"Turtle Tribe"'s topics - tribe.net

Daily Feast - Getting Up Again Makes Us a Warrior

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:02:48 GMT

Anytime we fall down in doing anything and we get up and have another go at it, count it all progress. It is getting up that makes a warrior, di tli hi, as the Cherokee says it. Getting up doesn't mean the warrior is fearless or that he is totally self-confident. It does mean that he gains confidence as he persistently keeps trying, and he fully expects strength to come as he needs it. He asks, na quu na? How about now? Everyone is afraid of a challenge, afraid of being down and staying down. But relying on the Great Spirit gives the courage to speak powerful words to bolster the human spirit. So, how about now?

~ I know the Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.... ~

SITTING BULL

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Elders Meditation - Guide Me On The Red Road

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:01:16 GMT

"Always remember you are Indian - do things to make your people proud."
--Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE

All our choices and decisions will reflect on our people. We need to assume the accountability of honoring people. We must remember to conduct ourselves in a sacred way. Sometimes this is hard. But we must remember we have the assistance of the Spirit World, and we have the principles and values by which we should live written in our hearts. The Creator will help us develop into a strong people if we just learn to depend upon Him.

Great Spirit, lead me on the path of the Red Road.

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Elders Meditation - Understand the Lessons

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:59:55 GMT

"You must speak straight so that your words may go as sunlight into our hearts."
--Cochise "Like Ironweed" CHIRICAHUA APACHE

Come into my heart this morning. Allow me this day to live in the now. Help me to see all the beauty You have created in all things. Let me know myself. Today, as I make mistakes, let me see them as lessons. Guide me. When I see others make mistakes, let me honor them for where they are. Let me realize that they are Your children and only You, my Grandfather, knows what is really going on. When my lips move, let the words be Your words.

Allow me to have the courage to speak Your truth.

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Elders Meditation - Making Visions Real

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:58:32 GMT

"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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Elders Meditation - Creator's Justice

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:55:50 GMT

"We were taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything, and that He never forgets, that hereafter He will give every man a spirit-home according to his deserts: If he has been a good man, he will have a good home; if he has been a bad man, he will have a bad home."
--Chief Joseph, NEZ PERCE

I cannot hide my true spirit and intent from the Creator. He created a system of justice. This system of justice says we will get back whatever we plant. If I plant good then good returns - if we plant bad, then we will suffer the consequences. Whatever we think about another person, the same things are thought about us. Whatever we send out is sent back. Man cannot alter this system of justice. It doesn't matter what we say or do. What really matters is what we really, really did.

Oh Great Spirit, guide me today to do good, to have good thoughts. Let me remember the things I do are to honor Your way of life.

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Elders Meditation - The Creators Laws

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:52:28 GMT

"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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Elders Meditation - Love Yourself

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:50:55 GMT

"My friends, how desperately do we need to be loved and to love."
--Chief Dan George, SKOKOMISH

Oh my great Creator: Help me this day to love myself. I can't give away anything that I don't have myself. If I am to love others, then I must love myself. If I am to forgive others, then I am to forgive myself. If I am to accept others as they are then I need to accept myself as I am. If I am to not judge others, then I need to lighten up on myself. Let me experience this power of love...

My Creator, today I will love myself so I can love my neighbor. I will look at each person today and see Your light within them. If I do this, I will hold my brothers and sisters without guilt.

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Elders Meditation - Be Happy or Be Right?

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:49:18 GMT

'Grandfather says...you must not hurt anybody or do harm to anyone. You must not fight. Do right always. It will give you satisfaction in life.'
--Wovoka, PAIUTE

The question one should ask themselves is: Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? If you want to be right, this is a request from your ego. If you want to be happy then this is of the Great Spirit. The only meaning anything has is the meaning we give it. Maybe we should develop a philosophy of: Today is the last day of the rest of my life. If this were true, how easy it would be to let things go - how easy it would be to forgive.

Oh Great Spirit, let me live today as if it was my last. Let me express Your joy and be happy today. Let me see the joy and honor of living on the Red Road.

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Daily Feast - Friends

freewil4u — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:47:17 GMT

We talk about choosing our friends, but true friends are self-selected. It is they who decide to respond and by what method. And finally they make themselves our friends by being loyal and having a genuine concern for our well being - or allowing privacy when it is needed. Acquaintances wait and judge. And sometimes it is better to be acquaintances when we cannot find a common ground on which to be friends. There is honesty in admitting we cannot be dear friends to all people. But there is always something special. A friend is a unali - without question or fear or concern for equal time. This is why friends are dear to us. They have chosen to be so.

~ The white man does not obey the Great Spirit; that is why the Indian never could agree with him. ~

FLYING HAWK

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Daily Feast - Some Are Like the Small River

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:27:39 GMT

A shallow river that is not deep enough to hold all the water that runs into it during the rainy season is always in danger of pushing out of its banks. When it overflows, everything is in danger. Those who live near such a river know the must be prepared. They have seen havoc wreaked on everything in its way. But they have the same feeling about people who are so like the river. Such people have no control and no depths, and tend to push into the lives of others persons. Many of the walls we build are to protect us from intrusion. The Cherokees remember that need for a li s de lv to di, safety or protection, and will not again be caught in the floodtide.

~ No man of my race has ever stood there before. The flood rises, looking upward I see a steep, stony path. I lead the way up.... ~

STANDING BEAR

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Daily Feast - Be Mindful of What is Important

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:25:56 GMT

If time were a dollar - how careful we would be with how we spent it. We wouldn't spend it on worry, for we know fretting is not profitable. Anything limited makes us conscious of what we do with it, whether it is time or money or the people in our lives. How we value what we have decides what we keep. The Cherokee doesn't want many things, but they know the wise are i yv da, careful or mindful of what is important. Such caution teaches us to think before we talk, to slow our pace and find peace of mind. It eventually gives us more resources, and more time to enjoy them.

~ If we could have spared more, we would have given more.... ~

CANASSATEGO

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Daily Feast - Transitions

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:24:28 GMT

We are forever in transition - continually moving, changing direction, doing differently than we imagined. If we were to stop and analyze the past and what lies ahead, we would know that if anything is required of us, it is to be flexible. Not flexible in seeing everything one color, one ideal, one belief - but bending without breaking, able to see the chaos and not fall down under it. It is our duty, our a da du da lv ne di, obligation, to move and bend without creating a rift in our own spirit. A house cut in two cannot stand. However far we move in any direction, we must get it back together, we must bond with the law of our own spiritual being - which is to love others as we love ourselves. But we have to first love ourselves.

~ I had a dream.....that the maker of all was Wakan Tanka.....to honor Him, I must honor his works. ~

BRAVE BUFFALO

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Daily Feast - Time the Great Equalizer

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:22:40 GMT

Time is the supreme equalizer. It puts us on the same level with people that never considered us their equal. The person in most revered and feared position can suddenly have his breath taken away by sudden descent. Time seems almost mischievous in the way it turns things around. We never really know what people think or what they believe until they have had some time. Our only drawback is how we think about ourselves and the need to talk about it. When our mouths are talking, our minds stop to listen. We may not like what time has done - but we can rely on its fairness. It has seen our actions, heard us talk, and knows our hearts. We can only hope there is enough time that we learn and change.

~ Like the wildwood birds which our fathers used to hold their breath to hear, they sing in concert....alike in forest and field.....alike before wigwam or castle....alike. ~

POKAGON

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Daily Feast - Listening is Better

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:20:37 GMT

Talk is easy, but listening is better. Mouths have a way of getting away from us - and then we say things we are not committed to - or don't necessarily believe. Others may seem sensitive - too sensitive. But we may be dull and careless. When the mouth starts to work, the minds stops to listen. Where did those words come from? They came from trouble on the horizon. True, some are easily offended - and on the other hand, what would it have cost to be quiet?

~ I am the maker of my own future. ~

SHOOTING STAR - SHAWNEE WAR CHIEF

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Daily Feast - Fear Dulls Our Senses

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:19:26 GMT

The hours were longer when we were children. Summer was a time of sunlight, bare feet, and shade trees. We fished in a creek with a crooked pole and feasted on potatoes and onions cooked over an open fire, which the Cherokee calls a tsi la. It was a good time, and we expected everything to be good. There was time to daydream - or hide out in a secret place and be quiet. Now we have less time and more responsibility - or have we let fear steal our joy? If we let it, it will tell us we can't remember details, we hear less, our vision is blurred and we are afraid of what we see and read. Fear is a contaminate that dulls our senses. But it can't affect us when we turn around and renew and restore our minds. The creek and the sunperch are still there to help.

~ We sang songs that carried in their melodies all the sounds of nature - the running of waters, the sighing of winds, and the calls of the animals. Teach your children..... ~

AMERICAN INDIAN

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Daily Feast - Families of the World

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:17:31 GMT

When we are appalled at the other person's ignorance, it is hard to believe that our own is just as profound. We stand in awe that they do not see what is so apparent, but in all our self-confidence we are as much in the dark as the next person. We are just ignorant on different subjects. What one person studies intensely may mean nothing to someone involved in another idea. But it takes all of us to make up the families of the world. We each have a purpose - and none of us quite like another. Time, circumstances, and beliefs have separated some as far as the East is from the West. It is not that we were created to be nu da le hna v, different or separated - but that we chose. We chose. We had the freedom to choose, and therein lies the difference.

~ You think I am a fool, but you are a greater fool than I am. ~

SITTING BULL

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Daily Feast - Be Still and Know

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:15:47 GMT

Other people may tell us they know what is best for us. And maybe they do at times. But it is more important that we have time to know for ourselves what we are to do. The strength of other people tends to wane after a while, so we need strength of our own to sustain us when no one else is around. Few stay prepared for any event. But we know to put our go hi yu di, our faith, where it helps us. When we get to those places of not knowing what to do, we shouldn't do anything - not until we have had time to stand still - and see.

~ The earth and myself are of one mind. ~

CHIEF JOSEPH

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Daily Feast - First Impressions

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:14:26 GMT

First impressions are reflections of what we are ready to think. How easy to believe we already know another person when we know ourselves so little. None of us reveal who we really are until we feel safe, and then it is a long time before we trust anyone enough to call them friend. We need to be told that we are liked - not once but many times, at li a le-yu go di-wo di s ge s di, or "twice or more say it," is the way a Cherokee puts it. Even the most innocent of us tends to judge. But to judge before we know someone may show a lack of sincerity in our own makeup - or maybe even a little fear that we may see in others what we are afraid of finding in ourselves.

~ We concealed nothing. We came not secretly nor in the night. We came in open day. ~

MANGAS COLORADAS

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Daily Feast - Haying Season

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:12:59 GMT

The haying season is in full swing and trucks loaded with bales of green-gold leave the meadows stirred into action. Killdeer circle overhead, and quail call for a covey scattered by the noise of machines. To all appearances, this is the quiet season - but appearances are deceiving. The end is never the end but another beginning. The grasses drying in the sun have dropped seeds that will sprout again. Tall graceful sunflowers shade the wild petunias that wait for another rain. We finish one thing and begin another - always with a fresh eye for how we can do better. It reminds us that what we want to reap, we must first plant and cultivate and water with love.

~ The Great Spirit has smiled upon us and made us glad. ~

KEOKUK, 1848

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Daily Feast - Building Your Sad Story

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:11:32 GMT

Much is lost through misunderstanding - and often because we want someone to know we are angry. We choose to think they intentionally displease us, though we know nothing of their circumstance of what their thoughts really were. It must be an ego-building thing to believe that someone is trying to offend us. Somehow it gives an importance where there had been none. We have the uncanny knack of building a sad story with such realism that it makes us think we are more important than we are. It is not enjoyable to be the kind of person who wants to misunderstand - not only other people, but also life itself. It is painful to be unhappy and disagreeable, but some cannot resist the temptation.

~ It has come to me through the bushes that you are not united (agreeable); come to me when you are united. ~

BIG BEAR

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Daily Feast - Shine the Light

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:08:29 GMT

How like moths we are when we are caught in the dark, beating our wings against anything that stands between us and the light. Though we strain against barriers, we are the a tsv s dv, we are the light or candle that lights the place where we are. Others who follow watch for a signal, a light in the dark, to know they are not alone. We need to take some time to be quiet, to recharge and it may mean waiting a while in the dark. But whatever our need, if we wait, the light will come. And it will illuminate us instead of blinding us with its glare.

~ The path to glory is rough and many gloomy hours obscure it. May the Great Spirit shed light on yours. ~

BLACK HAWK

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Daily Feast - Take a Look in the Mirror

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:06:51 GMT

If we squint our eyes a little when we look in the mirror, the result isn't so bad. But when we pass a mirror and catch a reflection unexpectedly, it reveals more than we wanted to see. In a brief moment, we caught ourselves unaware. There was no time to narrow the eyes - and there we were without a disguise. It was a stranger. No smiles - just grim. Why is it we think we are smiling when we are not? The Cherokee often has a stoic expression, a du tiv to di, a mask that protects his sensitive nature from the world around him. Others are the same way. It helps to have a sense of humor when we are caught off-guard.

~ Old Lakota knew that man's heart away from nature becomes hard. ~

STANDING BEAR

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Daily Feast - Be Patient for the Things You Want

freewil4u — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:05:09 GMT

Perfectly intelligent people lose what they want most by demanding something that is still in the courting stage. There is a time to be bold, or ni ga na ye s gv na, says the Cherokee, but it takes wisdom to know when it is. If something is worth having, it is worth waiting for, worth working toward. But fear of losing something before we have had a chance to make it our own can stir us to take risks that are often unwise. Insecurity makes us react in plain-speaking ways that cause us to lose the very thing we want to keep. Action is a necessary part of living, but persuasion is an art and seldom appears demanding.

~ The Great Spirit will not punish us for what we do not know. ~

RED JACKET

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trying to get on tribe through a back door

freewil4u — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:08:36 GMT

found even when my home page won't load my link to post on turtle will....

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Open to the New

thomasgall — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:17:18 GMT

Below is from Carrie Hart's blog (used to be called Daily Quados).
It's dated yesterday.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Open to the New

Fear and doubt hold on to the past. They know only what used to be and what was desired. They know what worked before and what did not. They know what other people have done.

What they do not know is how things are right now, what newness is surrounding you, what possibilities are sparkling around you that have never existed before this very moment. On this, they are completely ignorant.

And since life is change and newness, this is exactly what you need to know, to access. Nothing is ever the way it was. What failed yesterday could succeed today. What was a success yesterday could be a failure today. All is change. All is new, every moment creating
the next moment, all flowing out in newness and discovery, in this great adventure of life.

Open to the new. Use the knowledge and wisdom that you have accumulated over the years; use your talents and skills, of course. But leave behind the old views of what is needed to make your way today, for it is not necessarily the same as what worked for others and worked earlier for you.

Go deep, deep into your center. See the flame that burns there, the light of love. Let that light expand and expand, until it clears your body and mind of fear and doubt. Let it glow within you until you feel cleansed and new, until all worry and anxiety are cleared
away from your body and mind.

And now ask: How shall I approach my life today? How shall I approach this particular person, this situation? And be open to the answer, if it comes in words or pictures, in feelings or in a flash of knowing. Write it down, for the impression may fade over time.

Use your intuition and your connection in this way, reaching above and beyond the narrow confines of fear and doubt, into the wider reaches of a deep connection with all that is.

You have the ability to know, at whatever way knowing is communicated to you, all that is at this moment and all that is likely to be. You have guidance and love surrounding you in every moment, waiting for you to pay attention.

So pay attention. Remove the blinders of fear and doubt and look around. Look around at what is. Look around at what is needed and how you can serve. Raise your attention up into your highest levels and access the guidance that is there for you.

Know this: your higher self and the universe are one, and at this level, your success and welfare are deeply desired. Everything you need to reach a state of grace is made available to you in every moment. Everything you are intended to do and be is there surrounding you and deeply within you. Everything is known and you can access all of this knowledge.

Use your intuition. Use your faith. Use your ability to connect through meditation and contemplation. Tap into it all and the steps before you will light up and your path will be made clear.

Then just take a deep breath, fill yourself with love and faith, and step

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Elders Meditation - Each Man is Good

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:38:22 GMT

"Each man is good in the sight of the Great Spirit."
--Sitting Bull, TETON SIOUX

Our bodies are both physical and spiritual. At our very center we are spiritual. Our bodies are built around the spiritual. The center is the unseen world. Therefore, we cannot see it with our eyes and we tend to judge the body because we can see it. The body is not who we are. We can see the spiritual if we are spiritual ourselves. We won't see this always with our physical eyes. Usually we will see it with our spiritual eye. We will hear ourselves say "I know this to be true."

At the center of all human beings is the place of good. That includes myself. At my very core is good. I can find this place by staying free of resentments, fear, dishonesty and self-seeking motives. My Creator, keep me free this day of resentment, selfishness, dishonesty and fear.

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Elders Meditation - Start Your Day With the Creator

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:36:38 GMT

"Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and lean to hear my feeble voice. You lived first, and You are older than all need, older than all prayer...You are the life of all things."
--Black Elk, OGLALA SIOUX

Great Spirit - Sometimes I don't feel like praying. Sometimes when I have done something wrong, I'm ashamed to come to You. Even though You have always been there for me, I sometimes choose to stay away. It's hard for me to understand what all knowing is. Sometimes it's hard for me to see how much You really care. But I know if I take a few minutes and think about what I know to be true about You, the things change and I am able to realize Your power and Your love. Today, I'll start by thinking of You. I'll think about all the times You have helped and guided me in the past. You are life, You are love, You are power, You are desire, You are truth, You are principle, You are intelligence, You are courage. With You I am everything; without You I am nothing.

Creator, thank You for allowing me to start my day with You.

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Daily Feast - Summer Rain

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:34:47 GMT

The fragrances of the countryside are exhilarating after a summer rain. Wildflowers and morning glories have spread profusely along fence rows, and bittersweet vines abound wherever they can take hold. One breath of fresh air, one beautiful smell of petunias on the evening breeze, is never enough. It has to be repeated and held in remembrance for another time, another place. A pill doesn't exist that works better than a country lane after a rain shower. Huge drops make secret symbols in the dust and are a da to li gi, a blessing on the head of a Cherokee. It is a special message, a private baptism from the Great Spirit.

~ This country is mine, I was raised on it; my forefathers died on it; and I wish to remain on it. ~

CROW FEATHER

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Daily Feast - The Summer Heat

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:33:36 GMT

Summer heat has brought a lull to the meadows. Tiny titmice and bright yellow warblers stay close to watering places, and only the locust sings on in its raspy tones. It sings to remind us that it is summer and time to slow our pace. Hay meadows are dotted with bales, and wheat and beans are ready for harvest. Evening is alive with the songs of meadowlarks and killdeer, and the mockingbird is the comic that sings in all the other bird's voices. It would be impossible to live among the things of nature and not pace oneself to them. It is the nature of the Cherokee to go to a flowing stream with any problem he may have. And he comes away with the best harvest of all, a quiet eye and the peaceful harmony of summer.

~ I have a good heart, and I want no mistake made this time, to live with a good heart and talk truth. ~

CAPTAIN JACK

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Elders Meditation - Touch the Earth

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:31:41 GMT

'It was good for the skin to touch the earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth... The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.'
--Chief Luther Standing Bear, TETON SIOUX

Touching the earth - getting grounded, centered. There is magic in touching the earth and feeling her healing power. This is especially healthy to do during a troubling time when our minds are racing or can't stop thinking or are locked onto fear or resentment. When I need to feel free I can go to the Mother Earth. The Mother Earth is full of life and love. She always gives her powers to those who come to her. The Mother Earth is alive.

Today, my Great Spirit, let me remember to touch the earth. Let me slow down and live just for today. Let me be gentle, patient and kind.

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Daily Feast - Never Quit

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:30:11 GMT

Never quit when the going gets tough. Now is the time to bear down even harder. It would be a shame to quit and find we had almost reached our goal. If a person that can't swim panics in deep water, he will sink. But if he rolls over and floats for a while, he can get his sense of balance and make the distance easily. The Cherokee believes he can endure, he can work, and he can fight. He will not be a tsv na, turned back. We owe it to ourselves to see what we can accomplish. And it may well be that we can do what others said is not possible.

~ You showed me....the spirit shape of things as they should be. You have shown me, and I have seen. ~

BLACK ELK

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Elders Meditation - A Place of Knowing

freewil4u — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:28:38 GMT

"We are nothing compared to His power, and we feel and know it."
--Black Hawk, SAUK

Inside of every man and woman is a place of knowing. In this place is the knowing that there is a Great One, the Great Mystery, the Holy One, the Great Spirit. We can deny this all we want but we know what we know. This place of knowing is at the very center of our being. It is gratifying to know that God cannot leave us. It is said we are spiritual beings trying to be human. With this power in our lives, we can accomplish much. We can do many good things for our people.

Oh Great Spirit, I know of Your power. I love the days when I can feel Your presence. Let today be one of those days. Let me walk today in Your beauty.

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Sundance, The Red Road,

It-is — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:43:31 GMT

I just returned from Sundance with my Lakota Family. The things I brought away from this is an unwaivering faith that things will work out. That we are all supported and loved unconditionally by Tunkashila and Mother Earth. The Red Road seems to be the one unfolding for me, at least. The ways of the Anipi and the Cha'nupa. As a whiteboy I'm pretty lucky to be welcomed here. The songs in Lakota, which I wish I knew echo in my head, when I'm in silence now. I can still hear the drum. It's as if some part of me knew this way long before this lifetime. I just want to remind all of you that Yes, we are loved, and this life is not all that is.

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Elders Meditation - Cycles and Seasons

freewil4u — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:34:08 GMT

"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.

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The "New Shower Curtain Smell" May Be Toxic to Your Health

freewil4u — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:31:52 GMT

AN INSIDE LOOK AT EMERGING MARKET AND POLITICAL TRENDS

Healthy Building News

By Michael Schade
Center for Health, Environment and Justice

July 1, 2008

A new analysis conducted by two independent laboratories finds that 6 hours after opening a common vinyl shower curtain, it would load a typical bathroom with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over 16 times the guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, and would continue to violate these guidelines for another week.[1]

This new study, Volatile Vinyl - The New Shower Curtain's Chemical Smell, found one new PVC shower curtain can release into the air over 100 different VOCs -- chemicals that can cause cancer; damage the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. The US EPA classifies seven of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants.

The results are consistent with previous testing conducted by the U.S. EPA, which found one new vinyl shower curtain can release "elevated indoor air toxics concentrations...for more than a month".[2] They also reinforce a study by the California Air Resources Board analyzing forty target compounds off-gassing from PVC flooring. Some of the chemicals detected were the very same chemicals to off-gas from PVC shower curtains in the new Volatile Vinyl study.

These new results have some experts sounding the alarm. According to Dr. David Carpenter, M.D., of the Institute for Health & the Environment at the University at Albany, "The brain is a major target for VOCs, causing everything from headache and loss of concentration to learning disabilities in children whose mothers were exposed before their birth, as shown in a recent Canadian study. Since there are safer alternatives to vinyl shower curtains, such exposures should always be avoided."

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence linking PVC building products and negative health impacts. A number of studies have suggested a correlation between PVC building products containing phthalates and asthma. Most recently, a study published in 2008 found an association between concentrations of the phthalate DEHP in indoor dust and wheezing among preschool children. Another study found that adults working in rooms with plastic wall coverings were more than twice as likely to develop asthma.

The U.S. Green Building Council's final report on PVC found, "When we add end of life with accidental landfill fires and backyard burning, the additional risk of dioxin emissions puts PVC consistently among the worst materials for human health impacts..."

The good news is safer products are widely available -- leading retailers including Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, JCPenneys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Macy's are transitioning out of PVC to safer products such as EVA plastic, just like the European retailer Ikea did over 10 years ago.

Of course, the Vinyl Institute has argued PVC shower curtains are perfectly safe, stating, "Decades of research and use prove that shower curtains made of vinyl are safe," but interestingly have yet to publicly disclose their "decades of research" conducted on PVC shower curtains.[3]

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice is asking national retailers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to take action to protect consumers from the avoidable risks associated with PVC shower curtains. Click here to add your voice to ours.

Michael Schade is the PVC Campaign Coordinator at the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, a national environmental health not-for-profit organization.
Footnotes

[1] The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) purchased PVC shower curtains at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart to be used as samples for the testing. Phase one of the study measured the concentration of several hazardous chemicals in five of the PVC curtains present at the point of consumer purchase. Phase two measured the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which continue to evaporate from a shower curtain up to twenty-eight days after a consumer hangs it in the household. The number of potentially harmful chemicals and the longevity of time over which several of them remain present in the air are alarming. To read the full report including tabulated results, methodology, safer alternatives, recommendations, visit: http://www.chej.org/showercurtainreport.

[2] Chang, J.C.S., Fortmann, R. and N. Roache. 2002. Air toxics emissions from a vinyl shower curtain. Proceedings: Indoor Air 542-547. See also, Wallace, L.A. et al. 1991. Identification of polar volatile organic compounds in consumer products and common microenvironments. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Air and Waste Management Association, June 9.

[3] Vinyl Institute. "Shower Curtains Declared Harmless." June 12, 2008 press release. http://www.vinylinstitute.org/VinylintheNews/ShowerCurtainsDeclaredHarmless.aspx

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Elders Meditation - Silence is Powerful

freewil4u — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:38:36 GMT

"Silence is the cornerstone of character."
--Charles Alexander Eastman, OHIYESA SANTEE SIOUX

Be still and know. Anyone can verbally attack another. Anyone can be a smart aleck. Anyone can be angry and tell other people things that will hurt them. Anyone can be sarcastic, devaluating and belittling. It takes a Warrior to be silent. Silence is so powerful. Silence can be so loving.

My Creator, if I get into a situation today that needs me to respond with silence, help me to use my silence in a good and sacred way. In my silence, let me be talking to You and You talking to me. Silence is the way of the warrior.

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Elders Meditation - Speak The Truth

freewil4u — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:48:10 GMT

"It does not require many words to speak the truth."
--Chief Joseph, NEZ PERCE

The truth shall set you free. This is the truth. When we speak the Truth, we do not need to be defensive. Truth needs no defense. When we speak the Truth, we do not need to attack because Truth cannot be attacked. It is so easy to want to manipulate or to be deceitful or dishonest. My head tells me I can get away with doing these things, after all everybody does it.

My Creator, today let me know Truth. Let me live Truth. Let me risk the Truth. Let me make the Truth sweet. Help me to make my word good. Let Your spirit and intent be added to by words. Let My thoughts be Truth.

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Elders Meditation - Nature Is Your Friend

freewil4u — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:43:12 GMT

"When you are in the woods, you cannot ever be lost. You are surrounded by friends and surrounded by God."
--Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE

Every plant, every animal, every insect, every bird, every tree is made up of God. God is life and everything is alive. When you are hunting, remember all nature is your friend. All nature has purpose. All nature participates in the life cycle. Nature communicates; Nature talks; Nature listens; Nature forgives; Nature respects; Nature loves. Nature lives in harmony. Nature follows the law. Nature is kind. Nature is balance. The woods are alive and beautiful. She is our friend.

Great Spirit, let me honor and respect the forest and all the life it contains.

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Elders Meditation - Walk in Beauty

freewil4u — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:32:40 GMT

"I'm an Indian, I'm one of God's children."
--Mathew King, LAKOTA

My Creator, today let me remember the reason I'm here on Mother Earth. Let me look into my own eyes and see the beauty You have created. Let me have good thoughts. Being Indian is not the color of my skin. Being Indian is to listen to my heart, to think only the things You have taught, to watch nature and live in harmony. Being Indian is to walk in prayer, to talk to You constantly during the day. Being Indian is to act and to walk in a sacred way.

Today, let me think in beauty, let me walk in beauty, let me pray in beauty.

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Elders Meditation - Sacred Land

freewil4u — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:30:22 GMT

Every part of this country is sacred to my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove has been hallowed by some fond memory or some sad experience of my tribe. Even the rocks, which seem to lie dumb as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore in solemn grandeur thrill with memories of past events connected with the fate of my people
---Chief Seattle, SUQUAMISH

Native people say the Earth is sacred. Some places on Earth will feel more sacred than others. You can often feel the sacredness of these places because of what has happened on them. If you do a ceremony on a certain place and return later, whatever happened before will still be there to help you. Even if someone you didn't know did something on the Earth and you come along later, the powers will be there to help you. This is why the Earth is sacred and these special places are sacred spots.

My Creator, let the powers of the sacred places help the people today.

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Elders Meditation - Keep Good Thoughts

freewil4u — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:14:43 GMT

"If I destroy you, I destroy myself. If I honor you, I honor myself."
--Hunbatz Men, MAYAN

It is said, when we need love the most is when we deserve it the least. Whenever I have secret thoughts about someone else, it will put bad feelings inside myself. I will hurt myself. If I secretly hold a grudge or resentment against my brother or sister, I will be a slave to that person until I let them go. Let me remember to look at my brother in a sacred manner. Today, let me think like a Warrior. Let my thoughts toward my brothers and sisters be good thoughts. Let me remember that You are in charge. If I get upset at another person today, let me remember that the most important thing I can do is to first talk to You because, when I am right with You, it is impossible to be out of harmony with my brothers and sisters.

My Creator, take my hand and guide me through today.

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Daily Feast - Be Sensitive to That Which Comes on Soft Shoes

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:23:51 GMT

At times an idea hits us with the terrific force of a high-flying jet reentering our atmosphere. It takes hold of us and shakes us with the same sound force and it is very often just as startling. A soft-pedaling thought comes to mind and we acknowledge it only briefly, but it comes back again and again, until we stop to think about it. It pays to listen. All good things do not come with mind-smashing sound effects. Some of the best of life comes on soft shoes and barely brushes us. If we are alert, we may savor it for a lifetime. If we are crusty and hard to deal with, a splendid idea may go right by us and light on someone more sensitive.

~ I have heard your words - they have entered one ear and shall not escape the other.... ~

SHARITARISH

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Elders Meditation - Walk in Prayer

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:22:02 GMT

"Each day, whatever I am doing, I am always praying and thinking of God."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

Have you ever tried going through your day and carrying on a conversation with the Creator? Many of our Elders live in prayer. They talk to the Creator like the Creator is their best friend. It is easiest to do this if we pray in the morning and ask the Great Spirit to direct our thinking. When the Creator in involved in guiding our lives, we will have less stress, anxiety and tension. Maybe this is something we would like to try today. "Oh, Creator, look at the Sun, how beautiful you have made it. Oh, look at this child, isn't she just beautiful! Well, Creator, I'm not sure how I should do this task, what do you think? This person is starting to irritate me; I need your help to redirect my thinking. Thanks for returning me to a peaceful mind." Remember, the Creator also has a sense of humor.

Grandfather, Grandmother, let me walk in prayer.

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Elders Meditation - Spring

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:20:17 GMT

"Behold, my bothers, the spring has come; the earth has received the embraces of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love!"
--Sitting Bull, SIOUX

Spring is the season of love. Spring is the season of new life, new relationships. It is the springtime that really reacts to the new position of Father Sun. New life forms all over the planet. Life is abundant. New cycles are created. Mother Earth changes colors, the flowers are abundant. It is the time for humans to observe nature and let nature create within us the feeling of Spring. We should let ourselves renew. We should let go of the feeling of Winter. We should be joyful and energetic.

My Maker, let me, today, feel the feelings of Spring.

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Elders Meditation - Future Generations

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:19:01 GMT

"The faces of our future generations are looking up to us from the earth and we step with great care not to disturb our grandchildren."
--Traditional Circle of Elders

The leaves, when they are finished with their life on the trees, will return to the Earth. The leaves that return to the Earth are the future trees. So inside the Mother Earth are the future forests. The human, when finished with its life on the Earth, will return to the Earth. So in the Earth are our future grandchildren. Knowing this, we should be respectful of the place where our future generations live. Only take from the Earth what you need. Every time you pick a plant or Medicine, leave an offering and leave a prayer. Be respectful and walk in a sacred way.

Great Spirit, teach me to respect the place of future generations.

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Elders Meditation - The Old Sacred Ways

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:17:47 GMT

"Today, what is important for us is to realize that the old sacred ways are correct, and that if we do not follow them we will be lost and without a guide."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

A long time ago the Creator gave to the people all the knowledge on how we should live and conduct ourselves. The Native people have been influenced be outside "tribes" who don't know about the Sacred Way. Our Elders still know about the old sacred ways. We need to consult and talk to them before it's too late. Every family needs to seriously evaluate whether they are living according to the old knowledge. If we are faultfinding, putting one another down, being selfish, being violent to our spouses or children, if we are cheating and being dishonest, then we are not living the old Sacred Way. The old way is about respect, love, forgiveness and sharing.

Great Spirt, today, teach me the old Sacred Way you taught my ancestors.

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Elders Meditation - Life is a Circle

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:15:49 GMT

"We have and old saying, Everything living must die. Only the rocks and mountains are forever."
--Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA

The Creator designed all life to happen in a circle. For example, the cycle of life for the human being is Baby, Youth, Adult, Elder, then we die. The trees and the leaves happen in a circle; the leaves bud, then the leaves mature, next the leaves change color and at last they fall off the tree to return to the Mother Earth. The birds bear their young, raise their young, then they die. The salmon are born, swim to the ocean, live their lives, swim back to the spawning grounds, then die. All aspects of the Life Cycle should be honored.

Great Spirit, today, let me enjoy today.

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Elders Meditation - Let Nature Teach You

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:14:27 GMT

"The basis of knowledge is the fire, rock, water, and green. But when that power was given to man, he used it to twist his own mind. Tunkashila gave man just one drop of that wisdom."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA

All of Nature has the wisdom to follow the Natural Laws. All of Nature knows how to live in harmony and use this wisdom in a good way, with exception of the human being. Often we misuse this wisdom. Wisdom always remains with those who use it in the proper way. Nature has used this wisdom well, so now we need to go to Her so we humans can relearn and change our lives. May we start doing this today, before it is too late.

Creator, let me be open to the lessons that Nature can teach me.

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Elders Meditation - Medicine People

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:13:03 GMT

"For me, the essence of a medicine man's life is to be humble, to have great patience, to be close to the Earth, to live as simply as possible, and to never stop learning."
--Archie Fir Lame Deer, LAKOTA

The Medicine people focus on their Being, not their doing. After all, we are human beings not human doings. The Medicine people are very patient and consciously trying to live a live of humility. Medicine people are servant leaders. Their main purpose is to serve the needs of others. By this service attitude, they become the leaders people listen to and the leaders the people want to follow. The Medicine people say everyone is their teacher. Maybe we should try to live this way ourselves; humble, patient, honoring the Earth and listening to our teachers.

Grandfather, today, let me know all people are my teachers and I am the student.

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Elders Meditation - Your Power Comes From the Songs

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:11:32 GMT

--Ethel Wilson, COWICHAN

If you do not know any of the songs, ask an Elder to teach you. Get yourself a drum. When you sing a song and play the drum, you'll be surprised how your mind, body, and spirit will react. Everything becomes calm and joyful. Our bodies love the songs. The songs allow us to touch the hand of the Creator. When we sing and touch the Great Spirit's hand, He gives us power. Songs are another way to pray.

My Grandfather, teach me a song today.

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Elders Meditation - Seek Out the Elders

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:10:22 GMT

"Respect should be given those indigenous nations who still carry on their ceremonies; still following the ancient laws of nature with songs and ceremonies."
--Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman, Traditional Circle of Elders

Many of our Tribes still have the ceremonies, songs and traditions. Today, the ceremonies and songs are coming back even stronger. The Elders have a lot of this knowledge. The young people need to learn these songs and traditions from the Elders. This is the strength of the people. The ancient Wisdom and Knowledge of ancient Laws are hidden in the ceremonies and songs. We should seek out these songs and ceremonies.
Great Spirit, teach me the songs and ceremonies. Make my eyes open to see.

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Daily Feast - We can only be what we give ourselves power to be.

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:08:37 GMT

It is unfortunate when someone fails us, but it isn't as bad as when we fail ourselves. The minute we make a mistake or fall short, we begin to condemn ourselves. How could we have been so dumb, so inept, so careless? We are victims by our own mouths. It is too easy to make a habit of thinking we are second-rate, not quite equal to others. If we say it enough times, we think it, and it feeds down into our hearts to surface again when we don't need it. Who can love us if we do not love ourselves? Who will build us up if we are busy tearing us down? Confidence is winning over self - not others. But we have to stir up the gift that is within us, see that we appreciate all the small things we can do well. We can only be what we give ourselves power to be.

~ These words are mine and they are true. ~

CHIEF MENINOCK

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Daily Feast - Face Your Fears

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:06:55 GMT

Near is the lion on our path. But if we turn around and face it straight-on, it will slink away. The sooner we learn that fear has no power but what we give it, the sooner we gain control of all our emotions. The Tsalagi may know fear, but his stoic expression will never reveal it. To a Cherokee, u na ye hi s di, fear or alarm, is the face of the enemy that tries to numb his mind and spirit to make it easier to conquer him. The lion's roar is silenced the minute we face it down with our own ga na nv di s gi, war whoop, that shows we mean business. We have no intention to stand still and let fear open the door to worse things. By the faith words of our mouths we turn away, not only the lion, but all it represents.

~ I turn with a shout that we are saved! ~

STANDING BEAR

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Daily Feast - Beware of Feelings That Deceive

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:04:41 GMT

There is an undercurrent that feeds us false impressions like a gentle trap that tells us we are doing right - because it feels right. Feelings are so easily manipulated they can't be trusted as a measure in anything. We stay with bad habits because it feels right. The habit comforts our feelings and the familiar touch makes us believe we can't give it up. But it is the path that winds back through the same experiences - almost like being lost in a jungle. We think we are on the right road out, until we find our own footprints going around and around. Whether it is a habit or a person, or a situation we are trying to escape, we have to know our feelings are not to be trusted. They keep us knocking on a door that seems like home but is simply the same stopping-off, na hna i, familiar place. Beware of feelings that deceive.

It has been said that there is no deceit in touching the pen to sign a treaty, but I have always found it full of deceit. ~

STANDING ELK

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Daily Feast - Everything Comes Into Balance

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:02:37 GMT

Personal balance, says the Cherokee, is a matter of self-restraint, steadiness and consistency. We like to think we have some of each. We want to believe we know a good thing when we see it - and because we can see it we can possess it as well. Balance means living du yu go dv, squarely, or with truth. It means seeing that what we believe and what we talk about dictate what we get out of life. If we shortchange, we get shortchanged. If we whip and beat and scheme to get the better of someone, time will equalize it. No one really gets away with anything. We love to win, but if deceit comes in, so do all the factors of balance. A smokescreen blows away with the slightest change in pressure. We get what we give - good or bad.

~ Do not wrong or hate your neighbor; for it is not he that you wrong; you wrong yourself. ~

SHAWNEE CHANT

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Daily Feast - Use Common Sense

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:00:47 GMT

Part of the world's problem with education is that common sense cannot be taught. It is not a result of education but exists in spite of it. If something is missing in the handling of ordinary problems, it is usually common sense. Many are blessed with extraordinary charisma, the gift of grace or special qualities the Cherokee calls a da to li s di. But to be used to any degree, charisma must backed by practical wisdom - common sense. We can be ready for anything and equal to anything if we are infused with the inner inspiration to develop common sense. The genius may know he has a fine mind, but common sense is needed to manage it.

~ While the Indians received us as friends, and listened with kind attention to our propositions, we were painfully impressed with their lack of confidence in the pledge of the Government. ~

1876 PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION REPORT

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Daily Feast - Don't pull up the flowers with all the weeds

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:58:56 GMT

When we lean solely on the past, we remember vividly the things that never were. If something was u wo du hi, beautiful, the present time fades in comparison. If it was bad, it too often consumes our joy in every new day. It is a daily matter to pick up the good and put down the not so good. We hope to preserve the precious and lose what oppressed our happier natures. But it requires us to monitor what we are thinking about and how we tell it - and not pull up the flowers with all the weeds. If we had the capacity to be happy at one time, we still have it. It is just that we have it in a new time, under new circumstances and with a spirit freed from the past. The worst slave is the one who dwells on and relives the past in all its murkiness.

~ I will not dwell on, nor mourn over, our untimely decay, nor reproach our paleface brothers for hastening it.... ~

SEATTLE

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Daily Feast - Do Not Judge on Hearsay

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:55:25 GMT

This is the age of questioning. Nothing can be accepted at face-value the way it once was. A man's word has been broken so many times that we are convinced no one can be trusted. But such evidence is not always true. Emotions and unrestrained imagination makes us assume that certain people are not trustworthy. If we are going on hearsay we are in no position to judge. When enough time has passed we will know what is true. Until then it is wise to withhold opinions and refuse to believe the worst of anyone - even if something has given us reason to be suspicious. The loss is too great to a da du hi s to di, to accuse or make a charge against people, without knowing if it is true.

~ You have come here to buy this country of ours, and it would be well if you came....with the price in your hand. ~

STANDING ELK

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Daily Feast - Have a Good Attitude

freewil4u — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:53:35 GMT

Attitude is everything if the day is to go well. If we require others to have patience with us and give us u we to li s di, the Cherokee word for pity or sympathy, then our minds are going to be on whether or not we get it, instead of on living well. We forget that we project to others how we want to be treated. Arrogance invites resistance. Hangdog attitudes invite other sour and sullen looks and behavior. Good-natured people are always welcome and give peace to our minds. Whatever we are about, it is to our advantage to know the world is reflecting back to us the mirror-image of pleasant manners - or the stern appearance of touch-me-not. It takes so little to relax and enjoy, so that others can do the same.

~ I am old, it is true; but not old enough to fail to see things as they are. ~

WHITE SHIELD

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Daily Feast - A Miracle While We Slept

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:36:42 GMT

Everything is fresh and new on a June morning. Someone performed a miracle while we slept. The air was cleaned to crystal clarity, the rising sun glistens on every leaf and blade of grass. The hills are new green from spring rains and the horses that graze there are sleek and shiny. Such rewards, such a as s dv, are for the early riser, the one who greets the day with thanksgiving and praise. Regardless of how many tagalongs from yesterday threaten, they cannot break the spell of the beauty at hand. Another opportunity, another splendid day that is so oblivious to the schemes of man. To go with it, to rise with the morning mist, is to know the freedom and restoration in the soul of the American Indian.

~ To the Indian, words that are true sink deep into his heart where they remain; he never forgets them. ~

FOUR GUNS

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Daily Feast - Give Ideas Time to Hatch

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:47:10 GMT

Ideas are like eggs in an incubator. They must be kept warm and protected until they have grown enough to hatch. Our need to go wo in ha, talk on and on, can do away with a promising situation before it has ever had time to take form. Left to develop, it may have been a great blessing to many - but tampering with it in our belief that we can do anything and say anything aborts it. There is a time to speak and a time to keep silent, but it takes wisdom to know the time. Most things can only stand one telling, and it had better be where it stands a chance to survive. Until that time, don't talk, don't count.

~ Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and learn to hear my feeble voice. ~

BLACK ELK

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Daily Feast - Success

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:45:29 GMT

Success or a s qua dv, as the Cherokee use the term, is a sense of doing something and having the rewards. But anyone has to take care that a little success does not weaken effort or steal initiative. Persistence must be our constant companion for however long it takes and for whatever it requires of us, to keep stretching our limits, refining our spirits, renewing our minds. Things have never been important to the Cherokee as much as land and home and family. But success means different things to different people. Nearly all agree that dignity and respect are symbols of success - and spiritual foundations are not just buildings or groups but an inner power and strength of an individual.

~ Among themselves every warrior is an orator.....an excellent way to whet the courage of their youth. ~

WILLIAM FYFFE

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Daily Feast - Have a Positive Vision

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:43:25 GMT

How would we feel, what would we be doing or thinking if we are not in this situation? Strange as it sounds, these are questions that can guide us our of a place that is testing us severely. Just focusing outside a limited position helps us to see ourselves delivered and well. We must see it by using the same what-if that is so easy for us in negative ways. E gi ya in ha, we are called, says the Cherokee, to use all our mental and spiritual resources to see ourselves free. It is never that we are sick and trying to get well - but that we are well and something is trying to make us sick. If we have a problem with a positive vision, then we can go back to being a child. Children have no trouble pretending. It is fun, it is joyful, and it raises the level of awareness to a healthy high so the body and mind can take over and restore and renew.

~ House made of dawn....restore my feet to me....Happily I recover.....my interior becomes cool....As it used to be.....I walk.....In beauty it is finished. ~

NAVAJO PRAYER

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Daily Feast - Silence Can Create the Masterpiece

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:38:36 GMT

Talking too much is a little like painting a picture. It is frequently what we leave out that makes it the masterpiece. We don't have to tell everything we think - not use every color on the palette. Subtlety makes someone else think, and that is more important. Our tendency is to think that no one understands unless we spell things out for them. It is hard to keep our mouths shut when we want to say something so much - usually with a da li s ga na ne hi, irony or a degree of sarcasm, according to the Cherokee. Silence can be as unkind as saying too much but in the long run it serves a better purpose in preserving friendships. There is a time to speak and a time to keep silence, but it is a person of rare sensitivity who knows when the time is.

~ Tell your children of the friendly acts of Indians to the white people who settled here. Tell them of our leaders and heroes and their deeds. ~

INDIAN COUNCIL

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Daily Feast - Coming Change

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:34:36 GMT

Chances are we never recall just when we made the biggest decisions in our lives - unless we can remember some of our quietest moments. We think of change coming with fanfare, but that so seldom happens. Most of the time we silently recognize the great things in our lives long before we bring them our to be known by everyone. It is hard to say just when the change began. Some of it is even ga lv quo di, sacred to us, not easily shared - nor wise to share, because it is our own that comes from somewhere deep within us. There is an inner life that makes changes easier because it prepares us to accept what we cannot change - and more importantly, to change what we can.

~ The whole world is coming. A nation is coming, a nation is coming. The Eagle has brought the message to the tribe. ~

WOVOKA

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Daily Feast - Don't Miss the Beauty

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:32:15 GMT

Habit so dulls the edge of observation that it is easy to pass a tree and never see its beautiful seasons - or be around another person for a lifetime and never see the beauty of the soul. We travel great distances to see something beautiful, and go to great lengths to get a glimpse of a famous person - but our immediate surroundings fade so easily. Familiar faces, a da to li gi, voices, the easy touch of hands - are all taken for granted. With a firm foundation they can be relaxed and confident, but we still need to stay alert to their importance. Even good habits can dull our awareness to things necessary and dear to us.

~ I know every stream and every wood....I have hunted....and lived like my fathers before me, and, like them, I lived happily. ~

TEN BEARS

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Daily Feast - Kindred Spirits

freewil4u — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:30:31 GMT

Some of us have kindred souls that understand what we feel, what we think, and what we need. These special people seldom bother with a lot of talk - but their quiet companionship is balm to the spirit and enough without words. Wherever we are on the pathway - the Cherokee calls it ga lo hi s di - one of these special persons has known loneliness, felt the solitary hours, heard the empty echoes, and is there to mark the way for us. We are assured of company, told that we will make it - that we are almost there now. Suddenly there is a corner to turn, a light to shine, hope and a hand to support us. Then, in quiet communication, we reach back and take someone else's hand.

~ They were kind to me, those old men, when I was working hard to learn from them these sacred songs. ~

PLAYFUL CALF

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Elders Meditation - See Women in a Sacred Way

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:34:34 GMT

"We must have respect and understanding for women and all female life on this Earth which bears the sacred gift of life."
--Traditional Circle of Elders. ONONDAGA

At a gathering of Native Elders we were told that many men of today had lost their ability to look at the Woman in a sacred way. They said we were only looking at Her in a physical sense and had lost the ability to look at Her sacredness. They said the Woman has a powerful position in the Unseen World. She has the special ability to bring forth life. They told us to start showing Her respect and to look upon her in a sacred manner. We must start this today.

Grandfather, show me how to see in a sacred way.
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Elders Meditation - Listen To the Trees

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:33:05 GMT

"We need to save those Elders who cannot speak for themselves -- the trees."
--Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

The trees are the Elders of the Earth. Go to the forest or to the mountains and find a young tree. Then find and old tree. Spend time with each. Sit by the young tree and listen to your thoughts. Then move to an old tree and listen to your thoughts again. Just being in the presence of an old tree, you will feel more calm. Your thoughts will contain wisdom and your answers will be deeper. Why is this so? These old trees know more, have heard more and are the Elders of the Earth. We must ensure these trees live so we can learn from them.

My Creator, help me to protect the trees and listen to them.
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Elders Meditation - The Sacred Center

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:31:26 GMT

"Without a sacred center, no one knows right from wrong."
---- Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

In the center of the circle is where the powers reside. These powers are called love, principle, justice, spirtual knowledge, life, forgiveness and truth. All these powers reside in the very center of the human being. We access these powers by being still, quieting the mind. If we get confused, emotionally upset, feel resentment, anger, or fear, the best thing we can do is pray to the Great Spirit and ask Him to remove the anger and resentment. By asking Him to remove these obstacles, we are automatically positioned in the sacred center. Only in this way do we know right from wrong.

Great Spirit, allow me this day to live in the sacred center.
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Daily Feast - Open the Drawstring of Your Mind

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:29:21 GMT

The mind is like a bag with a drawstring. When the string is pulled so tight that nothing can go into the bag or come out - that is nervous tension. The problem is held in and the solution is kept out. At these times it helps to walk - at least far enough to detach from everything that reminds a worrier that he is hemmed in. While the feet are busy, the mind relaxes - maybe not to the point of being tranquil but at least to be able to adanv tesgv, think clearly or work things out mentally. And during the walk, deliberately turn thoughts to vision - seeing every detail, every sunflower. Look at the shape of a leaf, the spider's web, and look for color, and be grateful for the ears to hear and the eyes to see. Nothing heals the spirit and opens the way like turning loose of a problem.

~ Neither anger not fear shall find lodging in your mind. ~

DEKANWIDAH

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Elders Meditation - Pay Attention As You Walk

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:27:40 GMT

"[The Old People] would gather words as they walked a sacred path across the Earth, leaving nothinig behind but prayers and offerings."
---- Cleone Thunder, NORTHERN ARAPAHOE

Whenever we walk on the Earth, we should pay attention to what is going on. Too often our minds are somewhere else, thinking about the past or thinking about the future. When we do this, we are missing important lessons. The Earth is a constant flow of lessons and learnings which also include a constant flow of positive feelings. If we are aware as we walk, we will gather words for our lives, the lessons to help our children; we will gather feelings of interconnectedness and calmness. When we experience this, we should say or think thoughts of gratitude. When we do this, the next person to walk on the sacred path will benefit even more.

My Creator, today, let me be aware of the sacred path.

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Elders Meditation - Nature's University

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:25:42 GMT

"But the great spirit has provided you and me with an opportunity for study in nature's university, the forests, the rivers, the mountains, and the animals which include us."
---- Walking Buffalo, STONEY

What we really need to learn is how to live life. Nature is the greatest university when we want to learn about balance, harmony, the Natural Laws and how to live life. But we will never learn unless we spend time in the "living university." Nature is full of examples, lessons, and exercises about life. Nature will help humans learn. Nature will help humans heal. Nature will help with Medicine, knowledge and healing. The reason our Elders are so wise is because they have attended the right educational system - nature's university.

Great Spirit, help me to become wise.

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Elders Meditation - The Create is the Real Boss

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:24:21 GMT

"Prayer is the best answer to all of the trials that face us, because without prayer, even if we succeed in accomplishing some great goal in the eyes of men, we have failed in our sacred responsibilities, and thus we have failed in what is truly important."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

What are our sacred responsibilities? One is to be of maximum service to the Creator, and two is to serve the people. In a way, it's like the Great Spirit is the employer and we are the employees. We live each day, do what we do, accomplish our goals, face our difficulties, overcome them all to the Glory of the Creator. We do these things to make Him proud! Even if we work for a company, agency or tribe, they are nor really our employer; the Creator is our employer. Working for the Creator is better than working for a human being, because each night we can talk to the Creator and ask Him, "Well, how did I do today?" He answers back each night, "I'm proud of you, my child; sleep well, and in the morning I'll give you a new set of growing experiences."

Great Spirit, today, let me work for you. You will be my new boss.

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Elders Meditation - Walk the Path of the Heart

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:22:50 GMT

"It's time. If you are to walk the path of heart, then it is time..."
--Nippawanock, ARAPAHOE

If not now, when? If not me, who? To walk the path of the heart is a great honor. Every human has the choice to walk this path, but very few will decide to make it. Why? Well, because you can't act and behave like everyone else behaves. You must be the person who will learn to look within. You must be the person who will be fully accountable for yourself. You must be the person who prays and meditates. You must be the person who will sacrifice. You must decide to be a Peaceful Warrior. What will you decide today?

Oh, Great Mystery, lead me on the path of the heart.

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Elders Meditation - and Reality

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:21:35 GMT

"...in Tunkashila, there is no time. Everything moves in the blink of an eye. It's as fast as thought. So there is no speed there. There is no time in between."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA

There is a relationship between thought and reality. Every thought is alive, and as soon as you think it a result occurs immediately. However, to make something happen it may take a series of 1,000 thoughts before you can actually see it with your eyes. This occurs because the Laws of the Great Spirit act immediately. When you tell a lie, you immediately experience fear. When you tell the truth, you immediately experience freedom. To the Creator, there is no time. For us to experience the meaning of this requires us to act on faith. Faith is belief without evidence.

Great Spirit, today, let me act on my faith.

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Elders Meditation - Open Your Ears To Hear the Elders

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:19:53 GMT

"You have to have a lot of patience to hear those old people talk, because when they talk, they talk about motivation, the feeling, the unsound that is around the universe. They explain everything to one understanding. They bring it all together, and when they finish, just one word comes out. Just one word. They might talk all day, and just one word comes out."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA

We need to be careful about judging the old ones when we talk. At first they may not make sense to us. Maybe we'll say they're old fashioned and don't understand. But the old ones do understand! When they speak, listen very carefully. Often it will take weeks or maybe even years before we understand what they are really saying. This is the way of Wisdom. We need to listen, listen, listen.

Great Spirit, today, open my ears so I can hear the Elders.

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Elders Meditation - The Natural Law

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:18:12 GMT

"The Natural Law is the final and absolute authority governing E Te No Ha, the earth we call our Mother."
--Traditional Circle of Elders

There is no power greater than the Natural Laws. These powers were set up by the Great Spirit in such a way that the human being has no access to it, except by obeying. If we choose not to follow the Natural Laws, our live will be filled with confusion, tension, anxiety and stress. If we poison the Earth, we poison ourselves. If we poison the Water of the Earth, we poison ourselves. As we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves and our children, even the children unborn. May we think about this today and ask ourselves, "Are we holding and acting toward the Mother Earth in a good way?"

Great Spirit, teach me the Natural Laws that govern the Earth.

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Elders Meditation - The Original Instructions

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:16:25 GMT

"IN THE BEGINNING were the Instructions... The Instructions was to live in a good way and be respectful to everybody and everything."
--Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo

A long time ago, in the beginning, the Creator gave to all people and to all things the Wisdom and the knowledge of how to live in harmony. Some tribes call these teachings the original Instructions, the original teachings, or the Great Laws. All of Nature still lives and survives according to these teachings. In modern times, human beings are searching for the Instructions. Many churches claim they have these Instructions. Where are these teachings? The Instructions are written in our hearts.

Great Spirit, today, whisper to me the secrets of the original Instructions.

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Elders Meditation - Change In Harmony

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:15:04 GMT

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"Wakan Tanka never stops creating."
--Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA

The Medicine Wheel teaches about change. It says that which is created will fall apart; that which is loose, will be used to create new. In other words, everything on Earth is participating in a constant change that is being directed by an order of laws and principles which were originated by the Great Spirit. We humans are equipped with natural change abilities. We have the ability to vision; we can use imagination and imagery; we can change belief, attitude, habits and expectations. We need to know ourselves and we need to know how we work inside to enable us to change naturally.

Great Spirit, teach me to change in harmony.

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Elders Meditation - Relationships

freewil4u — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:12:32 GMT

"It is not through the great skill of the hunter himself that success is achieved, but through the hunter's awareness of his place in Creation and his relationship to all things."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

If only the human being could understand the power of proper relationships, the need for power and control could be abandoned. It's not what is going on that matters, but how we look at what is going on. It's our relationship to it that counts. Nothing in the world has any meaning except the meaning we give to it. To be more effective at this, we need to consider our relationship with the Creator. Our relationship to the Great Spirit determines how we will perceive the meanings we put to places, people, institutions and things. We need to let the Creator tell us and guide our thoughts about these relationships. Any relationship that we have that is causing problems means we need to pray for a new point of view.

Creator, let me see the world and the people through your eyes.

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"*Turtle Tribe*"'s topics - tribe.net

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Daily Feast - Coming Change

Daily Feast - Don't Miss the Beauty

Daily Feast - Kindred Spirits

Elders Meditation - See Women in a Sacred Way

Elders Meditation - Listen To the Trees

Elders Meditation - The Sacred Center

Daily Feast - Open the Drawstring of Your Mind

Elders Meditation - Pay Attention As You Walk

Elders Meditation - Nature's University

Elders Meditation - The Create is the Real Boss

Elders Meditation - Walk the Path of the Heart

Elders Meditation - and Reality

Elders Meditation - Open Your Ears To Hear the Elders

Elders Meditation - The Natural Law

Elders Meditation - The Original Instructions

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