All My Relations

As the last few days of the year are here; and, as you begin to consider New Year’s resolutions, I ask you to consider using words of gratitude to shift your life into the direction of your beautiful possibilities. 

In the list that follows, for the first four suggestions, you need never say words of gratitude aloud, if you do not want to. For it is true, when we have healthy, nurturing and supportive feelings; our thoughts are a powerful way of guiding the beautiful expression of our spirit into our everyday lifestyle.

1) Just before drifting off to sleep, let your mind focus on these words, ‘Creator, thank- you for the miracle of my life’.

2) As you awaken in the morning, simply say these words, ‘Creator, thank-you for the safe passage through the night.’

3) As you drink a glass of water or consume food, simply say these words, ‘I am grateful for your life-giving force.’

4) Whenever you encounter a hug or a smile, allow the words, ‘thank-you’ to form in your mind.

5) And finally, when someone pays you a compliment, say ‘thank-you’ aloud, and let the compliment resonate in your mind so that it nourishes your spirit. Let your self realize that someone bestowed a blessing to you in words and your words of gratitude is your blessing back to them.

Words of gratitude are powerful beyond measure and expressing thankfulness is like the uttering of a prayer; and, has the potential to completely alter your life. Fairly soon you will begin to notice your gratitude turns into prayers of love for others, as well as yourself. At first you may have just begin with acknowledging but a few of your blessings, be warned, focusing on thankfulness does increase overtime, to the point where you begin living in gratitude.

And yet, It is a matter of personal choice, either you take a few minutes each day to express gratitude; or not, regardless, your life will be impacted.

May the Good Grandmothers, Good Grandfathers of the Four Sacred Directions and Creator of All Good Things lead you towards acknowledgement of your blessings and aid you in the understanding that you, my dearest ones, are the most incredible blessing of all. For the gift of you in the world, I express my gratitude.

Kinana'skomitin!

All my Relations,
Emily Jane Henry, (ejh)
Kihci Têpakohp Iskotêw Iskwêw

Elder's Meditation of the Day December 27

Elder's Meditation of the Day December 27
"When temptation comes, I don't say, `Yes," and I don't say, `No.' I say, `Later,' I just keep walking the Red Road - down the middle. When you're in the middle, you don't go to either extreme. You allow both sides to exist."
--Dr. A. C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA
We need to practice controlling our focus. Whatever we focus on we become. We also become whatever we practice. We need to focus on balance. Whenever something comes along to tilt us off balance, we need to be grateful, because it allows the opportunity to practice our focus. Sometimes this is called temptation. Temptation in itself is not bad. What really counts is what we do with it when it happens. We need to practice controlling our focus and keeping our thinking focused on the Red Road.

Great Spirit, today, guide me through my temptations and allow me to focus on the Red Road.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” ~ Artist ~ Clark Kelley Price

Thunder Puppy Art

Elder's Meditation of the Day December 26

Elder's Meditation of the Day December 26
"The way of knowledge is like our old way of hunting. You begin with a mere trail - a footprint. If you follow that faithfully, it may lead you to a clearer train - a track - a road. Later on there will be many tracks, crossing and diverging one from the other. Then you must be careful, for success lies in the choice of the right road."
--Many Lightenings Eastman, SANTEE SIOUX
An entire apple tree is initially contained in the seed. Visions are initially contained in the idea. If you trace the path of a blooming flower backwards, it goes from the blooming flower back to a bud, back to a stem, back to a seed. So it is in the way of knowledge. Often we will experience a hunch or a feeling that we are supposed to do something. At first it may not make any sense. This is the seed stage. Once we start to investigate, more gets revealed. As more is revealed, the more knowledge we get. This is the way the Great Spirit guides us.

Great Spirit, help me to choose the right choices.

Fergus - On the 12th Day

Elder's Meditation of the Day December 25

Elder's Meditation of the Day December 25
"When you see a new trail, or a footprint that you do not know, follow it to the point of knowing."
--Grandmother of Charles Eastman, SANTEE SIOUX
We never gain new knowledge or new experience unless we are willing to take risks. It's good to be curious. Also, it pays to be cautious. Walk in balance. The path of the Warrior is filled with opportunities to seek new knowledge. As we travel down the Red Road, we will run into trails of opportunity. Down each of these trails are experiences from which we will learn. Experience plus action is the beginning of knowledge."

Great Spirit, help me to make good choices in choosing only the trails You would have me take.