Post by blackcrowheart on Apr 20, 2006 22:57:50 GMT -5
Red Voices: A magazine for Native American women and their families.
www.aitiinc.org/
Family, friends, and environmental influences shape us. Our perception
of ourselves is a reflection of stories, myths, and media. It carries
more power than anything we hear from others about us. The women who
walked before us created a path we can follow, or we can choose to make
our own way. Throughout our lives, we view ourselves differently as a
result of experiences and knowledge.
A Pomo elder told me that the winter months were a time of reflection.
During this time, we look at our lives and our place in our families and
communities. We slow down and draw inward for prayer and to prepare for
growth in the spring. It is a time for evaluating our purposes and
commitments. It is also important to recognize accomplishments. The
hardest work we do is during this transition of change. Identifying,
analyzing, accepting, and decision-making are all components.
There are many steps of growth and transitions during our lifetimes.
Some we choose and some are unanticipated. Many books have been written
on the subject. The important concept is to know that we are not alone
in our struggle. Others have gone before us and provide great insights
to inspire us.
A wonderful exercise to assist in this process is outlined in Part 4 of
A Gathering of Women in this issue. It calls for us to share mythical
stories and reflect on ways we were influenced. This is one method
leading to self-discovery. These stories influence our thinking and
behaviors. They shape how we view the world. By uncovering our
interpretations and sharing them in a safe environment, we recognize
deeper levels that drive our thinking processes and actions. We have the
opportunity to choose change or to acknowledge our strengths as a result
of this process. It is crucial not to put “good” or “bad” value
judgments on ourselves as we do this exercise.
Our busy lives cannot always accommodate opportunity, so we must make a
concerted effort to schedule time with other women. Before long, we will
receive the rewards of self-care, balance, and spiritual and emotional
growth. Walking in this good way, we will be a support to others seeking
wellness. We will continue to develop in healthy ways by committing to
consistently attending talking circles. Our support systems will become
stronger. We will create a positive self-image by doing this work.
In addition to Part 4 of A Gathering of Women, this issue also includes
a Native story, The Comrades. It is a delightful story about supporting
others without losing yourself. On page 6 is a list of suggested reading
as recommended in the A Gathering of Women booklet. We hope you find
this helpful.
You have just read the cover page of the American Indian Training
Institute Inc.'s Red Voices magazine. If you are interested in reading
Red Voices in its entirety, you can receive an e-mail copy in an Adobe
Acrobat pdf format. The publication is available online one week earlier
than the hard copy (the hard copy is available only to California
residents due to State contract requirements).
If you would like to receive your copy of the electronic version of Red
Voices, e-mail us at: AITIInc@aol.com
www.aitiinc.org/
Family, friends, and environmental influences shape us. Our perception
of ourselves is a reflection of stories, myths, and media. It carries
more power than anything we hear from others about us. The women who
walked before us created a path we can follow, or we can choose to make
our own way. Throughout our lives, we view ourselves differently as a
result of experiences and knowledge.
A Pomo elder told me that the winter months were a time of reflection.
During this time, we look at our lives and our place in our families and
communities. We slow down and draw inward for prayer and to prepare for
growth in the spring. It is a time for evaluating our purposes and
commitments. It is also important to recognize accomplishments. The
hardest work we do is during this transition of change. Identifying,
analyzing, accepting, and decision-making are all components.
There are many steps of growth and transitions during our lifetimes.
Some we choose and some are unanticipated. Many books have been written
on the subject. The important concept is to know that we are not alone
in our struggle. Others have gone before us and provide great insights
to inspire us.
A wonderful exercise to assist in this process is outlined in Part 4 of
A Gathering of Women in this issue. It calls for us to share mythical
stories and reflect on ways we were influenced. This is one method
leading to self-discovery. These stories influence our thinking and
behaviors. They shape how we view the world. By uncovering our
interpretations and sharing them in a safe environment, we recognize
deeper levels that drive our thinking processes and actions. We have the
opportunity to choose change or to acknowledge our strengths as a result
of this process. It is crucial not to put “good” or “bad” value
judgments on ourselves as we do this exercise.
Our busy lives cannot always accommodate opportunity, so we must make a
concerted effort to schedule time with other women. Before long, we will
receive the rewards of self-care, balance, and spiritual and emotional
growth. Walking in this good way, we will be a support to others seeking
wellness. We will continue to develop in healthy ways by committing to
consistently attending talking circles. Our support systems will become
stronger. We will create a positive self-image by doing this work.
In addition to Part 4 of A Gathering of Women, this issue also includes
a Native story, The Comrades. It is a delightful story about supporting
others without losing yourself. On page 6 is a list of suggested reading
as recommended in the A Gathering of Women booklet. We hope you find
this helpful.
You have just read the cover page of the American Indian Training
Institute Inc.'s Red Voices magazine. If you are interested in reading
Red Voices in its entirety, you can receive an e-mail copy in an Adobe
Acrobat pdf format. The publication is available online one week earlier
than the hard copy (the hard copy is available only to California
residents due to State contract requirements).
If you would like to receive your copy of the electronic version of Red
Voices, e-mail us at: AITIInc@aol.com