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)!