Chief Phillip Aaron Crazybull dons the Mask that Heals 90’s Heyoka-style
We threw our monthly Wopila last week, a great celebration of Life in the center of the center of another short but wildly successful Way of The Contrary weekend overnight retreat. Bookended by lunch Saturday at noon and a casual Sunday morning breakfast, we studied — from the workshop descriptor — the Contrarian concept of human healing and energetic renewal drawn from traditional cultures of the American Plains. “Bad was turned to good, seemingly negative to positive, with fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed by mind-training techniques and Ceremonial purification.” Boom. This is indigenous America’s and one of planet earth’s most powerful teachings and techniques for restoring mental well-being. And Kevin and Sara, Carter and Lauren, Janine and myself can all attest to the energetic uplift, renewed life vitality and tangible tranquility that follow one back into daily life.
Over the weekend, we discussed how the practices of earth’s ancient peoples are coming around full circle to assist residents of the modern world in solving a novel set of contemporary problems. We then shared a direct experience of how the power of mindfulness coupled with a rite of purification can send us leaping and bounding toward new vistas of personal power and unconditional happiness. Or at least give us a glimpse. Given that following through on one’s prayer is a principle we encourage, Heyoka or contrarian teachings aren’t part of our modern day American culture and thus not even conceived of by modern day psychology. At least until now, opening the (back) door to a new tier of wholeness and healing. Boom Boom (Lightning Flash). The (crooked) bottom line? The unhealable no longer presenting itself as so. From Wickipedia: the heyoka (heyókȟa, also spelled “haokah”, “heyokha”) is a kind of sacred clown in the culture of the Great Plains of North America… a contrarian, jester, (or) satirist who speaks, moves and responds in opposite fashion to the people around them. Only those having visions of the thunder beings of the West, the Wakinyan, and who are recognized as such by the community, can take on the Ceremonial role of the Heyoka.” Good one (Boom Boom Boom ~ Thunder rumble n’ roll).
There’s a lot more to be said on the subject. Or not. I do uphold the strong belief that allowing others to tell the story of their visit from their own perspective is a worthwhile approach to understanding, as we all share similar fears as well as hopes of breaking through. Here’s Carter’s take: “When I first heard about The Way of The Contrary weekend it peaked my interest and I was intrigued. At the same time, taking part in the sweat made me feel hesitant and apprehensive. It can be intimidating, when you think about participating in such an ancient, sacred Ceremony. But boy, was I surprised. Paul did a wonderful job making all the particpants feel comfortable — even a beginner like myself. To me, the sweat was very grounding and it allowed me a new perspective on my daily challenges and problems through a different scope. I will be back, as it was truly a Divine experience.”
If your interest is peaked and you’re intrigued by the prospect of taking part in a spiritual practice and ancient rite calling all the powers of the universe into play — earth and the things of the earth, water, fire, rocks, and also the sky, the nations of stars and celestial dwellers — that then lays them at your feet for a transformative experience, ultimately affording a new, more positive take on life, take a look at our December pre-Holiday Happenings. See you out at our Wednesday Noon Meditation class, our Friday December 13th Workshop at Yoga Life in St. Joe, or the same retreat that Carter experienced with our December 14th-15th Overnight, all with a (third) eye towards making 2020 the Happiest of New Years. One Heart, One Mind, One Voice, One Chanupa. Aho Matakuye O’yasin! (#@$%&!!!)