A few years ago, I had a dream.

By James B. Beard aka Noodin

THE DREAM

A few years ago, I had a dream. 

I lived in a place that was at the foot of a great mountain and was part of a public domain. My work in that place was to tell stories and care for the people who would come to visit. The warden of that place gave me an area to develop programs. In that area I had several picnic tables and a fire pit. It was a beautiful spot in an open field looking up unto the mountain. 

I would greet guests who came to hike or camp and invite them to the fire to hear stories at that place. In time I asked the warden if it would be all right to invite some of my friends to come weekly to have a circle. The warden thought that would be fine, so we started having small gatherings. Eventually I asked if I could put in a lodge for ceremony and I explained to the warden what a sweat lodge is and how it would be a help to show people what Native people use for a healing lodge. I further indicated to the warden the lodge would only be used by those that attend the weekly circle and not by the public. For the public it would simply be an additional teaching tool. To my surprise and delight the warden said it would be fine to build the lodge and use it that way. 

It was then that I had the dream!

For many years I was taught by a wonderful and beautiful people. They possessed so many wondrous teachings on how to live a good and balanced life. I listened to them and, in time, was instructed to share what they have shared.

In the dream I would make a place for the people!



A place for Native Elders to come in the East – to hold ceremony and invite people to come to meet them and hear their words. A place to stay as they travel through the New England area.

To offer story telling programs to anyone that would like to attend.

To have circle for those interested in sharing and coming to know Native teachings.

To have sweat lodges for people that wish to find healing.

To offer a fire for those that wish to honor creator and offer their prayers.

To provide a place of solitude for those wishing to meditate or just gather their thoughts.

To offer programs to make various things that are useful such as moccasins, drums, flutes, shakers, leather pouches etc.

Today, I am living that dream!

  

I know who inspired the dream!

It was my teacher, Elder, Niigon we wi dang, first to speak, first thunder, Larry Matrious. All the years that he came here to the East to hold circles and lodges. His hope was that what he would leave would pave the way for others to come.




WALKING SPIRIT IN A NATIVE WAY by James B Beard

Buy this at stores here!



Please share this article

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Walking Spirit in a Native Way ~ White Mocs on the Red Road

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
Image
Walking Spirit in a Native Way Walking Spirit in a Native Way: White  Mocs  on the Red Road by James B. Beard is a profound and moving exploration of spirituality, identity, and transformation. It is more than a personal story—it is a reflection on what it means to live in harmony with nature, spirit, and oneself. Through his journey, Beard, known by his Native name Noodin, invites readers into a world shaped by the teachings of the Ojibwe people and guided by the wisdom of his mentor, Misho, an elder whose insight and patience illuminate every page.   JITHU | INFLUENCER             Available for purchase here! James Beard aka Noodin                Cultural Storyteller, Educator, Speaker,                Author      James B. Beard, Author of:      Walking Spirit in a Native Way
Read more

Honoring the Spirit of the Fire ~ Honoring the Spirit of Native American Traditions

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
Image
  Honoring the Spirit of the Fire Honoring the Spirit of Native American Traditions By: Cheryl Roth ~ http://nhfaithfusion.com/2015/10/native-american/ Earlier this week I was invited to a Native American fire circle. I really didn’t know what to expect but I said yes right away. As a matter of fact I didn’t even completely read the description my friend sent me, I trusted her, and the first four words sounded good to me: “  To honor all life , all Veterans and warriors, all people, and all those who are traveling to the next realm. Sit by the fire and share in the stories told by the Native American Elders and by the storytellers. Come and hear stories told to share the values that sustain a culture.” Hidden Beauty and Virtue As I drove through the countryside just west of Manchester toward my friends house I marveled at the life that is hidden in these woods. Sometimes I feel like living in New Hampshire is like being part of some secre...
Read more

This book written by my uncle James beard is a must read!!

By James B. Beard aka Noodin
Image
  I really don't like to promote my book I think people will see the title and want to read the message that it carries. I know it doesn't work that way but I wish it did. I was checking the comments on some of the adds I post and came upon a re-post by my niece, Neemin. What she posted melted my heart. It reminded me of the closeness of family, even by adoption. It brought back so many memories of Neemin growing up in Sault Ste. Marie.  Here is what she said: "This book written by my uncle James beard is a must read!!... James is a life long friend of my grandpa Larry Matrious and my dad Brian Matrious... so most of the teachings you will read about in this book come from my family... James not only is a life long friend of my family but he has earned the trust of my misho and my dad to share these teachings.. James became our uncle brother and son to my family years ago...  it makes me so proud to have my grandpa's teachings an my father's together in this book.....
Read more