In indigenous cultures the elders of the community are highly respected for their life-long accumulated knowledge. They are teachers in the community and particularly of the children, so that the ways and tradition of reverence for the land will not be forgotten. Perhaps if we were to acknowledge indigenous wisdom more, we would be better able to solve our problems related to Earth and our natural environment.
After all, how can we solve these problems when we are feeling so separated from the land itself? I do not believe that corporations (or governments) largely have the sort of caring that would lead towards a healing of Earth, or us, for that matter. At a grassroots level, we must take personal responsibility for ourselves and our Earth.
“In order for the land to take care of us, we must take care of the land.” There are many interesting videos to watch on this site: Wisdom of the Elders, Inc.
Inspirational Quote:
“Not just beautiful, though – the stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing. And they’re watching me.” ~ Haruki Murakami
An excerpt from The Turquoise Heart, where Elsu (the elder in this case) speaks to Anna, who is the same age as his granddaughter Suki:
…Elsu gave her a wink. “This has all been quite intense, has it not? I see why you would be exhausted. We will start walking over to the creek, and soon it will be time to say goodbye for now.”
“For now? You told me that I came through some kind of time portal. How would I know how to come back, even if I wanted to?”
“I’m thinking you may want to some time in future, Anna. After all, there is still the problem of the trees.“
“The trees have a problem?”
“Are there not rumors in your town right now that the trees will be cut down? You came to realize during your time here that they are part of your Earth family. You already sense you will miss them. What are you going to do about it? It was not just me who called you. It was also the forest.”
“What could I ever do about that? I’m just a teenager. No one cares what I think or say about anything.”
“I guess this could be a challenge to take home with you, or maybe it really does not matter at all. That is for you to decide.”
“Okay, Elsu, but why am I suddenly responsible for the trees?”
Elsu replied softly, “Anna, if not you, then who? That huge tree that gave you shelter is over one thousand years old and a grandparent.”
His rebuttal disarmed her.“I do care about the forest. I promise I’ll think more about it.” It had never before occurred to Anna that she might have the power to change anything important in the world…
I invite you to take a few moments today to download your free copy of The Turquoise Heart. Although the protagonist Anna is “just” going on fifteen, she has a strong sense that the world is not quite right, and that what is expected of her in the “formula for life” already does not feel like enough. The Turquoise Heart is a 1-hour read, and the prequel to a coming longer novel (or two?). Download it here.
© Susan L Hart 2024
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Susan L Hart / Author 