Laws of Cause and Effect

Written on May 18, 2012 at 11:29 am, by Leo Sawicki

It is important to look for alternative solutions on our journey through self determination. Within the Medicine Wheel Concept Beaver is a great teacher. Beaver is a builder of family and home. Just as Beaver is able to completely absorb itself in its task of gathering wood to create shelter, Beaver is able to remain alert to its surroundings and is prepared to act on the slightest sound. Having many escape routes Beaver is able to move freely through water and on earth.

From Beaver you learn to put your ideas into action, focus in the present and be aware of your needs to provide for family and self.  Beaver medicine shows  that by being industrious, and with determination, you can work towards accomplishing your goals and build your dream.

You know that life in contemporary society requires certain skills, attainment of goals and an economic base.  For the most part, the idea of securing an economic base begins at an early age.  You go to school, find a career path, train, be employed and save money for your goals. 

It is said that in ancient times members of a tribe strived for personal and tribal dignity. Each person was naturally, or ceremonially, assigned a duty and responsibility and honoured for their role.  As a child grew it was given more responsibilities and allowed to take part in events.  When the child became older responsibilies increased. With each new task acccountability to others grew. The people celebrated responsibility towards personal growth. To this day the customs are upheld in our education systems.  Graduation ceremonies honour those who obtain their education.

Lifelong learning is part of on-going education. It helps to keep the mind active .  What are your plans for on-going education? Know that the level of education you have dictates the level of work you do and the amount of money you can expect to earn.  It is your personal responsibility to be the best you can possibly be.  This requires clear thought process and intent.  Like the old saying, ‘It is better to go rifle than buckshot.’

It is good to have on-going goals.  Every month look at what needs to be moved forward.  Begin by stating, In order to …..I must first…. and then….in the next year I will….in three years I will ….during my lifetime I will …….  Know that your thoughts and self talk  are your motivators.  

In the Laws of Cause and Effect whatever you think is the result, therefore only hold positive thoughts and work towards  your dreams.

Keep your power and do not allow others words, demands or expectations to influence you.  In ‘We are All Related’, Dr. C.A. Ross fromthe Lakota tells of his experience with alcohol and how the word ‘later’ helped him to change and direct his life.  You too can learn self control with a simple word  like ‘later’.  Later to a drink. Later to too much work.  Later to negative influences.  How many laters can you identify.

Learning is acquired by listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  Acquire the habit of carefully arranging your thoughts.  Use charts, work plans, agendas and post reminders to stay on task.  Good ethics and morals are your allies along the way.  Ask your self what your special purpose is for being here at this time, write it down and post it where you will see it. Let it serve as a reminder of where you wish to go.  Keep in mind the Laws of Cause and Effect.

Expanding Limiting Views

Written on April 8, 2012 at 2:57 pm, by Leo Sawicki

When a person wishes to maintain a peaceful way it means allowing others freedom of thought and being.  Know that it is difficult to cultivate a loving secure relationship with another when one does not have it within themself. 

Simply put, a  person’s thoughts, combined with their actions, determine the quality of  relationship they have with another.  The more relations one has the more experience they gain. Relationship building and trust gives a person a sense of accomplishment and higher levels of self esteem. With higher self esteem comes the ability to make healthier choices.

There are benefits to creating new relationships with the self.  There is a new sense of identity, a feeling of community, a sense of belonging and so on.  There are many areas to be aware of when considering your relations. Once a sense of self is established it is time to move onto ehancing your  immediate relations, family relations, community relations and your relationship to the natural world.

Begin by looking at your present relations then imagine the perfect relationship. Pay attention.  When energy is blocked, relationships break down, health issues arise and stress kicks in.  Identify what you can do to improve your life then act on it.

If you wish to receive love then send loving thoughts and kind words and you increase your chances of  this happening. Know that what ever you think has the ability to manifest.  Choose your thoughts wisely and let old ones go to make room for new.

Reflect on your small success stories.  List your special talents, abilities and gifts.  Share these freely and in doing so you will grow.

How we learn is important.  Sometimes it is as easy as learning through opposites. Some people learn by seeing and  listening others by reading and doing. By calling on all modes we have a greater capacity for remembering and a greater ability to understand.

Every writer must write and rewrite, edit and revise.  Think of your life till now as a first write or draft.  Begin to edit things that don’t work and write in new ones that will.  Go easy on yourself and expect several rewrites.

Focus on things you would like to accomplish in your life. Then for each item ask: ‘ who will help’, ‘what do I need’, ‘where can I obtain it’, ‘when will I need it by’, ‘why do I want this to happen’ and ‘at what price? Identify ways you can bring about changes in attitude, skills and knowledge.  Now act upon them.

Change and Freshness

Written on February 16, 2012 at 8:12 pm, by Leo Sawicki

Working within the Medicine Wheel concept helps to bring change and freshness to one’s perspective.

When the Ancient ones passed down the teachings with lessons associated with growth they did so in symbolism. Because books or electronic methods of storing were not available the Medicine Wheel Concept served as a means or remembering.

The Medicine Wheel Concept is a map that recognizes all things and includes the Elemental Kingdom.

Fire sits in the east of the wheel and makes way for new understanding when you enter to the east of the wheel. The east also represents Spring which is a source of new beginnings. The element of fire sheds light on your ability to broaden your sense of self and expand beyond your present lifestyle.  Here one is able to clearly see paths associated with life’s lessons.  With new wisdom comes the ability to communicate changes and helps in the process of redefining your life.

Water sits in the south of your wheel, the place that represents summer.  It is helpful to adopt water’s ability to flow around, through, under or over things in its path.  When working with the element of water you come to realize that by observation that all things can be your teacher.  The south represents a place of growth and humility where one learns the lessons of change can be easy.  When a persons thoughts, words, and actions are based on respect one is able to move through growth and truth and gain a sense of balance.  By being conscious of your self talk and your emotions you will notice a change in taste for the things you once accepted.  When you begin to trust your feelings and carry through on your intentions greater personal growth will occur.  Your thoughts open new gateways to understanding.

The West of the Medicine Wheel represents Earth and Autumn.  Just as Earth undergoes change your body too constantly undergoes change in season and thought.  The Autumn of your life is the time you reap the harvest from the seeds you have planted throughout life.  It is a place that can bring about change and transformation.  The amount of thought you have taken before setting out on the path of new action depends on your ability to master your thoughts and influence those whose lives you touch in a good way.  By looking within and holding firm you will be able to see your path of lessons as experience and gain courage and strength as a result.

The North of the Wheel represents Air.  It also represents the winter of your life, the place of  Wisdom and the mind.  Through respect for self and others you gain the ability to remove negative energy and thought patterns and master the process of Renewal.  Concentration on self mastery and overcoming forces of imbalance in your life can set in place a process of clarity of intent and move you to a place of balance and growth. 

If you wish to change your present circumstance move to a different direction on your medicine wheel and see what new understanding is in store.

Be Mindful of Your Environment

Written on February 12, 2012 at 6:08 pm, by Leo Sawicki

Bear quiets the mind and enters the silence of hibernation and the Dream Lodge to digest the past year experience and walk the path of silence. Experience leads to introspection and as a result, strength.

By viewing one’s body as a vehicle and a communication device, safety issues and coping skills are necessary in order to maintain a balance in lifestyle. The process of personal growth is supported through responsibility, good thought and right action. Be aware that alcohol, drugs, negative people, harsh language and certain environments will zap your energy.

Your health and the environment in which you live are two vital areas that require constant attention. In order to move forward it is necessary to build physical strength that will help maintain a balance.

Just as the rings of a tree grow from within outward, your experiences expand your circle of influence and dictate how you choose to live your life. You can create a life that gives you happiness and that is filled with harmony. You have a right to say “not now’ or ‘maybe later’  when outside demands or pressures move in.

The power of visualization will help you in becoming the person you wish to be. Imagine being physically fit, living in a healthy stress free environment. You eat the right food and have the right amount of exercise. You feel safe and non threatened knowing that you have the strength to defend yourself against anything that might come your way.

When your environment is in balance you will have more energy and accomplish larger tasks. In order to maintain this high energy flow you must give your body specific attention. Simple things such as paying attention to your nutrition and exercise, along with rest and relaxation, help you to think more clearly.  Understanding how the elements of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Physical well being work together to move beyond holding patterns opens the door to boundless opportunity.  Not understanding limits your direction and evolution.  Know that when one leaves the others have a tendency to drift.

Just as an athlete practices and works hard at developing endurance the athlete also trains the mind to become one with the body.  The athlete knows the environment around them and how much and how far to push the body. 

There are a number of comparisons between an athlete and a car.  As soon as you drive the car you find it does not go very far without gas – so your body requires fuel.  If you run the car too hard for too long the engine will overheat and needs to be cooled – so your body needs to rest and relax.  As the car is continually running it needs quality oil for best results – so the body needs quality fuel and a stress free environment.  If you put low grade transmission fluid in the car the car does not run as well and will begin to require repairs – so the body reacts to fluids and environments that are harmful and begins to shut down.  The car needs to be washed often so that rust has less opportunity to take hold – the body requires cleanliness and your mind and your environment require order. 

It is also important to support others in your environment.  Direct your thoughts outward instead of always viewing from within.  Step away from power struggles. Anger never wins.  It is best left alone until it burns out.  Draw upon your knowledge of opposites.  Replace anger with humor. Listen to your words and know they have an affect on yourself and others in your environment. Control your breath and you control your reactions.  Exercise your ability to speak clearly so there is no misunderstanding.  Always speak from your own perspective and avoid the word ‘You’ in anger.

With positive self talk you can gain clear thought.  When you change your thoughts you are able to change your life.  Remember social skills are learned coping mechanisms and are gained through experience and interacting with your environment.  If you wish to change your life start by changing your environment.  Perhaps a spring cleaning is in order.  Give away things that no longer fit, are too tight, are in need of repair or that are broken.  Make room for new energies to enter.

Simple Steps to Maintain Balance

Written on January 22, 2012 at 12:43 pm, by Leo Sawicki

The Medicine Wheel Concept teaches the traveller how to be free of physical and psychological restraints. The steps and four directions help the traveller focus their attention on developing skills attached to their purpose in life.

The first step is Respect for the self and others.

With Respect comes Growth. Growth includes moving away from destructive or damaging thoughts, words, relationships and environments. Growth makes room for creativity and new thought forms.

The next step is Truth. Truth to the self and others allows the traveller to move freely as they are not tied down by trying to remember false details. Truth is a protector and a shield.

Know that these things take time and clear thought. Eliminate all distractions.

When one is able to left go of old thoughts and emotions the mind is free and goals will manifest quickly.

By maintaining Purity and only staying in your own story the quality of actions and the blending of consciousness with subconsciousness dictate how quickly one will accomplish their goals and dreams.

The next step of Renewal will bring new thoughts, relations and directions. Along with Renewal comes an increased sense of self confidence.

Sit for a time and contemplate how you got here and where you are. Is there any unfinished business or forgiveness that will greatly influence your future. If so set about a plan to address these issues in a good way and let them go. How honest you are with yourself will determine the level of growth that you will be able to achieve.

Remember, in order to journey into understanding and to gain a sense self it is necessary to clearly communicate your thoughts.

Start the new year developing skills you need to more you in the direction you wish to travel.

Symbolism

Written on January 2, 2012 at 7:23 pm, by Leo Sawicki

Change in roles, responsibilities and behaviors happen as one moves from a child to a provider to a teacher, decision maker and on to a spiritual advisor. A basic requirement for understanding change is to spend time alone and listen to your thoughts.

It is important to look at your world from many points of view. Study your surroundings and circumstance and recognize your life as a journey through constant change.

Sometimes people get stuck in old ways of thinking and in other peoples expectations, demands and opinions. This prevents them from fully functioning in the present.

Know that growth takes courage and power; the power to discipline your thoughts and to move towards new initiatives.

A sacred object such as a personal pipe can help maintain a strong connection with your sense of self and provide guidance and direction on your journey of personal growth. The Pipe is a way of life that comes from the heart. Pipe carriers are role models. There are a number of Pipes and ceremonies associated for example, a healing pipe, a woman’s pipe, a grieving pipe and a personal pipe.

Among many things the Pipe is used to speak truth and heal wounded or broken relations. The joining of the bowl and the stem teaches us to recognize and honour male and female energies and to walk in Balance.

As the Pipe is loaded each pinch of tobacco is blessed and all our relations are invited to enter in Spirit form to be honoured and smoked. This includes the Creator, the Star Nations, Father Sky, Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, Grandfather Sun, the Four Directions, the Stone People, the Winged Ones, the Standing Tree People, the Finned Ones, the Four Leggeds, the Insects and Creepy Crawlers and the Two Leggeds. Harmony is obtained with this sacred union of all relations who are asked to enter our being and share the sacred space of our life experience.

The smoke of the Pipe represents visualized prayer and reminds us of the Spirit in all things. When the Pipe is shared, the words spoken and agreements made are based on honour, truth and mutual understanding. It is important to smoke every pinch of tobacco in the bowl in order to release the Spirit of those you have called to assist.

Direct teachings of the Pipe include the need to balance the self towards inner peace and towards obtaining a greater understanding of your role in the whole of creation. Pipe teaches us to make peace with the self and to realize our full potential. The Pipe is a ceremony of honour to the the blessings of Great Mystery. It is a way of giving thanks for who you are and why you are here.

When dealing with change symbolism is a powerful and effective way to maintain and activate knowledge. Like the Pipe, symbolism provides a means for immediate recall. It is able to transmit understanding at a glance.

The Medicine Wheel Concept symbolizes the connection between human being and nature. It is believed that a teaching such as the Medicine Wheel Concept belongs to all people.

The source of power in the symbol you choose and its meaning is entirely up to you.

Your Thoughts Shape Your Destiny

Written on November 20, 2011 at 10:14 am, by Leo Sawicki

When a person gives daily attention to positive thoughts their world changes. It is true that what a person thinks becomes their reality.  When you change your thoughts you change your life.

You can create change within your environment from the power of  knowing which areas need to be addressed and then setting out a plan of action.  Who you will become depends on your interests, wants, needs and desires.  Your visions and dreams are included.  Keep honesty in mind when you work with the medicine wheel concept.

Life is a well planned journey that requires constant effort to maintain the forces of order and growth.  Infact  life can be compared to a road trip.  To plan a memorable trip requires consideration.  There is a saying that when you have no map or desired direction any route will do.

For those who take the time to plan life holds great beauty.  They know where they wish to travel, how long they have to get there, where they will stop to rest, what they need to take, who they want to visit and what items are necessary to make a difference between comfort or discomfort on the journey.

There are certain areas and vaules that must be given attention.  One of the first steps is to understand the Law of Cause and Effect.  Begin by removing blame to make room for balance and harmony.  Know that life is a process of  learn, unlearn, relearn.

When one is able to  respect the self  by choosing good health and nutrition they avoid putting poison in their body and mind.  Healthy choices are necessary.  Know what areas of your life require more attention, i.e.: Spiritual, Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, Relationships or Goals.  Draw upon wisdom and compassion.  Challenge yourself  by asking good questions.  When you are able to respect and honour all by showing good judgement that energy is returned to you and others show respect in return.

If you wish to change something it is important to know what the cause of the problem is.  Identify risk behavior and list positive alternatives to interrupt negative habits.  The number of times you repeat a lesson that causes you or others pain and sorrow depends on your attitude towards growth. If you would like to change something begin by looking at your present situation and chart a new course or direction.  Often just changing your thoughts will change your world.

Go slowly.  Define one problem at a time. Decide what type of skills you require.  Are they better communication skills, better listening skills, better decision making skills? Identify people you admire and wish to become more like and study their ways.

The quality of your life journey depends on your ability to process life’s lessons quickly.  When you are aware of  how you think you can direct your thoughts and choose positive outcomes. 

Perhaps it is time to establish new values, beliefs and rules and build these into your action plan. Identify five new values, beliefs and rules you can begin to apply today.

Personal Attention Grid

Written on November 10, 2011 at 12:03 pm, by Leo Sawicki

Within the Medicine Wheel concept there are certain areas in one’s life that requires on-going attention. Things like nutrition, exercise, hygiene, rest, relaxation, play, work, family and goals are included. The list is seemingly endless.

The Medicine is in the thinking and only you can introduce new habits and interests to cultivate life long learning. Avoid the ‘same old same old holding patterns that are comfortable and that go no where. Challenge yourself and streatch your imagination.

When one’s attitude adjusts so does their perception of the world and this allows new energy and opportunity to flow their way. Stay awake and pay attention to the major influences in life.

Something as simple as a disorganized environment can influence how you think. It is certainly a reflection of the occupant. Look around and see what no longer fits or works for you and gently let go. Always bring in new fresh energy and only carry your own thoughts. Eliminating mindless chatter such as re-runs on old conversations and living in past moments makes room for new thoughts. New thoughts bring greater opportunities.

In a dream Seven Spirits gave Seven Gifts. The first was to Honour all Creation and have Respect. The second is to know Love is to know Peace. The third is to have Humility and know the self as a sacred part of all creation. The fourth is to possess Bravery and face your foe with integrity. The fifth is to cherish knowledge and know Wisdom. The Six is to walk in Honesty and face all situations. The Seventh gifti is Truth and to know all these things and to live by them. These gifts or teachings apply to all people.

When a person pays attention to their internal world their outer world is reflected by their thoughts. If they walk in beauty they are surrounded by beauty. If they walk in fear their world is often filled with strife.

Only you can choose how you will think. When a person draws upon the philosophy of the medicine wheel concept they are able to examine life wholistically and deepen the meaning of their journey.

By standing in the centre of your wheel and facing west, your journey takes your through experience and introspection in order to gain strength. Once you are able to arrange your thoughts you can return to the centre of your balance.

The same process applies for those who face the East Doorway. By communicating one gains wisdom and as a result Illumination, or a new understanding occurs. When one is able to communicate and understand life’s lessons through their thoughts and words the likelihood of having to repeat that lesson associated with growth is reduced.

The stones on the Medicine Wheel concept act as symbols for the traveller to gain a greater understanding of how thought influences the quality of your life. Decide where you are on the Path of Lessons and establish a path where you wish to journey in order for growth to occur.

Director of Your Thoughts

Written on October 19, 2011 at 10:20 am, by Leo Sawicki

Realize that you have influence over your thoughts and ultimately your life. Begin by establishing clear rules with principles of good communication. Be gentle on yourself for the lessons gained in the past and move beyond your brick walls.

Removing barriers in the thought world is necessary to rebuild structures and good relations with your self and others. This takes time and a willingness to move into the unknown. Know that you are judged by your actions, or lack of them.

Use a daily/weekly schedule for new activities to enrich your daily life and to expand your experiences. Choose one good habit a week to begin with. Remember to schedule time for your self to dream and relax.

Identify personal skills that you would like to develop and a new attitude built on new knowledge gained will be the result. Stay focused on what you are doing. It helps to have a buddy to encourage you.

When thoughts begin to scatter bring your attention back through your breath. Curl your fingers inward and on release point to the task at hand.

Any type of movement results in change. When you change your emotions you influence codes of conduct, behavior and have a greater ability to learn through opposites.

Recognize that your thoughts are influenced by your language, self talk and ability to ask good questions; afterall, the quality of your inner thoughts are reflected in your outer world.

Even though we live on the same planet everyone’s world is different because their thoughts are different.

Because the quality of questions you ask will influence the path and direction you travel, remember to ask yourself good questions, i.e. What do I wish to achieve today?

Monitor Your Self Talk

Written on October 13, 2011 at 6:10 pm, by Leo Sawicki

It is good to eliminate re-runs on old conversations and living in past moments.   When a person develops the habit of carefully arranging their thoughts they are able to recognize what teachings of opposites are.

In traditional world view search for knowledge and learning are lifelong pursuits.  Things like respect, love, humility, courage, wisdom, honesty and truth are shields that protect one from opposing forces.  Forces such as disrespect, hate, vanity, shallowness, foolishness, lies and a false sense of being.

Working with the medicine wheel concept helps to examine life wholistically and deepen the meaning of a person’s journey. 

By beginning in the West, one gains strength through experience and introspection. 

Strength requires tenderness, courage and compassion.  Become the Director of your own  life.  Have the strength to say ‘not now’ or ‘later’ to things that slow you down.

Instrospection is the act of looking inwards to examine your thoughts and feelings.  Generally one is able to see positive lessons that result from negative circumstances.

Experience is always your teacher and can come from observation or practice.  Experience results in a greater understanding of your purpose and the universe in which you live.

Entering through the East of your medicine wheel brings illumination based on wisdom and helps the traveller  to communicate clearly. 

Illumination can occur at the begining or the end of a lesson or learning cycle.  It is the result that makes the circumstance, or the lesson, associated with learning clear so it does not have to be repeated again.

Wisdom is accumulated learning and provides insight, good sense and sound judgement.

Communication is the act of transmitting knowledge or information. In the process it allows for an exchange of information or opinion.  (Even our bodies are vehicles we use to communicate with.)

The simple placement of stones in the medicine wheel concept act as symbols for the traveller to gain a greater understanding of how one’s thoughts influences their quality of life.

Know that by slowing down your thoughts and actions you will gain control over your reactions.  The medicine of the wheel is in your thinking.  Good thoughts are good medicine.