Walking Spirit in a Native Way

Sometimes we forget that gifting is a daily practice!  The Art of Gifting! Some think we learned it from Native Americans ~ then again ~ maybe it is the American way. Native American gifting is a practice that goes back through the very thread of the culture. It is the cohesiveness of the people. When a gathering happens it is an accepted practice that the host will put out a blanket in the center of the gathering, called a giveaway, miigiwe, and put various items on the blanket. Each guest from eldest to the youngest will in turn go to the blanket and take one item of their liking. This will continue until there is nothing left on the blanket. Sometimes the blanket itself will also go as a part of the gifts offered. Some people have been known to give everything they have because they feel so honored by the people who visit them. Ongoing gifting is a normal part of this practice. It is a custom to gift anyone that comes to visit. Often the host will gift something of significance, to

When wolf steps in!   Though I have been attending Native American ceremonies for a few years, there were still many native people who would basically be cordial, but distant.  Especially the women of the tribe.  An Anglo stands out in this population and the people have become leery  of visitors to their sacred ceremonies.   This particular ceremony was in the fourth day and it was nearing midnight. The ceremonies were ongoing and started early in the morning for that day. It now was almost midnight. I was standing near the doorway of the teaching lodge listening to the teachings being given in the form of oral stories of the people. An art and a way that is timeless in passing of the knowledge of the people. To my surprise, a young woman in her early twenties walked up to me as I stood near the lodge doorway listening to the teachings being given inside.  “ Excuse me ”, she said, “I want to ask if you could help me.  I need a ride back to my motel. ”  She looked down at her son, who

           L ook, Listen, Feel, Sense Did that just happen? Spirit is always with us! You already know this. I do not know a whole lot and certainly do not hold pretense that I understand the presence of Spirit. I am only a man walking a journey in this realm. I do know this. There are moments when Spirit chooses to appear to us, and for me, they are not happenstance. I believe that Spirit will show a sign or act as a guide in a time when there is need. Our task becomes the challenge to understand the message. Many years ago when I was still a young father in my late twenties, I had such a visit. I should say my second oldest daughter had a visit. It was around midnight, and everything was silent through the house. My oldest daughter was ten and sleeping soundly in her room. I awoke and went to the bathroom. Our bedroom had a bathroom connected to the master bedroom and knowing my way I did not use a light. As I re-entered the master bedroom the whole room was filled with light. Not li