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Native American Healing

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That's something I've noticed as a difference with Native American culture. Being a warrior is an integral part of our culture. It is honored...respected...looked up to.

When I returned from Desert Storm, my grandfather held a naming ceremony. He gave me my current name. He gave me his name Black Coal. This name was handed down from the last chief of our tribe Chief Black Coal. He told me, it was because what I did was what Chief Black Coal did in battle. He was known for being the first into battle, he led the charge. He was known for taking care of his people. They may not have had high quality food or clothing, but they were all fed and warm. My grandfather listened to my stories. How, during the first four days of the land war, my unit was marking MSR Yankee, and there was nobody in front of us. We were making sure the trail was safe and clear for everyone else. He saw that, like Chief Black Coal, by driving my Lt. I was the first vehicle into battle, making sure the others were safe.

This is something I haven't seen in other cultures.
 
The difference is the spiritual and material world. Native Americans placed heavy value on the spiritual beliefs. Your history is passed down through time by word of mouth rather than placed on parchment with ink. And you placed honor on names of warriors past. We place honor on warriors past but their deeds are not passed down to the present. So we place their deeds on paper that few will read.

I'm ashamed to say but some of my white brothers try to profit from the ways of the Native American. One not long ago killed three people running a "sweat lodge" and having no idea what he was doing. I'm also ashamed that my town drove the Pow Wow to New Mexico. Many of us enjoyed them immensely and are sad to see them go.

Squib, hang onto that heritage. It is both good and fair.

Sarg

Almost forgot, thanks, Jar, excellent website, I've added it to favorites.
 
Jenny,

My Dine' (Navajo) friends tell me they have all but quit letting whites into their ceremonies. I would imagine we behaved poorly, or tried to commercialize the ceremonies. Although I would have liked to attend one, I'm glad they are excluding us. It's their heritage and I'd rather not see it in some TV commercial. I take what little they give me and I'm happy with that.

Given the ruins I've happened upon, they are one with mother earth. Their footprint tiny compared to ours.

Sadly, I'm told the Dine' face many, many problems directly caused by the whites. Alcohol, of course, but diabetes, increasing violence and assaults and their traditions are being eroded away. Though not the best venue to help the tribes, I welcome all the casinos they have opened all over the country. Justice. And the whites walk home with empty pockets this time.

Sarg
 
Thanks JarHed, it reminded me of a different perspective.

It caused a night of ...well...not nightmares, but 'work-mares' where the brain tries to work to recover information, understand more.

And Thanks, Sarg, for the encouragement
 
Both the site and the video are super. The white culture here in America is one of go to war or go to jail. Or at least it was for us 'Nam vets. They are trying to change that, it's still hard for me to separate what they say from what's actually going on.

I think there are perhaps other ways to 'heal' or get better from PTSD. We need to explore more of the alternative methods. We do talk about many here, which is good. Most doctors mindset of a pill for all ills just doesn't work for everyone or every situation.

I admire cultures that are still so connected to the 'land'. And even with the changes that come with time and technology there are somethings that I think we all need to be connected to and stay connected with.

Jar
 
Again Jar, your right on the money! Very well done video and a wonderful essay on the spiritual healing of the native people.

Ed Tick wrote extensively on th healing of the sweat lodges and ceremony in his book War and the Soul. Thank you!

Ba
 
The Spokane VA has a sweat lodge. I have sweated there many times. We used to have an old sweat that was surrounded by tin but the VA needed more parking so they built us a top of the line sweat building and we put up traditional sweat lodges inside. Even as an inpatient for PTSD we were aloud to sweat. As you go through the rounds you find an inner peace. I am traditional native and have spent many of nights at medicine dances and sweats in the day. I sweat on the rez and at the VA. One thing that is a very good healer is to be on a drum or learn to play the flute. I play the flute and have drummed. I have to say it is one of the best healing that I know of. I smudge then sweat or dance and watch the smoke or steam take my concerns to the creator. Good job Jar!
 
It's good to know that the VA is actually involved in this type of treatment. Glad to know that the guys that have been doing this have found some real healing there. I think that's wonderful and better than any meds can give you; peace of mind.

It's also good to hear from you Will, hope you're doing OK.

Jar
 
I'm fine just dealing with the medical part of things. Had to put the PTSD on hold in some ways. Sad part is sometimes I wish the med part would get me so people would know that the PTSD didn't get me. At the same time dealing with the with the polycethemia and being made half out of titanium sure ain't a help for PTSD. I'll just wait and see which gets me first I guess. Just a whine I don't have it half as bad as some. I hope in some way that I can make a difference in someones life and that's all I ask for. But thanks for your words they can help many if they are open.
 
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