Dancing on the grounds Saturday, June 10th at the Indiana Dunes State Park, where many folks first did ceremony with John in Illiana, got me thinking of a conversation I had with him a few weeks before he passed. He was moving to another village down the road in Georgia, unaware of his true destination, the Ultimate Village. We were talking about the challenges of an Earthkeeper. He commented that he thought the lessons were part of the dance/ceremony. That when one commits to ceremony, they commit to life-altering experiences.
Like most Earthkeepers, I seem to focus on the feel good experiences, the wonderful ceremonies and fun on the path. However, it’s good to remember that a commitment towards peace includes the lessons that come to help rid us of that which no longer serves us. That’s why balance is Yin and Yang…dark and light. I get it!!!
So when the dis-harmony comes, as it will, instead of sweeping it under the rug, we embrace it as it has come to help us move closer to peace. The tough experiences are part of our commitment. So it is truly no small thing we do, because when we commit to ceremonies and dance on the path of peace, we commit to learning the lessons that come with the path.
The Elders have always taught that the spiritual road is a rocky road. I can hear Grandma’s voice, “Be careful before you commit to it. It will be the hardest and best road you will ever walk but it is not for the faint of heart or fair weather folks.”
I would much prefer that rocky road just be an ice cream flavor!!!!
We are heading out to Sundance…we’ll be back to post in a few weeks.
Hugs, Tracy