Suddenly I see the neocons, the Israeli government, the Cheney administration, and the oil companies as one specific disease, but I don’t know what to call it. It’s apparently fatal. What I don’t get is, why is no one working on a vaccine? Meanwhile, Billmon has a link to a story about rabbis blaming Israel’s troubles on a gay pride parade in Jerusalem. Hey, I thought these people were smart. Now what?
You know, some days I really think it’s all over. We lasted a little over 200 years, pretty good for stupid white guys. It was a glorious run, too. We killed all the animals, dug up all the gold, generally got away with murder, and many would have taken our place. Still would, even though we’re driving on the rims. Things are that desperate for so many.
Anyway, tomorrow I’m taking visitors to Taos Pueblo. The multi-story adobe structures by the plaza have been inhabited for over 1,000 years. What’s more, the rented adobe I’m in now sits right on the edge of the old pueblo. There’s nothing but potsherds and kiva holes in the sagebrush now, but as far back as 1,000 – 1,800+ years ago, there were several thousand people livng here, out there on the mesa toward the hot springs. That’s roughly 2,000 years of Native settlement within a few miles radius, and you know it goes back longer than that. I’m just talking about this particular spot.
The day after that, I’m going to a sun dance on the other side of the mountain. This isn’t a spectator event, I’m going as a friend of an invited guest, in support of the dancers. If you know what a sun dance is, you’ll know what I mean. We could be the only palefaces there. It’s a very sacred thing, people dragging buffalo skulls, the whole nine yards. I’m going to go sit down with people who have been on one side or the other of the same damn mountain for 2,000 years. TWO THOUSAND YEARS.
We’re not the only game in town and never have been. Just something to keep in mind.
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Jeez I envy you.
May you be open to absorb the ageless knowledge and peace ……yours must be a very special spirit, to have the honor of being there. May you be touched by this experience.
Thanks to both of you for dropping by and commenting. It means a lot to me.
For the record, I’ve learned there will “three or four” whites there, maybe more. Sun dances aren’t exclusively Native any more, apparently, but this is still the real deal. No cameras or recording devices allowed, obviously, so I’ll have to soak it up with whatever I have in me. I’m assured my mind will be blown.
As for things to envy, etc., well, this is why I came here. We had a very good life in Maryland, to say the least, but I wanted more. One of those things was to live close to Indians. The first time we went to a pow-wow and I heard the drumming and singing live and up close, I knew we’d done the right thing.
But Billmon, you just went to freaking EGYPT! How I envied you, reading your account of life along the Nile, probably for the same reason I wanted to be with the First Nation folks: it takes me out of my own culture. Which, needless to say, I mostly find lacking in what nourishes the soul.
I’ll have more to say about this in a day or two…
I too have the spiritual attraction to the Native American. It is always drawing me in…..into myself for, like you said, soul nourishment. I will be going on my yearly trip to see my sister in Spokane, Wa. soon. We will be attending the Spokane Pow Wow for three days. It is held out on the reservation, with no hotels. So, not many whites go…we camp among the teepees. We have met so many wonderful people over the years and have developed some great friendships. And, have learned so much. I cry every time during the Grand Entry. It’s held inside a low dark lodge, so it makes one feel so close and such a part of what is going on. AAHH I’m so ready to be there. I’ll be thinking about ya, John. Innerpeaceman
We saw a simple corn dance yesterday at the pueblo. Nothing very dramatic or involved, but THAT made me cry. Whenever I hear the drumming and singing in the flesh, as it were, it always hits me like that. I think it’s because it’s so real… and has nothing to do with my own culture, which has brought us such wonders as the BushCo death machine and raping the planet. I wish everyone could experience this.
It’s real, basic, and primal….simple soothing. I will be going to Canyon de Chelly and Window rock next week…..seeking what normal “tourists” are too busy to see. Then I will come home and watercolor what my soul finds. Looking forward to the colors and spiritual aweness.