"If we keep everything in balance, we are in harmony with ourselves and are at peace."

---- Fools Crow, LAKOTA

WHO IS NANABUSH? / WENESH OW NANABUSH?

Nanabush is the main character in many Ojibwe legends and is as old as the Ojibwe language itself. He was sent to teach the Anishinaabeg how to live. His mother was Anishinaabe-kwe and his father a spirit. Being half spirit he had amazing abilities. But being half human, he had the virtues and flaws that people have and often could not control his humanly wants and needs.

Nanabush could be selfish or generous; cowardly or brave; caring or spiteful; always curious and mischievous and often his own worst enemy. Sometimes he daringly saved the Anishinaabek, other times he caused them everlasting hardship. Nanabush walked all over Turtle Island. His many humorous escapades and great adventures explained the natural world, entertained generations of Anishnaabe and helped preserve the Ojibwe language. He remains an important figure in Anishnaabe culture. Nish Tales: Walking and Talking with Nanabush looks at the humourous and fun side of some of his adventures.

---- Nish Tales

"The devastated earth, the air, water, the extinct species of mankind, animalkind, and plantkind, the drugs, suicides, family separations - these are all the result of false ceremonies."

---- Barney Bush, SHAWNEE

THE HOLLOW BONE TEACHING


Frank Fools Crow was a revered Lakota Holy Man who taught that you must become like a "hollow bone" to be a great healer. He believed that to become a conduit for the source of all creation fulfills the destiny of the human spirit: to sustain the order of existence. According to Fools Crow, "We are called to become hollow bones for our people, and anyone else we can help. We are not supposed to seek power for our personal use and honor. What we bones really become is the pipeline that connects Wakan Tanka, the helpers and the community together." In his becoming a hollow bone, Fools Crow believed that he went through four stages:

1. First, he called in Wakan Tanka (Great Mystery) to rid himself of anything that would impede him in any way, such as doubt, questions or reluctance.

2. Then he recognized himself as a clean tube, ready to be filled with hope, possibilities, and anxious to be filled with power.

3. He experienced the power as it comes surging into him.

4. Finally, giving the power away to others, knowing that as he is emptied out, the Higher Powers will keep filling him with even greater power to be given away.


---- Frank Fools Crow

BECOMING A HOLLOW BONE

"Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply seven times. Let your abdomen rise and fall as you breathe. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and then exhale for a count of four. Focus on the breath as it enters the nose and fills your lungs, and then gently exhale any tension you might feel, clearing the energy channels of your body. Release all of your worldly concerns, doubts, and fears, allowing them to drift off on the air of the wind, on the breath of life. Feel yourself relaxing with each breath.

When you are fully relaxed, ask the "Higher Powers" to remove any blockages that prevent you from functioning as a hollow bone. Repeat the affirmation, "I choose to be a clean, hollow bone." Visualize yourself as a hollow bone or tube that is all shiny on the inside and empty. The cleaner the bone, the more energy you can channel through it, and the faster it will flow.

Now begin drumming a steady tempo of about 3 beats per second and imagine the power of spirit flowing through you. You may feel it, see it, sense it, or simply imagine it. As you focus on it, it will occur, for all energy follows thought. If your mind wanders, bring the focus of your attention back to the beat of the drum. Drumming opens portals to the spirit world, draws spirit in, and opens you up to receive it."

---- Frank Fools Crow

wow I love that -

empty yourself of the c**p and fill up on the good stuff

Makes sense to me..

Grandfather Frank is one of my favorites... He explains things very well... (both, when he was here.. and from the other side..)

The book that Thomas Mails wrote with him is an excellent read and not over-priced at all:

"FOOLS CROW: Wisdom & Power"

Glad you enjoyed it Four.. and welcome to this thread..!

---------------------------

Frank Fools Crow (circa 1890 - 1989) was a deeply-��respected Oglala Lakota civic and religious leader. 'Grandfather', or 'Grandpa Frank' as he was often called, was a nephew of Black Elk who worked to preserve Lakota traditions, including the Sun Dance and yuwipi ceremonies.

He supported Lakota sovereignty and treaty rights, and was a leader of the traditional faction during the armed standoff at Wounded Knee in 1973. With writer Thomas E. Mails, he produced two books about his life and work, Fools Crow in 1979, and Fools Crow: Wisdom and Power in 1980.

--- Wiki

glad to be here - Thanks Jag

"If you get troubled, go and sit by the river. The flowing water will take your troubles away."

---- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE

"An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward."

---- Chief Joseph

"You must speak straight so that your words may go as sunlight into our hearts."

---- Cochise "Like Ironweed" CHIRICAHUA APACHE

"Love is something that you can leave behind you when you die. It's that powerful."

---- John (Fire) Lame Deer, ROSEBUD LAKOTA

"Knowledge is a beautiful thing, but the use of knowledge in a good way is what makes for wisdom. Learning how to use knowledge in a sacred manner, that's wisdom to me. And to me, that's what a true Elder is."

---- Sun Bear, CHIPPEWA

"Nature is the storehouse of potential life of future generations and is sacred."

---- Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA

"We know that in all creation, only the human family has strayed from the Sacred Way."

---- OJIBWA Prayer

"I am building myself. There are many roots. I plant, I pick, I prune. I consume."

---- Wendy Rose, HOPI/MIWOK

This thread is about to have a major change...

Change is good..., so don't worry..