grandfather told me to ask you, because he was to old and that you are a Man of the Today World."
Rabbit Man laughed hard and I was not sure why. Was he laughing at the actions of Weasel, at the Grandfather for saying he was to old, or at me because I could not see that this was as silly Leasson?
Rabbit Man stopped laughing and with a smile looked at me and said. "Forgive me My Young Brother, I am not laughung at you. I laugh to think that The Grandfather thinks I am a Man of the World. I go to the city to work, but my Heart never leaves these Mountains. Now I will tell you of the Lessons of Danceing Weasel."
"As The Grandfather said, Weasel is Woman Medicine. When you grow older and move out into the World and come in contact with the Women of the World, do not become like Rabbit. Women will dance before you, play their Women Games and try to entice you and make you believe it is all your idea."
"As Weasel scurried about, jumping, flashing her white belly, doing flips, all the time getting closer and closer to Rabbit. Women do these things in their manner. Rabbit becoming entranced by the actions of Weasel, not expecting anything more than the amusement caused by Weasel. Then when least expected she has him by the throat and the games are over."
"Little Brother, I do not want you to think you should fear Women, they are not a Need, but a necessity in Life."
White Crow June 1948
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Stories
My Life Story at this point on my Life Path is that of the Mountains, without "worldly experience". Through my Teachings, regardless of where you are on your Life Path, regardless of the amount of Life Experience, basic Life Stories, concepts and perception evolve. I Gift to you a concept, a perception. As with all Stories, take from them that "works" for you, let the rest blow into the Wind.
The Stories
There are many Stories told within the Circle of Life. These Stories were used among my People to Teach the meanings of Our Life Circles. They were themselves a Way of Understanding among my People, and also between different Peoples. Because my People did not have a written language, these Stoies were memorized and passed down through countless Generations.
The Stories are about Animals and People. You will find these Stories about Bear, Mice, Wolf, Raccoon, Beaver and Elk.The Stories are almost always allegorical in form, and everything in them should be read Symbolically.
Every Story can be symbolically unfolded for you through your own Medicine, Reflections and Seekings. As you do this, you will Learn to see through the eyes of your Brothers and Sisters, and to Share their Perceptions.
Questioning is one of the most vital Paths to Understanding these Stories, which will Teach you of the Circle of Life. When you question, the Circle is turning for you. These Stories are magical Teachers in this way. They are Truths whose Petals can be unfolded by the Seeker without end.
These Stories were ment to be Told, not Written. In this way the Teachers were able to give inflections to particular words to reflect their Symbolic content. For example, the Word "Year" holds many meanings. It reflects the concept of as Cylce, which in turn Symbolizes the Circle of Life and the Universe. Similary, the Word "Way" can mean a simple Path or Direction, but it can also mean an entire Philosophy of Life, a Religion, or of Perceiving.
I want you, my Brothers and Sisters, to know that I too am still Learning about the Way of the Circle of Life. The Understanding of this Way is not found just through the Memorization of Stories and Symbols. It is a Living, Growing Thing that comes from Touching others Lives and Experiencing within each of the Four Great Directions. I Know my own Concepts and Perceptions will change and evolve as I venture out into the World.
The Way of the Circle of Life itself is a Living Thing. It is always Growing and Turning within the People. It is not to be Learned by studying Archaic Rituals or Traditions alone, but by Seeking Understanding and then allowing it to Grow within your own Heart, Mind and Spirit. Within the Life Circle there are many Ancient Stories Taught to me, but there are also new Stories that I have Learned from within my own Understandings and Experience. They are there as Teachings from which you can Learn, and which you can Build upon in your own Way. You too are a Life Circle and the Magic of your Perceivings will be unfolded.
When you have Heard these Stories they now become a part of your Awareness, or Understanding. Stories are like Paths, or Ways. Whenever you Hear a Story, it is as if you were Physically walking down a particular Path that it has created for you. Everything you Perceive upon this Path or around it becomes part of YOUR EXPERIENCE, bouth Individually and Collectively.
Particular Stories have within them many Mirrors which Reflect certain Realities that Exist in all of us. Each one of these Mirrors, when you look into it as a Whole Thing, can be a Teacher for you. Experience the Story, open your Mind, Heart and Spirit as you Walk down its' Path, so that you may look into its' Mirrors and See the many Images that are Reflected there for you.
The Story IS the Life Circle, you ARE the Story, you ARE the Life Circle. The Story causes the Life Circle to Turn as you Turn within it.
These are Lessons to Learn and Learned Lessons to Contemplate.
YOU ARE THE STORY!
White Crow October 1950
The Stories
There are many Stories told within the Circle of Life. These Stories were used among my People to Teach the meanings of Our Life Circles. They were themselves a Way of Understanding among my People, and also between different Peoples. Because my People did not have a written language, these Stoies were memorized and passed down through countless Generations.
The Stories are about Animals and People. You will find these Stories about Bear, Mice, Wolf, Raccoon, Beaver and Elk.The Stories are almost always allegorical in form, and everything in them should be read Symbolically.
Every Story can be symbolically unfolded for you through your own Medicine, Reflections and Seekings. As you do this, you will Learn to see through the eyes of your Brothers and Sisters, and to Share their Perceptions.
Questioning is one of the most vital Paths to Understanding these Stories, which will Teach you of the Circle of Life. When you question, the Circle is turning for you. These Stories are magical Teachers in this way. They are Truths whose Petals can be unfolded by the Seeker without end.
These Stories were ment to be Told, not Written. In this way the Teachers were able to give inflections to particular words to reflect their Symbolic content. For example, the Word "Year" holds many meanings. It reflects the concept of as Cylce, which in turn Symbolizes the Circle of Life and the Universe. Similary, the Word "Way" can mean a simple Path or Direction, but it can also mean an entire Philosophy of Life, a Religion, or of Perceiving.
I want you, my Brothers and Sisters, to know that I too am still Learning about the Way of the Circle of Life. The Understanding of this Way is not found just through the Memorization of Stories and Symbols. It is a Living, Growing Thing that comes from Touching others Lives and Experiencing within each of the Four Great Directions. I Know my own Concepts and Perceptions will change and evolve as I venture out into the World.
The Way of the Circle of Life itself is a Living Thing. It is always Growing and Turning within the People. It is not to be Learned by studying Archaic Rituals or Traditions alone, but by Seeking Understanding and then allowing it to Grow within your own Heart, Mind and Spirit. Within the Life Circle there are many Ancient Stories Taught to me, but there are also new Stories that I have Learned from within my own Understandings and Experience. They are there as Teachings from which you can Learn, and which you can Build upon in your own Way. You too are a Life Circle and the Magic of your Perceivings will be unfolded.
When you have Heard these Stories they now become a part of your Awareness, or Understanding. Stories are like Paths, or Ways. Whenever you Hear a Story, it is as if you were Physically walking down a particular Path that it has created for you. Everything you Perceive upon this Path or around it becomes part of YOUR EXPERIENCE, bouth Individually and Collectively.
Particular Stories have within them many Mirrors which Reflect certain Realities that Exist in all of us. Each one of these Mirrors, when you look into it as a Whole Thing, can be a Teacher for you. Experience the Story, open your Mind, Heart and Spirit as you Walk down its' Path, so that you may look into its' Mirrors and See the many Images that are Reflected there for you.
The Story IS the Life Circle, you ARE the Story, you ARE the Life Circle. The Story causes the Life Circle to Turn as you Turn within it.
These are Lessons to Learn and Learned Lessons to Contemplate.
YOU ARE THE STORY!
White Crow October 1950
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Purpose Part 3
I ask, Purpose, is it the simple Humor I expeienced as a Boy, or is it the beatings that gave me the strength to endure War?
I believe it is both, plus every Human Emotion or encounter, from the smallest to the most overwhelming has Purpose. I am sure somewhere along your Life Path you have encountered People or Situations that have Changed your Life. Should these be a Good or Bad experience, they were placed in your Life Path for Purpose. Lessons that are required for each of us to Survive, not only others but also ourselves.
Everything within the Universe has Purpose. In your Life, every thing you encounter, every person you encounter, every situation that happens along your Life Path has Purpose. You may not see or understand its' Purpose at the moment it occurs, yet with further deliberation, the answer WILL be there.
We will hear many "Waiting Stories" from people who are waiting for LIFE TO HAPPEN. Waiting to grow up, waiting to fine the perfect mate, waiting for the right job, waithing for the Children to grow up and waiting for retirement and so on. However, Life is ment to be LIVED, and every experience in Life is to be experienced fully as a Gift.
Every experience offers a unique opportunity to LEARN and GROW in ways that would not be possible without all of your experiences, both GOOD and BAD. Therefore, there is no real RIGHT or WRONG way of doing things, in that you may Learn something Valuable no matter how things are done.
As my Grandmother told me, "Don't ever try to be what you are not, but don't ever let anyone else tell you what you are either. Your Life, as it IS, has Purpose."
In the real sense, everyone and everything possesses VALUE, WORTH and PURPOSE by merely existing in the Circle of Life. Every experience also possesses VALUE, WORTH and PURPOSE by the very fact that they occurred and therefore IT IS a GIFT.
Purpose makes you WHO YOU ARE. Without all of the Good and Bad experiences in your Life you would be a completely different personality, even if you never completely understood the Purpose of these People, Events or Encounters along your Life Path.
All things have PURPOSE, you DO have PURPOSE.
White Crow November 2008
I believe it is both, plus every Human Emotion or encounter, from the smallest to the most overwhelming has Purpose. I am sure somewhere along your Life Path you have encountered People or Situations that have Changed your Life. Should these be a Good or Bad experience, they were placed in your Life Path for Purpose. Lessons that are required for each of us to Survive, not only others but also ourselves.
Everything within the Universe has Purpose. In your Life, every thing you encounter, every person you encounter, every situation that happens along your Life Path has Purpose. You may not see or understand its' Purpose at the moment it occurs, yet with further deliberation, the answer WILL be there.
We will hear many "Waiting Stories" from people who are waiting for LIFE TO HAPPEN. Waiting to grow up, waiting to fine the perfect mate, waiting for the right job, waithing for the Children to grow up and waiting for retirement and so on. However, Life is ment to be LIVED, and every experience in Life is to be experienced fully as a Gift.
Every experience offers a unique opportunity to LEARN and GROW in ways that would not be possible without all of your experiences, both GOOD and BAD. Therefore, there is no real RIGHT or WRONG way of doing things, in that you may Learn something Valuable no matter how things are done.
As my Grandmother told me, "Don't ever try to be what you are not, but don't ever let anyone else tell you what you are either. Your Life, as it IS, has Purpose."
In the real sense, everyone and everything possesses VALUE, WORTH and PURPOSE by merely existing in the Circle of Life. Every experience also possesses VALUE, WORTH and PURPOSE by the very fact that they occurred and therefore IT IS a GIFT.
Purpose makes you WHO YOU ARE. Without all of the Good and Bad experiences in your Life you would be a completely different personality, even if you never completely understood the Purpose of these People, Events or Encounters along your Life Path.
All things have PURPOSE, you DO have PURPOSE.
White Crow November 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Purpose Part 2
The calendar year is 1953, my years are eighteen.
I lie in a Hospital bed at the U.S. Army Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. A bleak room, the view from the window, a brick wall about four feet away. I have many hours to contemplate my Life Cercumstance, dwelling on Whys and Purpose. Many Whys enter my thoughts throughout the long days and nights, being confined to this depressing little room. How had I made it through the Korean War, the horrific encounters, Human Beings inflicting the most inhumane things onto other Human Beings? Plus fourteen months as a prisoner of war, how and why did I survive this most horrific time on my Life Path?
As I have told you, all things have Purpose.
Actually this Paradox of Purpose goes back many years, starting in the calendar year 1939 through the year 1941. During this time in my Life my Father would beat me severely, because, I could not or would not conform to His Ways. As long as I can remember, I knew who I was, a proud and honorable Human Being of the Onondaga People, not a white Euro-American, that he and the State run School system tried to make me into. A phenomenon of the time, it was called, "assimilation", taking American Indian Children and placing them into State or Federal Schools, that they believed would take away their Indian-ness and the Children would somehow, miraculously be assimilated into the dominate White Society, no longer Indian.
Yet, neither my Father nor the School System could break this Spirit that I knew who I was. Some called it, stubborn. If I would just say the Words, it would all go away. Honor, this was stronger than any beating or anger toward me by the school teacher. Should you loose your Honor all is lost. I endured and I am sure it made me a better Human Being because of it.
At that time I truly did not understand the Purpose of the beatings nor the anger.
From my Hospital bed, contemplating my Life situation, the Hell of War and my time and torture as a POW. How and why was I the one who survived, when thousands did not.
The Purpose, as I see it, after much deliberation, the beatings as a Boy, gave to me, Strength, Perseverance and the ability to overcome and tolerate pain. This equipping me for what was to come later on my Life Path, War!
I know this may seem to be the extremes of Purpose, yet the Truth of it is, if what had not happened as a Child, would I be here today, a Proud Onondaga Indian? I do believe with all of my Being, these circumatances occured, these encounters, for the Purpose, SURVIVAL!
White Crow December 1953
I lie in a Hospital bed at the U.S. Army Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. A bleak room, the view from the window, a brick wall about four feet away. I have many hours to contemplate my Life Cercumstance, dwelling on Whys and Purpose. Many Whys enter my thoughts throughout the long days and nights, being confined to this depressing little room. How had I made it through the Korean War, the horrific encounters, Human Beings inflicting the most inhumane things onto other Human Beings? Plus fourteen months as a prisoner of war, how and why did I survive this most horrific time on my Life Path?
As I have told you, all things have Purpose.
Actually this Paradox of Purpose goes back many years, starting in the calendar year 1939 through the year 1941. During this time in my Life my Father would beat me severely, because, I could not or would not conform to His Ways. As long as I can remember, I knew who I was, a proud and honorable Human Being of the Onondaga People, not a white Euro-American, that he and the State run School system tried to make me into. A phenomenon of the time, it was called, "assimilation", taking American Indian Children and placing them into State or Federal Schools, that they believed would take away their Indian-ness and the Children would somehow, miraculously be assimilated into the dominate White Society, no longer Indian.
Yet, neither my Father nor the School System could break this Spirit that I knew who I was. Some called it, stubborn. If I would just say the Words, it would all go away. Honor, this was stronger than any beating or anger toward me by the school teacher. Should you loose your Honor all is lost. I endured and I am sure it made me a better Human Being because of it.
At that time I truly did not understand the Purpose of the beatings nor the anger.
From my Hospital bed, contemplating my Life situation, the Hell of War and my time and torture as a POW. How and why was I the one who survived, when thousands did not.
The Purpose, as I see it, after much deliberation, the beatings as a Boy, gave to me, Strength, Perseverance and the ability to overcome and tolerate pain. This equipping me for what was to come later on my Life Path, War!
I know this may seem to be the extremes of Purpose, yet the Truth of it is, if what had not happened as a Child, would I be here today, a Proud Onondaga Indian? I do believe with all of my Being, these circumatances occured, these encounters, for the Purpose, SURVIVAL!
White Crow December 1953
Monday, November 3, 2008
Purpose Part 1.
In the Spring cycle of the calendar year 1943, my years are eight.
The Grandfather and I sat beneath the Apple Tree in my Grandmothers' yard, it was in full bloom, the air is filled with the aroma form its' sweet smelling blossoms. A warm breeze out of the South, welcomed, after a hard cold Winter. He was telling me the Teaching Stories, Purpose.
Before I tell you this Story I must give you an insight into what was happening around us.
My Grandmother had Chickens, ten Hens, a very large Red Leghorn Rooster, standing about eighteen inches and a very small Bantam Rooster, standing about six inches. The Bantam Rooster, for those who do not know, is a very colorful little bird and very spunky. You might say he "had attitude". When my Grandmother scattered corn out to feed the Chickens, this little Bantam Rooster would scoot sideways right up next to the big Red Leghorn Rooster and peck up the corn right where he was feeding. Now you know there was corn scattered all around a large area. This large Red Leghorn would be annoyed by the small Rooster getting up into his face, you might say, and eating, what I am sure, he concidered was his food. The Red Leghorn Rooster would side kick the little Bantam and he would go tumbling several feet. The Bantam would pick himself up, shake himself, smooth his feathers and then scooting back to where the larger Rooster was eating. This was repeated over and over, as long as there was corn to be eaten. I had watched this every day for the past two years that I came to live with my Grandmother. I saw it as very funny, at times giving me uncontrolled laughter because of the Bantams' very silly antics. I could never figure out the reason for this action by this silly little Bantam Rooster.
As The Grandfather and I were setting under the Apple Tree this scenario was going on with the Roosters. When there was a pause in the The Grandfathers' Story.
"Grandfather, you tell me everything has Purpose. What is the Purpose of the silly Bantam Rooster? He is too small to eat, just what is his Purpose?" I asked trying to contain my laughter.
The Grandfather looked down at me, amused at me trying hard to control my giggles. As always he had to think about it. He picked up his Pipe, filled it with Tobacco and lit it.
"Little Brother, as you know we are speaking about all things having Purpose," The Grandfather said. "The way I see it, this silly little Bantam Roosters' Purpose is to give you Humor."
I have to agree with The Grandfather, many times a simple answer for Purpose is all that is required, even when I could not understand the Bantam Roosters actions.
White Crow May 1943
The Grandfather and I sat beneath the Apple Tree in my Grandmothers' yard, it was in full bloom, the air is filled with the aroma form its' sweet smelling blossoms. A warm breeze out of the South, welcomed, after a hard cold Winter. He was telling me the Teaching Stories, Purpose.
Before I tell you this Story I must give you an insight into what was happening around us.
My Grandmother had Chickens, ten Hens, a very large Red Leghorn Rooster, standing about eighteen inches and a very small Bantam Rooster, standing about six inches. The Bantam Rooster, for those who do not know, is a very colorful little bird and very spunky. You might say he "had attitude". When my Grandmother scattered corn out to feed the Chickens, this little Bantam Rooster would scoot sideways right up next to the big Red Leghorn Rooster and peck up the corn right where he was feeding. Now you know there was corn scattered all around a large area. This large Red Leghorn would be annoyed by the small Rooster getting up into his face, you might say, and eating, what I am sure, he concidered was his food. The Red Leghorn Rooster would side kick the little Bantam and he would go tumbling several feet. The Bantam would pick himself up, shake himself, smooth his feathers and then scooting back to where the larger Rooster was eating. This was repeated over and over, as long as there was corn to be eaten. I had watched this every day for the past two years that I came to live with my Grandmother. I saw it as very funny, at times giving me uncontrolled laughter because of the Bantams' very silly antics. I could never figure out the reason for this action by this silly little Bantam Rooster.
As The Grandfather and I were setting under the Apple Tree this scenario was going on with the Roosters. When there was a pause in the The Grandfathers' Story.
"Grandfather, you tell me everything has Purpose. What is the Purpose of the silly Bantam Rooster? He is too small to eat, just what is his Purpose?" I asked trying to contain my laughter.
The Grandfather looked down at me, amused at me trying hard to control my giggles. As always he had to think about it. He picked up his Pipe, filled it with Tobacco and lit it.
"Little Brother, as you know we are speaking about all things having Purpose," The Grandfather said. "The way I see it, this silly little Bantam Roosters' Purpose is to give you Humor."
I have to agree with The Grandfather, many times a simple answer for Purpose is all that is required, even when I could not understand the Bantam Roosters actions.
White Crow May 1943
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