Cultures

All cultures of mankind have insights and traditions from which we can receive inspiration and learn more about how to heal ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. None better than the other.. just different. Each direction of man - red yellow black white - has wisdom and knowledge that can help us to connect with Creation and Creator in a way that will bring us balance and peace... what some refer to as 'The Good Mind'.

There is no more one red (American Indian) culture, than there is one white culture. We cannot say 'all white people think this way .. or believe that way'. We cannot say 'all Asians believe and live their lives according to this tradition or that one'. It simply isn't true. Probably never was true..... even when we were more isolated in our cultural traditions and beliefs. But it is especially not true today. Look at us here... for instance... on this web site.. the people who are accessing this page .. reading these words right now. We are truly a 'global community'.

Yet... even as a 'global community' ... even in the year 2001 we continue to segregate ourselves according to earth suits, religion, cultural traditions, man - woman, or class in society. Why are we still doing this? Does this way of thinking help our children and grandchildren? Are we giving them the skills and knowledge they will need to become strong spiritual warriors in the quest for peace... or ... are we handing down to the new generation the anger, guilt, and shame that created the separation and judgement we have in today's 'global community'.

 

At no time in the history of mankind has change been so prevalent.... so intrusive.. so life altering. In our Ancestors time... one might go for generations without having technology or the advancements in communication and travel impact their lives with such immediate consequences. Just think of the changes in the last 50 years.. and how the widespread use of technology has changed your daily life and your view of the world and it's possibilities. It is said "if a man sees life the same at 50 as he did at 20... he has wasted 30 years". Tomorrow's Children will not be living in the world as we know it.

If we begin our prayers with 'Our Father'... or we end them with "AHO.. All my Relatives"... let's think about what that means. Let's begin to actively live the words that we pray. As Children of Creator. Brothers and Sisters of the One Higher Power. We have the ability only to change ourselves. But by changing ourselves.. we change the world.. the 'global community'.

The INDIO Trail Board Members are a good example of this diversity. Among them are 'practitioners of mainstream religious beliefs' ... followers of 'the good red road' ... and a couple of 'spiritual followers of Creator'. Our rituals and ceremony are different. Our 'teachings' may be presented in different ways. But we stand together as brothers and sisters to pray. We are a close circle of friends who support one another with love. We understand that the rituals and tools that we use as individuals to communicate with Spirit.. with God... are just that... tools that we humans need. God does not need our religions or our tools.

I have found inspiration and wisdom in many ways and from many cultures. I use the 'red way' because it works for me. The ceremonies and the teachings of the Native American People enabled me to have a 'real' relationship with God. And I am able to better stay connected with Creator.. and grow spiritually when I use the rituals and teachings that have been given to me ... thru Spirit .. from the Elders I have been blessed to have as my mentors on this Journey. This way speaks to my heart in the best way for me to understand. It is not the right way.. the wrong way.... or the only way... it is simply the way for me.

So if you have sacred teachings that guide your life and help you to feel close to Creator and to grow spiritually .... treasure those teachings.. those ways. Honor your culture... your beliefs... your traditions ...with your ceremonies and with the way you live your life each day. If you are a Traditional Lakota.. be a good one. If you are Jewish or Christian... be a good one. If you are a good man who is trying to find his connection... taking care of your elder neighbor... volunteering with the boy scouts or just being a good father to your children... wonderful! ...be a good man. We are all at different places on this Journey. Using different teachings ... seeing the world with eyes that have different viewpoints ...and different life experiences but we are one.. the human tribe. And we are all responsible to build a 'better global community' ... because what we build today is the future for all the generations to come.