| Author: Keith Allen |
Not long after earning and receiving Service Status, I was chosen by a Family Representative for a special opportunity and learning experience. Approached by Mr. Chaffin Pullan, I was asked to help this student, Norine Lopez, by joining her and five other students on a trip to an Indian Sweat Lodge. Two weeks later we were on our way to live and learn.
I was excited and timid all at the same time. I had known of and spoken to very few of the six girls who were going. Together we joined as one, as sisters, as true bonded, and strong friends. We all have similar struggles with our Dads, having felt lonely and very selective in our relationships. One experience changed my life - the car ride down involving conversation about past problems, embarrassing and funny moments. We didn?t have a care in the world, except ourselves, and what was next down the road. When living at home we thought we knew everything. If we didn?t know everything or know what to expect we wanted nothing to do with the situation. However, we experienced just that, the unexpected.
The sun set beautifully over the Idaho Mountains as we arrived at the Lodge. It felt like a mini-family reunion with the love and open hearts eager to meet one another. The next morning I woke up with the sunshine peering in through the opening of the canvas tepee. The sweet smell of breakfast pinched my nose with the promised mouth-watering taste of french toast, bacon, fresh fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice. The rest of the day was a challenge. We learned how to make fire with a flint and steel, tomahawk throwing, shooting a bow and arrows in an attempt to hit the bulls eye. To my surprise an attempt is, and always can be, a winner.
We had taken up a days worth of listening, learning and doing. It was now the time to feel, and the sweat did just that as we opened up to our spirituality of choice and allowed new and insightful chants and stories from the heart be shared within our circle of family. I felt my fears, struggles, happiness, and pain all over my body. I allowed myself to let go of and forgive my mistakes and blame. It got better as I allowed myself to receive and acknowledge all that I have brought, will bring and will share on this earth. Through allowing myself to let go and help myself I unconsciously give to others. Norine has continued to be one of my good friends who I know in my heart I can always count on, and she can count on herself. She is flourishing like the beautiful butterfly and young woman she is.
I?ve learned that sometimes all someone needs is love and support to allow them to break out and show their true colors. My journey to and from the Sweat Lodge really opened my mind and eyes to what I do have and how much I took for granted, and sometimes still do. No one word can describe the power and feeling I received from the Sweat Lodge. To this day I still refer back to that experience last August. Not just because it was a fun experience, but also because I allowed myself to be re-born through purity and growth as a young woman of Mother Nature.
I?d like to thank my mom, Mr. Chaffin, Ms. Amy, Grey Wolf, Grey Owl, our awesome Staff, Ms. Julie and her daughter, Jessica, along with my five other sisters, and last but not least I?d like to thank me. I want to acknowledge our effort to want to change and help one another as a growing family. |
Author Bio:
Carolina Springs Academy
Parenting Troubled Teens - Help and tips for parents with troubled and struggling teens.
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