Spiritual Journey Buy From Art.com

Man has always had something to say since his time on earth began. Evidence of this is shown in the ancient rock art that has been discovered around the world, including North America.

These stone carvings have yet to be fully deciphered, but the thought-capabilities and craftwork that created them has lasted to our own twenty-first century. This form of 'storytelling' was early mans' assurance to himself that he, and his time on earth, would not be forgotten.

Wanting to be remembered is a strong emotion to this day, be it the autobiography of the rich and famous, or the personal trinket dropped into the hand of a loved one, with the words; 'Remember me'.

While early mans' pictographs remain preserved in stone, think about the coming time when all our data will be stored in computers. Is this not the machine susceptible to something called a 'virus' that can eliminate entire systems? This generation calls their computerizing 'progress', a no-no word in any Native American language.

On the flip side, the ever traditional Indians are convinced they have a much better way of preserving their stories and history. Since the onset of the first spoken word, the safeguarding of these treasures has been kept in the hands of their tribal elders they call 'storytellers'. Who better to assume such an awesome responsibility?

With true Indian sagacity, the problem of idleness among the elderly was also solved. It could have been described as, 'Not one tribal member left behind'. Unable to do the hard chores of tribal life they once did, elders fearfully faced the burden of idleness. Now that was changed. All-wise with years of living, they were the perfect ones to have the honour of 'storyteller' bestowed upon them.

Remarkably, they were able recite hundreds of stories given to them in dreams by the Great Spirit, as well as tribal history, as they remembered it. In a sense, they became 'human computers'.

One way of making sure their knowledge continued unbroken was by sharing it with people in other villages. Winter was the chosen time for this activity. While that seems an unlikely time for travelling, the aged, and infirm were usually up to the trip. Entertainers, the curious, and others, went with them. Some went to visit relatives and others, often youths, went along to assist, even carry, those who were unable to walk on their own.

In this way, stories were spread, history was learned, and tribal news was carried from one village to another. For the storyteller, in addition to all he carried forward, he added new stories, history, and local news to bring back. This ability to retain and carry knowledge is a capability present day humans are fast losing, as more and more, we allow machines to do our thinking for us.

Storyteller Gourd Robert Rivera Buy From Art.com

Computers may have established a permanent place in our society, up to a point, but do not our little children, fresh from heaven, still seek comfort in a warm, soft lap, listening to a grandmother telling them a story? Grandmother Two Bears.

This story and many mores stories are now available in the new book The Story Teller by Grandmother Two Bears. To order the Grandmother Two Bears book, use the following button.

Order The Story Teller

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