WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.010 align:middle line:90% I'm going to end with two poems. 00:00:02.010 --> 00:00:07.740 align:middle line:90% 00:00:07.740 --> 00:00:08.294 align:middle line:90% This one. 00:00:08.294 --> 00:00:15.660 align:middle line:90% 00:00:15.660 --> 00:00:18.420 align:middle line:84% I wish we could project a little fire back here. 00:00:18.420 --> 00:00:21.810 align:middle line:90% 00:00:21.810 --> 00:00:23.730 align:middle line:84% I actually have that app on my iPad, 00:00:23.730 --> 00:00:26.820 align:middle line:84% and on airplanes where I get cold, I put on that little app 00:00:26.820 --> 00:00:29.115 align:middle line:84% and there's a fire and I actually start feeling warmer. 00:00:29.115 --> 00:00:35.040 align:middle line:90% 00:00:35.040 --> 00:00:38.460 align:middle line:84% This poem is called "For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering 00:00:38.460 --> 00:00:41.145 align:middle line:90% the Earth in Its Human Feet." 00:00:41.145 --> 00:00:45.060 align:middle line:90% 00:00:45.060 --> 00:00:47.250 align:middle line:84% In times of shock, and we've all been 00:00:47.250 --> 00:00:51.390 align:middle line:84% through a little bit of shock lately, 00:00:51.390 --> 00:00:53.610 align:middle line:84% our spirit sometimes jumps and we 00:00:53.610 --> 00:00:55.560 align:middle line:84% might lose it for a little bit or we lose 00:00:55.560 --> 00:00:56.850 align:middle line:90% a little part of ourselves. 00:00:56.850 --> 00:00:59.520 align:middle line:84% And sometimes we have to go back and claim it. 00:00:59.520 --> 00:01:02.620 align:middle line:90% 00:01:02.620 --> 00:01:05.410 align:middle line:84% "Put down that bag of potato chips, that white bread, 00:01:05.410 --> 00:01:07.420 align:middle line:90% that bottle of pop. 00:01:07.420 --> 00:01:10.750 align:middle line:84% Turn off that cell phone, computer, and remote control. 00:01:10.750 --> 00:01:14.060 align:middle line:84% Open the door, then close it behind you. 00:01:14.060 --> 00:01:16.660 align:middle line:84% Take a breath offered by friendly winds. 00:01:16.660 --> 00:01:20.710 align:middle line:84% They travel the Earth gathering essences of plants to clean. 00:01:20.710 --> 00:01:23.260 align:middle line:90% Give it back with gratitude. 00:01:23.260 --> 00:01:25.780 align:middle line:84% If you sing it will give your spirit 00:01:25.780 --> 00:01:29.200 align:middle line:84% lift to fly to the stars' ears and back. 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:31.750 align:middle line:84% Acknowledge this Earth who has cared for you since you 00:01:31.750 --> 00:01:34.360 align:middle line:84% were a dream planting itself precisely 00:01:34.360 --> 00:01:36.970 align:middle line:90% within your parents' desire. 00:01:36.970 --> 00:01:39.700 align:middle line:84% Let your moccasin feet take you to the encampment 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:42.790 align:middle line:84% of the guardians who have known you since before time, 00:01:42.790 --> 00:01:44.680 align:middle line:90% who will be there after time. 00:01:44.680 --> 00:01:49.030 align:middle line:84% They sit before the fire that has been there without time. 00:01:49.030 --> 00:01:54.970 align:middle line:84% Let the Earth stabilize your post-colonial insecure jitters. 00:01:54.970 --> 00:01:58.090 align:middle line:84% Be respectful of the small insects, birds, and animal 00:01:58.090 --> 00:01:59.920 align:middle line:90% people who accompany you. 00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:01.600 align:middle line:84% Ask their forgiveness for the harm 00:02:01.600 --> 00:02:04.540 align:middle line:84% we humans have brought down upon them. 00:02:04.540 --> 00:02:06.370 align:middle line:90% Don't worry. 00:02:06.370 --> 00:02:08.470 align:middle line:84% The heart knows the way through though there 00:02:08.470 --> 00:02:13.450 align:middle line:84% may be high-rises, interstates, checkpoints, armed soldiers, 00:02:13.450 --> 00:02:17.410 align:middle line:84% massacres, wars, and those who despise you because they 00:02:17.410 --> 00:02:20.110 align:middle line:90% despise themselves. 00:02:20.110 --> 00:02:25.780 align:middle line:84% The journey might take you a few hours, a day, a year, 00:02:25.780 --> 00:02:33.010 align:middle line:84% a few years, a hundred, a thousand, or even more. 00:02:33.010 --> 00:02:35.160 align:middle line:90% Watch your mind. 00:02:35.160 --> 00:02:38.280 align:middle line:84% Without training it might run away and leave your heart 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:42.600 align:middle line:84% for the immense human feast set by the thieves of time. 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:46.190 align:middle line:90% Do not hold regrets. 00:02:46.190 --> 00:02:48.170 align:middle line:84% When you find your way to the circle, 00:02:48.170 --> 00:02:51.980 align:middle line:84% to the fire kept burning by the keepers of your soul, 00:02:51.980 --> 00:02:54.380 align:middle line:90% you will be welcomed. 00:02:54.380 --> 00:02:57.710 align:middle line:84% You must clean yourself with cedar, sage, or other healing 00:02:57.710 --> 00:02:59.090 align:middle line:90% plant. 00:02:59.090 --> 00:03:03.230 align:middle line:84% Cut the ties you have to failure and shame. 00:03:03.230 --> 00:03:06.450 align:middle line:84% Let go the pain you're holding in your mind, your shoulders, 00:03:06.450 --> 00:03:09.600 align:middle line:84% your heart, all the way to your feet. 00:03:09.600 --> 00:03:11.780 align:middle line:84% Let go the pain of your ancestors 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:16.550 align:middle line:84% to make way for those who are heading in our direction. 00:03:16.550 --> 00:03:19.820 align:middle line:90% Ask for forgiveness. 00:03:19.820 --> 00:03:22.760 align:middle line:84% Call upon the help of those who love you. 00:03:22.760 --> 00:03:26.150 align:middle line:90% These helpers take many forms. 00:03:26.150 --> 00:03:27.620 align:middle line:90% Call your spirit back. 00:03:27.620 --> 00:03:30.770 align:middle line:84% It may be caught in corners and creases of shame, judgment, 00:03:30.770 --> 00:03:33.140 align:middle line:90% and human abuse. 00:03:33.140 --> 00:03:37.400 align:middle line:84% You must call in a way that your spirit will want to return. 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:41.210 align:middle line:84% Speak to it as you would to a beloved child. 00:03:41.210 --> 00:03:44.510 align:middle line:84% Welcome your spirit back from its wandering. 00:03:44.510 --> 00:03:48.560 align:middle line:84% It may return in pieces, in tatters. 00:03:48.560 --> 00:03:50.330 align:middle line:90% Gather them together. 00:03:50.330 --> 00:03:56.440 align:middle line:84% They will be happy to be found after being lost for so long. 00:03:56.440 --> 00:03:58.360 align:middle line:84% Your spirit will need to sleep awhile 00:03:58.360 --> 00:04:02.140 align:middle line:84% after it is bathed and given clean clothes. 00:04:02.140 --> 00:04:04.330 align:middle line:90% Now you can have a party. 00:04:04.330 --> 00:04:07.960 align:middle line:84% Invite everyone you know who loves and support you. 00:04:07.960 --> 00:04:12.310 align:middle line:84% Keep room for those who have no place else to go. 00:04:12.310 --> 00:04:17.304 align:middle line:84% Make a giveaway, and remember, keep the speeches short. 00:04:17.304 --> 00:04:20.079 align:middle line:90% 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:24.160 align:middle line:90% Then you must do this-- 00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:29.310 align:middle line:84% help the next person find their way through the dark." 00:04:29.310 --> 00:04:30.000 align:middle line:90%