Eilis
07-14-2001, 02:27 PM
Hi there :bowl
I have been thinking about posting this for awhile as it is such a large part of my beliefs, but just havent. I went to a Pow Wow today (part of my heritage is Sioux and Piegan Indian) and spent some time talking to various people about eds in American Indians. Yada Yada. But for me it was a really spiritually enlightening day for other reasons.
As mentioned in another post on Pagans and Wicca, there are many variations and influences, American Indian is one. For me thats been a big one, since its been handed down in my family on my mother's side. In talking to people today, I sensed a great sadness from many of the tribal elders in that they felt in todays day and age they were losing so much of their heritage through tribal youth. And indeed, this IS one factor in the rise of eds and other self esteem issues in American and Alaskan Indians. So I told her, I have sort of put together my own beliefs from what has made sense to me and given me peace. Some of that is from my Indian heritage, some from my Irish heritage (my dad's side) And so we got into some long discussions about the difference between teaching and preaching. And I truly fely I made a difference in expressing how the communication changes could better the reception etc. No matter what nationality, race or creed, there is rebellion against authority for the pure sake of rebelling against authority. And I also went on to say maybe stories of your childhood and how your spirituality helped you, and stories of tribal ceremonies centuries ago would help peek some interest. But ultimately, the choice is up to the individual. I also THANKED everyone, because I feel re-energized in this particular area now. Biught some books to brush up on a few things and made some new friends :bounce :bounce Added some more dream catchers to the home decor (sheesh I am stockpiling those) and biught this MAGNIFICANT horse statue for a whopping thirteen bucks! No taxes either! :sarcasm
Sooooo, the point of this post - where there r several. First we never know everything, and its very important to go back and brush the dust off old ideals and what-have-you. Second, I feel in todays day and age, we often view the preservation of heritage as either prejudicial or excluding others. I dont believe that. Its is as important as getting along. KNowing who we are, where we came from, and what makes everyone special and unique is very important. And last, letting go. We might not like it that our children go in a different direction, but we need to try and be happy for their individuality and independance. Afterall, that makes them special :cute
:love
Dory
I have been thinking about posting this for awhile as it is such a large part of my beliefs, but just havent. I went to a Pow Wow today (part of my heritage is Sioux and Piegan Indian) and spent some time talking to various people about eds in American Indians. Yada Yada. But for me it was a really spiritually enlightening day for other reasons.
As mentioned in another post on Pagans and Wicca, there are many variations and influences, American Indian is one. For me thats been a big one, since its been handed down in my family on my mother's side. In talking to people today, I sensed a great sadness from many of the tribal elders in that they felt in todays day and age they were losing so much of their heritage through tribal youth. And indeed, this IS one factor in the rise of eds and other self esteem issues in American and Alaskan Indians. So I told her, I have sort of put together my own beliefs from what has made sense to me and given me peace. Some of that is from my Indian heritage, some from my Irish heritage (my dad's side) And so we got into some long discussions about the difference between teaching and preaching. And I truly fely I made a difference in expressing how the communication changes could better the reception etc. No matter what nationality, race or creed, there is rebellion against authority for the pure sake of rebelling against authority. And I also went on to say maybe stories of your childhood and how your spirituality helped you, and stories of tribal ceremonies centuries ago would help peek some interest. But ultimately, the choice is up to the individual. I also THANKED everyone, because I feel re-energized in this particular area now. Biught some books to brush up on a few things and made some new friends :bounce :bounce Added some more dream catchers to the home decor (sheesh I am stockpiling those) and biught this MAGNIFICANT horse statue for a whopping thirteen bucks! No taxes either! :sarcasm
Sooooo, the point of this post - where there r several. First we never know everything, and its very important to go back and brush the dust off old ideals and what-have-you. Second, I feel in todays day and age, we often view the preservation of heritage as either prejudicial or excluding others. I dont believe that. Its is as important as getting along. KNowing who we are, where we came from, and what makes everyone special and unique is very important. And last, letting go. We might not like it that our children go in a different direction, but we need to try and be happy for their individuality and independance. Afterall, that makes them special :cute
:love
Dory