BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Native American The Campfire Circle

Well, kind of like the Yellow Kitty. You are shy and observe before stepping out then gain trust and confidence in yourself.

I am sure you should not bleach your hair, that you are fine just the way you are.

From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great unifying life force that flowed in and through all things - the flowers of the plains, blowing winds, rocks, trees, birds, animals - and was the same force that had been breathed into the first man. Thus all things were kindred, and were brought together by the same Great Mystery.

Kinship with all creatures of the earth, sky, and water was a real and active principle. In the animal and bird world there existed a brotherly feeling that kept the Lakota safe among them. And so close did some of the Lakotas come to their feathered and furred friends that in true brotherhood they spoke a common tongue.

The animals had rights - the right of a man's protection, the right to live, the right to multiply, the right to freedom, and the right to man's indebtedness - and in recognition of these rights the Lakota never enslaved an animal, and spared all life that was not needed for food and clothing.

This concept of life and its relations with humanizing, and gave to the Lakota an abiding love. It filled his being with joy and mystery of living; it gave him reverence for all life; it made a place for all things in the scheme of existence with equal importance to all.

The Lakota could not despise no creature, for all were of one blood, made by the same hand, and filled with the essence of the Great Mystery. In spirit, the Lakota were humble and meek. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" - this was true for the Lakota, and from the earth they inherited secrets long since forgotten. Their religion was sane, natural, and human.
Chief Luther Standing Bear - Oglala Sioux

As I read your post, Phyllis, my arms became covered with goose bumps and tears came to my eyes. Thank you, thank you. When Cecil returns from SD (he left yesterday for a few weeks and then will return) he will want to read it, I'm sure. We miss him terribly already.

Those of us who are especially close to Cecil participated in Sweat Lodge Saturday evening to ask the Creator for Cecil's safe journey and to give thanks for his coming to us. It was a beautiful evening; the fire was especially bright and didn't seem to want to go out. The embers continued to glow well into the night.

Thank you again for the beautiful post.

You are welcome, Conni.

I would like to hear more about Cecil and his journey. He must be very loved.

I would love to tell you about Cecil. I just don't feel comfortable about telling someone else's story. Does that make sense? He is part of the generation of Native children that were taken to boarding school. He is considered a Holy Man and he is a Sundance facilitator. He makes all sizes of drums and he is teaching me to turn deer hides into rawhide which will be used to make drums. He is often asked to do healing circle, which he does but he does the healing in the traditional Lakota way. He very seldom deviates from tradition. He's very quiet and by observing his silence I find myself being more quiet and observing that which surrounds me......nature.

If I had more time (I'm working) I could probably think of more things to say.....I'll be back.

Of course that makes sense, Conni. Cecil has his own way to tell or not tell his story. I was just curious who he is. He sounds like a very interesting person. I often say, "it is good to be in silence or enter into silence, for that is when you can hear the voice of your soul". A person such as Cecil usually spends a lot of time in silence. Thank you for sharing about this very special person.

An Apache Prayer for those who need some encouragement and hope:

Mountain Spirit, leader of the Mountain Spirits, your body is holy.
By means of it, make him well again.
Make his body like your own.
Make him strong again.

He wants to get up with all of his body.
For that reason, he is performing this ceremony,
Do that which he has asked of you.

Long ago, it seems you restored someone's legs and eyes for them.
This has been said.
In the same way, make him free again from disease.
That is why I am speaking to you.

My name is Asin Ekwe, I am new to this forum. I don't have any stories, but I am learning more about my heritage. I'm glad to be here.

Welcome, Asin. Welcome. We're glad to have you. Tell us about what you're learning!

Asin, welcome to our forum - I am happy to meet you and I hope you come back often and share with us.

We would love to hear about your heritage and how you are doing with your research. The Campfire is open to all and Connidee has passed the "Talking Stick" on to you.

Welcome.