The Many pathways to self-discovery…after looking at many and walking a few, these are steps I see common to most. I personally use the movements on a Medicine Wheel to show examples of this, but there are many ways to do so. A good story that tells of this kind of journey is the one about Jumping Mouse. The link below is an online version of it.

http://www.hyemeyohstsstorm.com/7frecce/emouse2.htm

1. Curiosity…a sense of something larger…a glimmer of something that must be understood…the answer to a question (why).
2. Search for answers, usually starting with the easily accessible (low risk).
3. Finding some answers and feeling some excitement because of the level being reached.
4. Suffering from a feeling of defeat because of the rebuttal or rebuke of others in our circle who “know” more or who would defeat our victories.
5. A period of perceived contentment (sometimes lasting lifetimes)
6. Another glimpse…this time of something even more compelling then the first.
7. The Great Journey…this time sacrifices are made. Risks are taken. A resolve sets in as new discoveries are made. Goals are set. Teachers are found.
8. A pinnacle is reached…a profound truth or an understanding of it is fully developed. The person is changed. Metamorphosed into something new.

This cycle is repeated. Sometimes ego and fear causes detours. If the ego gets too great, then too much time is spent needlessly trying to get others to see the same glimmer. This gives an opportunity for fear if others do not readily see the same pathway. This invalidation leads to distrust and in some cases defeat of self worth. Only after another encounter of spirit does the movement begin again.

If the cycle can be completed and the metamorphoses can be confirmed, another set of parameters will exist. These include possible physical and mental changes but may include other “gifts” to open more doors and show more possibilities.

Each step of the person who is intrigued by the “glimmer” or nagged by the question is of course “meant to be”. Each decision along the way is an opportunity. As I proceed in my own journey I try to examine each one and also try to look at the outcome to see what I can understand from it. And I continue to use the gifts I have been given so far, to “tap in” to the source of much information.

Selling the teachings ($300 sweat lodge ceremonies and “Weekend Spiritual Retreats) Why I don’t like the idea of selling what I know.

  On speaking with several people lately I am concerned with what the Native spiritual world can give of itself. Much of how we choose to connect to the world around us has to do with ceremony of various kinds. That is also a big part of other religious and spiritual pathways too. Because of the spiritual hunger many people are facing, they are willing to pay to try to have someone help them achieve another step forward. And of course it is a great temptation resulting in the sale of ceremony and sacred teachings. So how does one allow others to experience these things? I would say it must be given freely. To allow others the opportunity to look for the way that gives them the connection to Creation they seek one must be simply available. Rather that means the student has to travel to the top of a mountain someplace or to come to a lecture, who knows. Lately I see many attempts to offer spirituality for a price. It has been a problem for most spiritual disciplines. Even though sometimes the information, ceremonies, etc are correct or helpful, this leads to jealousy, contempt and more distrust.

  

Because of this, true spiritual teachers are sometimes ridiculed, scorned or choose to hide away from the public. Real spiritual knowledge is both priced and sought after by so many that if someone has some of it, it is likely to be viewed as a commodity rather then a gift. The absurd part is that if someone is willing, they can develop the gifts themselves. All of the world’s many enlightened know this. Even the ones that do decide to sell a way towards it.

  I think a better way to help people find their way is to share. To exchange what we know (or think we know) and do learn from each other. I don’t know a single teacher, who is worth much as one, that doesn’t also consider themselves students as well.

Triad…about the power of the Three

Native teachings sometimes look at the sacredness of the number three….Heart, Mind and Body are one example.

I see these things concerning this particular sacred three. I see ourselves, each as individuals as the mind. Each individual thought processing the world as we each see it. I see the Creation (the sacred thing that has put it all together) as the Heart (or spirit, soul, etc.). It pumps the lifeblood throughout all humanity and indeed throughout all life on the planet. Finally I see our family, friends, and communities, the entire humanity of the world as the collective body. We are together the hands that shape the world around us. We will be the feet that carry us forward.

So what is wrong? Perhaps it is simply because we do not act as a mind that is willing to share knowledge. Perhaps it is because many of the world’s children do not let themselves feel the power of Creation. Perhaps it is because our minds will not focus together our collective body will not respond.

All things can be joined. All things intertwine. We must continually strive for unity. And that can only come from understanding.

First off…Who the hell am I?

   For some people that may end up reading this, they already know most of this part. They know my personal history (like my dear wife of 30+ years for instance) and are used to the craziness. They know first hand that I am not so gifted and I am certainly not a Messiah of any kind. But they also know the struggles and know I have evolved into something unique as well. I am saying this and trying to maintain some form of humility in the process. Forgive me if I lose balance at all.

   I do think I have gained some insight into some parts of both humanity and the connections to the spiritual world. I have a pretty diversified life experience and I have had plenty of triumphs and failures. Lots of tests. Lots of jobs. I think I know a thing or two, but I am still hungry to learn as well.

   I want to do good things. I like fixing things. Especially people if get the chance. I think I can see a lot of what goes on inside a person if they let their guard down just a bit (and sometimes when they don’t). That’s no big trick. Anybody who has done any large degree of their own soul searching should be able to do the same. But I seem to be fairly good at it and I like the results most of the time. That isn’t to say a lot of people are ready or even happy at first when they are shown something about themselves. Wielding the Truth is like wielding any other sharp object. You have to be able to be willing to cut and sometimes be cut back, by the blade. If I have any skill as a surgeon, I like to think its because I had lots of practice on myself…and I am a lousy, whiny patient besides.

Mirror, rorriM

What beings stand before you

Their spirits seem so profound

Why does they walk backwards

Upon this sacred ground

Before you begin to wonder

From where their truth abounds

Take the key from the hook inside yourself

It is right there on the mound

Open up your inner doors

And take a long look around

When you’ve faced your demons

And if your minds still sound

Then come back into the light

And tell us what you’ve found

Indeed you will finally see

snwolc tub ereh gnihton si erehT