Thursday 22 February 2007

Tribes and Tributes

Greetings Friend,
'Klahanie' is a word from the Chinook Tribe who are located on the Pacific Northwest of North America. The definition of 'Klahanie', is generally accepted as meaning 'The Great Outdoors.' I have a great love of Klahanie. It triggers in me awe-inspiring thoughts of when I lived in Canada.
The West Coast Tribes of British Columbia have a special place in my heart. They are a proud and noble people. Their spirituality, their respect for Nature are an example our modern world could truly learn from. They are in harmony with the environment. We can learn from the 'music' of their souls.
When I was fifteen, way back in the Easter of 1969, I went on a walk in support of the indigenous Tribes of British Columbia. It was called 'Moccasin Miles.' Side by side, we walked and we talked with the indigenous people. The walk was a three day event that covered 100 miles. It commenced from Vancouver and ended in a small town aptly named 'Hope', British Columbia. (For all you trivia buffs-'Hope' was the town they used in 'Rambo-First Blood.')
I remember on the third day, with 30 miles to go, just how much pain my feet were in. It had rained the entire time and I discovered the holes in my trainers. My socks were soaked and the bottom of my feet were completely covered in blisters. Yet, through all this pain, I was determined to cross the finish line.
Nearing the end of the journey but still not seeing the town, we started up a comical chant. "There is no Hope, there is no Hope", we sang. Then round that final corner we came upon the sign "Welcome to Hope." We cheered and we cried. We had found 'Hope' and it was time to celebrate our achievement.
So now, when my life gets me down. I focus back on that wonderful time. I think of those proud and noble people. I think of how they extended their hand of friendship to me. On that walk, we were all united in a common cause. The message at the end was hope. I carry that hope in my heart.
Thank you for your time. Warm regards klahanie.

Wednesday 21 February 2007

Challenging the 'Inner Critic'.

Greetings friend,
This is my first blog. This is another positive step forward in getting on with my life. I challenge my 'inner-critic.' The 'master' that dictated that I had no self-worth. The master who told me not to impose myself on society. Now I question this negative authority. I have given myself permission to be positive. I shall no longer be a recluse. The world has so much to offer.
Have you ever woken up from a dream and didn't like the way it ended? Did you ever try to go back to sleep and change the ending? Many a time, my life felt like dreams with sad conclusions. The more positive me visualises a better ending to my dreams. I focus in my mind on just how good life can be. We all have the right to a happy ending. Our dreams, our goals, our aspirations are valid. Our spirit and our empathy will encourage us to make our positive plans an exciting reality.
In my postings I shall endeavour to be transparent. I will verbalise my thoughts in an open and honest manner. I must be true to myself and I must be true to you.
I look forward, with positive anticipation, the sincere interaction that we will share. When we help each other, we help ourselves.
I thank you for your time. Warm regards klahanie.