Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my post. I appreciate it. I’m glad that you found it educational, even for those unaware of our shared history.

Acknowledging the injustice is only the first step, and I am glad to see it is being taken. The road to healing is as long as we choose to make it, I pray we make it as what we are: All related.

How insightful for someone with no knowledge of Taino culture or for that matter most things Native American.

I must commend you on a thought provoking post and for wanting to bridge the divide amongst all people. I can only hope that as time passes more non-natives will see the terrible injustice that has been passed down through our governments and people for years….

The films the government shows…what a joke! What a sad, sad joke. When someone hungers, does the menu feed them?

I have several tribal brothers that suffer from PTSD. It’s horrible to see and even worse to live- everyone suffers. One of them recently committed suicide. The mistrust went deep, the distortions went deeper. He refused any help or council. He hungered but, believing that all that was served was poisoned, he starved.

I agree that one should be cautious of guides, teachers, advisers and the like. One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Voltaire and goes: “Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.” I think this applies to everything.

Indigenous traditions expect us to have a personal relationship with the Great Spirit. To me, this means that no one can tell another what is ultimately right or wrong. The sacred takes care of itself. I am glad you are on a path of healing. May you have the strength to rise to the challenges of growth while seeking inner peace.

Nanu

I am thankful for the spiritual insight I am gaining from your People. I am a Vietnam veteran with PTSD. Was in an inpatient program which dealt with the mind and the body. The federal government did nothing for the spiritual side, except show some videos of Native Americans purifying themselves through sweat lodges and accepting all warriors through the Pow Wow dance.

I hungered for God, for some food for the soul and it was provided to me through meditation and the advise given by Indian soldiers with PTSD and how their families helped them. It helped me, and I am still seeking peace through a process they recommended.

Don’t know if I would want to try the “lodge” without a reliable guide. But I can understand how some would feel about persons who think they need no one’s help in seeking aide through another persons’ spiritual pathways.

thanks,

michael j

Conshohocken, PA USA