The wisdom of our grandparents is a gift experienced by too few of us. The sad part is that this wisdom and experience is lost to the world because in our fast-paced world we don't take the time or allow our Elders to be a part of our lives. Where is the teaching? Could this be one cause of our increased crimes against society and persons? As children and adults do we LISTEN to our Elders and Respect their wisdom. Or do we still think we have all the answers or Elders don't understand our modern world?
I've recently been referred to an exciting book entitled The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. The author Thom Hartmann's message is so important and can have such a profound and positive impact on our global community that I feel it should be required reading of every human inhabitant of our planet.
The message Thom Hartmann conveys is that we are all one community; living together on this planet which has finite resources. If we are to survive individually we must therefore love our neighbors as well as ourselves. Each of us can and will influence what happens to our global community. He begins by painting a disturbing scenario for our future, progresses to how we got to the shape we are in, and ends with a plan for hope of mankind if we but learn the lessons of the past. And who do we turn to in order to learn these lessons? The Elders, of course. They are the ones who can provide the wisdom and experience to younger people.
If you don't believe this -think with me a truth I learned a long time ago. As we age our view of the world around us changes. We realize that we don't have all the answers and there is nothing wrong with seeking guidance from our Elders. We don't have to re-invent the wheel every day. Think back in your personal history - regardless of your age now - you have changed some of your views from what you believed in earlier years. And those same views will probably change again as you age. Remember the wise advise - Never Say Never.
One of the most brilliant men of our age, Albert Einstein, understood this truth when he said; "The Ancients knew something which we seem to have forgotten". I don't think we have really forgotten - we have just failed to listen.
To give you a picture of the significance of this situation - consider all the material things you possess, have or use today that are made from the resources which come originally from earth and air which comprise our physical environment. And if you don't grow or make the item yourself it has to arrive to you via motor vehicle which requires fuel our must limiting of fossil fuels. And since all these are finite what would you do should they become unavailable because they don't exist anymore. Would it not be better to learn the lessons from the Ancients (our Elders). We must allow them to speak and we must listen if we are to help our children learn their lessons.
The impact of this book awoke memories of my grandparents and most specifically my maternal grandmother. Her name was Bess Ferris Doyle but my brother and I called her "Happy Cappy". She soon was known as just "Cappy" by everyone. Cappy lived with us during most of our childhood so I was fortunate to have the benefit of her wisdom and counsel. I was truly blessed. Cappy passed away in 1966. As I look back now on the lessons she taught I'm again revitalized to continue my spiritual growth along the paths she showed us.
Cappy's mentor apparently was Will Rogers, because she quoted him often. The one I remember the most was he never met a person he didn't like. And neither did Cappy. No matter what the outward appearance of anyone she met she always found something good to praise in EVERYONE. I don't believe I've ever heard a derogatory word about anyone pass her lips. And she was a friend to everyone who came in contact with her. Many times in my life it was a challenge for me to accept this philosophy. Sometimes I failed. We all have some good qualities if we realize we are each here to express the image of God, or whatever name you choose to call your spiritual Master. If the Earth and our culture is to survive we must realize we are ALL inhabitants of this fragile planet and we must cooperate for our mutual survival.
From my earliest remembrances I recall Cappy's admonishment when my brother and I encountered illness or negative conditions in our lives - The Lord said, "as a man thinketh so is he". She never let us forget that we brought any unhappy situations upon ourselves by our way we were thinking. Hence, the cornerstone of my philosophy. (See the Doc's Commentary entitled; "Why Did This Happen To Me"?). In other words she taught us to look for the silver lining in every event and learn the lessons they teach.
Cappy's positive outlook on everything in life was demonstrated by a life of perfect Health and Wellness. She was a practitioner of meditation and visualization. Techniques which have "saved' me many times in my life. I do not remember a day when Cappy was ever physically ill. Imagine my surprise at age eighty one she went to bed and "passed over to the other side" in just a couple of weeks. In one of my last conversations with her, in answer to my inquiry as to what was wrong, she said that all her friends had passed over, her grandchildren were grown now, and it was time to be reunited with her husband (my namesake) who had made the transition more than forty five years earlier. She then passed on quietly and peacefully in her sleep.
Cappy had much to say about good health and the source of that health. We must keep our focus on our purpose in life and we must accept the responsibility for our actions and everything that happens to us.
I was fortunate to have lived with a wise grandmother - and I know there are many other wise Elders who are not being considered for their wisdom We, global community, are loosing a great source of strength, wisdom, and productive energy by not utilizing all our Elders for what they can teach us.
Thom Hartmann's book has much for each of us. Your investment in reading it will change your life. He quotes an Old Cree Native American storyteller and teacher in his book who we would be wise to follow. He said; "According to my tradition, from the beginning of creation, every morning, when the sun comes up, we are each given four tasks by our Creator for that day. First, I must learn at least one meaningful thing today. Second, I must teach at least one meaningful thing to another person. Third, I must do something for some other person, and it will be best if that person does not even realize that I have done something for them. And, fourth, I must treat all living things with respect. This spreads these things throughout the world."
