Dear O

I have been away and just read your latest comment.

You wrote: "How can anything change if those people who are experiencing a heightened state of consciousness aren't willing to jump into the trenches from time to time in order to assist in the process of raising awareness?"

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly! That's why I write this blog, "Mother Earth Heals", as a way to raise awareness about the environment, and express my belief that the planet is not just a rock rotating on its axis and revolving around the sun, but is a living, breathing conscious BEing who loves us and allows us to live on Her surface, and who, in our ignorance and greed, we continue to trammel and disrespect; and yet, despite all of the problems, She remains a place of great beauty if only we are willing to open our eyes and SEE it.

Regarding the link in your post: I know it was your intention for me to see that one particular post, but I got curious and wanted to read the whole forum to see what led up to it, and boy, did I get an eyeful.

Also, I'm NOT Native American and feel it is not within the scope of my knowing to comment on problems within Native American communities regarding spirituality/religion. I have only a peripheral knowledge of the difficulties you point out and so I chose not to comment on the link you posted, except to generically say that there are problems inherent in all cultures/religions/beliefs/practices, as well as positives.

...Interesting that you thought I was Native American...actually, no, as I wrote I'm a white woman, and was raised in a nonreligious Jewish household, for which I am very grateful as I don't have to "undo" rigid dogmatic religious training. In my mind, some of the many problems we have in the world today stem from strict adherence to religious orthodoxy and exclusionism, no matter what the religion, or in what community it occurs--Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, the many many indigenous communities, etc etc etc. That's why I'm not of any one particular faith nor do I practice any one form of spirituality but draw from a broad range of many different practices and beliefs, taking what I feel benefits me and discarding the rest--as I wrote in this blog, I'm a "spiritual hummingbird".

There are many things about Native American spirituality that I admire, as I admire many other indigenous tribal ways around the world. I have not entirely abandoned the spirituality of the Jewish people, either, but incorporate it along with my other beliefs, including a New Energy perspective on Jesus the Christ.

I am also very aware that as a white woman I have to be respectful of those within the Native American community who do not wish to share their spiritual knowledge with those who are not Native. Being of the dominate culture in America, I am aware of the great many injustices that our country has perpetuated against the Native peoples, not only in this country but around the world.

However, I have found a group of predominantly Native people that welcome non-Natives, and that is Manataka.
http://www.manataka.org/


History of Manataka American Indian Council:

http://www.manataka.org/page491.html


Manataka's credo is: "The Manataka American Indian Council, Inc. is open to American Indians, descendents of American Indians, and persons of all races who may come on religious pilgrimage to this place known for thousands of years as Ma-na-ta-ka (Place of Peace)."

"I am one with Manataka, all Creation and the Creator. I am learning to walk the good red road and the seven steps of our sacred Fire Circle. As a member, I keep the creed, oath and code of conduct of Manataka sacred and inviolate. I have strong faith in Creator, the Great Mystery and All-Mighty God. I love and respect all things. I am truthful, honest and fair. I am a teacher of sacred wisdom and beauty. Material possessions are not mine for avarice and gluttony are without honor. I tread lightly on our Mother Earth and hold no dominion over her plants, creatures and elements. I am a giving and caring person who respects all races, religions and people without judgment. I am a rainbow warrior and I come to spread our love, light, peace and joy amongst all our relations."
http://www.manataka.org/page182.html


I have posted several blogs regarding Manataka's philosophy on my Spirit Speaks blog, primarily regarding the Rainbow Warriors, or people of the "Five-fingered" tribe, meaning all of us, no matter our color, ethnicity, or country of origin. This is a form of Native American spirituality that comes closest to my heart, and maybe why you thought I was Native American:
"Rainbow Warriors":
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=977079


I take that as a high compliment, by the way!!

Peace and Blessings, O!

And thank you for the beautiful meditation video!

--Liora