Being Native American

Being Native American is not just what or who I am, it is how I am.  I live my beliefs each and every day.

When I get up I take time to step outside and thank Creator for another day, and When I go  to sleep I take time to thank him for helping me be  the best person I can be.

I am Traditional, and that means there are ceremonies that I do each day, and ones that I am called to do.  Each morning I take my abalone shell and sacred herbs outside and sit on my picnic table and for lack of a better term take a spiritual bath to prepare for the day.  I ask creator to give me the strength to do what I must, the kindness to do it gently, and the love to do it in the right way.

There is a tradition in my home that should someone come over I give the best of everything I have to them.  There is always food and drink aplenty.  Laughter and tears is the mainstay of my kitchen, and the table is always set. I turn no one away hungry, cold, or without basic needs.

I have a sacred place in my home (no not the play room silly boy) where I keep all my sacred things.  Each year I bring them out and hold a feast of thanks giving for them.  There are also certain times of the year when I hold sacred gatherings.

Each solstice I hold a gathering for the people in my life to thank them for being there and to learn from my elders.   The summer Solstice is a time of renewing friendships, celebrating the coming crops, and enjoying each other’s company.  From time to time there are Marriages that occur and those time are very wonderful.

The winter Solstice is a time of reflection and inner contemplation.  It is a time to look at myself and where I have come through the year, and where I want to go.  It is a time when I look at where I am on the Great Wheel of Life and where I will need to go next.  Yes, I said need not want.  Often times my wants are not what I need, just like you.

I hold all things sacred and all life sacred. I have traditions I follow when I must take a life, nope don’t swat flies or other bugs, just ask them to leave.  I never take more than what I need and anything extra is always given away to those who do need it.  I look after my elders and the young ones, and will protect them with my life.

I accept all belief systems; I treasure friends and family, and walk softly on Mother Earth. I follow a very specific code of ethics in all that I do.   For me it is not a matter of treating others how I want to be treated; instead, it is treat them better than I want to be treated.

I do my best to always offer the best of all that I am and have each and every day.  I take time each day to find something to do for others, and search out ways to bring a simple smile to someone’s face.

So, I  am always open to questions about my way of life ( yes that is what it is to me), however I guard certain aspects of it  carefully and well If I told you I would have to stake  you out in the sun, cover your body with honey, and turn a bunch of fire ants loose on you.  LMAO!