'THINK on THESE THINGS'
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

"Though we speak with the tongues of men and angels and give our bodies to be burned, if we are irritable or hard to live with, it all accounts for nothing," wrote Margaret Widdemer.

Wouldn't it be a blessing to ourselves and to others if we could be as gentle and considerate in temper as we expect others to be? It is not a good thing to keep pent up then emotions that rules us so continually, but neither is it good to be too quick and too constantly blowing off steam.

It may serve as a tension reliever to us, but it can soon ruin our relationships with others. And without our realizing it, we can soon become chronic complainers.

Worry, physical ailments and weariness can cause a short temper that we think others should understand. And most have a way of knowing if that is the case, but prolonged impositions on other people will wear that tolerance very thin. It takes two to have an argument, but it takes only one to start it.

The need to forgive and to be forgiven should never be overlooked. To pass over a disagreement quickly without thought to the damage we've done can take the shine off any friendship. There can be no merit in forgetting if we cannot first forgive.

There are two voices in this world that will be forever unpopular. One is the voice of self-pity, the other is the voice that yells all the time. One declares itself to be the victim of great injustices, the other yells to demand justice.

Those who believe themselves to be the victim of injustice - those who believe they are meant to suffer - will always find conditions to prove they are right.

And those who yell, "Look what I've sacrificed," and always with the theme, "What I've tried to do for you," have slowed another's progress and stopped their own.

True victims of circumstance are easily recognized, and do not care to be noticed as such. And those who yell their merits have received their rewards, so there aren't any others.

Both have their attentions turned inward, but to the sorrow of most.... Their voices are not.

Meditations with Native American Elders-January 19
"Heal yourself - your physical and spiritual bodies. Regenerate yourself with light, and then
help those who have poverty of the soul. Return to the inner spirit, which we have abandoned while
looking elsewhere for happiness."
Willaru Huayta QUECHUA NATION,
PERU
It is difficult to look inside ourselves, especially when we see conflict or confusion. During
times of conflict we need to realize that we are talking to ourselves about our thoughts. This
conversation is printing in our subconscious and forming our beliefs. During times of conflict we
need to ask the spirit to control our self-talk. Only through finding that inner place and going
there during troubled times will we ever find happiness. Great Spirit, You are my peace and you
dwell within me. Let me look for You within myself.
By: Don Coyhis
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A Cherokee Feast Of Days-January 19
We have to actively resist the suggestion that something is going to make us sick. It is not easy
to talk illness and poverty without believing strongly that we may have to deal with them. The
easiest way is to cancel negative suggestions and claim what we want. Money, which is a de la in
Cherokee, will run for cover if we continually talk hardship-and we all know what happens when
someone tells us we do not look well. We begin to take our pulse and wonder whether we should lie
down. Too much sympathy and self-pity destroys our immunity to difficulty. When we shut down on it
and begin to talk health and begin to talk about excellent opportunities, then we open the way to
be well and prosperous. They came to you under the guise and pretense...and gained your
confidence...they are enemies of you and your band, instead of friends.
KEOKUK 1832
By: Joyce Sequichie Hifler

A Cherokee Feast Of Days-Jan. 2
This morning, snow wrapped every tree and rock in soft white, and promised to keep the outline of
distant hills hidden against a gray sky. But it could not keep its promise. After a few hours the
sun came out and turned it all into nature’s jewelry, beautiful dew gems sparkling on the grass.
We can be so busy that we miss the little things that sweeten life, the way a pet waits to be
noticed, the way an owl, a wahuhi, hoots in the woods, and a blue jay chortles in the middle of
winter. It is a lovely thing to turn away from busy work to pay attention to our loved things and
loved ones. We know how we wait to be told we are important. We should never wait to say or think
something beautiful that will make someone’s day easier and more secure. We do no want riches. We
want peace and love.
RED CLOUD 1870
By: Joyce Sequichie Hifler
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