  Spiritual
This week: Holy Now Edited by: Shannon  
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"My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm when I was about seven, and told me to throw a stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles created by the stone. Then he asked me to think of myself as that Stone Person. 'You may create lots of splashes in your life but the waves that come back from those splashes will disturb the peace of all your fellow creatures,' he said. 'Remember that you are responsible for what you put in your circle and that your circle will also touch many other circles. You will need to live in a way that allows the good that comes from your circle to send the peace of that goodness to others. The splash that comes from anger or jealousy will send those ugly feelings to other circles. You are responsible for both.'" ~ Jamie Sams, Native American Holy Person of Cherokee and Seneca decent
I am Cherokee on my dad's side and recently began delving into the teachings and traditions of the Cherokee people. I've been enlightened and incredibly blessed by what I've found.
"In Native American culture, we see everything as being alive. Each living thing has a specific role as a teacher and family member," Sams says. "Everything on Earth, whether stone, tree, creature, cloud, sun, moon, or human being is one of our relatives."
This really made me think. How different would we behave, how much more respectful would we be toward other living beings if we viewed them as our relatives? If we really saw Earth as Mother, wouldn't we take great care not to harm her? Wouldn't love guide our every action?
I'm human like everyone else. I get mad, I cuss, and I don't always wake up in a cheerful mood. Working conditions frustrate and exasperate me, and sometimes I say and/or do things I later regret. I try to be conscientious of those around me, but sometimes I fail miserably. All I can do is apologize and redouble my efforts, and I've found Sams' philosophy helpful in that regard.
Two years ago I had what can only be described as a spiritual awakening, and it completely changed my perspective. It was as if my eyes were opened for the first time and I saw all of creation as holy. I believe every tree, creature, human being, river, stone, mountain, cloud, and blade of grass was created in love. I believe everything is holy in the eyes of God, and this realization fundamentally changed who I am and how I live my life. The Native American teachings reiterate this idea, and it's comforting to know I'm not alone--that my Cherokee heritage was the whispering voice of consciousness all along. Peter Mayer's Holy Now says it better than I ever could, and I cry every time I hear it.
Peace and blessings.
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The following is in response to "Spiritual Newsletter (July 10, 2013)" :
THANKFUL SONALI Library Class!  says, "Very interesting topic indeed. Thank you, Shannon. I think this applies to all areas of life. I find I often face this dilemma at work - whether to fit in or hold out till I 'belong'! Thanks again." Thank YOU for reading and commenting, Sonali! I'm glad you liked it. 
Mrs. Nixie Clause  says, "Thanks Shannon, for including my story in July's Newsletter. Spirituality cannot be labeled or defined. I, too, followed the words of others to determine my path and my responses to life. Once I let go, the world sort of faded away. I stopped watching television and in another spiritual awakening, I am now 'labeled' ( no one can really escape labels) a Vegan. However, in a Zen-sort-of-way we're all united." We are definitely all united. Thank you, Nixie. 
ANN Counselor, Lesbian & Happy says, "Thank you for this message; choose to belong, not fit in. I too know of the power the Southern Baptists have on the lives they affect. I 'fit in' until I was forty, then found spirituality, the belonging. As a lesbian holding my secret while a Southern Baptist whose mother was steeped in the attitudes, I know the intensity of feeling imprisoned by attitudes and negative beliefs; When I finally had the courage to 'be ME', my heart and life were released and realized. You've reminded us of something extremely important about being ourselves, the who we are, not just doing what is to be done to 'fit in'. Thank you." Thank YOU for your kind words of support. I appreciate you! 
bonzo1964 says, "Thank you Shannon. I feel that after all I've been through and all the progress I've made, the least I can do is shed a ray of hope on the less fortunate. I am blessed to be who I am and to be in my right mind is wonderful. I have much to share and this is the place I've been led to." And we are blessed to have you. Thank you for sharing. 
Maria Mize  says, "Great topic. Thanks for bringing this newsletter, Shannon!" Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. 
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Spiritual: August 07, 2013 Issue [#5817]
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