In the vast expanse of the American plains, where the sky kisses the horizon, and the wind whispers ancient songs, I found myself under the wise mentorship of Bert, a respected elder of the Lakota people. My journey into the heart of Lakota traditions was not just a cultural exploration but a profound personal transformation that reshaped my understanding of life, nature, and the spiritual realm.
Mentorship and Life Lessons
On my second summer visit to the Black Hills, I met a cousin of a Lakota man I was visiting named Bert. Bert was lecturing us and evaluating our knowledge of the ceremonies that we had been taught. Bert chose me to demonstrate my knowledge and told me to kneel. I was supposed to say the pipe loading prayer - which I did not know well. As I knelt, Bert proceeded to speak to the group for over forty-five minutes. Later that day, Bert's wife told me he was impressed by my positive attitude as I knelt on the rocky earth. That evening, he and I talked well into the morning hours by the fire under the Black Hills night sky. One of the things I told him was my propensity to be number two, being in the background to support others. He said he did not tell people what to do, but I told him I would appreciate his counsel. He advised me that helping others is important but that I had a gift and let that gift come forth. By the end of the evening, I knew I had to leave California and come to South Dakota and learn more from this man.
During our travels, I told Bert about my life story. Bert grokked that I spent much time outside, that I was a student of nature. One day, Bert said, "Kevin, The Holy Men of Pine Ridge would love to have what you have. You have found a way to communicate with the Creator, creation, and I don't know how you did it. My job with you is to help you build a solid foundation under the castle you are building. I am here to help you build your castle on bedrock. Too many live in a dream world and don't do the hard work that is necessary. Many build their castle on a bed of sand. It is essential to raise yourself to a new level. It is vital that humanity does this if it wants to survive into the future."
Bert emphasised, "Not to let our Habits rule us but us to rule our Habits." I told him that sometimes I would give up coffee or alcohol for weeks or a month at a time. He said he did the same with coffee. He prohibited alcohol and its use for most of the others under his wing, but he allowed me to consume it. He explained that alcohol was not to be used in balance but in moderation. Moderation says a beer or two or perhaps or a tumbler of whiskey a day is fine. Abstaining during the week and then drinking ten to twelve beers or a whole bottle of whiskey in one evening is not in moderation. We frequently talked about becoming what I now call a GreenWave-54 being; it was not about being good but living in balance—balancing all parts of our life, all 54 of our senses.
Bert would tell us to "aim for 51% and don't try to be too good or perfect as perfect does not exist. Know your darker side, and then you can balance it." For example, one day, Bert talked about a current event, Catholic priests being accused of molesting young boys. Bert stated that Catholic priests are trying to be too good. Stating that "By trying to be too GOOD, they would slip up and then molest young children." He said the injuries they caused were like a "pendulum pulling high to the left; suddenly, it can swing far in the other direction. Life out of balance." Life is to be lived in a homeostatic way, balancing all 54 senses. Bert's lessons and words taught me that we win if we only average 51% in the light. It is ok to enter the dark, as we must know and accept our dark side.
Question for Readers: How do you balance the different aspects of your life? Have you ever felt the need to confront or understand your darker side?
Vision Quests: Seeking Guidance in Solitude
My journey began with a vision quest, a solitary retreat into nature to seek guidance and clarity from the spirits. Under Bert's guidance, I spent one night alone on a hilltop, fasting and praying, with nothing but a blanket. The isolation was daunting, yet it provided a space for introspection and spiritual communication that I had never experienced before.
During my vision quest, I encountered what Bert described as the spiritual 'power' he often spoke of. It was a force that seemed to emanate from the earth itself, a palpable energy that filled me with a sense of peace and purpose. This experience taught me that true wisdom often comes from stillness and listening to the subtle voices of nature.
Question for Readers: Have you ever sought solitude for personal or spiritual growth? What was the most significant insight or feeling you gained from that experience?
The Sundance: A Dance of Endurance and Renewal
Following the vision quest, I participated in the Sundance, a ceremony held annually for great sacrifice and communal renewal. Under Bert's guidance, I danced from sunrise to sunset for two days, fasting and dancing around the sacred tree, exhausted and thirsty. The physical challenge was immense, but it was the spiritual journey that left the most indelible mark on my soul.
As I danced, I felt an overwhelming connection to the earth and the sky. Bert explained that the Sundance was not just about personal endurance but about praying for the well-being of the entire community. This sense of collective responsibility was a revelation to me. In the modern world, where individualism often overshadows communal bonds, the Sundance taught me the power of unity and shared purpose.
This first year, Bert had me dance only two days, but in the following years, I would dance yearly and for four days each time. While this first experience with Sundance was profound, the following years would add layer upon layer of meaning to my being.
Question for Readers: How do you connect with your community or engage in activities that benefit a larger group? What role does collective responsibility play in your life?
Sweat Lodges: Purification and Healing
Another cornerstone of my journey was participating in numerous sweat lodge ceremonies. These rituals, conducted in a small, dome-shaped structure heated by hot stones, are designed for purification and healing. Under Bert's guidance, I learned to respect the elements—earth, water, fire, and air—as they worked together to cleanse the body and spirit.
Each sweat lodge session was a journey in itself, a microcosm of life's trials and triumphs. The intense heat and steam were metaphors for life's challenges, teaching me to endure and emerge stronger. Bert often spoke of the sweat lodge as a womb, a place where one could be reborn. This concept resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the idea that every day offers an opportunity for renewal and growth.
Question for Readers: What practices do you engage in for personal purification or healing? How do these practices influence your daily life or spiritual growth?
The Sacredness of Life: Lessons from the Lakota
Through these experiences, I gained a profound appreciation for the sacredness of life. The Lakota believe that everything in the universe is interconnected, and this belief permeates every aspect of their ceremonies and daily life. Bert taught me to see the divine in the rustling leaves, the flowing rivers, and the soaring eagles. This perspective transformed my understanding of nature from a mere backdrop to an active participant in the spiritual journey.
One of the most powerful lessons I learned was the concept of 'Mitakuye Oyasin,' which translates to 'all my relations.' This phrase encapsulates the Lakota worldview that all beings are related and part of a larger family. It taught me to approach life with humility and respect, recognising the inherent value in every creature and element.
Question for Readers: How do you incorporate the idea of interconnectedness into your daily life? Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt deeply connected to all life around you?
Harnessing Spiritual Power: A Lifelong Journey
Bert's teachings about the spiritual 'power' one could harness were both intriguing and challenging. He spoke of this power as a force that could be accessed through dedication, respect, and a deep connection to the natural world. My experiences in the Sundance, vision quests, and sweat lodges were practical applications of this concept, each offering a different pathway to tap into this spiritual reservoir.
The journey with the Lakota was not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to living in harmony with the earth and its inhabitants. It taught me that spiritual growth is an ongoing process, requiring patience, perseverance, and an open heart. The lessons I learned under Bert's mentorship continue to guide me, reminding me of the power within nature and the sacredness of life.
Question for Readers: What practices or philosophies guide your spiritual or personal growth? How do you see spiritual power manifesting in your life?
Conclusion: Carrying Forward the Wisdom of the Lakota
As I reflect on my time with the Lakota, I am filled with gratitude for the wisdom and experiences shared by Bert and the community. The vision quest, Sundance, and sweat lodges were not just rituals but profound teachings on endurance, unity, and the interconnectedness of all life. These experiences have left an indelible mark on my spirit, shaping my worldview and guiding my actions.
In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, the lessons from the Lakota offer a beacon of hope and a path to healing. By embracing the sacredness of life and harnessing the spiritual power within nature, we can all find our way back to a more harmonious existence. My journey with the Lakota is a testament to the transformative power of cultural immersion and the timeless wisdom of indigenous traditions.
Question for Readers: What traditions or teachings from your own or other cultures have had the most profound impact on your life? How do you carry forward these lessons in your daily practices?
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.
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