Sitting with the fire.

Original Fireside Chat 

 For as long as man has gathered nothing has surpassed the calmness of sitting by the fire and sharing thoughts with one another. Our ancestors from every place on earth have done this since time immortal. The fire itself seems to offer peace and tranquility as it reaches out to warm us and connect us with a sense of oneness. 

At our home we have a fire almost weekly and anytime that someone requests to sit by the fire. We have an outside fire to sit out in the open day or night. There is a fire inside a lodge for shelter during the winter months or when it rains. We invite anyone who desires to join us by the fire. 

When we gather, we sit in a circle around the fire. We all are equal in the creation. Native people use the circle to teach that we are all equal and should be right size with one another. A feather will be passed around. Each person will have the opportunity to speak when handed the feather. You can say whatever you feel called to say and no one may speak other than the one holding the feather. When you have finished saying what you have to share then you pass the feather to the next person. 

Each person speaks in turn as the feather travels around the circle. The people share their hardships and concerns and gratitude’s. All of the people in the circle respect the feather and no one speaks out of turn. One can feel the sense of healing in the circle. Tensions disappear and a feeling of oneness and relaxation begins to change time and space into a continuum transcending beyond our daily lives. 

James Beard aka Noodin

              Cultural Storyteller, Educator, Speaker, 

              Author

       

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Walking Spirit in a Native Way shares timeless teachings from Native Elders that remain as meaningful today as ever. For over thirty years, Jim has learned from Ojibwa/Chippewa Elders, presenting their wisdom to schools, communities, and Native tribes across North America. Respected for his knowledge and dedication, he walks the red road to honor and carry forward the original teachings of all people. 

   

James B. Beard, Author of:     Walking Spirit in a Native Way