Marking Your Passage
Life, therapy, relationships, jobs all have one thing in common. They bring with them the experience of sometimes feeling hopelessness. The project that will seemingly never be done to the bosses approval; the relationship that brings one trial after the next; life that brings constant setbacks; and, therapy that can feel “stuck” or as though no forward progress is being made. These times take courage and stamina and plan old “stick-to-it-iveness”.
A part of some Native American tradition in the area of healing involves the medicine bag. When one is healed by the medicine man or follows through on experiences the medicine man may prescribe for emotional or spiritual health the person is encouraged to place a reminder of that journey in a special medicine bag. This is a way of symbolizing the previous healing as well as claiming the healing so it can be used in future times and future ways.
A number of years ago, when taking a class that discussed this tradition, I made a medicine bag out of suede and leather for myself. When life gets difficult I will sometimes take the bag out and look at each object. As I touch each object I am reminded of gifts I’ve gathered from the past and reminded, in turn, to both acknowledge the progress I’ve made and use the tool I gained from that experience.
In my bag, for example, is a seashell. A small shell is my reminder of many walks on the beach where I am most able to experience my Higher Power’s immenseness. At these times it is quite difficult for me to believe I am alone, powerless or unable to face the day. There is also a tiny piece of paper a mentor wrote two words on for me years ago; Love and Care. Messages of what I deserve in treatment from others as well as myself. And I am reminded to give these gifts to others and to myself. Finally, there is the tassel from a graduation reminding me of the abilities I have in organization and perseverance as well as the fact there is still much to learn.
In a way we experience this as we look at report cards, annual employment reviews or other milestone markers. But it is also very important we mark our own passage. Take the time to realize, “hey, I never would have considered that a year ago”. Or celebrate an achievement. Goals are important. But so is recognizing each of the steps we’ve taken to achieve the goal. Celebrate your journey this month and mark the way.
A part of some Native American tradition in the area of healing involves the medicine bag. When one is healed by the medicine man or follows through on experiences the medicine man may prescribe for emotional or spiritual health the person is encouraged to place a reminder of that journey in a special medicine bag. This is a way of symbolizing the previous healing as well as claiming the healing so it can be used in future times and future ways.
A number of years ago, when taking a class that discussed this tradition, I made a medicine bag out of suede and leather for myself. When life gets difficult I will sometimes take the bag out and look at each object. As I touch each object I am reminded of gifts I’ve gathered from the past and reminded, in turn, to both acknowledge the progress I’ve made and use the tool I gained from that experience.
In my bag, for example, is a seashell. A small shell is my reminder of many walks on the beach where I am most able to experience my Higher Power’s immenseness. At these times it is quite difficult for me to believe I am alone, powerless or unable to face the day. There is also a tiny piece of paper a mentor wrote two words on for me years ago; Love and Care. Messages of what I deserve in treatment from others as well as myself. And I am reminded to give these gifts to others and to myself. Finally, there is the tassel from a graduation reminding me of the abilities I have in organization and perseverance as well as the fact there is still much to learn.
In a way we experience this as we look at report cards, annual employment reviews or other milestone markers. But it is also very important we mark our own passage. Take the time to realize, “hey, I never would have considered that a year ago”. Or celebrate an achievement. Goals are important. But so is recognizing each of the steps we’ve taken to achieve the goal. Celebrate your journey this month and mark the way.