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Word Gems
exploring self-realization, sacred personhood, and full humanity
'Cosmic Voices'
Benjamin Black Elk
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from https://www.cosmicvoices.network/blackelk
Benjamin Black Elk
(1899-1973)
Son of Lakota Sioux shaman Nicholas Black Elk (1863 – 1950)
via Regina Ochoa, August 8, 2020
I was a man. Not a great man, not a humble man, just a man. I lived my life with many of the trials and pains of others who walked among us. I brandished weapons of hate and honor.
It is difficult for me to stand before you and see the misfortunes brought down upon so many. My Nation, Lakota Sioux, have had their share of sorrow. But now their lives are burdened even more heavily. They see their families and friends devoured not only through substance abuse but also their loss of direction. For not only do we each need purpose, but also direction that shows us the way...
Today our descendants have no way, no direction. No compass to journey within to find their warrior, their healer, their spirit animal or totem. They cannot find their self. They cannot find purpose without direction.
Worldwide, great leaders of the many indigenous Nations continue to help the many who have lost their way. But with our continued crises the world will lose these elders—our Great-Grandmothers and Great-Grandfathers who carry life force in their amulet pouch. I speak not of a physical bag of tricks and potions, but of the container that holds the spirit and creation of the whole.
Those great shamans are carriers of the world's soul. They share fire, water, earth and wind in their pouches. Those shamans, who have stepped forward to bring healing to a world in strife, cannot continue without your support and love.
See them. They are not invisible. A shaman does not have to belong to a Native Nation. You know of a shaman. There may be one or many in your life. A shaman can be your mother, father, grandfather, grandmother and so on, who share with you a life force greater than any nourishment you may receive by mouth. It is a life force for seeking truth and vision...
Nourish your soul.
Benjamin Black Elk
Lakota Sioux Nation
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