February 2008

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)
The greatest awards....
I am lucky guy in so many ways.  Now don’t me wrong, it hasn’t always been that way, at least in my mind.  But as I sat here in these wee hours, trying to think of deep, thought provoking truths, I leaned back and turned to my left to see two pieces of paper I have tacked to my studio wall, just beneath my Platinum Album award.  Speaking of my Platinum Album award, when one thinks of great accomplishments or prestigious awards, a Platinum Album certainly fits that ticket.  As well, Emmys and Oscars can definitely be seen as very important awards of accomplishment.  And there are other fine examples like these.  Yet, as I leaned back tonight in thought, what my eyes were drawn to were two simple pieces of paper, upon which my grandson put his marks.  He was 8 years old at the time.  He is 9 now.  On one sheet, he wrote a short essay, which was later given to me by his teacher.  The essay is all about all the reason why my grandson loves me, his grandpa.  Humbling sentiments like “I love my grandpa because he wants everything to be fair.”  And, “I love my grandpa because he is not a poor sport.”  There are many more, but you get the idea.  The other sheet of paper is completely covered with the scribbling, artistic renderings of a black crayon, with a hint of violet and yellow, after which a sharp pointed object of some kind was used to etch curvy, swirly lines all over the waxy crayon colors.  As I look closely at it, I am struck by the freedom of the young artists hand.  There is no concern or regard for symmetry, style or form.  Instead, there is a gleeful unpredictability in his abstract artistic expression that jumps off the paper.  In short, you cannot look at it without smiling!  And of course, I cannot read my grandson’s sentiments without a smile either.  As I said at first, I am a lucky guy.  I have been honored with Platinum Albums, Emmy nominations, Acting awards and so on.  But to me, there is no greater award than the loving praise of an 8 year old boy who thinks his grandpa is the greatest.  And there is no work of art more deep and meaningful than the masterpiece created with crayons and a pointy object on an 8 by 11 sheet of paper.  We place way too much value and give far too much weight in this life to things which, in the end, don’t really matter all that much.  The things that really count, and mean everything, are the simple things.  The unheralded acts of love we receive, and then hopefully pass on.  Those precious moments we get with those we love.  These are the gems.  These are the real awards.  Don’t miss them.  Don’t catch yourself distracted and looking the other way, because they can pass so fast.  Look around you.  Your real awards are right in front of you.  Receive them.  Honor them.  And embrace them.  They are your real reason for living....
   

SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....

Hurrah Feb!! I like Feb because it is a short jump into Spring. Winter certainly has had it's way with me, flu, colds, snowed out audiences, drowsy dark days.
But lately I am tiptoeing thru the miracles (sneezing and coughing as I go). As I spoke to Melanie on the phone last week and shared my latest wisdom adventures with her she said "I bet we will be seeing this in the newsletter."  I pondered, "Am I that predictable?"  So I refuse to be "pegged"  ha ha
No instant karma message from Peggy this month.

I just read a very fun book "Eat, Pray, Love."  I recommend it!!!!

A few weeks ago while John was getting new tires on his car, a little old guy wanted to strike up a political conversation with him. He says, "Think it's gonna be tough for Bush to get elected this year?"  What!??  
Sometimes I get so tired of the election news I am happy for another depressing Britney story...NOT

The new ‘Elk Dreamer’ CD music is nearing completion.  It will be Officially Pre-Released very soon, but we snuck it on a special order form early if you want to order it now.  Check out the schedule, new dates have been added.  Get your registrations in early for the retreats.   We still have room for one couple for the 2008 Married Couples Retreat in March.  The Creative Expressions Retreat is still very open for April 2008.  The Women of Wisdom Retreat is almost full and the Flute Discovery Retreat is half full.

Enjoy every little thing today!
love ya,
Peace,
Peggy
Red Earth at Native Circle
The Official JTH Website


WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
I work out with weights 3 or 4 days a week.  Through the years, I have learned a thing or two about how to make gains in physical strength and muscular form.  There are many effective approaches to this end, but one remains tried and true, and it is this - change builds muscle and strength in the body.  If I do the same workout the same way, eventually my body will plateau and there will little if any gains.  But if I change things up regularly, I will continue to build muscle and strength.  I make this point because this same approach to physical strength and fitness applies to our spiritual, emotional and mental health.  Change and challenge is rarely easy.  But if we are to keep our spirit, soul and mind strong, then change and challenge are the fitness program which will help us achieve that.  Creator knows this, and certainly has at least some hand in the changes and challenges we face in our lives from time to time.  As we learn to meet these often difficult times with vigor and resolve, we grow stronger and healthier spiritually, emotionally and mentally.  Also, it is always a good practice to challenge ourselves sometimes by trying something new, or being willing to keep our mind open to a new idea or another view.  By exercising our spirit, soul and mind in these ways, we increase our spiritual, emotional and mental strength and health.  We find more peace, balance and happiness in our lives.  And as we grow stronger in these ways, we find that we are better able to tackle the new challenges that come around the bend.  So when you are faced with the next difficult change or challenge, or if you are faced with it now, do not despair, for Creator is with you, and that change will give you a chance to flex those muscles of the spirit, soul and mind, and increase their strength.  There may be some pain involved in the process, but we all know what they say about building muscle and strength - no pain, no gain.  It may sound trite, but it is an absolute truth of life.  It is the status quo, same ol’ same ol’, that gets us nowhere and fails to inspire us to grow and reach and dream.  Don’t stay there.  Life is way too short.  Accept that change is part of life, and meet the challenges that come with it with determination and faith.  Faith and works....  the two are not effective without the other.  So put forth your best effort, and believe the best you can, and Spirit will bless you in ways you can only imagine....
 

NORTH - Waziyata - White  (Words of Wisdom)
A few thoughts....

Be humble, or you will be humbled....

Real success has nothing to do with money or possessions....

Admitting imperfection is the beginning of wisdom....

Having a good time is not a waste of 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)!