My Catholic Roots
From the rigid pews of Catholic school to the sacred smoke of Lakota ceremonies, my spiritual path has been a winding trail through forests of belief and fields of doubt. Born into the structured world of Catholicism, my early years were marked by the strict discipline of nuns and the solemnity of mass, where the scent of incense and the echo of Latin chants filled the air. Yet, amidst this, my nightly prayers were not just rituals; they were my private conversations with the divine, my solace in a world of rules.
As an 8-year-old, we were learning about the History of the Catholic Church and studying Martyrs. I remember thinking that I would never share my personal beliefs with anyone ever again,( again, where did that thought come from was I feeling a deep connection to my or others' past?) The fear instilled by the nuns' harsh methods contrasted sharply with the teachings of peace and compassion we were supposed to learn. The dogmatism and violence I experienced in Catholic school were at odds with the message of Jesus's life of peace and turning the other cheek. The nuns didn't miss a chance to either whip us in front of others or break a ruler over our hands for the slightest infraction. This was a stark contrast to the compassionate guidance I would later encounter.
My early disillusionment with Catholicism set the stage for my later explorations. Alan Watts's teachings on the unity of opposites would later resonate with me, as I grappled with the duality of my experiences. After my profound experience in 2014, which I've come to see as a spiritual awakening, Alan Watts's insights on the unity of opposites made more sense. I had felt the tension between the ecstasy of spiritual elevation and the mundane aspects of daily life. Watts's philosophy helped me see that these weren't opposing forces but two sides of the same coin, each necessary for the other's existence, teaching me to embrace all facets of my journey.
What has been your experience with the teachings of your youth? Have they shaped you in unexpected ways?
A New Spiritual Horizon
The turn of the millennium brought with it a profound shift in my spiritual quest. It was during this time I encountered a man whose wisdom would forever alter my path— Bert, a Lakota elder whose life was as much a lesson as his words. Meeting Bert was like opening a door to a room I never knew existed, where the spiritual air was fresh with the scent of sage, and the teachings were as wild and free as the winds of the plains.
I had been practicing a 7-part moving meditation for many years when I first met Bert. One day, a group of us went into the Inipi (Sweat Lodge), and I sat in the middle back, the hottest place in the Lodge. At the end of the four rounds, Bert called for the door to be opened. He commented that while the whole group was suffering from the heat, Kevin (me) was sitting cross-legged doing his meditation and was not bothered by the heat at all.
While the nuns were strict and often harsh, Bert was strict yet compassionate. He had walked his talk. The word "Guru" means one who brings light. One must meet the light to teach the light. Bert passed this on to me.
Alan Watts's teachings on the universal "oneness" helped me bridge the gap between my Catholic roots and the Lakota way. The concept of the unity of opposites—right and left being but an illusion—resonated with me. The uninitiated see a line, right on one side, left on the other, but truly, I see a circle, a circle of life, death, and all things. Perhaps the circle warps into a spiral, one travels around and around but moves slowly into the middle, the center.
Have you ever felt a call to explore beyond your initial spiritual teachings? What drew you to that path?
The Wisdom of Bert
Our first meeting was serendipitous, at a gathering that felt more like a convergence of souls than a mere assembly of people. Bert, with his deep, knowing eyes, saw through the layers of my upbringing, the Catholic veneer that had both sheltered and confined me. He spoke of balance, of walking in two worlds, of understanding the light and the dark within us all. His words were not just teachings; they were keys unlocking parts of myself I had yet to explore.
As I knelt on the rocky ground, listening to Bert speak about the Channunpa for what seemed like an eternity, I realized I was at the threshold of a new understanding. Here was a man who could laugh with the lightness of the breeze yet stand firm like the ancient trees.
Bert's mentorship was not about replacing my beliefs but expanding them, weaving them into a tapestry that included the Lakota way, the teachings of Alan Watts, and the whispers of the natural world.
Bert taught me that spirituality isn't about perfection or being 'good' in the eyes of some divine scorekeeper. It's about balance, about walking the Earthway path where every step is mindful, every action a reflection of one's inner state. He pushed my buttons, not to provoke, but to show me where I needed to grow, where my fears held me back from fully embracing life and death as parts of the same dance.
How have unexpected teachers influenced your life? What lessons have they imparted?
Balancing Worlds
This journey from the structured to the sacred, from the known to the unknown, has been my odyssey. It's a path that continues to unfold, with each step revealing more of the interconnectedness of all things. From the harsh discipline of my youth to the compassionate guidance of a Lakota elder, my spiritual voyage has taught me that the quest for understanding is endless, and the most profound lessons often come from the most unexpected teachers.
The contrast between the fear instilled by the nuns and the freedom I felt with Bert has been a constant reminder of the importance of balance.
Balancing the dogmatic teachings of Catholicism with the fluidity of Lakota spirituality has been a challenge but also a gift. It has allowed me to see the beauty in both worlds and find my own path.
Bert taught me that being in balance is the goal of mankind. However, the idea of moving into a higher plane or dimension might be misleading. Even though man is an animal, it's not about dropping this animal behavior to become something else. Instead of striving to ascend into a higher plane or dimension, the truth might be that we're not moving towards a 'higher self' at all. Alan Watts suggests that the idea of a higher self is itself a duality, an illusion. We are already one; there's no part of us that needs to merge with another. It's about recognizing that even our animal behaviors are part of this oneness, not something to be transcended but integrated into the whole of our being
What has been your experience with balancing different aspects of your life? How do you find harmony between contrasting beliefs or practices?
The Earthway: A Path Forward
As I write this, sitting in my old Saxon house in Transylvania, surrounded by the echoes of my life's journey, I am reminded that spirituality is not a destination but a way of traveling. It's about finding your own Earthway, your own balance between the teachings of the past and the wisdom of the earth, between the light you seek and the shadows you must embrace.
My time in Transilvania has been a continuation of my spiritual journey, a place where the old and new worlds meet, much like my own internal landscape.
The Earthway integrates the teachings of Catholicism, the Lakota way, and the universal oneness of Alan Watts. It's a path that honors the past while embracing the present.
The Earthway is a spiral path, moving slowly into the center, the heart of understanding. It's a journey of continuous growth and learning, where every experience is a step towards greater awareness.
What does your personal path look like? How do you integrate diverse teachings into your life?
Reflections from Transilvania
My time here in Transilvania has been a profound reminder of the continuity of my spiritual journey. The old Saxon house, with its ancient walls and quiet corners, has become a sanctuary for reflection and growth. Here, I can see how far I've come and how much further there is to go.
The peace I find here, amidst the rolling hills and ancient forests, echoes the peace I found in the Inipi with Bert. It's a reminder that the sacred is everywhere, if we only take the time to look.
The blend of old and new in Transilvania mirrors my own journey of blending Catholic and Lakota teachings. It's a testament to the power of synthesis and the beauty of finding one's own way.
Bert's teachings on balance and the Earthway continue to guide me here. The journey is ongoing, and each day is an opportunity to walk more mindfully, to embrace the light and the shadows with equal reverence.
How do you find moments of reflection in your own life? What places or practices help you connect with your spiritual path?
Cultural Synthesis
Bert taught me that being in balance is the goal of mankind. Instead of moving towards a higher plane or dimension, we are realizing our inherent oneness. Even though man is an animal, it is not about dropping this animal behavior but recognizing it as part of our whole being. This philosophy has become the cornerstone of my daily life. I incorporate Lakota rituals like smudging with sweetgrass into my morning routine, alongside the reflective practices of my Catholic upbringing. The Earthway is not just a spiritual concept but a way of living, where every action is a step towards greater harmony and understanding.
Each morning, I light the sweetgrass, which I grow myself, and let its smoke cleanse my space, much like the incense of my youth. It's a ritual that connects me to both worlds and grounds me in the present.
The synthesis of these practices has allowed me to find a balance that feels true to my journey. The rigidity of Catholicism and the fluidity of the Lakota way have merged into a path that is uniquely mine.
The Earthway is a living philosophy, one that evolves with me. It's about embracing the teachings of the past while being open to the wisdom of the earth and the universe.
How do you synthesize different aspects of your life into a cohesive whole? What practices or rituals help you maintain balance and harmony?
In Harmony,
Kevin
Walk with me on The Earthway. Share your journey, your balance, your light, and your shadows. Together, let's explore how our diverse paths can lead us to a unified understanding of life.
Leave your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below.