04/09/2026
Spring Salutations Relations,
Praying you and your loved ones are in health and safety during these turbulent, tumultuous times.
Dog Medicine - Lessons from Four Leggeds….
The bond between humans and canids (wolves/dogs) is ancient and primordial - an alliance that has deepened and been cultivated over millennia. Their Medicine includes abiding loyalty and unwavering protection.
Coco, a terrier mix, is currently 16 years of age. I have had the pleasure of caretaking this remarkable being and elder for nearly six years. In this window of time, she has become quite the Ceremony dog - at the Purification Lodge Site, she lies quietly, patiently waiting for us to emerge, then standing to warmly greet everyone with a wag of her tail and ebullient enthusiasm. During healing and counseling sessions at the Institute, she instinctively knows when to approach to offer comfort or lend support by sitting/standing beside or lying directly behind the person. She is a fine teacher and a loyal companion. I am inspired by and marvel at her presence, sensitivity, and awareness. Particularly, her ability to literally shake off whatever is troubling her - whether something that thwarts, irritates or frustrates her or an unpleasant interaction with a fellow canine, with a swift, full body flutter, she is immediately back and riveted to the present moment, without residue of or attachment to the past.
She embodies true Buddha nature.
On account of her advanced age, she is beginning to show signs of decline. Based on the Medicine of canines' devotion to humans, dogs rarely Pass on their own. Rather, it becomes the responsibility of the caretakers to render that difficult decision - to pay attention to the signs and determine when it is time to support that faithful friend in making the Journey Home.
Soon, this time is arriving for Coco and when it occurs, I will profoundly miss her and her buoyant, playful and joyous Spirit. Being away at college when my first dog of 19 years was placed to sleep, Coco is also fostering healing in my life by allowing me to care for her in her latter years and to be present when she takes her final breath. Requesting your Prayers for her Journey and for all who are left to remember her and were touched by her loving, gentle presence and sweet Medicine.
In the Spirit of shaking off difficulty and challenge, equally ancient ways involving peace and reconciliation were practiced by Indigenous Nations throughout the world. Inevitably, conflicts, disputes and disagreements arise between individuals, communitites and Nations. As a consequence of this unavoidable reality, Ceremonial protocols were established and implemented to ensure the restoration of harmony and balance between relations. Considering the current turmoil and unconscionable violence transpiring on the global stage, wise it would be to apply these ancient principles and practices.
Join us the weekend of April 11th and 12th for The Art and Paths of Peacemaking to learn time tested ways to achieve peace and reconciliation within ourselves and our relationships.
In the Samurai Tradition, before drawing one's katana to harm, it was necessary to exercise self restraint and first learn the healing arts so join us for an intensive on Indigenous Healing during the potent Full Moon weekend of May 30th and 31st.
Please contact us directly to register and secure placement for the intensives.
Now that the season of emergence has arrived, travel is ramping up. In the latter part of April, I am heading to New York City to attend the UN Indigenous forum followed by a return to the Daintree in Queensland to reconnect with the Aborigines of the region and support them in rematriating the rainforest in early May.
Circa the summer Solstice in June, members of the Tiospaye (community) and I will be returning to Texas to attend our annual Sundance Ceremony.
This year, the weeklong intensive in September (21-26), which occurs during the Autumnal Equinox, will be devoted to communing with and learning from our Elemental Elders - Water, Air, Earth and Fire. Please contact the Institute for further information, to accompany me on any of the aforementioned travel and to register for the intensives.
Being the auspicious year of the Fire Horse, we are currently accepting students for the various Moon Cycle options in the Indigenous Lifeways Program, so if compelled to invite and embrace profound movement, change and lasting transformation in your life, contact us directly by email, phone or text for inquiries and to initiate. We welcome you to embark on the adventure of learning, discovery and liberation.
Prayers for Peace within Ourselves, in the World as well as for Coco's Journey,
Phillip
Place Moccasins on your Prayers....
