ACT
Training Inc.
ACT
Training Inc.
During my 13 years of working and playing in Native communities and organizations in a multitude of projects, it became obvious there is a need to alleviate the suffering that plague some Native People. Please read my free shareware book for many of the Spiritual/Psychological answers that you seek. See Thought and wise Medicine men for a pure and simple answer.
ACT
Training Inc.101-5557 14B Ave., Delta, B.C. Canada V4M 2G7 Tel: (604) 943-8720 E-mail: der_12345@yahoo.com
Helping Native People Recapture
their Spiritual and Psychological Identity
ACT combines personal insight and understanding
to its seminars, self-esteem training's, counseling and community/social
development services. The company has vast experience in a wide
variety of projects in Native communities, organizations and individual
members.
The President has been tutored by Native and Non-Native
spiritual and psychological leaders, has been a sweat lodge leader
in a Native community, a hand drummer, a pipe carrier, and a writer
of Native book based on his experiences with many
different bands and organizations of the Lillooet, Coast Salish,
Lakota, Sto-lo, Secwepemc, and Ojibwe People.
ACT's 'Sacred Nature of Thought' Model will
change your community. Experience the Principles of this teaching
-- the understanding of the Principles empowers all listeners.
The Understanding of Thought is the Missing Link to understanding
life and will provide the cure and
prevention that you have always
dreamed of for your Native community, family and friends.
Evaluation Form of "Self-Esteem for Youth" Training in Native Community
ACT
First Nation Projects How could the teachers have been better?
more control, tell more jokes, we couldn't of had better teachers, no need to be better, try to explain yourself more, were perfect for this class, had perfect attitude for this class, let us finish our play and do more jokes,
What were the major good feature(s) of the teacher(s)?
got along with us, able to relate to us and our thoughts, your patience, good teachers, nice, good attitudes, understanding, easy going
PERSONAL LIFE: believe in myself more, speak my own thoughts, make me believe in myself more, to be more friendly, deal with bad thoughts to make it better,
SCHOOL: make a lot more friends, enjoyed it more, got better grades, look at it from a better point of view, starting to work
OTHER: learned more about how to deal with my feelings, we learned alot from everybody, just helped
Self-Esteem is the inner self and thoughts, a good feeling from your heart, happiness in yourself, when you are happy and have good thoughts and feelings, is feeling good about yourself and thinking positive and all of that, good feelings and good thoughts, our thoughts and feelings (happy or sad) and learning to deal with that.
Coordinator, Head Instructor for the Business Internship Diploma Program for King George International College, Training of Office Manager for Computerworks Inc. which included human development, computer and office training (under a grant from BC Works (lady was on Income Assistance and from Cambodia)), "Self-Esteem, Morale and Helping the Residents" for the Seniors Kinsmen Centre, Training of management and secretaries in relationships for BC Tel.. "Understanding Multi-Cultural Issues within the Corporate Environment" for TDBC (Training and Development Council of BC), "A Common Sense Approach to Stress and Conflict" for the Vancouver Community College, "The Relationship between Human Learning and Technology" for Specific clients.
Teaching of 24 unemployed Executives in computer applications, sponsored by CEIC, Teaching of unemployed youth, women, and men at Faila, Bonner & Associates school. Training of women at Success College, plus Special Education Coordinator for Special Projects,. Training of unemployed women at Burnaby College, Training of schizophrenic clients for Richmond Mental Health, teaching students for Vancouver Continuing Education, Training for the Sto-lo Nation at Coqualeetza College.
Training of President, middle management,
staff in computers, Internet, accounting for Bella Coola Fisheries
Ltd.; Training of management in Project Management for Vancouver
Shipyards Ltd., Bayshore Hotel; computer and accounting training
for staff and President of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; CEIC
project based grants for numerous companies in office management,
computer and accounting based applications. including Georgia
Straight, Gray Beverages, Pelton Reforestation, Atlas Paint Inc.,
Hadassah Bazaar, Majewski Shaler & Co., Northwest Reinforcing,
Soft Energy Inc. to name a few.
ACT
| "Alita's Journey to Truth" | |||||
This book is distributed as SHAREWARE.
Please click here and we will mail you a
complete copy of this book, for FREE.
This Book has been used as a teaching vehicle for:
Alita's journey begins as a child in a small West
Coast Native reservation. Her first lessons, from Grandma, on
self esteem and vision serve her well into her journey into adulthood.
She continues to learn from other Elders in her quest to help
her People and their suffering. The story fully describes three
different sweats, and her learning experiences. She also learns
about the power of Thought from the Native and non-Native
worlds, is mentored by a Doctor in Psychology and becomes a counselor
for the People in a small village in the mountains of British
Columbia, Canada. In the last chapter, Alita experience in the
sweat includes her own vision with the Creator. An insight follows
which answers the following question: "Why
do I appear to be powerless to stop my insecure fantasies and
negative urges?" and "the connection between
Psychology and Spirituality".
Free Book
The author created this book via an interesting medium.
The Elders described in this book are 'real to life' Indian Elders,
primarily from various Native communities in British Columbia,
Canada. Many of the words, conversations and wisdom of this book
are directly from this source. However, the author makes no attempt
to suggest that all the words are actually quotes, or that he
did not add value to Alita's conversations. All experiences in
the sacred ceremonies are first hand experiences.
This book combines the wisdom of many Native Spiritual
leaders with the Truth of the Non-Native world, as seen through
the author's eyes. "Alita's spiritual path was to be that
of a modern Indian, mixing the Old Ways and the New Ways".
The end result is Alita's Journey into the Spiritual/Psychological
World of Truth.
Free Book
Words
of Appreciation from Readers on the Book
I have read your book twice now and each time I have received thoughts as well as feelings of pure love and sincerity flowing from your words. This BOOK has opened my mind and heart to many aspects of the spiritual path I have chosen to follow. Your words my friend, throughout this whole book are beautiful truths that will touch and inspire anyone who reads them. I find your book to be a cherishable manuscript of truth. And I don't believe any of it to be offensive, in any way, to any culture. I pray that this book reaches the masses unchanged as I have been truly honored to receive its messages. Also, I allowed one of my Native students the opportunity to read your book . He as well is truly grateful and has added his words to this letter to show his appreciation.
In two months, I will be back into the mainstream of life.
Is there any way I can purchase a copy of your book? I got so
much from Alita's first and second Sweats. Especially the lesson
in humbling. This (Humbling) has been my hardest lesson to get
to stick. Alita's lessons were so simple, yet….so strong.
This book served as the most appropriate tool to boost my spirits when I needed it the most.
I feel I've grown about 100 feet since I completed reading
it and I look forward to implementing ALL of the concepts, messages
and ideologies that they represent. Thank you very much for your
thoughtfulness and wonderful words of wisdom. It was sincerely
appreciated.
Our class and clients truly benefited from your book, but,
without a doubt, they loved the "From a Chicken to an
Eagle" story the most. The room was electric after reading
that story.
3 readers from Mailing the Book from Internet Advertising
Thank you for sending me a copy of "Alita's Journey to
Truth". While reading it images of my son's 20th birthday
came to me. I sat down and wrote to him from my heart about spirituality
and the courage to speak and live the truth. Klak-o.
I work for the Yakama Nation Branch of Forestry. When I ordered
the book I figured it would have an inspiring story to share.
I'm glad I sent for it. I am also a Native American and can relate
to the storytelling.
I enjoyed reading the book. I passed it on to one of my co-workers
and will continually pass it on to others. Thank You!
Hi Harry: Thanks for the great experience. Myself, family and
friends have all benefited from your teachings.
Excerpt 1 - "Introduction - From a Chicken to an Eagle"
Excerpt 2 - "Chapter 1 - Alita's First Grandma"
Excerpt 3 - "Chapter 2 - The Power of Alcohol"
Excerpt 4 - "Chapter 4 - Vision"
Excerpt 5 - "Chapter 6 - Sharing"
Excerpt 6 - "Chapter
7 - The Sacred Nature of Thought"
"From
a Chicken to an Eagle"
One day an Elder, who was passing by, inquired of
a farmer why it was that an eagle, the king of all birds, should
be confined to live in the barnyard with the chickens.
'Since I have given it chicken feed and trained
it to be a chicken, it has never learned to fly,' replied
the owner. 'It behaves as chickens behave, so it is no longer
an eagle'.
'Still', insisted the
elder, 'it has the heart of an eagle and can surely be taught
to fly'.
After talking it over, the two men agreed to find
out whether this was possible. Gently the Elder took the eagle
in his arms and said, 'You belong to the sky and not to the
earth. Stretch forth your wings and fly'.
The eagle, however, was confused. He did not know
who he was. Seeing the chickens eating their food, he jumped down
to be with them again.
Undismayed, the Elder took the eagle on the following
day up on the roof of the house and urged him again saying, 'You
are an eagle. Stretch forth your wings and fly'. But the eagle
was afraid of his unknown self and world and jumped down once
more for the chicken food.
On the third day the Elder rose early and took the
eagle out of the barnyard to a high mountain. There he urged the
king of the birds high above him and encouraged him again saying,
'You are an eagle. You belong to the sky as well as the earth.
Stretch forth your wings now and fly'.
The eagle looked back towards the barnyard and up
to the sky. Still he did not fly. Then the Elder lifted him straight
towards the sun and it happened that the eagle began to tremble;
slowly he stretched his wings. At last, with a triumphant cry,
he soared into the heavens.
It may be that the eagle still remembers the chickens
with nostalgia; it may even be that he occasionally revisits the
barnyard. But as far as anyone knows, he has never returned to
lead the life of a chicken. He was an eagle though he has been
kept and tamed as a chicken.
Just like the eagle, people who have learned to think
of themselves as something they aren't can re-decide in favor
of what they really are.
This is our story -- a story about accepting something
about ourselves that is not true and living as if it were true.
We think we are chickens because that is the chicken philosophy
of life. In truth, we are eagles, with the potential to soar,
to be free to experience our real essence: love, joy, peace, and
freedom.
'I know now you must always kneel down to a child
that is small, so they can feel comfortable and protected. If
you do not take time to listen, they may not understand what you
are saying, and sometimes they do not even know what you are doing.
Alita's Story
Grandmother gave Alita a big hug. "I get so much from your visits Alita. I love you to visit me." Alita's eyes sparkled 'I get so much when I visit you too. Giving is receiving and that makes it like a circle, doesn't' it, Grandma?' "That's right Alita, it is like a circle".
A sad feeling came into Grandma. She
closed her eyes and shook her head gently from side to side and
said 'so much suffering, so much suffering.'
Grandma seemed in another world, her heart was feeling the evil
of the alcohol to her community. Her feeling of what she was seeing,
deeply, deeply affected Alita. Alita somehow felt wiser by sharing
this feeling. Grandma was not poisoned by what she was
feeling, she was simply sharing what she understood spiritually.
And she was feeling SO MUCH AND SO DEEPLY, it touched Alita's
heart. Alita knew then that booze is crazywater, the water that
weakens your spirit.
Free Book
Uncle Eddy's wife, Laura
who was originally from Mount Currie, came into the room and smiled
charmingly to Alita and intervened. 'Your
Uncle Eddy is right, a vision is not easy to explain. My grandson,
when he was 19, his job was working out in the bush. At some point,
he heard some PowWow drumming and singing, and he did not know
exactly what it was. He had never been to a PowWow. He did not
know if it was for real. He felt kind of scared, at first thinking
there was something to be afraid of out there, so he revved up
his powersaw, hoping the noise of his powersaw would chase away
the Indian spirits' singing and drumming . He kept on working,
and waiting for his work partners to return and when they did,
he asked them, "Do you hear that?". They answered, "Hear
what?". He repeated and said the PowWow drumming. They said
"No" and looked at him as if he was a bit crazy. He
did not know what to think, because if no one heard it, what could
it mean. He just kept on, and it was a good hour before it stopped.
He was confused, yet the drumming and singing had come to him
almost like a dream.
'When he came to our house, he was still confused,
with many thoughts in his mind. He explained what had occurred
to him and asked what it all meant. I replied reassuringly, "if
anything happens again, whatever the vision is, ask what it wants
of you. Be quiet within yourself, listen and ask."
Laura continued talking to Alita. 'To me, a vision
increases faith in the Spiritual world, and increases our Spiritual
Identity of being Native. The Native I am talking about is not
only cultural, it includes the spiritual feeling of being one
with Nature, or one with the energy of all things - where the
individual and all of life are whole. To me, this vision was telling
my grandson not to forget that he is ½ Native from me, and
that it is a powerful force within him. This vision was telling
him whom his ancestors are and the Power of the Old Ways. It is
all about harmony, Alita -- in balance with all the forces of
life, as taught by our Medicine Wheel or when you go hunting in
Nature with a wise Elder'.
Free Book
Alita decided, nostalgically,
to walk back to the sweatlodge. Alphonse was sitting beside his
fire, having camped close by. She sat down beside him. He mentioned
'How his God and the Whiteman's God
are the same, that it must be a cultural difference that allowed
us to experience the same God in different fashions'.
Alita truly appreciated this comment, as it deepened her respect
for this Elder. She said to herself, "I agree that Native
Spirituality is not a threat to anyone's concept of Spirituality.
Many humans prosper from different forms of the same Truth".
Free Book
A delicious and abundant supper was
then served in front of a fire. Alita went to her tent, picked
up The Missing Link, Reflections on
Philosophy and Spirit by Sydney Banks,
and walked over to Red Elk, asking him to read one of the quotes
from the book. A major strength of Native life is an open attitude
to accepting other people's approach to spirituality; thus Red
Elk graciously read:
Red Elk reflected for a few moments on this statement.
Then he read the next passage:
Red Elk tilted his head slightly and asked Alita
about this last passage. Alita said she had found these words
to be true. For the next 45 minutes, Red Elk read random passages
aloud from the book. The power of peace and reflection penetrated
the listeners. Red Elk noted 'spiritual topics, such as these
are not often found in one book'.
Link to Sydney Banks HomePage -
Introduction
Comments From Readers on the Book
From a Chicken to an Eagle
A Poem
Tribute of Thanks
Chapter 1 Alita's First Grandmother
Chapter 2 Grandma Ta'7A's Dream about The Power of Alcohol
Chapter 3 The Ancient Ways of Discipline
Chapter 4 Vision
Chapter 5 Alita's First Sweat
Chapter 6 Sharing
Chapter 7 The Sacred Nature of Thought and Its Relationship to Native Spirituality
Chapter 8 A Native Psychological Retreat
Chapter 9 Thought and Walking Into the Silence -- A Healing Retreat
Chapter 10 Alita's Apprenticeship as A Counselor
Chapter 11 The World of Violence
Chapter 12 Alita's Vision of Truth
This book is distributed as SHAREWARE. Please fill out the order form and we will mail you a complete copy of this book, for FREE.
| After reading this book, if you appreciate or enjoy this shareware book, please mail a cheque or money order to ACT Training Inc. for $10. |
Other Seminars Self-Esteem and the Job Search
The Power of a SECURE
MIND
Would you like to know the answer to the following questions:
ACT's 'Sacred Nature of Thought" Model will
change your community. Experience the Principles of this teaching
-- the understanding of the Principles empowers all listeners.
The Understanding of Thought is the Missing Link to understanding
life and will provide the cure and
prevention that you have always
dreamed of for your Native community, family and friends.
OTHER SEMINARS:
Dear Harry:
My beliefs in Native American cultures are very strong and
I, too, have had questions concerning the aspects of the path
that I have chosen. My questions concern the spiritual empowerment
and wisdom as it relates to helping and guiding others. At times,
I feel psychologically unable to help myself, but I have discovered
the key to suffering lies within the rituals and ceremonies, I
use to eliminate suffering. The Sweat Ceremony, for instance,
is a place for purification and well as a means for the People
to spiritually release their suffering. In this ceremony, I pray
diligently for the answer to that suffering, and with that, I
feel a deep sense of gratitude as well as humility. This is a
good thing in the ceremony.
However, I have suffered so much for my People in ceremony.
I experience thoughts that I must continue to experience this
suffering in my everyday life. This suffering, from the past,
has caused a tremendous amount of pain within myself. I believe
suffering IN CEREMONY is a loving, compassionate way to connect
spiritually with people. I come in contact with each day. It also
is a powerful means for discovering my true self. However, SUFFERING
should remain within the ceremony and not taken into every day
life. I, as a human being, was not meant to live in a constant
state of suffering for myself or others. Doing so, leaves our
mind with no time for the discovery of happiness and joy.
I now believe suffering is a tool to guide others to a deeper
understanding of the source of their joy and happiness. If this
concept is presented for discussion among the Natives, I believe
you'll find that these beautiful insightful people may have gotten
trapped into believing literally, as I did, that the gift of suffering
is a constant state; which it is not.
I've learned that within particular religious and spiritual
cultures, that I have had an opportunity to study, an aspect of
suffering is taught as lessons as well as growth in spirituality.
My studies have led me to believe that within this precious gift
of suffering for others, if taken in the literal sense, has caused
a dramatic misunderstanding for many of the People. It could possibly
be the profound reason for much of the self-inflicted suffering
many take part in. i.e. substance abuse, alcohol abuse, suicide
and even poverty. The correct use of this gift is to feel another's
pain in humility and compassion, not to commiserate with their
sadness and become sad yourself.
Harry, this understanding after reflection has given me a deeper
sense of calm in my prayers. For over two years I have been studying
the principles of Health Realization and presently continue to
teach them to others. In closing allow me to express my appreciation
and compassion for the work you continue to do and I look forward
to hearing from you. soon.
Sincerely,
Larry Petersen
Harry was deeply touched by the letter, and after reflecting for awhile wrote the following letter.
Dear Larry:
Sydney Banks has always said, "if my work or writing can alleviate the suffering of one person, then it is worth it". Your vision of suffering opened my heart to see my fellow man in a different light. For me, my involvement and teaching with Natives most often involved a disappointment, a suffering. This means there is something I do not understand. Let me try and describe this: "I believe I have always taught life from my viewpoint, not the sufferer's. I teach Thought as it relates to self-esteem, joy, confidence, pride and enthusiasm. So everything, I relate to is geared to these positive feelings. In other words, I feel good, and I teach others to feel good. I always "got lost", when the Native client or fellow being got lost in their suffering. I became uncomfortable because I could not feel compassionately."
Inevitably, Larry, the same process happened. Natives love the
feeling of "feeling good" and initially would lean towards
the breathe of fresh air and common sense that was taught to them.
Humor and light, gentle feelings produced a positivity and happiness
in their hearts. For example, when I was instrumental in bringing
the first sweat lodge to a Native community last August, and evolving
into the sweat lodge guide, the sweat prospered, feelings grew,
more community members came with their suffering and I was happy.
However, when anger and male suffering was brought into the sweat,
I reacted typically. Then, the Native lady whom was instrumental
to the success of the sweat, started to go into "bad ways".
She thought she was always right, and started to see badly. And
the weekly sweats stopped after 4 months. Naturally, this confused
and left all with an empty and hopeless feeling.
What is obvious from your letter is the teaching does not come from us, it comes from a feeling of compassion, and that this compassion is an alive, spiritual connection between two or more people. I always thought suffering was "bad", but the way you describe it opens us up to the full circle of life.
Harry wrote a few other comments of affection, and mailed it to
the Nevada prison.
I received a letter back in about a week.
Dear Harry:
I recently received your letter. As I read you words, I must tell
you my moment was truly filled with gratitude for both your friendship
and kind words. As well, I am truly grateful for all the Health
Realization knowledge I have received. For the knowledge of the
three principles of Mind, Consciousness and Thought has enabled
me to open myself up to be used by the Mind, to begin creating
a life of compassion. This has enabled me to connect with you
in a compassionate way. I was truly filled with tears of joy and
gratitude unlike anything I've ever felt. So Harry, I thank you
for your touching and powerful response.
Like you, my dream is to build a lodge. To teach the three principles,
then give to all who wish to experience the sweat, so that all
people may gain their individual understanding of their own cultures.
By use of the one ritual of purification. I do not know when I
will be released from prison, I have given that to the Mind. But
I do however know that I am psychologically ready to be used by
the Mind as a guide and I truly feel that the path of Health Realization/POM
and the sweat is my means of contributing to humanity.
I think the work that you and your friends are doing is truly
a blessing and as my appreciation, I have prepared for you a sacred
pipe that I will mail to you very soon.
Once again my friend, I thank you and look forward to hearing
from you soon.
Love Larry.
Several days later, a box arrived in the mail with many stamps
on it. Harry opened it, and it contained several items including
two separate pieces of the sacred pipe. The pipe was much more
beautiful and unusual than he expected. The long stem was carved
with imprints the color of leather of 4 circles, a cow head with
two horns and a turtle. Each end was wrapped in leather, with
the end closest to the bowl having leather strings dropping down.
The front end was oval shaped with an opening to draw the smoke,
and the opening passed through the middle of the pipe to the end
of the stem.. This stem screwed onto the actual bowl of the pipe
which was wrapped in white soft cotton cloth. The bowl was a magnificent
heavy pipestone buffalo, painted buffalo red brown, in which in
the middle of the top of the head of the buffalo, a round circular
bowl was carved which connected to a hollow opening throughout
its body. This piece, as mentioned before, hooked onto the stem
of the pipe. A truly unique and unusual sacred pipe and Harry
was greatly honored, as he smelled the buffalo and kissed it tenderly.
Inside the bowl was some sweetgrass and the pipe smelled of being
smoked. This deep musky smell brought the pipe alive for Harry.
Inside the .cotton wrapping was also some more sweetgrass, for
about 5 smokings. The package also included an eagle feathers
specially designed with beads and a small feathers attached. Finally,
a stuffed spider was included. Larry's gift was so thoughtful
and brought a bond between the two of them.
Harry now wondered what he should do to inaugurate the pipe, and
decided after some deliberation to visit the sweat lodge and smoke
the pipe by himself, without the rocks being heated. He had not
been in the sweat for several months. He walked over to the sweat
lodge and wondered what would it feel like to smoke. On opening
the door of the sweat, he liked the feeling immediately, feeling
the power of the spirits swirling around . He brought in the pipe,
closed the door as the lodge became dark. He immediately felt
drowsy, but continued to flow with the energy. He brought the
pipe to his mouth and lit the bowl, which was filled with sweetgrass.
The smoke was soothing to the taste and he inhaled and then blew
out the smoke from his mouth. As he drew the smoke in, he suddenly
visualized his spiritual being lighting up, in the same
manner as the bowl lit up. The small opening of the bowl was glowing
and this image personified his feeling about the Spirit. His soul
was activated and symbolized by the lit bowl and he felt connected
to it. He became drowsy again, and lay down as a sense of calm
permeated his being. He just rolled with the silence and his sleepiness.
He lit the pipe again and took a nice smoke. He loved the feel
of the buffalo. The ceremony was comfortable and he continued
with this process for about ½ hour. When the pipe was empty,
and he had meditated for a little while, he decided to leave by
opening the door.
He returned home and as he sat down in his apartment, he felt very serene and calm. There was no doubt that the pipe had a beautiful effect on his. slowing his mind down and letting the spirituality of himself be felt. He knew the pipe would bring many adventures for him and he decided to be patient. He put the pipe back in its special spot wondering when he would next be able to use this sacred pipe. And he wrote to Larry thanking him.
Dear Harry:
Just received you letter and book. So grateful to hear from you.
I'll start with the fact that I was recently transferred to a
new prison. I guess I better tell you why I was transferred. I
didn't get into trouble. The prison I was in is being closed.
This place is brand new. It will eventually house 10,000 men.
At this point , however, they only shipped 100 of us over as workers
to prepare for the influx. The only thing I lost here is my mentor
and a lot of the freedom I had at the other place. But it's OK.
I believe this is where Grandfather wants me.
For the next couple of weeks, I'll be putting together a new Health
Realization class, based on the principles of Mind, Consciousness
and Thought. Without my mentor, Mr. LeBaron, I must admit I am
quite scared. I've never taught a class without him. However,
over the past few years, he has given me some very valuable knowledge
and with that knowledge and the guidance of Mind, I believe with
myself as a vessel there will be some truly inspiring and profound
change and growth take place within this place.
I have often envisioned myself being part of changing prison's
from houses of pain into houses of healing. Now the Mind has given
me the opportunity by placing me back in a maximum structured
facility. Some eight years ago, I was in this environment and
I struggled each day. Now with my new perspective of wisdom on
life, I believe this will be a truly gratifying experience.
I am truly grateful you accepted the pipe into your heart and
life. And yes, Harry, the pipe will truly guide you into some
very profound experiences providing you remain open. I have found
in here that at times remaining open becomes very difficult, because
an awakened pipe's purpose is to guide us to the suffering so
that we may bring about peace in their lives and there is a lot
of suffering in prison. Out there I imagine there is as well.
So use this sacred tool as your guide and with your already profound
wisdom you will surely be able to alleviate much suffering. As
far as the spider, it was given to me as a trade for some beadwork
I did for a friend. And because the spider is part of my inner
self that came to me in a vision and its power is to heal, I kept
it with the pipe as kind of a symbol of medicine. As well I found
it to be quite a humorous conversation piece while conducting
ceremony. I'll tell you sometime how I truly found a connection
with a spider. It's quite a humorous story.
As far as the Sydney Banks tape you mentioned, I am truly honored.
However, I can't receive tapes in the mail. If you already mailed
it, the prison will return it. If not, hang on to it please and
I'll try and get prior approval through the chapel, because for
the class I'll be starting, I'll really need tapes and other material.
As far as e-mail, I can't have access to any computer wit ha modem.
Before I close Harry, I'd like to touch on one last thing you
mentioned in your letter about the suffering of so many natives
with spiritual insight, because you are right. Something needs
to be done to heal all people that suffer emotionally. This is
something I have thought about endlessly and I've not yet found
the exact answer to help. Yet I believe the reason the simplicity
of Mind and Thought escape so many profoundly spiritual people
is the fear of responsibility, for every aspect of my life , every
thought , every action. Now, I am able to embrace this responsibility
for the freedom I see in it. However, at one point in my life
I seen it much easier to blame the world for my pain. It was truly
difficult for me to see from inside myself. I believe if people
are show the freedom, they will truly embrace the three principles.
I'll close for now . Please tell me your thoughts and thank you
for your kind loving words and friendship.
May your Path be Blessed with Love and Compassion
Larry Petersen
October 15, 2000
To Larry:
Thanks for writing. It is always great to hear from you. Life
is going fine, with its usual lessons. Next week, I am going to
teach a group of 6 Natives in an employment program here in Vancouver
at United Native Nations.
I love teaching to this type of group because it is the same as
the group you are teaching. Everyone has beautiful feelings, mixed
in with insecure thoughts and personal sufferings. If they get
a glimmer of Truth, their life and their mind will become secure.
I am sure they will gain hope, and a touch of sanity. You are
right in what you say about the outside. The Natives in this program
are suffering, even though they are free. Of course, I want to
touch their spiritual essence and their Wisdom and then they will
become the teacher to this human being.
I do have the tape from Syd Banks for you. You should make an
effort to clear the route so I can mail it to you. Syd's Truth
is obviously profound, and he talks about the circle, will, Mother
Earth and how it connects to the three principles. I know you
will grow from listening to this tape. I love how he mentioned
that when our minds become wrapped up in negative thoughts, we
become less of a human being and as our minds experience positive
thoughts, we become more and more of a human being.
Your idea about why the People whom are so spiritually wise, do
not embrace the Truth, I feel the answer lies in the fact that
one must Hear - many sort of sound like they hear, but
if you Hear, you accept responsibility governed by your own understanding.
In your case, you are lucky, in my case, I am lucky - just the
luck of the draw. Sometimes, I wonder why I do not take more responsibility,
but then I am not as tested as you are. If you can experience
happiness in your life, no matter what the circumstances are,
obviously your understanding speaks for itself.
I love the way you express your feelings, and Please do continue
to write. Without a doubt, I treasure your letters. Your Pal.Harry
October, 00
Dear Harry:
I received your letter. I must say that each time I read the words
that flow from deep within you, I am truly filled with gratitude
and thanks to Grandfather for bringing your friendship into my
life. Each time, I read your letters I am truly touched and inspired.
So thank you so much.
Now I must tell you about my last months in this new place and
profoundly new experience. I would first like to share with you
a lesson I have had. My last letter to you I described the fear
I was having about being this new place and not knowing how I
was going to handle my new responsibilities. I figured I was in
a temporary low mood and it would pass. However it progressed
for about three days. My quality of thinking became very low.
Finally I sat alone in my cell and took my dilemma to the Creator.
Once I finished my prayer, my mind opened so clearly, I saw my
responsibility to life and to my thoughts for which I must Obey
if I am to truly find the Truth that lies within me. So as my
mind cleared, I loudly heard and felt thoughts telling me to pick
up a pen and paper and write. As I did, the following seemed to
flow from my mind, just naturally as a river flows through the
earth.
Once I finished writing these words, I sat and reflected on my
feelings for a moment, then read back my thoughts that were on
paper. I must say I was stumped. I had no idea what this writing
meant. So I prayed for deeper understanding and then went about
my day, enjoying the feelings I'd been left with.
Later that afternoon , I received a true blessing ; my Indian
Brothers approached me and requested that I come back to assist
them in building a new lodge. You this surprised me because about
3 years ago, I stepped away from these Brothers and began only
teaching the full bloods. Now Grandfather has brought these Brothers
seeking my guidance. For this, I gratefully and humbly accepted.
"I now understand that all things happen in Grandfather time,
that I nor anyone else, can control our path or the lessons that
come to us on that path. All we can do is listen and obey, if
we hear. In order to hear, we must truly open ourselves to the
unknown. Once we do this we will naturally become responsible.
I was looking at responsibility as something we create
or control. Now after your message, I see being responsible is
simple -- being open to what we see and hear. It is like love,
compassion, gratitude and humility. We do not create these feelings.
They flow through us as we open up to them. THANK YOU."
Back to the lodge, I have agreed to assist my Brothers in setting
up a lodge. Now I must humbly ask for your assistance in this.
I am working with approximately 16 different cultures, all in
one lodge. I'll teach only Lakota culture, yet out of respect
for each culture I like to teach a Brother about the spirits that
his culture follows, using feathers and herbs of all cultures
and areas. This is my dilemma. I mailed out all my regalia, both
my pipes as gifts as I should have. Now, however, I am seeking
assistance for our lodge. The assistance I need are feathers-owl,
hawk, Eagle, for gifts as well as teaching tools, herbs, sage,
sweetgrass, cedar and a pipestone so that I may carve another
pipe for these Brothers. I humbly ask of you that you communicate
to the medicine people in your area, that I may receive these
sacred items through the mail. I ask this in all my humility for
I have nothing to offer but my gratitude and sincerity. For the
sacredness of the People, if this package is meant to be, I have
already received approval. As well I included the tape you mentioned.
You may mail it all together to: Father Dave, High Desert State
Prison. Inside the package on top add a note with my name: Larry,
Indian Lodge Pipe Holder.
My sincerest thank,
Your Friend and Brother
Larry
Hello again Harry
I thought I'd continue writing to let you know I have read your
book twice now and each time I have received thoughts as well
as feelings of pure love and sincerity flowing from your words.
This BOOK has opened my mind and heart to many aspects of the
spiritual path I have chosen to follow. Your words my friend,
throughout this whole book are beautiful truths that will touch
and inspire anyone who reads them. I find your book to be a cherishable
manuscript of truth. And I don't believe any of it to be offensive,
in any way, to any culture. I pray that this book reaches the
masses unchanged as I have been truly honored to receive its messages.
Also, I allowed one of my Native students the opportunity to read
your book . He as well is truly grateful and has added his words
to this letter to show his appreciation. I'll close for now .
I, as well truly look forward to each of your letters for you
have given me many blessful insights to ponder and grow with.
I look forward tot he day we share these insights in a sweat.
PS. Please find the gift ( a necklace) I have added with this
letter as a symbol of my appreciation for I have nothing more
to offer besides that which is true from my heart.
Your Friend and Brother,
Larry
Thank you Harry.
Two days later, Harry wrote this letter, and in a box, mailed
what is described in the letter.
Hi Larry:
Great to get your letter, and to hear all your love and energy.
Your letters always revive a Indian feeling in myself, and it
leads to contact and good things with people in Tsawwassen First
Nations.
I'm mailing you a start for the sweat and gifts. I went to the
Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and purchased a rope of sweetgrass,
some feathers, beads, and I cut some cedar. Also, I have boxfull
of Blue Mountain Sage, which is from the Lillooet area of BC,
so I shared a bunch with you -- it is very special smelling sage,
comes from the area where Alphonse and Johnny live and comes out
once a year (I picked a bunch last summer when I was up there
for a sweat). I am going to a stone quarry where they sell stones
and rocks, and hopefully they will know what pipestone is - I
have never seen a pipe out here made out of pipestone, (Harry
purchased some soapstone at the quarry, and he hoped it would
be appropriate). Also, I'll try to get you some real eagle feathers,
either in this batch or quite soon. I am not sure what you mean
by herbs, but I'll share my tobacco with you, and I am trying
to contact Johnny, the Indian doctor to mail you some herbs. Please
do not hesitate to ask me for whatever you need, as I feel it
is a honor to share with my Brother.
Enclosed as well is the Sydney Bank tape called Spiritual Wisdom,
and Syd's book, and a picture of myself. I thought of making a
tape but I did not want to cause trouble.
The pipe that you sent to me has brought good luck and a revived
Spiritual feeling. When I received your beautiful sacred pipe,
I went to the reserve to show an Indian friend, and he was not
in a good way, being drunk and full of lust. He was not in the
mood for a sweat, or the pipe. Then I took the pipe into the sweat
lodge and spend a hour in it smoking the pipe. I wanted to get
a feel for it and wondered what I would teach. I lit it and smoked
that heavenly sweetgrass (by the way, the sweetgrass rope is probably
different than in your area), the bowl lit up and I experienced
a heavenly feeling whereby the lit up sweetgrass in the bowl symbolized
the spirit that burns inside myself - so there it was, my first
lesson - my contact with the pipe, the spirit and myself.
Later, I took the pipe to show a few other Natives, with the hope
of reviving the sweat. One mother sent me to see his son, Marvin,
a 25 year old Indian, whom I have known for quite a while. He
and his brother welcomed me with a smile, we smoked the pipe together,
and Marvin agreed to a sweat. It did not happen for a while, but
finally, last weekend we had our sweat with myself as the guide.
It was beautiful, the feelings and wisdom increased throughout
the four rounds. In two of the rounds, 2 and 3 we smoked the pipe
at the beginning of the round, and it brought a deeper feeling
of sacredness and being close to the spirit in this sacred ceremony.
The sweat was a great success.
We are going to have another one this Saturday, and yesterday,
as I was on the reserve talking to Marvin, I met Jimmy, the first
Indian who was not in a good way for the pipe, and he enthusiastically
wants to join the sweat. Marvin will bring his brother as well,
and the feelings are growing. You see, Larry, it was my dream
to have the sweat revived in this community, and now it is, and
that increased my faith and my enthusiasm for life.
This is what I want to share with you, my friend. Last year, we
built the sweat, and it started with tremendously positive energy.
It grew in power and in numbers, but then some of the members
got into their ego, felt they were important and that their opinions
were more important than the feeling in the sweat. And we could
say that I as the sweat lodge guide had something to learn. There
were different cultures, white and red, men and women, and when
the energy turned, it shut the sweat down.
This time, with Marvin, I was go happy to have a sweat with a
member of the community, and this gratitude was heartfelt by both
of us. I was in no hurry and I have no desire to convert the whole
community. I am peaceful with the way of the sweat and let the
Spirit guide. The most important aspect of the sweat is that the
feelings of love and compassion grow and grow, slowly or fastly,
and as long as the Spirit is rising, and the feelings among the
People of the sweat are strong, everyone will be a family. This,
in my opinion, is more important than trying to help people. This,
I believe, was my lesson - let the Spirit heal not only the others,
but bring the breathe of life into our own souls - this peace
of mind will bring peace to all who desire it.
I am continuing to write, and will mail you the next bunch of
chapters in my second book, which is a continuation of Harry's
journey. In it, is some of the stuff we have talked about and
you have written.
I loved what you had to say about my book, and your Indian student.
It means a lot to me to hear that the book helps and is appreciated.
I just received an e-mail from a person who represented Canada
in the Olympics and he said the same as you did, in his own words.
It is a lucky feeling to hear thankfulness and appreciation from
sincere people, and it means a great deal to me.
I feel our journeys have deeply enriched both our lives. It seems
like we are both in the same place, with the same need for a honest,
deep, sincere relationship - I believe it is our honesty as friends
which is paving the way for these deep feelings to be shared,
and I feel very honored to have you as a friend and a Brother.
Also, I see very clearly that you have one other aspect with is
kindling our relationship, and that is that you are growing. While
you were in a nice place when we first started to write, your
clarity and depth is deeper now. When the Spirit grows or awakens
in a person, it is so encouraging to be part of. I feel the same
for myself, the Spirit of life is sending me lessons that bring
that Quiet Feeling into deeper levels of consciousness. Just like
you, I had a small time when I became fearful, but then the quiet
feeling appeared and it was real, and then I said, "Ah
there you are, and that is what I can trust", and from
that feeling, all of life once again became secure and easy -
it is the true guide to Heaven here on Earth.
Good luck, and say hi to everyone in the Sweat - tell them that
my love goes with them and the Sweat is about Allowing your Thoughts
To Soar as High As the Eagle, turning Dreams into Reality.
All my love, Your Pal and Brother
Harry
Harry
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bob. I'm 45 years old. My Grandmother was a full blood Apache.
Harry, I don't know if you realize or not how powerful your messages are that Larry shares with me. Today, you brought such tears of rejoice to my eyes, and a fulfillment I never knew before. "THANK YOU!" Your letter and your love poured out from so many miles away, it was unbelievable and your book …..WOW!
In two months I will be back into the mainstream of life. Is there any way I can purchase a copy of your book. I got so much from Alitas's first and second seats, especially the lesson in humbing. This (humbling) has been my hardest less to get to stick. Alita's lessons were so simple, Yet…so strong.
But getting my ego out of the way of the spiritual path has been a struggle. Maybe its because I am trying to deal with it. If I turn it over to Grandfather and let it be what it is….a thought….let it be…. And pass. WOW, so simple.
Harry, please continue to pass along your words & wisdom throughout the People. They have a powerful effect on us little guys who are struggling to climb the mountain. We deeply appreciate EVERYTHING you have done for our lodge.
Grandfather has laid a very big responsibility at my feet. But he has also been sending me people that will help keep my path clear and strong. Again Harry, THANK YOU, for being YOU.
Your new friend and brother, Bob
While in Prison, it is rare that we get blessed with the presence of a pure soul in the form of an officer. This pure soul I speak of is a beautiful lady up in age that reminds me of the days I was around my Grandma. I can't help but to gaze upon this person with nothing but love and beauty in my heart. For being imprisoned , it is very difficult seeing an officer in a good light; yet this lady with authority yet grace is one officer I cannot pass without feeling all that she has to offer to the world for the nurturing nature only a grandmother possesses. She is still an officer but for the first time I feel deeply in my heart that I must overlook this for she must truly possess qualities of love, compassion and understanding deep within her heart in order to come to this prison and treat all with equal respect.
4/16 - VO I tell you sometimes I'm so happy I just want to cry, the feeling I get just from knowing, understanding that it's just my thoughts. That I can be happy or sad, it's all my choice.
4/17 - JH I woke up this morning being terrorized by my thoughts and memories. The destructive thoughts went on for some time; then I realized from my teachings that thoughts are just thoughts and not reality. I didn't replace or fight the negative thoughts with positive ones, but rather let them drift away.
10-07-01 - DH I am beginning to "feel" what health Realization
describes as far as using Mind to create life. No longer am I
allowing past problems to manipulate or dictate my present circumstances.
7-11-01- HDSP - PP I have learned I need not be controlled by
my thoughts. Before, I was consumed by the thoughts of the past,
my actions, what I said and what I have done. This caused me to
ride a plane that existed only in my mind! Not until I learned
to slow down, and face my thoughts and feelings, would I then
be able to deal with them. Things come much easier and I am aware
that life is not as complex as I made it. My mind and body are
free. I am no longer a prisoner to my past and have broker the
chains that bound me. Truly, I am free!
10-12-01- C I looked at the sky today and noticed nothing but a peaceful feeling. My mind was clear, it was so beautiful to see how much peace and joy there is in a clear and positive mind.
I'm glad for this class, it's like starting all over for the first time. My choices are better than they were, also my thinking is more clear. I like having someone from the class to share with and hear each other's perspectives. It's great to see how much better people can talk to each other.
I had an agrument with my celly and all I fould do was smile at him. Cuase I seen how stupid the whole thing was. The next day he apologized to me.
10-0-00 AD Today I experienced happiness by understanding that it's a state of mind, not a set of circumstances
10-25-01 JW This class has really changed my way of thinking.
I now understand that I am not responsible for correcting the
effects of the past. I have learned that I am in control of my
thoughts and that I don't have to act on them if I don't want
to. I can just let that thought flow through, along with millions
of other ones until I choose the right one to acvt on. This class
has taught me the principles; Mind, Thought and Consciousness.
Then taught me how to apply thme to everyday life
AM- I have to admit that theonly reason I took the class was to
get a certificate but now I have really changed my view on taking
this class. I feel like weight has been lifted off me. This is
a program that I believe everyone should be aware of because it
has really made me a happier person.
I used to hate myself as an angry person on the inside who just
thought that this was who I am. I now know I can change myself
on the inside. It's like there's rules I've been following my
whole life on how I'm supposed to react. But now I realize that
there are no rules in my thoughts and feelings. I am the king.
I feel grateful that I have been in this class.
DP This class for me has been fantastic. I've found it's changed
my life in ways I din't think possible. I can now recognize thought.
I know the difference between well-being and unhealthy being.
I can let thought flow in a natural and healthy way. I feel less
stress and balanced, like never before.
This is a new way of life for me. A healthy way of life. This
class covered everything for me, it's made me so relaxed and I
find since this class, my whole attitude has changed for the better.
RW - Now that I am more aware, I have been able to be much more
calm and understanding of behaviours around me. My thoughts feel
much more pure and flowing. I truly believe that once I get into
deeper levels of innate health that things in my life will come
easier and better.
JB - I'm still not perfect, butI'm better and now that I see I'm
free not to make decisions in low moods. I believe this will be
my last trip.
MJ - When I came in the class, I blame everyone around me for
being in prison. Now since I have been in the this class on the
3 Principles, I see that there is no one to blame but me. Now
today, I change my thinking in a better way. Today I can relax,
I don't have to have stress or anger in my life. Now I can be
a better person and help others. I can be a hppier person today
and I will make good choices today in my life.
JC I've gotten so much out of this class that I'm surprised how
much different life is, it's so much more fun and peaceful. It's
like I almost can talk to the world, plants, rocks, animals, water,
wind, everything around me is really alive.
RS - I think this is the only class I actually got anything out
of . I have told my family about this class and hope they find
a place on the streets where they can attend this class. I know
they need it.
JC - the three principles of Mind, Thought and Consciousness have
become the three most important things tot me. As I've come to
understand them, I have been able to let my pur natural way of
thinking to lead my life. Just opening my mind and listening to
what was being said brought me the quickest understanding and
change. I look at the world totally different than before. Have
you ever looked at a rock and it means something more than can
be explained? Well I do now and it's a great thing.
MD - The understanding of free flowing original healthy thinking, has given me a second chance and a new life. I have experienced personal change as a result of the course that is evidence of its effectiveness to me.
The factors that contribued most to my satisfaction are:
TD - The most fulfilling thing I got out of the class was my innate
ability to healthy psychological functions. If something occurs
and I don't like it, I know it's just my thinking. It has nothing
to do with people or external influences, it is all in me. The
problem was in my thinking and all that was memory-based thinking.
This isn't stuffI'm saying because it sounds good, I see it as
having a positive effect on my life.
Now that I'm a happier person, I'm safer from myself. I create
my own reality so life is wonderful and meaningful.
SLT - I have been here at HDSP for 117 days. Upon my arrival,
I did not know that I possessed so much inner strength. Never
did I ever know that there was so much about myself I did not
know the inner power. I am so grateful to have taken this class.
Being insightful, peaceful and creative are qualities that I value
in my life now.
CC - When I started this class, I had a lot of problems. The more
I tried to solve those problems, the bigger my so-called problems
became. My stress level began to increase. As I began to understand
the way my thoughts work and began to understand Mind, Thought
and Consciousness, my level of stress dropped almost to a point
where it doesn't exist anymore. I fell now that I am starting
to gain a deeper level of understanding of how my thoughts work
and as a result, the issues that seemed to cause me stress and
pain seem to solve themselves. Without this class, I don't know
where I would be today.
Author Unknown - My personal experience through the unique understanding
of the 3 Principles has given me a new set of eyes on how I look
at the world today. In the past, I would give up and allow drugs,
violence and self-torture to torment me beyond belief. But now,
with the renewing of my mind, I no longer need to run or hide,
now my thoughts control my actions, but I control my mind with
my understanding. The class also helped me to become much closer
to my creator. Thank you for showing me the way back to a good
healthy life.
Alcoholism is misunderstood by many in the world today. Although
taught by many psychologists and alcoholic programs, alcoholism
is not a disease.
Alcoholism is a thought that became a bad habit in your
life. As a free thinking human being, you simply
began to indulge in the thought, and it became a way of life.
The cause of the drinking was your thought, and later I will suggest
the solution is thought.
Almost everybody tries alcohol, and generally for a long period
of our life. We start drinking in our teens, and we associate
happy times, good parties, sex and relief of stress with the drinking.
We often like it better than our non-drinking state. This belief
can become addictive and a pattern of life. Drinkers state, "whenever
I feel down, I drink". It is their belief and thoughts
that convinces them. It is their free will that asks for the drink,
convinces them to drink and it is their free will that stops them
from drinking when they get sick, broke or fed up with the ugly
feelings.
Once addicted to a thought, interestingly, it does take the appearance of a disease. Your mental abilities spend most of its time coping with your guilt, your relapses, your failures to discipline your mind and finally your lower self esteem. This leads to continued eroding of your behavior. You become dysfunctional, because the Thought of drinking has a Great Power over you. Any thought that occupies your consciousness to such a high percentage will have this delusional effect.
Truth and Wisdom lies within everyone's soul and spirit. Mental
health lies within everyone's psyche or consciousness. It is our
natural state. When a baby is born, this mental health is evident.
We are born with it. Somewhere in our growing up stages, facilitated
by some of the teaching by our parents, teachers, friends, and
life, we start to develop beliefs about the physical and psychological
worlds -- and forget about our birthright i.e. what is Native
and inherent to our being.
Interestingly, if we do not indulge in negative thoughts, we become
happy and more spiritual. I am not suggesting mind discipline
i.e. you must not drink. I am not suggesting you will be punished,
if you do not stop drinking. What I am suggesting is you SIMPLY
DO NOT POSSESS ENOUGH UNDERSTANDING, or you would stop drinking.
That is why recovery centres work in the short term. Drinkers
stop drinking, which often brings them to a feeling of gratitude
and well being. However, without increased understanding, the
client usually walks back into their addiction.
One day I was watching the Drew Carey show with his brother as
a cross dresser (a man who dresses in woman's clothes, and something
which I have never done). Suddenly, I realized that I could be
a cross dresser, an alcoholic, or indulge in any sexual, terrorist
or murderous behaviors. Inside of every human being are all of
these -'floating thoughts' of each of the above - and yet
I have pretended all my life that this aspect of my human character
does not exist. Yet, not only do they exist, I can become any
of the above if I consciously or unconsciously chose to do so.
Humans choose to ACT or not act, using their THOUGHT process.
Unceremoniously, certain thought processes lead to addictive desires.
These desires create the delusion of overtaking the human free
will, and having a power of their own - thus, we have the definition
of addiction.
Clients and professionals like the disease analysis, because
this gives the power to something outside of themselves, beyond
what is within. But all solutions require the Spiritual
Power within, and giving power to a disease does the opposite,
especially when it is untrue. If we do not see what is Truth,
then we are using our intellect to try to solve a problem which
is beyond our intellect. Denial is not about seeing we are diseased,
but in denying the Truth that we are willing our life, and are
creating, both, our suffering and happiness via three Spiritual
Principles -- Mind, Thought and Consciousness.
Simply said, understanding must include how to psychologically
function on a healthy level. If Thought created a dependency on
alcohol, then that is the FIRST CAUSE of the alcoholism. We all
have a mind, and this personal mind can think whatever it wants.
This personal mind will often take us into lust, greed, addiction
and other bad habits. Ego is a funny thing -- we believe in it
until we realize the folly of our thoughts. The secret to a spiritual
insight is a Quiet Mind. Buddha talked about the state of No Thought.
Our personal thoughts or ego create a false state of identity
or self importance.
However, once our level of Consciousness rises, pure thought before the contamination of our own personal thinking is experienced.. Pure Thought is Spiritual, and our job is to let it float on through.
Your personal Thought activated the negative chain reaction of suffering. Your free will via your thinking created those dysfunctional behaviors. Nothing outside has ever created those things - not chemical imbalances, not rape or mental/physical abuse, not your parents or your teachers or residential schools. Residential schools were ugly and disgusting, yet carrying those thoughts into the present via your free will is often destructive.
Syd Banks wrote in "The Enlightened Gardener"
Disease philosophy is simply another way to persuade humans who suffer to "give up hope". This hopelessness or pessimism is the sickness which clouds over the core of the human being. Once a human becomes hopeful, optimism rises. This change of attitude almost always brings "good luck" and the possibility of a healing.
Forgiveness is the lubricant to the healing process. Does that
mean I think all bad or negative experiences in the past should
simply be ignored. I am not saying anything of the sort.
I am simply saying forgiveness allows the human being to move
forward into their Spiritual Identity, Health, and Wisdom, as
endorsed by traditional Native teachings. Angry feelings about
the past maintains an angry feeling in the Present. This is not
healthy thinking, and in my opinion in most cases, a very unwise
use of the mind. You must use your mind wisely. However, you are
certainly free to use it unwisely, but be aware, this unwise thought
process creates all they dysfunctional reactions and bad habits
in you. If you want to drink, indulge in guilty and angry thoughts.
If you want to stop drinking, indulge in happiness. This happiness
will guide you to your own Inner Wisdom.
Here is where the answer lies to your drinking, and here is where
you will find the peace, happiness and contentment every human
being so desperately searches for.
If we experience Wisdom, why do we slip into lower psychological
moods? First, it is inevitable. Every day, our state of mind moves
up and down. Secondly, we re-activate those lower mental spaces
with our thoughts. If we see that it is our thinking that is creating
the problem, we wake up at that instant. If we do not see that
it is our thinking, this noisy thought continues until we wake
up.
So my answer to you is Wake Up and stop pretending to yourself
that other people have the answer for you. Your life is yours.
If a therapist, counselor or psychologist suggest to you that
alcoholism is a sickness that will be with you for the rest of
your life, recognize that they are innocent and are teaching Old
Fashioned Psychology as taught to them by their professors. They
believe you are an alcoholic forever, but obviously this is untrue.
What matters is what you believe and what you experience.
I asked a lady who was hooked on cocaine how she stopped, when
she learned what I have just written. Her answer was profound,
"when I found a feeling that was better than the cocaine,
that's where I went".
Every aspect of life is created from Spirit, as symbolized by the outer circle or sacred wheel. Only the human mind fails to see this. As the wise medicine men taught in the past, at the centre of the sacred wheel is our free will to think whatever we wish. When we go in the wrong direction, we, as human beings, get out of harmony with the Great Spirit. This is where we have all those mental problems because we get out of touch with our Inner Self. An insecure and troubled mind is the result.
We have to find our way back to the centre of the wheel. Our thought and free will guides us through life. If you want a beautiful guide, you need to have beautiful thoughts. These beautiful thoughts guide your life in being a happy, content human being. We need to clear our thoughts of wrongful thinking, which brings you back into the NOW. This releases you from the negative past that is troubling your spirit.
Three Spiritual Principles take you back home. A quiet Mind is a secure Mind. The power of a secure Mind is an insightful understanding. Raising our level of Consciousness connects us to the feeling of the Power Within. However, the connection between Mind and Consciousness is Thought. Thought is the spark, the eyes of our consciousness, and the creative agent for Mind or Spirit. Without Thought, we could not point our minds in any direction that we might wish
Dealing with Unemployment
Humans who are unemployed generally experience low self-esteem.
Work has a lot to do with happiness. Is it possible to be happy,
secure and content when one is out of work? The answer is YES,
because our self-esteem is not a product of our outside circumstances.
Rather it is a product of what we think of our outside circumstances.
A quiet mind is in touch with our Wisdom. This spiritual feeling
is undeniable, and exudes confidence and pride, even while being
unemployed.
The Job Interview
Yes, it is important to understand what the interviewer is looking for, and yes, it is important to know what you are talking about, but the most important aspect of any interview is to BE YOURSELF.
Job Satisfaction
A troubled mind is often full of fear, gossip and stress. Being
in a state of service takes our mind off ourselves and our ego,
bringing us back in contact with our inner Wisdom. Contentment
and job satisfaction is the result. If we are not busy complaining
about our job, our fellow employees and the work we do, then our
minds are naturally free to be content and satisfied. This creates
a mind which is free to think in a productive and effective manner.
The result is we become successful at what we are doing, rather
than creating our own suffering via the wrongful thinking of our
minds.
Stress and Being Unemployed
There is no doubt that being unemployed can be stressful. This
stress lowers our spirit, and severely handicaps our ability to
obtain employment. No stress is good. All stress is bad. So what
causes stress? It's our thinking, and our thoughts. We cannot
possibly experience stress, if our thoughts are positive. A secure
thought creates a positive feeling. Vice-versa, an insecure thought
creates a stressful feeling. It is our choice, but the key is
not discipline or coping with our problems. The key
is increasing our understanding of 'The Sacred Nature of Thought".
Spiritual Thought leads us to paradise here on earth and if paradise
includes employment, then that understanding is where the answer
lies.
Native Spirituality suggests that every aspect of life is sacred,
including the spirit of the animals, rocks, sky, and humans. For
traditional Native Americans, there is no separation between the
sacred and the ordinary. Every act, every thought, every feeling
walks hand-in-hand with Spirit.
All religions including Native Spirituality, Christianity and
Buddhism point to this Oneness. Perhaps it is the cultural differences
and the path of the original enlightened being that has allowed
humans to experience the same God in different fashions. Native
Spirituality is not a threat to other religions. The Native ceremonies
and teachings are simply a different way of praying, meditating
and understanding what Creator or God intended for us. There is
pure Truth in Native Spirituality, just as there is pure Truth
in the words of Christ.
"Rather than going to church, I attend a sweat lodge; rather than accepting bread from the Holy Priest, I smoke a ceremonial pipe to come into Communion with the Great Spirit; and rather than kneeling with my hands placed together in prayer, I let sweetgrass be feathered over my entire being for spiritual cleansing and allow the smoke to carry my prayers into the heavens. I am a Mi'kmaq, and this is how we pray." 2
.
Not all Natives wish to experience their own culture, traditions
and ceremony. Many are more comfortable following a mainstream
religion or their own feelings. This is their religious right.
However, those who do wish to re-discover their Native Identity
or who are attracted to the beauty and positive feelings of Native
Spirituality must be allowed religious freedom in a free North
America.
Presently, Natives are the highest incarcerated population in
North American prisons, and unfortunately, prison sentences are
much longer in the United States than in Canada.
"Like many members of indigenous Tribes of North America
I grew up in a hostile world. From my small Nakona (Assiniboine
or Stoney) First Nation community about 60% of my cousins and
uncles were incarcerated in reformatories and later prison. One
summer day 35 years ago I remember having a conversation with
my relatives. The prisons that they had been in sounded like a
Johnny Cash song: Huntsville, Terre Haute, Leavenworth, Walla
Walla, McNeill Island, Folsom, San Quentin, Atlanta, Yuma, Deer
Lodge, Springfield and Sandstone." 3
With the arrival of the Europeans, the Native Way of Life and
its connection to the land, culture, ceremonies, language and
to the Creator dissolved. Tens of millions died due to sickness
and ill-advised government programs. The US and Canadian governments
instituted policies to force Natives onto reservations to encourage
them to become assimilated into the majority culture. Many would
say the Natives lost their self-esteem, because all that
he knew was forcibly removed from his life. Alcohol, residential
schools, greed and government dependence helped create a broken
society, which the establishment assumed would become assimilated
and integrated within their own culture and society.
Throughout the Boarding School and Termination Era's the Native
peoples were somehow able to hang onto what little culture they
still have, which is a shadow of what once was. It was the Spirit
within the People which allowed them to resurrect, and begin to
walk towards the 'Red Road' once again. The ceremonies and the
wisdom of the People simply went underground, until the government,
churches and society opened their minds and accepted the spiritual
and cultural needs of the People. Much was lost, but the spiritual
essence continued to beat, simply because Native Consciousness
includes Spirit. Many had experienced this through the teaching
and stories of their Elders and sacred ceremonies.
However, even with this spiritual understanding, the psychological
hardships and harsh circumstances have proved difficult. The results
were many Natives became dysfunctional and ended up in prison.
Traditional Native Spirituality has strengths and weaknesses,
and is only as wise as the Elder or teacher. Many of today's psychological
approaches and techniques practiced in prisons are archaic and
harmful. Some Christian chaplains are respected and appreciated
by inmates, others are prejudicial and despised. In the 1940's
and on, the Native population in prisons grew dis-proportionally
to the rest of the population. Canadian prisons have only recently
allowed Native sweat lodge ceremonies in every province; while
approximately ½ the states in the USA allow Native sweat
lodge ceremonies.
"A little over three and a half years ago, the Brothers of
Chillicothe Correctional Institution started a campaign to fight
for our Native rights. We are denied even the basic tenets of
our spirituality, and we are constantly being harassed during
our prayer circles and private meditations. We have filed numerous
grievances and Religious Accommodation Forms, to be able to possess
certain medicine tools, a designated area of the yard for prayer,
and to be recognized as a real religious group. During all of
this time period, we have been met with prejudice, ignorance,
and hate from the prison officials and Christian clergy."
4
"I spent many years with the Arizona Department of Corrections
as a spiritual advisor and I have learned many things that would
shock people as to the treatment towards inmates and the volunteers
or a contractor for religious purposes. I have never been attacked
or hurt bodily by any inmate while on the walk and I have met
the most beautiful people that I will ever meet. I am safer when
I go into the units and am alone with the inmates. This has been
proven a thousand times over as I have had some terrible things
happen to me from staff and clergy members. I have learned about
my own failings and my own ego, and I have been given the gift
of respect, love and prayers that has kept me going on this walk
until I pass on to Creator." 5
As the strength and political awareness of the Native People increases,
Native organizations, such as Native American Prison Support (NAPS),
are fighting to ensure the Spiritual rights of the People. There
is a growing awareness by the Native population and utilization
of the Internet on how to 'fight' this injustice. More and more
sweat lodges, sacred pipes, Elders and other forms of traditional
healing are becoming a part of the prison scenes. However, progress
is slow and there is still much ignorance and prejudice within
many prison systems and the Christian clergy.
There is no doubt that many Natives are suffering in prisons.
They often experience anger, prejudice and lack of forgiveness
for the injustices they see in life. Life in prison is not easy,
and anyone who experiences fear and insecurity on a daily level
is going to have a very difficult time, whether in or out of prison.
"I am the Bundle Keeper, and Pipe Carrier for the Native
American Spiritual and Cultural Council at the Indiana State Prison.
I have something for you to bear in mind. Statistics say that
something like 98% of those incarcerated are going to eventually
be back outside. Would you rather have them pretty much the same
as when they went in, except even angrier, or would you rather
they have used their time to learn about their traditions, ways,
and spirituality?"6
i) Are Prisoners less Spiritual?
Native and Non-Natives end up in prison for different reasons.
In some cases, prison is effective as there is time to reflect
and re-contact their Inner Self or Spirit. I implore the reader
not to make the mistaken assumption that inmates are less spiritual
than normal citizens. In fact, many inmates are more spiritual
than many of the teachers and counselors who go into prison to
help them. Everyone is spiritual and possesses unlimited potential.
ii) Why would One return to Crime when One believes every Thought
is Sacred?
'Every aspect of life is created from Spirit, as symbolized by
the outer circle or sacred wheel. Only the human mind fails to
see this. As the wise medicine men taught in the past, at the
centre of the sacred wheel is our free will to think whatever
we wish. When we go in the wrong direction, we, as human beings,
get out of harmony with the Great Spirit. This is where we have
all those mental problems because we get out of touch with our
Inner Self. An insecure and troubled mind is the result.' 7
This is a psychological fact of life. When a Native American indulges
in pessimistic thoughts, the results are often the repeat of bad
habits. The consequences of these bad habits often result in re-incarceration.
Another lesson in life is required.
'Our thought and free will guides us through life. If we want
a beautiful guide, we need to have beautiful thoughts. These beautiful
thoughts guide our life in being a happy, content human being.
We need to clear our thoughts of wrongful thinking, which brings
us back into the NOW. This releases everyone from the negative
past that is troubling their spirit.' 7
iii) Why practice Native Spirituality in prison and ignore Native Spirituality outside of prison?
Once again, all humans have the freedom to think whatever they
wish. In this case, many Natives, who possess a high degree of
spirituality, still become lost in their anger, doubt, self-pity
and stressful lives. Many become lost in Native and non-Native
politics. Others simply cannot make the transition from an institutional
life to one of freedom - those in the know would say there are
a lack of understanding and prison programs for the preparation
of an individual once they are paroled from prison.
In the final analysis, the deeper the connection to Creator, the
greater is the Wisdom and personal psychological freedom for the
individual. Wisdom and self-esteem walk together, much like fertile
soil and a blooming flower. In this example, a secure Mind is
the result.
This is the cornerstone of why Native Spirituality in Prisons
is necessary and fundamental to the healing process for those
who wish to seek answers in this direction.
Larry Petersen, a 33 year old Lakota Native American is presently
incarcerated at High State Desert Prison, a maximum security prison
in Nevada. He carries a sacred eagle pipe, conducts sweat lodges
on the prison grounds and teaches a Spiritual/Psychological class
for fellow prisoners.
His is a great story - he went into prison 14 years ago possessing
a strong spiritual understanding via his Native teachings, and
in prison, at Health Realization classes, he came to grasp the
basic principles of a healthy psychological life. He has now had
the privilege to teach these principles to 287 fellow prisoners
in a class in Prison, as well as guiding them in the ways of Native
Spirituality.
One the students, MJ - "When I came in the class, I blamed
everyone around me for being in prison. Now since I have been
in this class on the 3 Principles of Mind, Thought and Consciousness,
I see that there is no one to blame but me. Now today, I change
my thinking in a better way. Today I can relax, I don't have to
have stress or anger in my life. Now I can be a better person
and help others. I can be a happier person today and I will make
good choices today in my life." 8
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