Walking Spirit in a Native Way

M’naa den d’mowin (respect). Respect everyone, all humans and all things created. Regard each with esteem and consideration. Allow others to believe in their own reality. One of the Seven Gifts of the Seven Grandfathers according to the stories of the Anishinaabe people. Wisdom, Respect, Honesty, Humility, Love, Bravery, Truth ~ Mashkode bizhiki~ Totem Animal ~ [buffalo] Buffalo carries himself with a quiet authority, teaching respect through his actions rather than words. He reminds us that all life is deserving of honor — the Creator, the self, the people, and every being who shares this world. From Buffalo we learn that respect is not a single act, but a way of walking. WALKING SPIRIT IN A NATIVE WAY by James B Beard Buy this at stores her e! Please share this article

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...

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....

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

    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...

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 ...