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Honor all veterans!

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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In 1962 I entered the military services. At that time, I put up my hand and swore that I would support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It was a proud moment in my life.   I did not see a lot of action while on active duty. I was stationed on a Destroyer, The USS Warrington, DD 843, out of Newport, Rhode Island and our patrol duties included the Cuban Crisis and intermittent duty off the shores of Vietnam. The Navy saw to it that I was trained to handle what would come at me in service. The real battle began the day I was released back to civilian life. No one prepared me for that. The p rotests against the Vietnam conflict were happening all over the country. R ace riots were going on in major cities across the country and only blocks from where I lived in Buffalo NY. Veterans were being harassed on college campuses and in the workplace. I came home in 1967 to a different United States of America than the one I h...
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Remembering my good friend, Doug's travels

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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It is believed in the indigenous culture that guides me! When one passes in this world, they begin a four-day journey to travel on into the next realm of their being. That person walks during the night and rests during the daytime. The night is daytime in Spirit world. Friends and family will light a fire to last for the four days of the persons walk. It is to help Guide and support the person as they travel.   Recently a friend of mine began his walk into Spirit world. He did not follow traditional ways yet was very Spiritual. In his time, he was a Episcopal Priest and a Jun-gist disciple.    In my way a four-day fire is kept to help guide one who has begun their walk. I chose to do that for him. The second night of the fire something interesting happened. Most people probably would not have noticed. At 1:30am I set two logs down to burn low and long so I could take a nap. Then I set my alarm for 4:00am, figuring I would resupply the fire with more wood then....
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Zoon gide’iwin (bravery)

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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Zoon gide’iwin (bravery).  Bravery to do things even in the most difficult times. Be ready to defend what you believe and what is right. Always stand up for the people. One of the Seven Gifts of the Seven Grandfathers according to the stories of the Anishinaabe people. Wisdom, Respect, Honesty, Humility, Love, Bravery, Truth ~Mukwa~ Totem Animal ~ [bear] Bear stands as a guardian of family and community, moving with quiet strength and unwavering purpose. He carries the medicines of healing and teaches us to protect what is right, to nurture what is fragile, and to defend the well‑being of the people. In his presence, we learn courage rooted in compassion, and responsibility grounded in love. WALKING SPIRIT IN A NATIVE WAY by James B Beard Buy this at stores her e! Please share this article
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Think! Help prepare for seven generations to come. Help heal seven generations that have passed.

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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    As we witness the degradation of values in our country  we forfeit the richness in heritage   that make our country great  and  deny those that are indigenous their basic rights of existence !! Walking Spirit in a Native Way James Beard is a speaker on topics such as traditional living and natural spirit teachings. His topics address many concerns to do with wellness and balance in...
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Wisdom of the Wind Interview with James B Beard, author of Walking Spirit in a Native Way by Hannah Thomas

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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An interview with Story Teller James B. Beard. Author of "Walking Sirit in a Native Way ~ White Mocs on the Red Road" Truly unique and insightful! Through the voice of James, also known as Noodin, the author shares his transformative thirty year spiritual journey under the guidance of an elder from the Ojibwe Nation.   Hear his story in his own words  James Beard aka Noodin                Cultural Storyteller, Educator, Speaker,                Author ...
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Water, Water, Water! It is Sacred!

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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When I was a boy, about five years old, I told my sister, Tinker, I wanted to learn to swim. We were at a beach, at Godfrey's Pond. It was a local swimming pond near our home in LeRoy New York. Tinker was laying on a blanket on the beach reading a book at the time. Dad and Mom were getting a picnic lunch ready. My brother was up the beach at a deep-water end of the pond with his friends. Tinker didn't say anything and got up. She waived to me to follow her and said, "Come on!" We waded into the water until I was up to my neck. I stood there waiting for her to tell me what to do. Tinker didn't say anything. She simply put her hand on my head and pushed me down under the water and held me down. I struggled but she would not let loose. Finally, I went down deeper and out from under her reach. When I came up a few feet away, I started to cry and yelled at her. "Why did you do that!" . She simply turned and started walking back to the beach. As she walked awa...
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To be one with self is the goal ! by James B Beard, author

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
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  To be one with self is the goal ! There are no new beginnings!   When we know, then we understand that we know little. When we move, we are only traveling in the next of a series of circles that some call the natural order. To be where we are is only because we have come to that place from another place. The present is the reality that we seek though we often look in every place but the present. To be one with self is the goal and the reward is to be at one with all that is. Noodin   James Beard aka Noodin                Cultural Storyteller, Educator, Speaker,                Author WALKING SPIRIT IN A NATIVE WAY         Available in stores and online! Walking Spirit in a Native Way shares t...
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