Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
As Mother Earth now begins her northern hemispherical journey back
toward the sun, let us take some time to reflect. Reflect on all our
experiences this past year. Reflect on the good, and the bad. What
have we learned from those experiences? What have we learned from each
other? I would like to share what I learned this year from my dear
friend and esteemed Elder Jeanie Seifried. Jeanie went to the spirit
world just this past week. She slipped away peacefully, surrounded by
family and loved ones. About 7 years ago, she was told she had a rare
form of cancer, and had a year, maybe two, to live. I had known Jean
for years - at least I thought I had. I now believe that I only came
to truly know her over the last 7 years of her life, as I
humbly bore witness to one of the wisest, strongest and most
indomitable spirits I have ever known. Jeanie didn’t fight the cancer,
she danced with it. She allowed it to teach her about herself,
about what really matters in this life, and about the power of
perspective and a positive attitude. She faced it with a resolve to
not allow it to beat her, and in the end, though she died, the cancer
never owned her. She owned herself. When her hair began to fall out,
she had a ‘hair pulling party’. When she had to go through difficult
treatments, she found things to laugh about. And yet, she was not
naive or in denial. She was just showing us how to live when you are
dying. After all, we are all really just living on our way to dying.
A month or so ago, during one of our visits, Jeanie demonstrated once
again her deep resolve to live every moment of her life, even to the
last, with a thankful heart. She had been given the bad news that her
cancer had returned and that her odds were very slim. She told me that
the news devastated her, and that she had been sad and depressed for -
get this - two whole hours. Two whole hours! After that, she said she
snapped out of it, realizing she had wasted two hours of what little
time she might have left on this earth. Jeanie never looked back. As
she approached her death, she did so with astounding grace, and
dignified acceptance. A stronger spirit I have never known. I am
honored to have known her, and to have called her my friend. May we
all learn a little lesson from Jeanie as we look to the year ahead....
Live fully and completely in all your moments, no matter how small they
may seem. Be thankful and seek happiness in each day. And love
deeply, as in the end, love is what this life is all about.... Thank
you Jeanie. Thank you....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Hello friends, this being the last newsletter of 2010, I should share
some bit of incredible wisdom... “Should” being the imperative word.
But the only bits of wisdom I can think of right now are:
Two things
#1 have fun, enjoy this moment
#2 if not having fun at this moment, then hold on, the next one may be
better
I have been in some pain for the past two weeks, so having fun has not
been a real option,
however, I am hopeful and also thankful, because things could always
be worse.
We have big plans for 2011, so stay close to our Facebook, My Space and Website for updates.
Hope to see many of you this New Years Eve in Rogers AR for our last
concert of 2010. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, you can get them
here: TICKETS
We will be in Kansas City January 29th 2011 for a special appearance
and musical performance at Stone Spirit Lodge. Call 816-561-7900 for
tickets.
Blessings and hope for a wonderful New Year…you are all so special and
important to us!
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Peace on Earth....
I dream of peace on this earth between all peoples, all cultures, all
races, all nations, all religions.... There are two things that
prevent peace, and only two. They are hate, and arrogance. Which
means the weapons we must use to bring about peace on earth are love
and humility. When we hate, we divide and destroy. When we love, we
connect and heal. When we are arrogant, we oppress and take from
others for our own gain, and we hunger for power. When we are humble,
we put the needs of others before our own, and we thirst for wisdom.
For far too long, hate and arrogance have run amok in this world. “I’m
right and you’re wrong, and if you don’t see it or do it my way I will
force you to, or kill you trying.” Really?? Thousands of years
and humanity is still stuck name calling in the sandbox? “I know
you are but what am I?”?! It amazes me that we have not yet
figured out that everybody simply cannot be completely right all of the
time. Sometimes we are wrong, even when we think we are right. But it
takes humility to see and accept these truths. So, as we enter 2011,
let us all pray that our human family somehow, some way, some day, will
choose love and humility over hate and arrogance, and that one day the
dream of peace on earth, will become more than a dream....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some tidbits from my daydreams....
Whether the grass is greener over there or not, is a matter of
perspective....
The moon will always appear to be over my head, and not yours....
No two people will ever share the exact same view of anything....
The Pine tree has never expected the Oak tree to become a Pine....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Dec 28, 2010
December 2010
Nov 29, 2010
November 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
I belong to a give-away culture. Indigenous people the world over are
a people with a give-away spirit. What does it mean to have a
give-away spirit? So many of the non-verbal cues and subtle messages
we get from modern society are about keeping things for ourselves. The
problem with this way of doing things is that it steals the power of
faith from our lives and replaces it with fear. When we are afraid to
let go and give away, we can find ourselves trusting in only that which
we can see, touch and measure. The irony is, that by trusting only in
those ‘measurable’ things, we actually cause ourselves more fear and
doubt, because the truth is, only Spirit is immeasurable. Only Spirit
can make something where once there was nothing. Only Spirit can show
us the way to a life of purpose and meaning. Listen, all the fancy
ramblings aside, this life is about the flow of energy. When we give
away, the circle of spirit flows out from us, and blessings then return
to us. When we refrain from giving away, this flow stops, and no one
receives. It takes faith and trust in the unseen world of Wakantanka,
the Great Mystery Creator God, to give away. Especially when it
doesn’t seem you have much to give. But trust me, there is always
something we can give. So.... what does it mean to have a give-away
spirit? It means our thoughts are more often about others, than they
are about ourselves. We all have a give-away spirit within. May we
all reconnect to it. In doing so, we may find real meaning in this
life....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Dear friends
With Thanksgiving behind me and the large Art Show I promote in Eureka
Springs…the future has a way of looking quieter. The constant phone
calls and endless e-mails and questions will end for a short season and
I am soooo looking forward to that. The wonderful thing about winter
is the pure sacred silence. We all need this time of hibernation and
self nurturing.
We have two more concerts left in 2010. The JTH Christmas Concert in
Eureka Springs, AR this Sat. night Dec 4th at 7:00pm, and the New Years
Eve Concert Celebration in Rogers Arkansas Dec 31st at 7:00pm. Please
come and spend some quiet time with us before the year ends.
JTH here.... Just wanted to say that I look forward to seeing you at my
final two concerts of this year. I always love these two shows. The
Christmas Concert is always a sacred, beautiful experience. And the
New Year's Eve show gives me a chance to include lots of music I
haven't performed in a while, so that is always a great time. So....
two more shows, and then it's back to the studio for my 19th musical
release! See you there!
Click Here
To Get Your Advance JTH Concert Tickets
While you are doing your Christmas shopping, please keep us in mind!
Check out our holiday specials at:
JohnTwoHawks.com and
NativeCircle.com
with CDs as low as $10 each.
Consider the gift of a Retreat
for yourself or for a loved one.
I want to let you all know we only have four of the ‘Earth~Fire~Water~Wind’
JTH Signature Flutes left. So do not hesitate if you are
wanting one. You may call ahead to make sure you are not too late at:
888-790-9091
Enjoy this festive season of love and giving!
Peace,
Peggy
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
This has been a season of dear Elders for me. I have found myself in
their company even more than usual as of late. Always, I am impressed
with them, as I have been since I was a small boy. Yet this year, I
have been even more deeply moved by the many Elders I have spent time
with. Each of them is currently enduring one or more of the many
struggles that inevitably come with growing old. The loss of dear
loved ones, the loss of physical ability, the ever present awareness of
the journey’s end getting near, and so many other challenges that our
Elders bear. We who are young and strong cannot begin to fully
comprehend what it means to stand in their place. As I have sat with
these fine people, I have been amazed and overwhelmed at their honesty,
courage and humility. I have marveled at their humor, their
resilience, and their candor. They are indomitable spirits, and yet
they know the wisdom of surrender. They spin the stories and tales of
their remarkable lives like the thread of a great Lakota star quilt,
weaving human failures with profound wisdom. I treasure each second,
each moment I have to listen to, and be with these incredible human
beings of spirit and light. Each of them is a force of life, and I
love them all very, very much. None of us lives forever, but I want as
much time as I can have with the Elders in my life. They are the
finest gems in my world. Nothing has more value to me than the moments
I share with them. Do you have Elders in your life? If so, count
yourself blessed, and spend as much time listening and laughing and
learning with them as you possibly can. For they are the keepers of
knowledge, real history, and deep wisdom.... Wasteyelo!
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
a few thoughts from my solitary contemplations....
Respect is that which can only be received by giving....
Honor does the right thing, even when no one is looking....
Humility is the ability to see, and accept our imperfections....
Wisdom is the flower that grows from respect, honor and humility....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Oct 8, 2010
October 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
I don’t much do phone calls....
Are you like me? Do you positively loathe talking on the phone? Some
people love it. Not me kemosabe, not me. And yet, the selling of
phones is a worldwide mega-business. Another worldwide mega-business
is spacebook and myface (lol). Texting is another new phenomenon, so
new in fact, that my spell checker thinks the word “texting” is not a
word! What is it with phones and spacebook and texting that is such a
big deal? Well, it goes back to a basic human need - connection.
We all need each other. The world we live in today has become so
plastic, so detached, and so fragmented, that we have lost touch with
one another. The massive popularity of phones and myface and such are
clear examples of how desperate we are to reconnect. And so, in that
context, they are good things, because they at least give us a way to
reach out to one another and communicate. And yet, none of that
changes the fact that I am not a fan of phones. My friends, it is good
to reach out, whether by phone or text or e-mail or spaceface or
twitter tweet. But what I think we are missing is that the reason
these things are used by so many is that we are craving human contact -
actual, physical, eye to eye, hand in hand, arm in arm, face to face
human contact. We spend way too much time isolated from real
communication and connection. This lack can bring about imbalance in
our lives. Human contact restores it. Just as our contact with the
natural world restores it. So, keep reaching out. Keep making those
phone calls to your loved ones, sending those texts and e-mails, and
spacebooking each other. Just don’t allow those things to take the
place of real human contact.... because we need to touch and feel, to
be truly and fully alive....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Here are the latest updates on our Fall Schedule:
Oct 21st thru Oct 24th - Mending
Medicine Retreat, Eureka Springs AR
Oct 23rd - Circle of Nations Banquet and JTH Concert
Oct 15th - JTH Concert, Davis Oklahoma
Nov 13th - JTH Concert, Tupelo Mississippi
Nov 27th & 28th - Arts Eureka Fall Art Show, Eureka Springs AR
Check out all the wonderful opportunities to see John Two-Hawks in
concert at his Events
Schedule
PLEASE VOTE
John Two-Hawks Flutist of the Year - Native American Music
Awards!!
Coming Soon…. www.circleofnationscommunity.
Still time to buy the incredible fall special ….Great Christmas Gift!
See ya all soon
Peace,
Peggy
Native Circle
John Two-Hawks
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Ever had someone steal your joy? Ever had a total stranger come along
and ruin your day? We human beings are curious creatures. We can be
showered with love and praise from those who know and love us, and yet
that one malcontent comes along to attack us, and then that’s all we
can think about! Silly! Why do we do this? Well, my friends, it is
quite simple.... survival. Our natural instinct is to give attention
to any perceived threat to our well being. And so, it is perfectly
normal to feel a strong reaction to any kind of ‘assault’, whether it
be physical, verbal, real or imagined. Of course, this instinct serves
us well when we are in real danger. However, most often, our
perceived threats are not life or death experiences, but rather those
unexpected encounters with someone rude or mean spirited. And yet, our
physical reaction to these encounters can be as upsetting as if someone
pulled a gun on us! The worst part of it is that they can steal your
peace, cause you stress and even adversely affect your health.
So.... The next time someone tries to steal your joy or ruin your
day, take a minute to consider what I have come to know as the absolute
truth: that they are either just having a bad day, or that they are
just an unhappy, miserable person. Either way, they do not deserve to
rob you of your happiness! So, take a deep breath, find a way to
separate yourself from them, say a little prayer, and then let it go!
They are no real threat to your well being anyway. So focus your
energy on the positive things, the love you have around you, the good
friends and family you have, the beautiful moments that bring joy and
happiness in this life. We are always going to run into schmucks with
nothing better to do with their time than to throw stones at others.
Don’t give them the time of day. We only have so many breaths, so many
moments in this life. Fill them with goodness, kindness and love.
After all, I think you are awesome!!
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....
Appearances should never determine judgement....
Grace is only real when under fire....
When someone puts you down, stand up taller....
Blessings are like wildflowers, they don’t always bloom where you
expect them to....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Sep 9, 2010
August/September 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
What of these old ways? The sacred circle, the wisdom of the four
winds, the power of the Canupa (Sacred Pipe), the healing gift of the
Inipi (sweat lodge) ceremony.... Can they change the world? Can a
quiet Lakota song, shared in the darkness of the Inipi heal the
planet? Can the silent prayers of a young Indian boy in the sacred
circle bring back the balance we have lost? Can a small prayer tie
given in confidence, or hung in a special place that few will ever see,
move the hearts of the masses? Can a little dream catcher, made with
care by a boy with deep hurt, bring about a new vision for the future
of humanity? Or are all of these things too small an effort for too
large a task? Here is what I know.... I have seen a man go into the
Inipi wounded, and come out healed. I have seen people changed forever
by one touch of the Canupa. I have witnessed the smoke of sage restore
purpose to a lost soul. I have watched the making of a small dream
catcher replace despair with hope. And I have watched a troubled boy
find deep meaning in a humble little prayer tie. I have seen lives
transformed by the wisdom of these old ways. And so it is that I have
to say yes, I believe there is no need too large for the power of a
small prayer. There is no hurt too deep for the healing touch of
compassion. There is no struggle too difficult for wisdom to
overcome. And there is no crisis too overwhelming for Wakantanka to
resolve. A quiet song, a silent prayer, a humble prayer tie and a
small dream catcher.... all carry the power to heal the world. Just as
the mustard seed carries the power to move a mountain. All that is
required of us, is to believe....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Autumn is in the air. What a magical season. It always brings me back
to the innocence of my childhood, to school girl days and football
games. The last hurrah before winter silence.
We will be on the road a lot these next few months, two Retreats
coming up in Northwest Arkansas. Five concerts… St. Louis MO, Eureka
Springs AR, Oklahoma, Mississippi, please check the Schedule for
details.
The new John
Two-Hawks Signature Flute hit the website last week,
“Earth~Fire~Water~Wind” and they are absolutely incredible. They look
and sound awesome! Only 28 of this 2010 flute will ever be made, so
get yours ordered now.
The Summer Special has been replaced by the Fall Special.
We are offering 3 of the best selling JTH CDs “Elk Dreamer” “Honor”
and “Come to the Fire” for an incredible price of only $30.. that saves
you $18 off of the retail price. Get this special at:
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Make sure you take time to visit the Circle Studios
Records You Tube Channel and say hello!
Blessings to you all, enjoy the beauty of this season and magic of
every new day!
see ya all around,
peace,
Peggy
Native Circle
John Two-Hawks
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
The west is the place of storms. The west wind comes to push against
us, that we can be freed of our dead limbs. As those dead limbs tumble
to the ground, so do the seeds of change. Often, we do not see it
during the storm, but those seeds for tomorrow are planted by the winds
of struggle. The storms shake us up and force us to find our inner
strength. They teach us the gift of perseverance and determination.
The west winds bring transformation. So when the storms come rolling
into your life, bend with the strong winds as the trees do. And know
that when the storms pass, what will remain are seeds of hope for what
is to come. As I have always said, there is one thing in this life
that we can consistently count on.... Change. Accept it with
humility, courage and honor, and the sun will rise on a new day, and
Spirit will show us the way....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....
Hope is a choice....
The world needs more ‘we’ and less ‘me’....
Do not live today as if you are guaranteed tomorrow....
The things that mean the most, are the things that take time....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Jul 26, 2010
June/July 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
There exists in the twilight a powerful opportunity to try out your
‘spirit eyes’. It is during the twilight period each evening that the
hawk lies down for the night and the owl awakens.... The hawk has day
vision. A hawk’s sight is such that, if it was able to read, it could
read a newspaper from two miles away. The owl, on the other hand, has
night vision. It can see in the night like the hawk sees during the
day. Thus, there are two kinds of ‘seeing’. Day vision is like our
physical eyes. We see the physical world around us with our ‘day
vision’. There are few mysteries and we can see most everything in our
world without much trouble. Night vision is like our spiritual eyes.
The night is like the veil that exists between the two worlds. The
things of the night are often a mystery to us, much like the things of
the spirit. One must spend a lot of time out in the night to develop
the vision of the owl. Night sight is not easily achieved. Developing
your spiritual eyes takes time. One must be willing to commit to
walking a spiritual path and to accept that sometimes your ‘night eyes’
will play tricks on you! You may not always immediately comprehend
that which your spirit eyes see. Some things may seem strange or
unusual. This is why we American Indian people call our Creator ‘the
Great Mystery’! So do not be afraid of the ‘dark’ of the spirit
realm. Allow your eyes to adjust, and you will soon discover that you
really can see. You will learn to look beyond the paradigms of
this physical world to a place of infinite wisdom. You will be filled
with humility upon realizing your weaknesses, and this will empower
you. Do not believe everything you see.... Instead, believe in that
which you do not see. Seek that powerful place where day meets
night.... It is a window into the spirit world....
(Excerpt from the 'Good
Medicine' Book by John Two-Hawks)
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Well it has been awhile since the last newsletter, we have had our Ohio
Flute Discovery Retreat, Been to Ireland, had our Women of Wisdom
Retreat and tribute Concert for Nancy Cooper Maier.
Time has been just flying by. I am actually dizzy from the activity.
But there are still many dates and new concerts for me to tell you all
about. Some are still in the works and some are set in stone. Summer
Special is a BIG HIT! 2 CDs Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind (Newest) and
Wind Songs (Grammy nominated) both for only $20.00... will continue for
a few more weeks, get this deal while it lasts!
July 30th thru August 1st - Mending Medicine Retreat in Dayton Ohio... Sign up
now
July....... 31st – Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind Concert in Dayton
Ohio....Tickets
still available online
Aug....... 7th - Grand Ledge Michigan Art Show
14th - Yellow Spring Ohio Art Show
Sept....... 10th, 11th, 12th Flute Discovery Retreat in Eureka Springs,
AR... still a few openings. Sign
up today.
18th - St. Louis Missouri TBA watch website
27th – Chattanooga, TN (closed to the public)
Oct 21st thru 24th - Mending Medicine Retreat in Eureka Springs, AR - register
online or by calling 888-790-9091
Oct…….23rd - Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind Concert, Eureka Springs, AR tickets online
Oct…….23rd - Circle of Nations Honors Banquet tickets online
Nov……. Mississippi - TBA - Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind Concert
Check out the NEW
John Two-Hawks Signature Tea!
Thank you all so much for your support and good energy.... little drops
of rain wear away the greatest of stones.... now go and Heal your
World!
Peace,
Peggy
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
The storms of life will come. No matter who you are or where you come
from, the Wakinyan Tanka will visit you somewhere along the path of
your life. There is no escaping it. When I was 6 years old, my mother
and father split and went their separate ways. The storm rolled into
my life then, and got more and more intense and destructive as the
years passed. It was nearly 20 years before the clouds dissipated and
the sun broke through, but there I stood, damaged sure, but not
destroyed. What I learned from the storm, and took with me throughout
my life, is that the rain will soak into you. When you find yourself
in the midst of a storm, you will be saturated with it, you may indeed
be afraid and you may also be wounded in some way. There is no
escaping the mark a storm will leave on your soul. But the lesson
doesn’t end there. The final lesson is about choice. It is
about choosing to either let the lightning destroy you, or using it to
empower you. There is a powerful gift which is absorbed into the
spirit from the storm. Look deep into those marks left by the storms
of your life; for it is there that you may find your medicine and your
power. It is there that you can find compassion, empathy, and even
wisdom. And it is there that you will discover that courage is born in
strong winds, and that you have prevailed. And because you have
prevailed, you have lived to tell, and have a story rich with
experience, pain, joy, sorrow, defeat and triumph. This is the gift of
the Wakinyan Tanka, the Thunder Beings, and it is rarely realized in
the midst of the storm. It is a gift which reveals itself once the
thunder and lightning have passed, and with the sun on your face, you
can contemplate your life and the wisdom you have gained and taken with
you along the way. I have learned that the power of the Wakinyan Tanka
stays with us long after the storm has passed. And it is up to us what
we do with that power. We can choose to ignore it or even use it in a
negative way. Or we can choose to use it to reach out to others in the
spirit of mending and healing. This, my relatives, is the gift of the
Wakinyan Tanka.
(Excerpt from the 'Come to
the Fire' Book by John Two-Hawks)
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my reflections....
Worry is the expression of a deep belief in that monster under
the bed....
Thank the earth when you take from her. This is respect....
Keep your word when you give it. This is honor....
Seek happiness, and you will always find your way....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
May 15, 2010
May 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
You cannot see the wind. Yet it is there, mighty and mysterious in its
power. Wanbli, the eagle, trusts that unseen power to carry it to the
highest altitudes, where perspective is gained. And yet, that flight
is not without unexpected twists and turns. It takes practice to learn
the unseen wind currents of the Great Mystery, and faith to lean into
them as we are guided on our way through this life. Sometimes they
take you to places you would never expect - some good, some bad. And
yet, both can be part of the greater plan for our life. Often, the
greatest gifts are found just on the other side of a seemingly bad
experience. Many times, the road to our sacred path goes right through
a patch of thorns. It is important to remember that the patch of
thorns often holds the key we need to take the next step on our
journey. So keep your eye out for it. Our life is like the flight of
the eagle - a journey of faith. We ride the unseen winds of the sacred
path of our lives, sustained by our faith, held up by the Spirit, and
taken to new heights by our willingness to dream. So do not let fear
overcome you. Hold out the wings of your spirit, leap into the unseen
journey ahead, trust the Great Mystery to lift you up, and you will
rise like the eagle to the places where visions become your guide, and
dreams become a reality....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
Please have a look at our Summer
Special... it’s a great deal. Thanks!
A word from Peggy....
I have a lot of housework to do this morning. That is probably why I
chose to write. I’m not the most organized person, so papers seem to
pile up. Dust and dirty windows have their way with me too. But
forget all that, life is short, writing newsletters is more important.
Anymore rationalizations? No, I think that is enough. We are only
days away from hitting the road to Ohio. The
Flute Discovery Retreat will be held outside of Dayton Ohio in
Yellow Spring. You still have time to sign up. From Ohio we will be
heading to Ireland. We will be having an evening of music and spirit
with our friend Seamus. For more information about that keep your eye
on the schedule...
What is New!
John Two-Hawks
Signature Tea by Nuwati. Absolutely wonderful! Even John says he
would rather have a cup of this tea then a Mountain Dew…. NOT!
But take my word for it is very tasty. And John loves it too.
We are going to be taking to the road. Watch our website schedule page
closely. And if you have some suggestions for great camping places or
festivals to play in your area let us know. We are gonna be free
wheeling it for the summer, bringing the music back to the people.
Enjoy the sunshine and the rain!
see you all soon
Check out my blog at: http://wingsandthings-peggy.
Check out our youtube videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/
Peace,
Peggy
Native Circle
John Two-Hawks
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Earth
~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind.... We cannot live without you. Speak to us
once more, that we may hear the voice of ancestral knowledge, and
return to our place in the Sacred Circle....
Oil in the gulf.... The struggling economy.... Earthquakes and
volcanoes.... Wars and terrorism.... Hate and greed.... Now is the
time for the mending of the sacred hoop. Now is the time for humanity
to return to the source of the sacred four elements, to regain humility
and move forward with wisdom into a new day. Now is the time for the
sacred songs to be shared, and heard. This is the moment when we must
reach out with whatever gifts we’ve been given and do what we can to
make the world a better place. Now is the time for the music of
ancient wisdom to sing a new vision for the future of our world into
the hearts of humankind. Now is the moment when we must do what we
can, however small, to help heal the broken strands in the web of
life. The wisdom of indigenous, earth-based, ancestral knowledge must
finally be heard, and listened to. This is the time when the humble,
quiet, trembling voice of a lone wooden flute will prove to be more
powerful than guns, and stronger than hate or fear. The time has come
for us to gather at the sacred fires of ancient truth, close to the
earth, and close to each other.... to heal our broken-ness, and to find
once again, our place in the web of life. So do what you can, and
offer your prayers for the rest. Do your best to be happy. Be kind to
others. Be patient with yourself and with those you meet along the
way. Be at peace. Know love. There is a lot of good in this world.
Look for it. And when you find it, celebrate it. Together, with
humility, one heart at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a
time, we can, and we will, mend the sacred hoop....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....
The things that matter in this life are not made of matter....
In the end, material possessions are really immaterial....
It is always better to be kind, than to be right....
Love is the door through which peace enters....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Apr 5, 2010
April 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
Time with Elders....
Today was a day for me to sit with my family Elders and listen. We
rose early this morning and hit the road for a two hour trek to the
home of my 78 year old Sioux Grandfather, Bob. Grandpa Bob is a
fascinating man, and I consider myself lucky to sit and listen to the
words of a man who has spent nearly 8 decades gathering knowledge and
wisdom. Now, just for the sake of clarity, let me make it clear that
Bob would never claim to be a ‘wise man’. Maybe a ‘wise guy’, but
never a wise man! He is unassuming, humble and soft spoken. He is not
the Indian man you remember seeing at the powwow. In fact, the camera
people at the powwows usually pass on by Grandpa Bob so they can
photograph the Fancy Dancers. Never mind that Bob’s regalia consists
of authentic articles, some over 100 years old! Nah, the camera folks
don’t care about that, they just want the colorful feathers. Looks
better in the paper. After all, a 100 year old breastplate made from
hair-pipe created by rolling up the brown commodity food wax paper used
on the reservation in the 1890s isn’t flashy enough for a photo op.
Wow, I am starting to sound like Grandpa Bob! Bob does a lot of
complaining and lamenting about what was. He wonders out loud if
Indian “kids” today are losing the wisdom of our old ways. Perhaps I
am lamenting as well. Bob is an Elder with a tremendous amount of
wisdom. We left him today with an awful lot of food for thought. And
he concluded by apologizing for talking too much! Ah well, such is the
humility of real Indian Elders....
Two hours drive back home, and we find ourselves in the presence of yet
another family Elder, Mama Carley. I have spent over 15 years learning
from this incredible Matriarch. She is strong, gentle, kind and
gracious. She is also highly intelligent, with wisdom I doubt she even
realizes she possesses. I would be remiss if I did not also mention
that she can be feisty and even a bit stubborn! And yet this is all
part of the multi-colored character of a woman who has lived long
enough to know what she wants, what she loves, what she feels and what
she cares passionately about. She is having to accept more help these
days from others. Not easy for a woman who has such an independent
nature. I admire her resolve as much as I admire her surrender. She
is an incredible woman, and Elder. I have gained profound wisdom from
just being around her, and even more from listening....
Reach out to the Elders in your life. Seek them out. Spend time with
them. Listen to them. Their wisdom will give you perspective, and
draw you closer to the simple truths that matter most in this life.
I realize this section hasn’t been ‘lofty’ or ‘poetic’, but I hope it
has meant something to you. The truth is, the wisdom that Grandpa Bob
and Carley impart is pretty straight forward stuff. But hey, words
don’t need to be fancy to carry a powerful message of truth and
wisdom. They just need to be spoken - and heard....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
I decided to take up the South Section today to talk about our
Retreats. The south is the place of passion and the retreats have for
many of us in the Circle of Nations been our passion. People ask me
all the time to explain the retreats and I do my best, but each retreat
has a life of it’s own so it is like putting spirituality in a religion
box. Our retreats refuse to be boxed in. The only constant is that
they are changing and evolving. I can, however, give you more of the
concepts and the skeleton of each retreat.
In April we hold the Creative Expressions Retreat.
We used to call it the Artists Retreat. The name was changed because
each one of us is a creative force and some people don’t feel they are
an “artist”. We all have plans and dreams for our life. Your plan may
be to meet the love of your life, a soul mate. Your plan may be to be
a professional athlete, a teacher, a chef, a writer, a mom, an
accountant. Each quest is a creative expression. Your relationships
are creative expressions. The way you dress, write, believe. We spend
the weekend creating beauty. In the past we have painted a tipi,
designed a medicine garden, created prayer flags, written poetry.As a
whole we create, but also as individuals. I have seen people embrace
their creative selves and go on to run successful businesses or to just
find balance and pleasure in the creative process of their daily
lives. We discover the deep beauty and profound meaning of our inner
selves, the child who wants to paint outside the lines is welcome as
well as the child who loves to paint within the lines. The creative
expressions retreat is the third weekend in April in Eureka Springs
Arkansas. It is a small retreat with 12 to 14 in attendance.
The Women of Wisdom Retreat
is held in late June in Eureka Springs, however this year we have
opened up 3 new retreats in Dayton Ohio The men’s retreat, the women’s
retreat, and the flute discovery retreat.As women we share a sacred
bond, a sisterhood. The women’s retreat is about healing and
discovery. It is about laughter and connecting. We play, we cry, we
write, we create, we sing, we grow and we do what women do best, we
communicate.
The Men of Honor Retreat
is held on the same weekend and I wish I could tell you more about
that, but you will have to refer to John for his explanation of that
weekend… but I know it is awesome. The Women and Men’s retreat in Ohio
will be held the middle of May
The Flute Discovery Retreat
is a weekend led by John Two-Hawks. He helps those who love the flute
and those who are barely acquainted with Native flute, to learn the
deep ways of this healing instrument. There are many hidden truths in
the music of the flute and in the wonderful cultures that the flute has
come to us from. The weekend is full of music and stories. A time to
experience a richness in the gifts of the American Indian Cedar flute,
its wisdom and mystery. This retreat will be held outside Dayton Ohio
in May and in Eureka Springs Arkansas in mid September.
The Mending Medicine Retreat...
We hold 2 of these retreats a year. One in Dayton Ohio at the end of
July beginning of August and one in Eureka Springs Arkansas the third
weekend in October. This is our main retreat. We hold it as a three
day retreat in Ohio and as a four day retreat in Arkansas. The Circle
of Nations Global Community has been born of this retreat. All who
attend become members of this group, if they so choose and are added to
our membership to receive our e-mails and other considerations. This
retreat is based on the ancient teachings of the Medicine Wheel and the
wisdom and mystery that this symbol teaches us. We explore Lakota
spirituality as well as many other indigenous cultures from around the
world. We experience the profound simplicity of these teachings and
the healing nature of the wisdom therein. It is a time of healing,
laughter, connection and life enhancing change. We enjoy music,
laughter, good fun and make some life long friendships. This is a
larger retreat, we can take up to 30 people at each location.
The cost of most of our retreats includes lodging and meals. You will
find that we are the lowest priced retreats out there, because we have
always made a commitment to leave the door open to all who would want
to attend. We charge a little over the cost of lodging, food and
supplies.
For more information or if you have questions or want to register call
888-790-9091
We have the incredible 'Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind' T-shirts
available in larger sizes for 2x and 3x sizes. Call 888-790-9091
John will be performing with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra on
April 10th
and he is doing a FREE Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind concert on
April 11th at the First-Centenary United Methodist Church!
Don’t miss the Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind concert in Rogers AR
on April 24th
Mothers Day Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind concert FREE for moms
on Mothers Day May 9th
We will be in Hannibal Missouri on May 1st for a CD and Book signing,
In-store Meet & Greet event
Check our Schedule for all our new concerts and events!
Hope to see many of you at concerts and retreats… come and say hi!
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
“Answers”
The way of the western world is to explain everything. All questions
must be answered. If there is no answer, then something must be wrong,
or there needs to be more research to find it. Often, if a suitable
answer is not found, one will be fabricated. This is how fixated
western society is on having answers. For Indigenous cultures, the
focus has never been on answers, but rather on questions. For Native
people it has always been perfectly acceptable to not always have an
answer. In fact, ‘not knowing’ is part of the fabric of Indigenous
spiritual culture and tradition. It is understood by Native society
that there has always been - and will always be - mystery in this
world. No matter how high tech western science gets, and regardless of
how smart western society’s great thinkers become, there will always be
questions that cannot be answered. There will always be mystery.
Mystery keeps us humble. Humility leads to wisdom. Wisdom leads to
healing. And healing leads to peace. On the other hand, knowledge
makes us proud. Pride can lead to arrogance. Arrogance leads to
conflict. And conflict leads to destruction. So.... Allow me to
assert that ‘answers’ are far overrated. Not having all of them is
okay, because it causes us to lean on the Spirit, and each other.
Accept mystery in this life, and wisdom will offer herself to you in
the humble spaces. For when high technology and lofty intelligence
find that they have failed to come up with the ‘answers’ to the world’s
problems, old grandmother wisdom will be there waiting to soothe them,
and show them the way....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....
The spiritual power of a tipi is greater than any castle....
Silence and Listening are both requirements of wisdom....
Authenticity is only experienced up close....
Truth and Knowledge are not always the same thing....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Mar 3, 2010
February/March 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
There are many things to care deeply and passionately about in this
life, and it is good to do so. War has ravaged nations and cultures
throughout history, and it is important to try and understand why, and
to work toward a day without war. Politics have an affect on many
things in this world, and being engaged and involved is essential if we
wish to bring about positive change. Social justice and human rights
issues have plagued societies for centuries, and it is imperative for
humankind to move away from nationalism, racism and egocentrism if we
are ever to live in peace on this planet. And speaking of the planet,
living with the earth instead of against it cannot happen soon enough.
So, all of these things and more are important, and well worth our time
and our concern. Yet, there is something more important than all of
the above at the end of the day, or the end of a life. That
‘something’, is love. If you are involved with all the issues of the
world, and fight for the causes of the world valiantly, but you do not
have love, then your efforts will all be in vain. I have listened
quietly to individuals who speak proudly and loudly about all the good
things they do, and then have witnessed first-hand their rude, arrogant
and belligerent behavior. On the other hand, my friend Richard is an
Elder in every sense of the word. He is quiet, humble and deeply
loving. He doesn’t toot his horn. Throughout his long life he has
always cared passionately about the many pressing issues of the time,
and he has acted. But even in the midst of his activism, he proceeded
with love. In the beginning, Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified a
gentle approach, and Malcolm X embodied justified anger. And yet, in
the end, even Malcolm X found that love is more powerful than rage.
Rage has its place, but never in front of, or in place of, the all
consuming power of love….
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
I woke up this morning to a slight dusting of snow on the deck… I am
looking for daffodils and
robins, for sunshine and garden spots…….not snow.
So I had to readjust my expectations and my attitude, a warm cup of
coffee took care of that.
We just finished our release of Earth Fire Water Wind this past Sat.
What an awesome spirit time we had. I was completely blessed by all
the Circle of Nations people who were there and so blessed by the
commitment to the earth and change that so many people are embracing.
The music from the new CD is absolutely incredible and the videos are
awe inspiring. Please
stop and see them at the You Tube links below:
T’at’e Wakan -
Sacred Wind Music Video
Beautiful Earth
Music Video
Click
here to see the New CD!
Also please stop and read my new blog. I am spending a few minutes
each morning sharing some bits of humor, a dash of wisdom and some very
special recipes from my kitchen. Here is the most recent post from my
blog...
"Even when we stumble, even when we fall, even then there is light
around it all!" words from Nancy Cooper Maier.
Today, March 2nd 2010, I am thinking about mis-takes.
I have made my share and I know why. Even with this blog thing, I just
jumped in with both feet, clothes on and nose plugged. Then I learn as
I go.... should have, how to, shouldn't have, try this, try that. So
bare with me, this is the way I roll. It drives my husband absolutely
crazy. (Sorry)
I must have been born this way because it is the only way I remember I
have ever been. The results have been a life full of adventure and
learning. You see, we mostly learn from our mistakes. You would think I
would be a genius by now, but if I am you would never know it because
you would probably just see my errors.
I am making light of this (also my way), but this light that
illuminates our frailty is an important light to keep turned on. Next
to my bed on my light on the night stand is a little sign that says
"Always make new mistakes".... Not the same mistakes - that would be
stupid - but new mistakes means taking new steps, taking a new path
accepting a new adventure, being alive, taking risks. The more fully
you live, the more new mistakes you will make. Playing it safe is not
really safe. How about risking it all for love! Why do you think they
call it falling in love? They might as well call it stumbling in love
(lots of mistakes to be made here).
Humility is born of being able to be wrong...... being wrong is cool.
What is cool is being ok with yourself when you are wrong, and even
better, being ok with others, because we are all just human. Sounds
like acceptance, tolerance, forgiveness... that is for another day.
Go out and play today and try to make some new mistakes!
Click Here to go to
Peggy’s Blog ‘Wings’
Don’t forget we have our wonderful “Spirit Mountain” Retreat Lodge
available for short and long stays when you are visiting Eureka Springs
Arkansas.… super discounts for Circle of Nations Global Community Folks.
Hope to see you at concerts and retreats this year… for dates and times
check the schedule.
Special thanks to Morten Storeide for the Great Videos of Sacred Wind
and Beautiful Earth!
Join our You
Tube Channel and see all of our exciting videos.
enjoy the moment,
peace,
Peggy
The Official JTH Website
The Native Circle Website
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
I recently placed a post on my facebook profile that reads as follows:
‘My friends…. There are those in this life who tear you down, and there
are those who build you up. There are those who talk loud and have
lots of words, and there are those who speak volumes with silence.
There is bad and there is good in this world. Let the bad strengthen
you, and choose good. This is the way to wisdom….’
There were many responses to this post, so I would like to elaborate
on it a bit more. If there is one thing all human beings have in
common it is this: we have all been verbally abused or hurt by
someone. One way or another, along the way, each of us has experienced
what it means to be torn down, insulted, attacked or abused in some
way, shape or form. What a sad testament to humanity. It is tempting
to exact revenge on a verbal abuser. Sometimes it is necessary to
stand up for yourself. But in most cases the wise response is no
response at all. To give a response to a verbal attack is to give
energy to a negative intention. A response simply feeds the hunger of
a verbal abuser, and they will come back looking for more!
Inappropriate anger and abusive behavior does not warrant nor deserve a
response. Oh sure, it is tempting to give a bully or an abuser a taste
of their own medicine! But it is rarely wise. After all, it is a
small mind that seeks to verbally abuse someone. So the next time you
find yourself assaulted by the hurtful words of another, resist the
temptation to jump down into their mud-slinging pig sty. Give yourself
some time to put things into perspective. When you do, you will often
come to the conclusion that no response is necessary, and you can then
let it go and get back to living a life with meaning, purpose and
happiness. As I said in my post, there is bad and there is good in
this world. Let the bad strengthen you, and choose good. This is
indeed the pathway to wisdom….
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....
He who conquers the world, but not himself, has conquered
nothing....
The truth of anything is rarely found on the surface....
If you are wrong, speaking louder will only make you more clearly
wrong....
Wisdom and arrogance cannot live in the same lodge....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Jan 26, 2010
January 2010
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
Maka etanhan wicasa wan pelo.... I am a man of the earth. Indigenous
to the soil, the fire, the water, the wind.... the fabric of my being
deeply woven into the web of all life.... one with the strands of
connection which exist within and between all things seen and
unseen.... feeling the life force of every humming insect, every silent
tree, every soaring eagle and all that dwell upon this earth. I cannot
be far from the sacred heart of the ancient earth for long before I
hear the voice from the forest calling, the whisper of the pines
beckoning, come home child, come home.... and home I must return. To
my quiet place on the ground.... the place where silence is language
and stillness is prayer.... the place that hums with the energy of
life, and where the Indigenous heart beats as one with all that is....
We are all made of earth, fire, water, wind.... the sacred four
elements, which were fashioned by Wakantanka, the Great Mystery, for
the creation of life and all that is. Long ago, we were close to the
sacred four, and to Spirit. Now we have lost our way. We must return
to our place in the web of life, touch the sacred elements we are made
from, and come home to our quiet place on the ground. Only then will
we hear the voice of ancestral knowledge, and find once again the
sacred balance....
These are the things the music on my newest ‘musical messenger’
expresses. I humbly invite you to experience:
The NEW ‘Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind’ CD
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
I had high hopes for 2010 and especially was ready to bid 2009
farewell. Now 24 days into the New Year I am even more full of
expectations and joy. For a very long time, over 10 years now, John
and I have had a vision for a musical project that would express the
depth of our hearts for a true healing and mending of the sacred hoop.
With Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind, we have seen that dream
vision unfold. So with the project now pre-released, I am basking in a
sea of contented satisfaction. Besides that I found a handbag at the
Doggie Thrift store that I can carry to the Grammy’s for $2.50 so I am
very happy right now.
It always seems to be the little things that carry the greatest
pleasures in life.
I am watching the way the world is coming to the aid of Haiti and the
beautiful Haitian people and it rejuvenates my soul and reminds me of
all the good in the world. This is what it means to mend the sacred
hoop of nations. Haiti will need our prayers, our volunteering and our
financial help for a long time and so we will have many opportunities
to give and giving is a good thing!
Hope you all enjoy the new CD, it is available for purchase now at
www.johntwohawks.com
Please check out the schedule
updates, we are adding new concert and retreat
opportunities in 2010.
blessings, peace
Peggy
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Are you going green? Are you living a sustainable life? Do you
recycle? Do you car-pool? Do you utilize solar or wind energy? Do
you compost? Do you use less detergent, only wash clothes that are
actually dirty, turn off the water when you brush your teeth, close the
refrigerator door for the few minutes you need that gallon of milk,
turn lights off when you leave a room, etc., etc....? Sound like a lot
to think about? I want to encourage you. When you do these kinds of
things, you are reconnecting yourself to the web of life. You are
showing respect for the earth, something humanity has lost touch with
in this time. These acts of respect and conscientiousness may seem
small or insignificant, but they are not. Many drops of rain wear away
the greatest of stones. We must think of the 7th generation, or the
next generation for that matter. We are borrowing this earth from
them. Let us do our best. We have distanced ourselves from the sacred
four elements, and have forgotten that our very lives depend on them.
We rarely touch the actual earth very often anymore. For many, fire is
felt only by way of a furnace or the occasional candle. Water is
experienced mainly through a faucet of some kind. And wind is kept out
by walls and windows. I extend my heart to you with love as your
brother and say - come back home.... put your feet on the earth
again.... feel the warmth of fire again.... let the waters of a river
wash over you again.... and let the winds caress your skin again.
Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind.... You are part of them. They are part of
you. Reconnect with them in this real way, and when you recycle that
bottle or turn that light out, it will mean something to you. You
can’t really ‘go green’. We are already ‘green’, whether we know it or
not....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
A few thoughts from my contemplations....
Humility is the only way to peace....
Life’s answers come slowly, like the opening of a flower....
Live with the earth, not on top of it....
Go last....
Something I want to share....
I was recently nominated for a Grammy for my ‘Wind Songs’ CD. I will
be attending the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Show in Los Angeles this
Sunday, January 31st. Within the last few years a Platinum Album award
and an Emmy nomination have come my way as well. All of these things
are very special to me as a musician. It means a lot when your peers
give you a nod of appreciation, and I am deeply humbled and thankful
for these moments. Having said that, I want to also share that what
matters more to me than anything is that the music I dream to life is
filled with the sacred energy that comes from that place in the deep
forest I spoke of earlier. Nothing means more to me than to hear that
my music made a positive difference in another human being’s life in
some way. That is the greatest award I could ever dream of. The
Grammy Awards is a long way from my quiet place in the woods. And yet,
wherever I am, the silent stillness of that place is with me. It is
the whispering wind that calls me home.... Thank you all for not only
listening to my music, but for really hearing it....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Dec 8, 2009
December 2009
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
As we enter into the winter solstice, some of us may find ourselves
contemplating what it all means. In the old Lakota way, the solstice
is a ceremonious occasion. It is a time to reflect, to acknowledge
triumph and failure, to ask - and give - forgiveness for wrongs, and to
celebrate acts of valor, courage, wisdom and humility. In short, to
the ancestral Lakota, the winter solstice was a time to reconnect with
the true meaning of life - to gain a perspective on our reason for
living. It is in this spirit of the wisdom of old Lakota tradition
that I pose to you the question that human beings have pondered
throughout the ages.... Why am I here? Some of the answers to that
question are a mystery for each individual to unfold in that quiet,
sacred space where you and Spirit commune. But my spiritual
contemplations have yielded me at least one answer to this question
which I am certain of. I know this - you are here for me. And I for
you. We are not here for ourselves. All the strife, war, poverty, and
insanity of our time stem directly from the fact that we have lost
touch with this truth. Human societies around the world have
increasingly become ‘me’ fixated. This ‘me, me, me’ condition has
directly contributed to everything from economic crisis to global
warming. The more humanity comes to know that this life is about ‘we’,
not ‘me’, the more we will begin to heal the wounds we have inflicted
upon each other and the world. Mending the sacred hoop is only
possible when ‘we’ becomes the reason for our lives on this earth.
Now that does not mean that we are not supposed to seek joy for
ourselves! But true joy is found in seeking happiness for others.
‘We’ first, ‘me’ last. So my sisters and brothers the world over, seek
to give joy to someone during this season. Be generous with your time,
your gifts, your spirit. Focus your thoughts on the hearts of others
as you reflect on this past year and look ahead to the next. For it is
only together that we can realize the possibility of peace on earth....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Well, winter is waiting at the door here in Northwest Arkansas. We
like to leave her waiting out there as long as we can. I think we may
be able to hold off our chilling visitor for a couple more weeks. Then
we kind of like to see her around Christmas. I for one would be happy
to see a little white dusting from about 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Dec 24th
and that would be enough for me. I realize some of you just love the
cold and the snow. I had enough of it my first 45 years living close
to Lake Michigan. As a child, though, it meant the most wonderful
magical event (a day off of school)!
But as I grow older I see how necessary the hibernation months are and
I actually do look forward to slowing down and sipping hot chocolate by
a roaring fire… with little of nothing to do.
So I do have some suggestions for Holiday giving...
We have a wonderful special of 2 books and
2 CDs for a very low price of $28.00
Also if you purchase a retreat
weekend for a loved one, we will send them a free Christmas
Card with a voucher for the retreat. We can send this e-mail or snail
mail, you choose.
Check out all of our wonderful gifts at:
http://www.johntwohawks.com or http://www.nativecircle.com
Between now and Jan 1st any JTH
Signature Flute will come with a $25-off voucher for the Flute
Discovery Retreat.
Be sure to get your tickets now
for the last John Two-Hawks Concert of the year, the New Years Eve
Concert! Seating is limited so don’t wait! The concert takes place at
the Rogers Little Theater, in Rogers Arkansas at 7:00pm.
Thank you so much for all your support in 2009. It helps us to keep
the Circle of Nations Global Community dream of world peace alive.
Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
and the hope of a peaceful, joyful New Year
Peggy
ADD-ON DEC 06
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN TWO-HAWKS
GRAMMY NOMINEE!!
After watching you in concert last night I am utterly amazed and
realize why I am a huge FAN
You deserve the Nomination and you deserve to WIN
thank you, thank you, for all the beauty, peace and healing you put
into the world
Peggy
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Wow.... what a lucky man am I, to have a wife who is my biggest fan!?
Yes, as Peggy said, I have been nominated for a GRAMMY for ‘Best Native
American Music Album’ of the year for my ‘Wind Songs’ CD. I am, of
course, very happy about this! And yet, what makes me happiest is that
I have love, meaning and purpose in my life. Life is a mixed bag. It
comes with highs and lows, joys and sorrows. But when you find love
and purpose in your ups and downs, the true meaning of it all becomes
clear. Seek this truth in your life, and your life will take on a new
meaning. Your days will become rich with possibility, potential and
passion. A life filled with love, meaning and purpose is a life worth
living! May the coming year bring you more of all three....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....
Faith without works is a game of slim chances....
Hope is only laughed at before it becomes reality....
The power of love is always underestimated....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Nov 10, 2009
November 2009
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
A few weeks ago we had our Mending Medicine Retreat and Circle of
Nations Global Community Reunion. As I sat at that dinner Friday night
and looked around at all the faces gathered together, I was deeply
humbled and happy. On paper, it says that I am the ‘Founder’ of the
Circle of Nations community. In truth, all I did was agree to take the
journey. Oh sure, I’ve done a thing or two, but the real ‘Founders’ of
the Circle of Nations were sitting at that Friday night dinner a few
weeks back. Incredible people like Carley & Fr. Bob, Bill &
Jan, Phil & Jo Ann, Luella, Seamus, Morten, Jim & Mary, Sue,
Van, Poco & Sir Charles, Jim & Kathy, my sweet Peggy, and of
course the esteemed Richard Seifried, just to name a few. There were
many others who I came to know for the first time that weekend who are
equally incredible human beings. What amazing people I get to spend my
life with! Now before I totally take myself out of the equation, I
will say that as I quietly observed the room that night, I saw the
first manifestation of my lifelong vision. People from countless
backgrounds, from all over the United States and the world, from
Ireland to Norway, all gathered in the spirit of peace, love and
healing. My heart leapt in my chest, as it can do when a dream hints
at becoming reality. And yet, being a contemplative, my eyes are
rarely closed. I see the sickness of the world. The madness. The
brutality. The rage. And the sorrow. These things have weighed
heavily on my soul throughout my life. This I know, light washes away
darkness - darkness cannot wash away light. Water washes away fire -
fire cannot wash away water. And love washes away hate - hate cannot
wash away love. If you are reading this, I want you to know that, to
me, you are united in spirit with those people I sat with at our Friday
night Mending Medicine Retreat dinner a few weeks ago. You are part of
us. We may never have seen your face, but you belong, nonetheless.
And when I think of all of you who are part of our Circle of Nations
Global Community, I see more than hope. I see the mending of the
sacred hoop of the nations of the world happening right before my
eyes....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
Hello friends, family and all you wonderful people of peace in the
Circle of Nations.
Well we finally have our awesome Arkansas fall.. beautiful warm sunny
days.
We just completed our Mending Medicine Reunion retreat and honestly
words cannot
describe the love the healing and the laughter and warmth of those four
days of spirit connection. So I won’t even try, but if you were there
you know.
I understand that many of you are connecting on myface or spacebook or
something like that!
I have so many feelings that I wish I could express……. the main one I
think is gratitude
Pure thanksgiving….. In a world torn with troubles, I see a community
of people with hope, love and vision. We have what it takes to put
goodness and peace back into this world and it only takes one honest
four letter word, love. Not the mushy gushy false romantic version,
but the “give you my time, my care, my life”… sacrificing love. The
love that hurts a little, the love that can get rid of ego and MY WAY
to consider THE way. The love that listens, the love that laughs and
cries, the love that doesn’t count the cost and has courage to take a
risk. That passionate, wild, spontaneous, undaunted, radical, fearless
love…… that will change the world……….that we all have in us, and that
is what the Circle of Nations Global Community is all about.
Wow, so much for nothing to say (lol)!
We are currently celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary of Native
Circle/Circle Studios!
So listen up!!!
On Nov 10th for just 10 days we will be offering a 10 CD special for
$10 each
That is 10 JTH CDs for only $100 …. 10 Christmas gifts for an
incredible price!
But only for 10 days….from 11-10-09 to 11-20-09
And on top of that every order will receive a free gift!
So do your Holiday Shopping with us at:
John Two-Hawks
Native Circle
Look for other incredible specials in Nov and Dec.
Where we will be:
To finish up our 2009 touring
Nov 17th Conway AR
Nov 28th 29th Eureka Springs AR Fall Art Show Inn of the Ozarks
Dec 5th Eureka Springs 7th Annual JTH Christmas at The Aud Concert
Dec. 31st New Years Eve Concert, Rogers Arkansas, Victory Theatre
Get Tickets
Here!
Watch soon for 2010 Schedule
Feb - Botanical Gardens Fayetteville AR New CD release Concert
April - Chattanooga Tennessee Symphony and Creative Expressions
Retreat in Eureka Springs
May - Dayton Ohio area 2 retreats 2 weekends Women’s Retreat and
Flute Discovery Retreat
May and June – off to Ireland! Late June - Men’s and Women’s Retreats
in Eureka Springs
July – Spain
August - Dayton Ohio, Concert and Mending Medicine Retreat
Sept - Flute Discovery Retreat in Eureka Springs
Oct Mending Medicine Retreat in Eureka Springs
Check out the Schedule page… More dates and cities to be added!!
Love ya!
Peace,
Peggy
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Let me just come out and say it with gentle conviction: There is a
right way, and a wrong way, to conduct traditional American Indian
ceremonies. In fact, the way to conduct all of our traditional Indian
rites is quite specific, exact and complicated enough that it takes
actual years to learn, if you are so called by the Spirit to do so.
Yes, it is true, ceremony is indeed all about experiencing the Spirit.
And it is also true that the Spirit can and does move in many ways,
even to the point where, on rare occasions, the protocol of the
ceremony changes. But don’t take that to mean that the Spirit is
without form or order. Indeed, it is that very order, those small
details, the specifics of how to conduct a given traditional ceremony
which actually unlock its power. To better understand this, imagine
that a ceremony is like a very sharp knife. If you know what you are
doing with it, and have learned how to properly utilize it, it can help
to feed and nourish you. If you do not, you can badly hurt yourself or
somebody else with it. This is the way it is with all instruments of
power, whether they be a physical object or a ritual activity. It is
for this very reason that we insist that people who participate in a
handful of our traditional ceremonies resist the urge to start trying
to conduct their own. Such limited experience can be a recipe for
disaster. The tragedy several weeks ago in Sedona Arizona is a
sobering example of what can happen when someone learns just enough to
be very, very dangerous. That so-called ‘sweat lodge’ was the furthest
thing from a traditional Inipi purification ceremony I have ever heard
of. My heartfelt prayers go out to all who were hurt by that
senseless, tragic event. And so.... just as it takes a Catholic Priest
decades to fully understand and appreciate the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of
conducting ceremony, so it is with our ancient traditional rites and
those of us who are called to serve our people in this way. Just
wanted to share that from my heart to yours, as a brother and a
friend....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
a few thoughts....
Real ‘medicine’ happens when no one is looking....
Be kind, you may not get another chance....
This moment will never come again....
You can never give too much compassion....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!
Oct 6, 2009
Sept/October 2009
Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),
Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of
Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds,
beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north.
This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus
and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the
same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....
EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
Seasons of change....
The changing colors of autumn are upon us. Like the heartbeat of an
ancient drum, the rhythm of Mother Earth gently beats with the shifting
seasons of life. The four sacred seasons all have much to teach us,
but the autumn time has a special gift.... the gift of change. There
is very little in this world that stays the same. Yet this I know, the
one thing that remains constant in this life - is change. For
many, change is difficult, confusing, and even frightening. How do you
feel about change? Do you fear it or embrace it? Your home, your
family, your car, and your reflection.... all change with the passing
seasons of time. Nothing stays the same. This you can count on! In
the autumn, the leaves on the trees blaze in brilliant colors so
beautiful they can take your breath away. And what is it that causes
those leaves to become so colorful? It is because autumn is the elder
sister to spring. The renewal of spring cannot happen without the
loving release of autumn. Those leaves are so beautiful because they
have lived, and they have experienced the wonder of spring and the joy
of summer, and now express their gratitude with dazzling color as they
embrace and accept the wisdom of change. Winter will come soon enough,
the time of silent return to Earth and Spirit. And so with pastels and
earth-tones we honor and celebrate the seasons of change, for they are
the gift of Spirit, who gives us mystery that we might find humility
and acceptance in this life. Do not fear change, for change is that
season in which we find ourselves, our path, our purpose and our need
for Spirit, and each other. Embrace your season of change, and the
colored leaves of what was will let go and return to the earth, giving
birth to a new day, and new life which will spring forth with hope and
vision for the seasons to come....
SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....
When ever I start one of these letters I always look outside the window
in my office. This morning I see autumn upon us. I feel a nip of
fresh cold air every time I step outside. I see the squirrels busy
preparing for winter and the deer are hunkered down. I, for one, have
always loved this time of year. In just a couple of weeks we will have
our Mending Medicine Retreat and I will get to visit with creative,
open individuals from all over the globe. I will get to make new
friends and rekindle the fires of long lasting friendships. In this
season, we begin to prepare to slow down. It is funny as we grow older
how so many things become less important. Love, friendship, families,
spirit, breath… these things are what is important. I am still missing
Fr. Bob a lot, I sometimes don’t take the time to think of him, because
I don’t know if I am ready for tears. You know it really is not all
that healthy to make appointments for tears… but I admit I do it.
But I know one thing… he knows that I love him and I know he loves me.
The drama and petty judgements that can consume the moments of our
lives are so useless.
The ‘me’ moments…my way… I’m right…what about me… useless and empty.
We are here, interdependent. We are here as part of a sacred hoop. So
when someone throws a fiery dart at you, let it go. Move away,
separate yourself from the friction, the drama, and find a space to
surround yourself with beauty. Some situations you cannot escape, but
even then you have a choice how to react or how to not react. I, for
one, hate injustice and so I am learning a peaceful way to fight for
justice. I mostly see the anger and the ignorance of those who choose
to tear people down and I begin to pity those people, knowing that life
for them is very hard. To live in peace and love is really an easy and
wonderful life… so choose it and live it!
NEWS
Circle of Nations t-shirts and canvas bags will be on sale at our
retreat and fall concerts this year
and at the new Circle of Nations website coming soon!
Check out our calendar
for all of John Two-Hawks’ appearances for 2009
Some FYI in 2010… We will open up 2 new retreat events in the Dayton
Ohio area
May 2010… Women’s Retreat and Flute Discovery Retreat
April 2010 … John will be performing in Chattanooga Tennessee with the
Symphony
Spain is in the air for a 2010 tour, and much more
Have you heard about ‘Gentlemen Broncos’? Coming to theaters near you
around Oct 30th.
Music from John Two-Hawks - Cedar Dreams - In a comedy… go figure!
'Two-Hawks'
2-CD Set is still on sale… don’t miss it
Peace on
Earth CD is also still on sale for a very limited time!
Oh, by the way, we are down to only 3 Insignia
JTH Signature Series Cedar Flutes left.
Once they are gone they will never be made again. Now is your chance
to pick up one.
Blessings,
Peace,
Peggy
Red Earth of Native
Circle
The Official JTH Website
WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
The way of the peaceful warrior....
I used to be quite a fiery political activist. I was angry and vocal.
I spoke out against injustice, stereotypes and racism, and ticked off
more than a few adversaries. I have sat on open forum panels alongside
Winona LaDuke and other tribal leaders, discussing and arguing the
issues of racism toward Indian people in sports and media with
community citizens. In short, I was a fiery advocate for Indigenous
human and civil rights, and I was not afraid to go to battle. As I
look back now on those times, I can smile. I smile because although I
remain an activist, I am no longer angry. I smile because, although I
remain fiery, there is no rage. I smile because, in many ways, I am a
much wiser, more seasoned and more effective activist now than I ever
was in my youth. You see, the healthy expression of anger is good, as
it serves to heal those who are angry and can often be the only means
by which a dialogue is opened. But anger is not always the most
effective tool of change, as it mainly serves the one who is angry, and
polarizes the issues, pushing each side further apart from the
possibility of resolution. Instead, though we may begin in a place of
anger, it is grace and civility that brings about the greatest change.
War begets war. Peace begets peace. Hate begets hate. Love begets
love. Mutual respect is not earned by force, it is earned through
humility, kindness and friendship. I may get your attention with
anger, but I will win your heart and your respect, with love. This, my
sisters, brothers and friends, is the way of the peaceful warrior. And
it is the only way we will ever heal the world....
NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
a few thoughts from my contemplations....
You cannot know what lies beneath the surface, if you never kneel
and dig deeper....
Respond to hate with love, ignorance with knowledge, and foolishness
with wisdom....
The one who speaks the least usually has the most to say....
The one who speaks the most usually has the least to say....
May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for
the future, and love for all....
As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of
the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I
ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I
be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila
(great thanks)!