Friday, January 12, 2007
Location: Piikani Reservation, Alberta

I’m disconnected, at this time, from technology, while becoming, more connected, to my self.

I’ve been out here on the Piikani Reserve, staying with the Little Wolf family, since the beginning of this week. A month ago, when I came out here for my first sweat lodge, I felt unsure and unsteady, somewhat lost; my spirit misplaced.

After that first sweat, I came a few more times to visit. Each time out here, my dog Moses, had an extremely difficult time getting along with the ranch dogs. They drove him away, they tore into his food, and he spent his time hiding under vehicles, unsure and unsteady.

My dog has become a vital guide for me on this road as I travel south. When I first picked him up, someone in Yellowknife told me I had made a mistake, a dog needs constant stability, and my dog would limit my ability to connect with people. I’ve since learned that’s a huge load of B.S! All a dog truly needs… is constant love, and when it comes to people, Moses both facilitates relationships while also filtering certain people out. He’s a true guide dog. And, when I saw he was having a hard time, I became very concerned for the both of us.

In trusting the process, and in leaving much of my journey to faith, I depend greatly upon these ethereal signposts. Moses having a difficult time was one such signpost, my only problem: I was having a hard time understanding the message. So I called for help.

The response I received was as follows,

“He’s having a hard time, he’s unsure and unsteady, as soon as he spends some time and becomes more comfortable he’ll be fine.”

Hmmm, sounds familiar.

I’ve now been here a week, and I’ve come to understand that, what I originally interpreted as an issue with Moses was simply a reflection of myself in my companion. As I’ve established my footing and come to terms with where my path has traveled, I’ve also come to understand, that, in the here and now, I belong. In me simply being, my dog Moses, has also found his way.

The signpost wasn’t saying ‘watch out’ or ‘move on’… the signpost was saying, Pay Attention, Look, and Listen.

I’m doing just that, and am grateful.

peace,
d