Living Legend
by Elaine Raper
The world we live in is rapidly changing with the dawning of each new day. It is time for us to stop and look around us — to become aware of all that is. And we need to live each day of good mind and good spirit. It’s a time for people to share with each other again – to share stories to relearn the ancient teachings of the old ones to regain our balance and harmony with nature – all that is.
Man, in his rush to discover and to accomplish things, has not taken the time after each achievement to pay attention to the effect that it had on other people and the environment. In fact, part of the problem is so many people feel they have to “go by the book” and ignore basic truths, the common sense, of the matter. Total awareness is not evident. People are going through life with blinders on and they are missing so much that Mother Earth has to offer.
Native Americans have told the stories and legends from generation to generation about life as they knew it, from the beginning of time. These teachings tell the story of life and hold the answers to many of the questions we, the people, have today!
There is a Cherokee story that spoke about the beginnings of life and how the spirit people from the sky came to Mother Earth. The Great One told the Cherokee Spirit People they have been chosen to be keepers of Mother Earth and all living things that go into the physical world. The power Medicine, which is choice would be given to them and to the human spirits of the other tribes that will follow to be keepers.
It was said that Mother Earth is suspended at the Sacred Four Directions by a strand of energy that is very strong going into the sky. The same is true for each and every one of us. We are so connected to the same Four Directions consisting of energy and are a part of Mother Earth and Father Sun. This existence is under our care and if we do not protect Mother Earth, she will drop her energy cords at each of the Four Directions and drop into the sea of infinity.
Over a long period of time, there have been devastating events around the world and the earth and atmosphere aches from the man-made pollution, wars, mining, radiation, stripping the land of its trees and wildlife – just to name a few detrimental doings.
As we approach the Millennium, we all need to care more about what we do and how we do it – the effects of our actions are critical in this time.
A way of living that is natural, with understanding, compassion for one another is vital. We are related to all things and to each other. And this flow of energy is called life.
It is up to us to live each day with a good mind, to feel and give love to others – sharing – and to count your blessings each and every day. This is a sign of the times and the way of living the right relationship with all Living things. This is our Living Legend.