On Trails and the Sunrise Ceremony

About a couple of months ago, I went for my second time to a pow-wow on an Ojibwa Reserve where a friend is from. Having been there before, I felt a little more comfortable this time ... so comfortable in fact that I made my Volkswagen air-born by flying-off a sort of speed-bump, on a gravel road and smashed my oil panel underneath the engine to bits.

I think getting stuck there for a few extra days was great though. For many reasons: I learned a lot; even about changing oil panels when the new part arrived. The most important thing that I learned that week-end, or that was stressed-out for me was during the Sunrise Ceremony, on the second day of the pow-wow.

I had stayed-up during the night with the fire keeper and just chatted, watching the Sacred Fire (see my blog titled "A Trip to a Native Reserve" for photos) and then, at about six o'clock in the morning some people started showing-up. I had no clue what was happening and I was actually not ready for any more people joining, since I was feeling pretty crusty (no sleep, food, etc.).

More people did show-up though. At least seven or so others, including the chief. When I asked the fire keeper what was going on, he told me that the chief would perform the "Sunrise Ceremony". I thought about pulling out my notebook and a pen (I always carry a backpack somewhere close to me) - I wanted to take notes but I wasn't sure how people would react so, I dropped that idea. Perhaps next year.

The ceremony was quite impressive. I would say that the chief talked about what is really important in life: that we appreciate life, each day; that we walk on the good road and are thankful for everything. Everyone took turns in saying something, in getting smudged and that morning has stayed very close to my heart ever since.

I try to give thanks every day now for having another day and for everything that is. It is difficult. I have always been happy in the morning ... that's me: I jump-up when I wake-up like a spring but I never took the time to be specifically thankful for things such as the Sun rising. I am thankful for that though and I try to think about it more often.

The photographs attached to this blog are from my morning walks in British Columbia and Alberta. I like to go for a walk when I wake-up in the forest or close to one. It comes after the brushing of teeth: I just walk wherever my eyes point and then, sometimes I point the camera and shoot. These are such photos.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers!