I do believe this is an appropriate time to post this "teaching" of the concept of "WORRY". As this New Year is upon us, many people make the so called, "New Years Resolutions". Yet within a few days or weeks thay have been forgotten. Without perseverance and inter-strength they are destined to fail as soon as the thought entered your mind or the words were spoken.
I ask you to say to yourself upon waking this New Years' day, "I will not WORRY about anything today". Consciously hold this thought throughout the day, when concerns manifest themselves enter your everyday life. Say this to yourself everyday of your life until it becomes an automatic part of your Being, a habit.
White Crow December 2008
Worry
The word itself is an odd word to speak, just speaking it complicates the mouth. Try saying it, slowly, concentrate on the movements required just to speak this word.
Worry, seem to be an ever present part of the Human Condition.
Worrying, I have found, occupies most peoples' minds on a daily basis. They worry about money, the biggest concern for most, worry about health, your family and friends, the mortgage, whether someone likes or loves you, the wellbeing of the children, business, school, the list seemd to be endless.
What if I tell you, "YOU NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING".
A concept from the Ancestors and taught to me as a boy. Would you believe I have never worried about anything in my many years? I know there will be doubters out there, let me tell you a Story.
Should a situation or a person cause you to be concerned or worry. Your first reaction, seems to be , is to worry about it. THIS IS TRULY NOT NECESSARY.
First of all THINK ABOUT IT, honestly, look deep within yourself. Ask yourself, what can I DO, MYSELF, to change this situation to make it go away or no longer be a concern. Should you find in your mind, NOTHING YOU, YOURSELF, can do to change the problem or situation to make it go away, FORGET ABOUT IT, what ever it is, it is COMPLETELY OUT of YOUR CONTROL, it is going to occur. OR, you could WORRY about it. Worrying is not a healthy thing, Physically, Mentally or Spiritually.
I have found when people get to worrying about something, in their minds, this problem grows bigger and bigger, real or imagined, the more time they spend worrying about something that is completely out of your control it grows greater, in your minds.
So, if there is nothing YOU can do to improve the situation, JUST LET IT GO, FORGET ABOUT IT, all things work themselves out over time. You will find when you worry and in your mind it becomes greater, when this problem manifests itself in your life, it is generally NOT as great a problem as you may have thought it would be, because worrying enlarges problems in your mind.
Worry, what a destructive mind set.
WORRY, WHY?
Think about!
White Crow September 1977
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Getting a Life
A Grandfather Story of the Onondaga Nation - A very long time ago, when Humans could speak with the Animals -
An Onondaga boy, Young Wolf, was innocent in the ways of Life. His Father concerned about his young Son because Young Wolf seemed to perfer play and dance over learning the skills of hunting. Young Wolfs' Father was one of the Great Hunters among the Onondaga. He told Young Wolf that one day he would have to get a Life; otherwise Life would get him. Puzzled, Young Wolf set out to discover the meaning of his Fathers' words: "Get a Life, or Life will get you." These words rang in his ears until he knew that he would have to find the answer.
Soon his Father planned to be away for several days on a hunting trip. It was near the Full Moon of the Autumn, when the Leaves were coming down and Winter was near. Young Wolf heard of someone called Wise Old Woman who lived in another Village. He heard his Mother say that she had Special Powers and knew about everything. Being only seven, Young Wolf could not make the long trip to the other Village. He appealed to his Uncle, who traveled frequently to the Village of Wise Old Woman. He asked his Uncle what his Fathers' words meant. The Uncle knew he would not be able to explain it in a way that Young Wolf could understand, but he did not want to disappoint the Boy. The Uncle said, "I think it means for you to do something that would be special in Life."
Young Wolf knew that the Animals would always be truthful to him. They had been his Friends for all his seven years of Life. He wondered, though: was dancing the Raccoon Dance not something meaningful in Life? It was certainly meaningful to him. He asked his Uncle to take some Sacred Tobacco to Wise Old Woman and ask her that question. The Uncle was thinking about seeing her anyway, because he was ready to find a Wife, and he needed some Sacred Tobacco. A deal was struck, and Young Wolf went to get some Sacred Tobacco.
Young Wolf went to see his Friend Raccoon. They would play chase and he learned much from Raccoon about hiding and climbing Trees. "Raccoon, can you tell me how to get a Life?" Young Wolf asked Raccoon as they were playing chase. Raccoon seemed puzzled, but responded, "Life is about playing and sneaking food." Somehow, Young Wolf did not think it was the same for him.
Next he saw Squirrel, and asked him the same question. Squirrel thought for a minute and said, "Oh that is easy. It is hiding Acorns and other Nuts and Seeds so you can find them whem it gets cold and Snow is on the Ground." Again, Young Wolf did not think that this applied to his Life, although he hid Acorns in the Ground as taught by Squirrel, then dug them up for his Mother when Snow hid the Ground.
Rabbit was hopping through the Laurel patch when he heard a familiar voice. "Rabbit, I have a question for you," shouted Young Wolf. Rabbit really liked questions, so he stopped to talk with his Friend and listen to his question. Rabbit answered, "Well, for you as a Human, it would mean to learn to hunt the Animals, but of course, not little defensive Rabbits!" They both pondered, then looked at each other and said in unison, "Nope, that is not you."
Once again, Young Wolf continued down the trail looking for the answer to the question before his Father returned from the hunting trip.
Young Wolf saw Red Feather, a Friend who was about twelve years old, and asked him, "What are you doing?" Red Feather said he was making a strong Bow so he could hunt Rabbit. He wanted to please his Father by being a Hunter. Young Wolf already knew that was not the answer, so he continued his search. Overhead, Eagle was soaring in the Sky. Once Eagle had saved Young Wolfs' Life when he wandered away from his Mother in the Planting Field. Eagle saw him near a Cliff and swooped down to save him from falling off a Cliff. Now, Eagle swooped down to see his Friend Young Wolf, who was sitting on a stump with a sad face. "What is wrong?" said Eagle. Young Wolf explained his search for an answer to the question. Eagle said the answer was to be responsible, learn to plant food, and be with his Family always. Young Wolf thought that was a really good answer, but he still was not sure it was the answer for him.
As he continued his trip home he saw Worm Digger, who always worked in the Planting Fields hoeing and planting. Maybe she would know, so he asked her the question, Worm Digger thought long and hard, then said, "The answer for me would be different than the answer for you. I believe it is for you to find that out for yourself." With that, Young Wolf headed home. He slept that night and waited for the next morning, when his Uncle would return from the other Village.
The next morning, Young Wolf went to the Ceremonial Grounds, where he Danced around and around. He had learned a new step from Rabbit and from Hawk that he wanted to try for himself. He practiced the Eaglr Dance, the Wolf Dance, and the Raccoon Dance. He could hear the Drums and the Rattles with the rustling of the Leaves blowing in the Wind and with the whispering of the Pine Trees. The sound of the Wind reminded him of the great Ceremonies where the Clans would come together. He saw himself as a Dancer, summoned by the Chief at the Grand Council. Suddenly Young Wolf saw his Uncel. He knew that he had the answer. The Uncle said he had seen Wise Old Woman, who said that the Uncle was not ready for a Wife. "What did she say about me getting a Life?" The Uncle said, "Oh, yeah, well, she said for you to just do well what you do, and you will get your own Life." Confused even more, YoungWolf waited for his Father to return from the hunting trip.
As the days' Sun touched the Mountains in the distance, Young Wolfs' Father came into the Village with two large Bucks. There was an excitement in the air. His Father came and sat down by his Son. Young Wolf started telling him about his visit with all the Animals and the new Dance steps he had learned. The Drumming started for the Ceremony of Giving Thanks for the Gift of Food, and his Father fell into a slumber. Young Wolf sang a Song he had learned and was sharing the new Dance with his Father when he saw that his Father was sound asleep, Young Wolf, not wanting to disturb his Father, lay in his Fathers' arms and fell asleep himself. Suddenly his Father awoke with excitement and said, "Young Wolf, In have had a Vision! I saw you Dancing some new dance steps like Eagle, Hawk, Wolf and Raccoon. You were singing a new Song as the Drumming played a new beat."
"The Chief summoned you to Dance at the Ceremony of Giving Thanks! I was so proud of you! Everyone came to see you, and we Feasted with the Deer." There was silence as Young Wolf hugged his Father and smiled, because he now knew how to get a Life for himself.
White Crow December 1949
Thoughts:
Each of us are different. Unique in your own way.
Each of us must seek out what we do best in Life. Not only what YOU do best, but what is MEANINGFUL, gives YOU the most SATISFACTION and JOY in YOUR LIFE.
When you live ANOTHERS' Dreams or Visions,
YOU HAVE NO DREAMS OR VISIONS OF YOUR OWN!
White Crow September 1958
An Onondaga boy, Young Wolf, was innocent in the ways of Life. His Father concerned about his young Son because Young Wolf seemed to perfer play and dance over learning the skills of hunting. Young Wolfs' Father was one of the Great Hunters among the Onondaga. He told Young Wolf that one day he would have to get a Life; otherwise Life would get him. Puzzled, Young Wolf set out to discover the meaning of his Fathers' words: "Get a Life, or Life will get you." These words rang in his ears until he knew that he would have to find the answer.
Soon his Father planned to be away for several days on a hunting trip. It was near the Full Moon of the Autumn, when the Leaves were coming down and Winter was near. Young Wolf heard of someone called Wise Old Woman who lived in another Village. He heard his Mother say that she had Special Powers and knew about everything. Being only seven, Young Wolf could not make the long trip to the other Village. He appealed to his Uncle, who traveled frequently to the Village of Wise Old Woman. He asked his Uncle what his Fathers' words meant. The Uncle knew he would not be able to explain it in a way that Young Wolf could understand, but he did not want to disappoint the Boy. The Uncle said, "I think it means for you to do something that would be special in Life."
Young Wolf knew that the Animals would always be truthful to him. They had been his Friends for all his seven years of Life. He wondered, though: was dancing the Raccoon Dance not something meaningful in Life? It was certainly meaningful to him. He asked his Uncle to take some Sacred Tobacco to Wise Old Woman and ask her that question. The Uncle was thinking about seeing her anyway, because he was ready to find a Wife, and he needed some Sacred Tobacco. A deal was struck, and Young Wolf went to get some Sacred Tobacco.
Young Wolf went to see his Friend Raccoon. They would play chase and he learned much from Raccoon about hiding and climbing Trees. "Raccoon, can you tell me how to get a Life?" Young Wolf asked Raccoon as they were playing chase. Raccoon seemed puzzled, but responded, "Life is about playing and sneaking food." Somehow, Young Wolf did not think it was the same for him.
Next he saw Squirrel, and asked him the same question. Squirrel thought for a minute and said, "Oh that is easy. It is hiding Acorns and other Nuts and Seeds so you can find them whem it gets cold and Snow is on the Ground." Again, Young Wolf did not think that this applied to his Life, although he hid Acorns in the Ground as taught by Squirrel, then dug them up for his Mother when Snow hid the Ground.
Rabbit was hopping through the Laurel patch when he heard a familiar voice. "Rabbit, I have a question for you," shouted Young Wolf. Rabbit really liked questions, so he stopped to talk with his Friend and listen to his question. Rabbit answered, "Well, for you as a Human, it would mean to learn to hunt the Animals, but of course, not little defensive Rabbits!" They both pondered, then looked at each other and said in unison, "Nope, that is not you."
Once again, Young Wolf continued down the trail looking for the answer to the question before his Father returned from the hunting trip.
Young Wolf saw Red Feather, a Friend who was about twelve years old, and asked him, "What are you doing?" Red Feather said he was making a strong Bow so he could hunt Rabbit. He wanted to please his Father by being a Hunter. Young Wolf already knew that was not the answer, so he continued his search. Overhead, Eagle was soaring in the Sky. Once Eagle had saved Young Wolfs' Life when he wandered away from his Mother in the Planting Field. Eagle saw him near a Cliff and swooped down to save him from falling off a Cliff. Now, Eagle swooped down to see his Friend Young Wolf, who was sitting on a stump with a sad face. "What is wrong?" said Eagle. Young Wolf explained his search for an answer to the question. Eagle said the answer was to be responsible, learn to plant food, and be with his Family always. Young Wolf thought that was a really good answer, but he still was not sure it was the answer for him.
As he continued his trip home he saw Worm Digger, who always worked in the Planting Fields hoeing and planting. Maybe she would know, so he asked her the question, Worm Digger thought long and hard, then said, "The answer for me would be different than the answer for you. I believe it is for you to find that out for yourself." With that, Young Wolf headed home. He slept that night and waited for the next morning, when his Uncle would return from the other Village.
The next morning, Young Wolf went to the Ceremonial Grounds, where he Danced around and around. He had learned a new step from Rabbit and from Hawk that he wanted to try for himself. He practiced the Eaglr Dance, the Wolf Dance, and the Raccoon Dance. He could hear the Drums and the Rattles with the rustling of the Leaves blowing in the Wind and with the whispering of the Pine Trees. The sound of the Wind reminded him of the great Ceremonies where the Clans would come together. He saw himself as a Dancer, summoned by the Chief at the Grand Council. Suddenly Young Wolf saw his Uncel. He knew that he had the answer. The Uncle said he had seen Wise Old Woman, who said that the Uncle was not ready for a Wife. "What did she say about me getting a Life?" The Uncle said, "Oh, yeah, well, she said for you to just do well what you do, and you will get your own Life." Confused even more, YoungWolf waited for his Father to return from the hunting trip.
As the days' Sun touched the Mountains in the distance, Young Wolfs' Father came into the Village with two large Bucks. There was an excitement in the air. His Father came and sat down by his Son. Young Wolf started telling him about his visit with all the Animals and the new Dance steps he had learned. The Drumming started for the Ceremony of Giving Thanks for the Gift of Food, and his Father fell into a slumber. Young Wolf sang a Song he had learned and was sharing the new Dance with his Father when he saw that his Father was sound asleep, Young Wolf, not wanting to disturb his Father, lay in his Fathers' arms and fell asleep himself. Suddenly his Father awoke with excitement and said, "Young Wolf, In have had a Vision! I saw you Dancing some new dance steps like Eagle, Hawk, Wolf and Raccoon. You were singing a new Song as the Drumming played a new beat."
"The Chief summoned you to Dance at the Ceremony of Giving Thanks! I was so proud of you! Everyone came to see you, and we Feasted with the Deer." There was silence as Young Wolf hugged his Father and smiled, because he now knew how to get a Life for himself.
White Crow December 1949
Thoughts:
Each of us are different. Unique in your own way.
Each of us must seek out what we do best in Life. Not only what YOU do best, but what is MEANINGFUL, gives YOU the most SATISFACTION and JOY in YOUR LIFE.
When you live ANOTHERS' Dreams or Visions,
YOU HAVE NO DREAMS OR VISIONS OF YOUR OWN!
White Crow September 1958
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Rule of Opposites
The Concept of the "Rule of Opposites"
It is believed to be more important for a person to look beyond SURFACE VALUE, such as right and wrong or good and bad, in order to seek what is TRUE.
In my Traditional Way, understanding of the Rule of Opposites facilitates the recognition of MEANING AND TRUTH, which provides a means of Walking a Path of Life, seeking Purpose and Direction in Life.
There are grave differences between an approch emphasizing THIS AND THAT and the approach emphasizing THIS OR THAT. It is the nature of the latter that can result in bad feeling, thoughts and actions.
I speak about the importance of INTENTION or ATTITUDE, and how this can make a difference in Life Experiences - the idea that "Attitude is Everything". In my Traditions, INTENTION is critical. It is considered to be as significant as, if not more important than, the act itself because in the Teachings of the Grandfathers, INTENT IS THE ACT ITSELF.
There is no such thing as keeping the Mountains and getting rid of the Valleys; they are one and the same, and THEY EXIST BECAUSE OF ONE ANOTHER.
The Nature of Opposites are, that both opposites are true. For every right, there is a wrong. The only TRUE DIFFERENCE between these positions lies in the unique PERSPECTIVE of the individual. One person looks at a situation and sees right, while another person looks at the same situation and sees wrong. However, both are TRUE; both persons are CORRECT in their perceptions. Right and wrong are not really opposite poles, but rather thay exist in a Circle, where one is the extension of the other, where one begins the other leaves off.
The question, "Who Am I"? Automatically implies the opposite question, "Who Am I Not"? Opposites are thus an inherent part of any given experience.
Because many people are not consciously aware of the existence of Opposites, they may make Choices that create disharmony. Conflict seems to be an ever-present part of the Human condition. My Traditional Way, the idea of conflict is in itself an ILLUSION. As the Grandfather puts it, "All is vibration or energy and what has the appearance of conflict is best understood as discord, energies seeking resolution in harmony."
All things are made up of energy. Thoughts and Feelings, are nothing more than energy. Through the Choices you make, your thoughts and feelings, and even your actions, take on a distinctive nature according to your perceptions of right and worng.
Feelings of Joy or Sadness, Opposites, are nothing more than energy of a particular magnitude. It is not until a Choice is made that the energies make up the feeling of joy or sadness and the tears that flow from either. In actuality these Opposite Feelings are ONE AND THE SAME, nothing more than energy that has been assigned a direction through Choice.
YOU CHOOSE the opposites that become the source of your "problems". You may not be aware that you often have more Choices available to you than you realize, you make Choices that may not prove to be useful or constructive. As your perceptions change, hindsight may reveal that a greater array of Choices were possible. The challenge is to achieve a greater range of Perception. It is never the Energies themselves that are the source of your problems, but rather, your understanding and use of these Energies.
The following is a commomly posed question that reflects ones' outlook on Life: "Is the glass half-empty or half-full?" This question suggests that the answer can be only one of two possibilities. However, the Rules of Opposites, as the Grandfather explained, poses a different question altogether: "Is the glass the right size?" After all, it might be too big or too small. This is just one example of the way in which you limit yourself through your perception of Choice.
1. Opposites are extensions of themselves, one opposite IMPLIES the other.
2. You choose your own Opposites where you are the TRUE SOURCE of the difficulty you experience.
3. Everything that happens in Life, happens because YOU ALLOW it to happen.
4. Everything serves a MEANINGFUL AND IMPORTANT function in your Life.
5. Asking the RIGHT QUESTIONS, instead of asking for the RIGHT ANSWERS, allows you to know the FUNCTION rather than the EFFECT of your Choice.
6. Questioning your assumptions allows you to recognize underlying MEANINGS AND TRUTHS and the relative VALUE of Choices made.
7. Understanding underlying TURTHS eliminate any need for DISCORD in your Life.
8. Through Choice of PERSPECTIVE and appropriate action, you are free to BALANCE yourself as you see fit.
The Rule of Opposites provides a reminder to clarify your assumptions by asking the RIGHT QUESTIONS rather than seeking the RIGHT ANSWERS.
When faced with a decision between the UNACCEPTABLE and the UNDESIRABLE, you may often focus on the Choice between what seems to be the "lesser of two evils". A change in perception may focus on a different question. Ask yourself, "Does this situation represent a deeper TRUTH or LESSON than I perceive right now"?
Rather than understanding the situation as a LIMITATION, you could be helped to see an OPPORTUNITY. Looking at DECISIONS with the Rule of Opposites, may lead to a better understanding of the question, the TRUE meaning of the SITUATION or EXPERIENCE. Being angry you may invest considerable energy in defending why someone made you upset. An alternate course of action would be to EXAMINE the energy of your DISCORD and to CLARIFY the UNDERLYING MEANING of your feelings. Question the FUNCTION rather than the EFFECT of the Choice to be angry.
In the Traditional Way of my People, everyone and everything is believed to posses Universal Purpose, each having a place in the Circle of Life. Because of this conception, it is important to seek the UNDERLYING MEANINGS of experiences rather than make SURFACE JUDGMENTS that may cloud your perceptions. As a Human Being, you possess the ABILITY TO REFLECT on your feelings, thoughts and actions. You are able to view circumstances from multiple frames of reference, you may sometimes fail to do so.
When you ask a question, you need to include in your focus both the OPPOSITE of that question and turn your focus to what is TRUE, rather than what is RIGHT or WRONG, GOOD or BAD. The question, "What did I say?" implies the opposite question, "What did I not say?" These are both equally important questions, and part of the same TRUTH. An alternate question is required to REVEAL the Choice that was made and the VALUE of the Choice. "How did I come to make this Choice?" or "What it means to me?" Are questions that seek to CLARIFY the UNDERLYING TRUTH more than the OUTCOME or CAUSE of a decision or action.
You are sometimes faced with a decision between your concept of right and wrong. This is a natural part of living. Every decision requires you to consider many complicated factors and carefully weigh your options. You may come in contact with people that will always "yes, but" you. For every positive statement or resolution, they have a "yes, but". They always have a reason not to do something or not to see something another way. They end up spending a lot of time and energy being UNPRODUCTIVE. It is important to remender, in their defense, THAT CHANGE CAN BE VERY FRIGHTENING FOR ALL OF US.
Opposites, you choose.
White Crow May 1948
It is believed to be more important for a person to look beyond SURFACE VALUE, such as right and wrong or good and bad, in order to seek what is TRUE.
In my Traditional Way, understanding of the Rule of Opposites facilitates the recognition of MEANING AND TRUTH, which provides a means of Walking a Path of Life, seeking Purpose and Direction in Life.
There are grave differences between an approch emphasizing THIS AND THAT and the approach emphasizing THIS OR THAT. It is the nature of the latter that can result in bad feeling, thoughts and actions.
I speak about the importance of INTENTION or ATTITUDE, and how this can make a difference in Life Experiences - the idea that "Attitude is Everything". In my Traditions, INTENTION is critical. It is considered to be as significant as, if not more important than, the act itself because in the Teachings of the Grandfathers, INTENT IS THE ACT ITSELF.
There is no such thing as keeping the Mountains and getting rid of the Valleys; they are one and the same, and THEY EXIST BECAUSE OF ONE ANOTHER.
The Nature of Opposites are, that both opposites are true. For every right, there is a wrong. The only TRUE DIFFERENCE between these positions lies in the unique PERSPECTIVE of the individual. One person looks at a situation and sees right, while another person looks at the same situation and sees wrong. However, both are TRUE; both persons are CORRECT in their perceptions. Right and wrong are not really opposite poles, but rather thay exist in a Circle, where one is the extension of the other, where one begins the other leaves off.
The question, "Who Am I"? Automatically implies the opposite question, "Who Am I Not"? Opposites are thus an inherent part of any given experience.
Because many people are not consciously aware of the existence of Opposites, they may make Choices that create disharmony. Conflict seems to be an ever-present part of the Human condition. My Traditional Way, the idea of conflict is in itself an ILLUSION. As the Grandfather puts it, "All is vibration or energy and what has the appearance of conflict is best understood as discord, energies seeking resolution in harmony."
All things are made up of energy. Thoughts and Feelings, are nothing more than energy. Through the Choices you make, your thoughts and feelings, and even your actions, take on a distinctive nature according to your perceptions of right and worng.
Feelings of Joy or Sadness, Opposites, are nothing more than energy of a particular magnitude. It is not until a Choice is made that the energies make up the feeling of joy or sadness and the tears that flow from either. In actuality these Opposite Feelings are ONE AND THE SAME, nothing more than energy that has been assigned a direction through Choice.
YOU CHOOSE the opposites that become the source of your "problems". You may not be aware that you often have more Choices available to you than you realize, you make Choices that may not prove to be useful or constructive. As your perceptions change, hindsight may reveal that a greater array of Choices were possible. The challenge is to achieve a greater range of Perception. It is never the Energies themselves that are the source of your problems, but rather, your understanding and use of these Energies.
The following is a commomly posed question that reflects ones' outlook on Life: "Is the glass half-empty or half-full?" This question suggests that the answer can be only one of two possibilities. However, the Rules of Opposites, as the Grandfather explained, poses a different question altogether: "Is the glass the right size?" After all, it might be too big or too small. This is just one example of the way in which you limit yourself through your perception of Choice.
1. Opposites are extensions of themselves, one opposite IMPLIES the other.
2. You choose your own Opposites where you are the TRUE SOURCE of the difficulty you experience.
3. Everything that happens in Life, happens because YOU ALLOW it to happen.
4. Everything serves a MEANINGFUL AND IMPORTANT function in your Life.
5. Asking the RIGHT QUESTIONS, instead of asking for the RIGHT ANSWERS, allows you to know the FUNCTION rather than the EFFECT of your Choice.
6. Questioning your assumptions allows you to recognize underlying MEANINGS AND TRUTHS and the relative VALUE of Choices made.
7. Understanding underlying TURTHS eliminate any need for DISCORD in your Life.
8. Through Choice of PERSPECTIVE and appropriate action, you are free to BALANCE yourself as you see fit.
The Rule of Opposites provides a reminder to clarify your assumptions by asking the RIGHT QUESTIONS rather than seeking the RIGHT ANSWERS.
When faced with a decision between the UNACCEPTABLE and the UNDESIRABLE, you may often focus on the Choice between what seems to be the "lesser of two evils". A change in perception may focus on a different question. Ask yourself, "Does this situation represent a deeper TRUTH or LESSON than I perceive right now"?
Rather than understanding the situation as a LIMITATION, you could be helped to see an OPPORTUNITY. Looking at DECISIONS with the Rule of Opposites, may lead to a better understanding of the question, the TRUE meaning of the SITUATION or EXPERIENCE. Being angry you may invest considerable energy in defending why someone made you upset. An alternate course of action would be to EXAMINE the energy of your DISCORD and to CLARIFY the UNDERLYING MEANING of your feelings. Question the FUNCTION rather than the EFFECT of the Choice to be angry.
In the Traditional Way of my People, everyone and everything is believed to posses Universal Purpose, each having a place in the Circle of Life. Because of this conception, it is important to seek the UNDERLYING MEANINGS of experiences rather than make SURFACE JUDGMENTS that may cloud your perceptions. As a Human Being, you possess the ABILITY TO REFLECT on your feelings, thoughts and actions. You are able to view circumstances from multiple frames of reference, you may sometimes fail to do so.
When you ask a question, you need to include in your focus both the OPPOSITE of that question and turn your focus to what is TRUE, rather than what is RIGHT or WRONG, GOOD or BAD. The question, "What did I say?" implies the opposite question, "What did I not say?" These are both equally important questions, and part of the same TRUTH. An alternate question is required to REVEAL the Choice that was made and the VALUE of the Choice. "How did I come to make this Choice?" or "What it means to me?" Are questions that seek to CLARIFY the UNDERLYING TRUTH more than the OUTCOME or CAUSE of a decision or action.
You are sometimes faced with a decision between your concept of right and wrong. This is a natural part of living. Every decision requires you to consider many complicated factors and carefully weigh your options. You may come in contact with people that will always "yes, but" you. For every positive statement or resolution, they have a "yes, but". They always have a reason not to do something or not to see something another way. They end up spending a lot of time and energy being UNPRODUCTIVE. It is important to remender, in their defense, THAT CHANGE CAN BE VERY FRIGHTENING FOR ALL OF US.
Opposites, you choose.
White Crow May 1948
Friday, December 5, 2008
Gathering
Squirrel Teaching -
Squirrel is the Spirit of Gathering.
We as Human Beings are great Gatherers. This is a Lesson in what we Gather, material things and people in our Lives.
Squirrel Teaches us the importance of planning ahead for the Winter, here symbolizing times of turmoil in our lives, when the Trees will be bare and the Nuts will be long gone. He Teaches us to always be prepared, and to always have plenty to share with others if need be. Squirrel Teaches us the way of burying a special seed now, and watching it grow into a beautiful Tree that will protect and provide for others in the future. He also offers us a Lesson as well, and that is not to Gather too many things so it becomes cumbersome, impractical or harmful.
Sometimes, it is important for us to lighten our load if we have Gathered too many things or people that do not meet our needs, or relationships that are hurtful. As Squirrel knows, there is a certain Balance that must be struck in the process of Gathering, in which we are prepared and fulfilled, but not overloaded or over-whelmed. Not only Things also People can Over-whelm us, Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.
Squirrel has a special hollow in a Tree where he stores all of his Gathered Nuts. This special place represents an untroubled Heart, Mind and Spirit, in which to store the right amount of Wisdom and Caring.
Sometimes, opening-up to the Universe requires that we let go of the things and people which weigh us down and disrupt our movements or Life. Sometimes, if our hands are closed, or if they are completely full, we have to Choose to drop something in order to open them. And other times, we just have to open our hands in order to receive what the Circle of Life has to give.
The process of Living always involves something to Learn, something to experience, something to understand. Life Lessons. There will be both GOOD experiences and BAD ones, depending on individual interpretation. There are people we Gather around us who are helpful, and there are those who are harmful to us.
What we take away from each experience, each encounter, veries from situation to situation, time to time, and is simply a matter of perspective and Choice.Unfortunately we sometimes get so caught up in troubling experiences, destructive thoughts and feelings that we are unable to experience the fulfilling ones. In a sense, we do not allow ourselves to experience the good ones and to open up until we are ready, until we decide that whatever burdens us, or carrying, is no longer worth carrying.
Remember, as Squirrel, GATHER ABOUT YOU WHAT IS NEEDED, be it Things or People.
Gathering to much may become a BURDEN, let go of the EXCESS.
Gathering, necessities or burdens, your Choice.
White Crow Febuary 1949
Squirrel is the Spirit of Gathering.
We as Human Beings are great Gatherers. This is a Lesson in what we Gather, material things and people in our Lives.
Squirrel Teaches us the importance of planning ahead for the Winter, here symbolizing times of turmoil in our lives, when the Trees will be bare and the Nuts will be long gone. He Teaches us to always be prepared, and to always have plenty to share with others if need be. Squirrel Teaches us the way of burying a special seed now, and watching it grow into a beautiful Tree that will protect and provide for others in the future. He also offers us a Lesson as well, and that is not to Gather too many things so it becomes cumbersome, impractical or harmful.
Sometimes, it is important for us to lighten our load if we have Gathered too many things or people that do not meet our needs, or relationships that are hurtful. As Squirrel knows, there is a certain Balance that must be struck in the process of Gathering, in which we are prepared and fulfilled, but not overloaded or over-whelmed. Not only Things also People can Over-whelm us, Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.
Squirrel has a special hollow in a Tree where he stores all of his Gathered Nuts. This special place represents an untroubled Heart, Mind and Spirit, in which to store the right amount of Wisdom and Caring.
Sometimes, opening-up to the Universe requires that we let go of the things and people which weigh us down and disrupt our movements or Life. Sometimes, if our hands are closed, or if they are completely full, we have to Choose to drop something in order to open them. And other times, we just have to open our hands in order to receive what the Circle of Life has to give.
The process of Living always involves something to Learn, something to experience, something to understand. Life Lessons. There will be both GOOD experiences and BAD ones, depending on individual interpretation. There are people we Gather around us who are helpful, and there are those who are harmful to us.
What we take away from each experience, each encounter, veries from situation to situation, time to time, and is simply a matter of perspective and Choice.Unfortunately we sometimes get so caught up in troubling experiences, destructive thoughts and feelings that we are unable to experience the fulfilling ones. In a sense, we do not allow ourselves to experience the good ones and to open up until we are ready, until we decide that whatever burdens us, or carrying, is no longer worth carrying.
Remember, as Squirrel, GATHER ABOUT YOU WHAT IS NEEDED, be it Things or People.
Gathering to much may become a BURDEN, let go of the EXCESS.
Gathering, necessities or burdens, your Choice.
White Crow Febuary 1949
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Onguehowe (Witch) and Rabbit
In the Time before the Grandfathers, a long time ago - no one really knows how long it was - Rabbit was a Brave and Fearless Warrior. Rabbit was befriended by Onguehowe. Onguehowe and Rabbit spent much time together sharing and talking. The two were very close.
One day Onguehowe and Rabbit were walking along and they sat down on the Trail to rest. Rabbit said, "I'm thirsty." Onguehowe picked up a Leaf, blew on it, and then handed Rabbit a gourd of Water. Rabbit drank the Water but didn't say anything. Then Rabbit said, "I'm hungry." Onguehowe picked up a Stone and blew on it and changed it to a Turnip. She gave the Turnip to Rabbit to eat. Rabbit tasted it and then ate the Turnip with relish. But still Rabbit didn't say anything.
The two continued along the Trail, which led into the Mountains. Near the top, Rabbit tripped and fell and rolled almost to the bottom. Rabbit was in very sad condition when Onguehowe got to him. She used her Magic on Rabbit to heal his great pain and mend his broken bones. Rabbit didn't say anything.
Several days later Onguehowe went searching for her friend. She searched high and low but Rabbit was nowhere to be found.
Finally, Onguehowe gave up. She met Rabbit quite by accident one day. "Rabbit, why are you hiding and avoiding me?" Onguehowe asked.
"Because I am afraid of you. I am afraid of your Magic," answered Rabbit, cowering. "Leave me alone!"
"I see," said Onguehowe. "I have used my Magical Power on your behalf and now you turn on me and refuse my friendship."
"I want nothing more to do with you and your Powers," Rabbit contered. Rabbit did not even see the Tears his words were bringing to Onguehowes' eyes. "I hope we never meet and that I never see you again," Rabbit continued.
"Rabbit," Onguehowe said, "we once were great friends and companions, but no more. It is within my Power to destroy you, but because of the past and the friendship we have shared together I will not do this.But from this day forward I lay a curse on you and your Tribe. From now on, you will call your Fears and your Fears will come to you. Be on your way, for the sweet Medicine that bound us together as friends is broken."
Now Rabbit is the Fear Caller. He goes out and shouts, "Eagle, I am so afraid of you." If Eagle doesn't hear him, Rabbit calls louder, "EAGLE, STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Eagle now hearing Rabbit, comes and eats him. Rabbit calls Bobcat, Wolf, Fox and even Snake until they come.
As this Story shows, People are so afraid of tragedy, illness, disaster and being taken, that they call those very Fears to them. This Teaches them Lessons, yet not necessarily Learned Lessons. The idea here is: what you resist will persist! What you Fear most is what you will become.
Rabbit is symbolically FEAR. As the Grandfather told me, you will meet people that act or react, first out of Fear, not looking to other Choices they may have. They are Rabbit Medicine People. You will come to know them, when you meet them along your Life Path.
FEAR!
White Crow June 1944
One day Onguehowe and Rabbit were walking along and they sat down on the Trail to rest. Rabbit said, "I'm thirsty." Onguehowe picked up a Leaf, blew on it, and then handed Rabbit a gourd of Water. Rabbit drank the Water but didn't say anything. Then Rabbit said, "I'm hungry." Onguehowe picked up a Stone and blew on it and changed it to a Turnip. She gave the Turnip to Rabbit to eat. Rabbit tasted it and then ate the Turnip with relish. But still Rabbit didn't say anything.
The two continued along the Trail, which led into the Mountains. Near the top, Rabbit tripped and fell and rolled almost to the bottom. Rabbit was in very sad condition when Onguehowe got to him. She used her Magic on Rabbit to heal his great pain and mend his broken bones. Rabbit didn't say anything.
Several days later Onguehowe went searching for her friend. She searched high and low but Rabbit was nowhere to be found.
Finally, Onguehowe gave up. She met Rabbit quite by accident one day. "Rabbit, why are you hiding and avoiding me?" Onguehowe asked.
"Because I am afraid of you. I am afraid of your Magic," answered Rabbit, cowering. "Leave me alone!"
"I see," said Onguehowe. "I have used my Magical Power on your behalf and now you turn on me and refuse my friendship."
"I want nothing more to do with you and your Powers," Rabbit contered. Rabbit did not even see the Tears his words were bringing to Onguehowes' eyes. "I hope we never meet and that I never see you again," Rabbit continued.
"Rabbit," Onguehowe said, "we once were great friends and companions, but no more. It is within my Power to destroy you, but because of the past and the friendship we have shared together I will not do this.But from this day forward I lay a curse on you and your Tribe. From now on, you will call your Fears and your Fears will come to you. Be on your way, for the sweet Medicine that bound us together as friends is broken."
Now Rabbit is the Fear Caller. He goes out and shouts, "Eagle, I am so afraid of you." If Eagle doesn't hear him, Rabbit calls louder, "EAGLE, STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Eagle now hearing Rabbit, comes and eats him. Rabbit calls Bobcat, Wolf, Fox and even Snake until they come.
As this Story shows, People are so afraid of tragedy, illness, disaster and being taken, that they call those very Fears to them. This Teaches them Lessons, yet not necessarily Learned Lessons. The idea here is: what you resist will persist! What you Fear most is what you will become.
Rabbit is symbolically FEAR. As the Grandfather told me, you will meet people that act or react, first out of Fear, not looking to other Choices they may have. They are Rabbit Medicine People. You will come to know them, when you meet them along your Life Path.
FEAR!
White Crow June 1944
Status of Man in todays Society
I can write of things that happened in my World as a Child, the Lessons taught, the Lessons learned, and they can TRULY relate to the Society of today. The same turmoil of the World was experiencing in the 1930's and 1940's, the years of my Childhood, has not changed, only, in the FACT that the same conditions remain.
As my Stories, my Concepts, my Perceptions unfold for you, the Concepts taught by the Ancestors, THIS IS MY STORY, take from it that which WORKS for you, discard the rest. CHOICES.
As a Boy, we were at War, the most HORRIFIC, most Inhumane act a Human Being can in-flick upon another Human Being, this I have experienced as a young Man. As I try to understand the Human Condition of Society today I alway call upon the Teachings, as a Boy, of the Ancestors. We all have to look to the Old Ways when the World was a much simpler place to Live. I know we can never "go back", Physically, yet we NEED to UNDERSTAND and bring forth the Perspectives and Wisdom of the Ancestors in order to SURVIVE EACH OTHER.
White Crow December 2008
Status of Man in todays Society
Nature and Natural - Would you agree, they are Synonymous?
According to Mr. Webster:
NATURAL - Existing in or produced by NATURE, free from pretension or artificial.
NATURE - The physical World and its' phenomena. The World of NATURAL living things.
Man, us Human Beings are no longer connected with Nature, we are the only Species on Earth that is UN-NATURAL.
You should never loose that CONNECTION. Do not ever loose your Awe of the Natural World. Yet Man has become as A VIRUS ON THIS EARTH.
The Physical Being is a very fragile Entity. Organisms so minute, unseen by the Human eye, causes illnesses, even unto death. We Humans are such here on this Earth, should you look at the Earth in its' entirity, we are but minute organisums also. Like a Virus that attacks us Humans, WE have caused the illnesess of Earth and could well be, even unto its' DEATH.
White Crow From the Teachings from age 6 to age 16.
As my Stories, my Concepts, my Perceptions unfold for you, the Concepts taught by the Ancestors, THIS IS MY STORY, take from it that which WORKS for you, discard the rest. CHOICES.
As a Boy, we were at War, the most HORRIFIC, most Inhumane act a Human Being can in-flick upon another Human Being, this I have experienced as a young Man. As I try to understand the Human Condition of Society today I alway call upon the Teachings, as a Boy, of the Ancestors. We all have to look to the Old Ways when the World was a much simpler place to Live. I know we can never "go back", Physically, yet we NEED to UNDERSTAND and bring forth the Perspectives and Wisdom of the Ancestors in order to SURVIVE EACH OTHER.
White Crow December 2008
Status of Man in todays Society
Nature and Natural - Would you agree, they are Synonymous?
According to Mr. Webster:
NATURAL - Existing in or produced by NATURE, free from pretension or artificial.
NATURE - The physical World and its' phenomena. The World of NATURAL living things.
Man, us Human Beings are no longer connected with Nature, we are the only Species on Earth that is UN-NATURAL.
You should never loose that CONNECTION. Do not ever loose your Awe of the Natural World. Yet Man has become as A VIRUS ON THIS EARTH.
The Physical Being is a very fragile Entity. Organisms so minute, unseen by the Human eye, causes illnesses, even unto death. We Humans are such here on this Earth, should you look at the Earth in its' entirity, we are but minute organisums also. Like a Virus that attacks us Humans, WE have caused the illnesess of Earth and could well be, even unto its' DEATH.
White Crow From the Teachings from age 6 to age 16.
Monday, December 1, 2008
What is Silence?
Ask the Grandfathers: "What is Silence?"
They would answer: "It is a Great Mystery! The Silence is the Creators' Voice!"
If you ask: "What are the fruits of Silence?"
They would answer: "They are Honor, self-control, Truth, true courage, endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the basis of Character."
In the time of the Grandfathers there was Pride in a singular humility. Spiritual arrogance was foreign to their nature and Teachings. No one ever claimed that the Power of articulate speech was proof of superiority, IT IS A GIFT. They believed profoundly in Silence - the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute Balance of Body, Mind and Spirit.
The man who preserves his Selfhood ever calm and unbroken by the Storms of Existence - not a leaf astir on a Tree; not a ripple upon the surface of a shinning Pool - his IS the ideal attitude and conduct of LIFE.
White Crow January 1951
They would answer: "It is a Great Mystery! The Silence is the Creators' Voice!"
If you ask: "What are the fruits of Silence?"
They would answer: "They are Honor, self-control, Truth, true courage, endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the basis of Character."
In the time of the Grandfathers there was Pride in a singular humility. Spiritual arrogance was foreign to their nature and Teachings. No one ever claimed that the Power of articulate speech was proof of superiority, IT IS A GIFT. They believed profoundly in Silence - the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute Balance of Body, Mind and Spirit.
The man who preserves his Selfhood ever calm and unbroken by the Storms of Existence - not a leaf astir on a Tree; not a ripple upon the surface of a shinning Pool - his IS the ideal attitude and conduct of LIFE.
White Crow January 1951
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
