Native American Spirituality

[Spirit Dancer]

Originally Posted by StrongButch

I asked once,What exactly is my destiny in this life?What am I to accomplish? Answer was,As in all lives your destiny is to simply Love

Thank you for sharing this

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

Evolving Commitment
Spirituality in the Workplace

A career can coexist with the development of the soul when we approach each with balance and determination.


We do not need to deny our spiritual selves while focusing on being at the office, even though working while walking the path of ascension can be extremely challenging. Commitment to a career can coexist peacefully with commitment to the development of the soul when we approach each with balance and determination.

Careers can tend to take up a great deal of time you might otherwise devote to your own awakening, so make the most of the free hours at your disposal by using your breaks to walk in nature or write in your journal. If you schedule healings, bodywork, and other therapeutic activities on Friday, you give yourself the gift of an unhurried and restful weekend of rejuvenation. You can create a spiritually aware workspace by adorning your desk or office with sacred objects such as a Buddha or a candle that have meaning to you. If decoration is not permitted in your workplace, your supervisor may allow you to display a small item associated with your life path if you explain its significance. Your workplace may not always meet your best expectations, but living with imperfection can also be a wonderful spiritual exercise. Remember that you can strive for excellence in your own existence without asking your coworkers to exemplify perfection. They, too, are human beings doing all they can to grow in spite of that humanity, and they can support you when your path becomes difficult.

In many companies, there is a spiritual reality tied in closely into the corporate culture. It is your choice whether you want to integrate the spirit of your workplace into your own divine practices or participate in this reality on a superficial level. However you proceed, realize that the spiritual values you hold dear need not be at odds with the energy of your place of employment. As an employee, your spiritual self is one of the diverse strengths you bring to the table. Simply by approaching projects, goals, and interpersonal relations in the workplace with intention, you can pursue individual fulfillment while also doing your part to gently promote a healthy and harmonious working environment.

i LOVE this post.

my work is very spiritual, the day flies by and it's working for people. i've never felt so quite fulfilled.

[Spirit Dancer]

Time for Wellness
A Self-Healing Day

A beautiful gift to yourself is a day of healing and nourishing just for you.


Human beings carry within themselves the seed of healing. Our choices affect us more than we realize, and it is because of this that we tend to place responsibility for our wellness in the hands of others. As beneficial as regular visits to a healer can be, we have the power to heal ourselves at will. When we dedicate a day to the pursuit of wellness, we can relax and renew ourselves in a nourishing and comfortable environment. A sincere desire to open ourselves to the highest realities of our physical and spiritual selves is the key to self-healing so that healing energy can flow into us unimpeded.

A self-healing day should address the vital needs of the self as a whole while directing healing energy where it is needed most. Solitude is an important part of the process as is the ability to take refuge in a space that is both beautiful and peaceful. Start your healing day by setting the intention that you are dedicating this time to healing yourself. Flowers, candlelight, incense, and music can guide our focus toward a more tranquil state. For a more intense session, try listening to music through headphones since tuning out can help you tune in. It is up to us to decide what we need to do to cultivate wellness in our lives. For some, it may be time spent in reflection. Others will turn to calming activities that help them remember their purpose, such as journal writing, being in nature, or studying. Our healing may even take a more direct form as we use color, sound, or crystals to balance and ground ourselves.

Ultimately, your wholesome intentions transform what might otherwise be a simple day of rest into a day of healing. Grant yourself permission to relax and savor the stillness. If you attune yourself to the calm around you, worldly distractions will be minimized and the unadulterated flow of your consciousness will reestablish itself in the forefront of your mind. The needs of the body, the heart, and the soul will then be revealed to you, empowering you to tap into the essential healing energy of the universe. The mechanism you use to channel this energy will be dependent on your shifting requirements, so each day of healing you enjoy will be unique. All will replenish you, however, allowing you to recreate yourself in a perfect image of health.

[Spirit Dancer]

"But each of us must find out for himself or herself what their gift is, so that they can use it in their life."
--Jimmy Jackson, OJIBWAY

Great Spirit
Allow us each to discover our inner gift.

[StrongButch]

It doesnt interest me what you do for a living?I want to know what you ache for,and if you dare dream of meeting in your hearts longing It doesnt interest me how old you are I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,for your dreams,for the adventure of being alive It doesnt interest me what planets are squaring your moon I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,if you have been opened by lifes betrayals or have become shriviled and closed from the fear of future pain I want to know can you sit in pain,mine or your own,without moving to hide it or fade it to fix it I want to know can you be with joy,mine or your own,if you can dance in the wilderness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tip of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful,be realistic,or to remember the limitations of being human It doesnt interest me if the story your telling me is true I want to know can you disappoint another to be true to yourself,if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul I want to know can you be faithful and therefor trustworthy I want to know can you see the beauty even when its not pretty everyday and if you can source your life from the Creators presence I want to know can you live with failure,yours or mine,and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon Yes It doesnt interest me to know where you live or how much money you have I want to know can you get up after a night of grief and despair,weary and bruised to the bone,and do what needs to be done It doesnt interest me who you are,or how you came to be here I want to know will you stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back It doesnt interest me where or what or with whom you have studied I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away I want to know can you be alone with yourself,and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments "This was written by a native elder and is very heavy reading but beautiful"

[StrongButch]

The native prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond,the smell of the wind itself cleansed by a midday rain,or scented with pinion pine The air is precious to the red woman for all things are the same breath-the animals,the trees,the woman Chief Seattle

[StrongButch]

You walk in beauty Mother,Allowing all to see The glory of the Great Mystery That sets your spirit free Guided by the bliss inside of you,Walking it through your deeds,Never needing anothers approval,Your hearts truth takes the lead With focus and directness,You teach me how to walk,Balancing thought and action,Instead of misusing talk I stand straight in your presence,I hold my head high,With my feet rooted in Mother Earth,My arms embracing Father Sky-Jamie Sams

[clay]

I LOVE Oriah Mountain Dreamer...ty for posting!!!

Originally Posted by StrongButch

It doesnt interest me what you do for a living?I want to know what you ache for,and if you dare dream of meeting in your hearts longing It doesnt interest me how old you are I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,for your dreams,for the adventure of being alive It doesnt interest me what planets are squaring your moon I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,if you have been opened by lifes betrayals or have become shriviled and closed from the fear of future pain I want to know can you sit in pain,mine or your own,without moving to hide it or fade it to fix it I want to know can you be with joy,mine or your own,if you can dance in the wilderness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tip of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful,be realistic,or to remember the limitations of being human It doesnt interest me if the story your telling me is true I want to know can you disappoint another to be true to yourself,if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul I want to know can you be faithful and therefor trustworthy I want to know can you see the beauty even when its not pretty everyday and if you can source your life from the Creators presence I want to know can you live with failure,yours or mine,and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon Yes It doesnt interest me to know where you live or how much money you have I want to know can you get up after a night of grief and despair,weary and bruised to the bone,and do what needs to be done It doesnt interest me who you are,or how you came to be here I want to know will you stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back It doesnt interest me where or what or with whom you have studied I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away I want to know can you be alone with yourself,and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments "This was written by a native elder and is very heavy reading but beautiful"

[Spirit Dancer]

Regret
The Weight of the Past

Holding onto regret is like dragging the weight of the past with us everywhere we go.


It drains our energy, leaving less available for life in the present because we are constantly feeding an old issue. This attachment can cause illness the same way watering a dead plant creates decay. We know that something new and beautiful can grow in its place if we only prepare the soil and plant the right seeds. We also know that we create our lives from our thoughts, so dwelling on the past may actually recreate a situation in our lives where we are forced to make the choice again and again. We can choose to move on right now by applying what we have learned to the present and perhaps even sharing with others, transforming the energy into something that is constructive and creative for ourselves and others.

Forgiveness is the soothing balm that can heal regret. In meditation, we can imagine discussing the issue with the self of our past and offering our forgiveness for the choice. In return, we can ask for our selves’ forgiveness for keeping them locked in that space of judgment for so long. We may also want to ask forgiveness from anyone else who may have been affected and perhaps offer our forgiveness. By replaying the event in our minds, we can choose a new ending using all that we now know. Imagine that you have actually gone back into the past and made this change, and then say goodbye to it. Release your former self with a hug and bring the forgiveness and love back with you to the present. Since we are usually our harshest critics, it is amazing how powerfully healing it can be to offer ourselves love.

Keeping our minds and our energy fully in the present allows us to fuel our physical and emotional healing and well-being today. This action frees our energy to create the dreams we dream for the future. By taking responsibility and action in the present, we can release our hold on the past.

[Spirit Dancer]

"The Old Ones have always said that no matter who despises or ignores you, no matter who keeps you from entering their circles, it is right to pray for them because the are like us, too."

CHIPPEWA Elder

[Spirit Dancer]

“ We learned to be patient observers like the owl. We learned cleverness from the crow, and courage from the jay, who will attack an owl ten times its size to drive it off its territory. But above all of them ranked the chickadee because of its indomitable spirit. ”

— —Tom Brown, Jr., The Tracker

[Spirit Dancer]

[StrongButch]

May the warm winds of Heaven blow softly upon your house May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows,and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder-Also please watch on YouTube Wyte Doves Keep going the Lakota Way

[PaPa]

The Ten Commandments Of The Native Americans

1. Treat the Earth and all the dwells therein with respect.
2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.
3. Show great respect to your fellow beings.
4. Work together for the benefit of all mankind.
5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
6. Do what you know to be right.
7. Look after the well-being of mind and body.
8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
9. Be truthful and honest at all times.
10. Take full responsibility for your actions.

[Glenn]

"A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground."-TRADITIONAL CHEYENNE

"Where are your women?"- OUTACITTY, CHEROKEE LEADER, UPON MEETING British Representatives, early 1800's.

"The United States has not shown me the terms of my surrender."-MARIE LEGO, PIT RIVER NATION,1970

"I try to tell our people that if it was'nt for women, we would not remain a distinct people. I want the world to know, my children to know, what our women have done. They're not squaws, man, they're heroes." - R. Means, OGLALA PATRIOT,1995

'Woman is forever, eternal. Man comes from woman and to woman he returns."- OJIBWA

"Woman Oh Woman I want you to know, you are my reason, for celebration."-Linda Shear

[Spirit Dancer]

Sharing Grief
Opening to Receive Comfort

Grief is part of the human experience, and sharing our vulnerability helps create truly close bonds.


When we experience something that causes us to feel shock and sadness, we may feel the urge to withdraw from life. It may seem like remaining withdrawn will keep us protected from the world, but during these times it is important to reach out to those trusted and precious people who care about us the most. Even with our best information and reasoning, we never know when someone else’s experience or perspective can give us additional information that we need. The universe speaks to us through many channels, and when we open ourselves up to receive its messages, we also receive nurturing care from a loving partner in life’s journey.

Grief is part of the human experience, and sharing our vulnerability is what creates truly close bonds in our relationships. Opening ourselves up in this way gets to the core of our being, past all of our defenses and prejudices. When life seems to crack the outer shell of our world, we are both raw and fresh at the same time. It is then that we discover who is truly willing to walk with us through life. We also see that some of those sent to us may not be the ones we expected to see. Regardless, we learn to trust in the universe, in others, in our own strength and resilience, and in the wisdom of life itself.

Sharing grief allows us to ease our burden by letting someone else help carry it. This helps us process our own inner thoughts and feelings through the filter of a trusted and beloved someone. We may feel guilty or selfish, as if we are unloading on someone who has their own challenges. Although, if we think about it, we know we would do the same for them, and their protests would seem pointless. Remember that not sharing feelings with others denies them the opportunity to feel. We may be the messenger sent by the universe for their benefit, and it is on this mission that we have been sent. By sharing our hopes and fears, joys and pains with another person, we accept the universe’s gifts of wisdom and loving care.

[Spirit Dancer]

“ When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelop you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists—as it surely will. Then act with courage. ”

— Ponca Chief White Eagle

[Spirit Dancer]

“ Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ”

— Chief Seattle, 1854


“ …Like the grasses showing tender faces to each other, thus should we do, for this was the wish of the Grandfathers of the World. ”

— Black Elk

[StrongButch]

Like the grasses showing tender faces to each other,thus shall we do,for this is the wish of Grandfather- Black Elk

[Spirit Dancer]

Layers of Feeling
Coping with Passive Aggression

Passive aggression is most often wielded by those who feel powerless and want to avoid their own true feelings.


Many people are taught from a young age to suppress feelings commonly regarded as negative, such as anger, resentment, fear, and sorrow. Those who cannot or will not express these emotions tend to engage in passive-aggressive behaviors that provide them with a means of redirecting their feelings. Passive aggression can take many forms: People who feel guilty saying “no” may continually break their promises because they couldn’t say no when they meant it. Others will substitute snide praise for a slur to distance themselves from the intense emotions they feel. More often than not, such behavior is a cry for help uttered by those in need of compassion and gentle guidance.

When we recognize passive-aggressive patterns in the behavior of others, we should never allow ourselves to be drawn into a struggle for power. Passive aggression is most often wielded by those who feel powerless in the face of what they perceive as negative emotions because they hope to avoid confronting their true feelings. They feel they are in control because they do not display overt emotion and often cannot understand how they have alienated their peers. If someone close to us shows signs of frustration or annoyance but claims nothing is amiss, we can point out that their tone of voice or gestures are communicating a different message and invite them to confide in us. When we feel slighted by a backhanded compliment, it is important that we calmly explain how the jibe made us feel and why. And when an individual continually breaks their promises, we can help them understand that they are free to say no if they are unwilling to be of service.

As you learn to detect passive aggression, you may be surprised to see a hint of it in yourself. Coping with the natural human tendency to veil intense emotions can be as simple as reminding yourself that expressing your true feelings is healthy. The emotions typically regarded as negative will frequently be those that inspire you to change yourself and your life for the better, whereas passive-aggressive behavior is a means of avoiding change. When you deal constructively with your feelings, you can put them behind you and move forward unencumbered by unexplored emotion.