sacred spaces

June 30, 2022

Today I tore a piece of my shirt to tie to a tree and say a prayer that can only be known by me. I followed the practice of the native people who used to live on these lands before new Americans came and took it away from them. It’s a history that we need to learn, but not to point fingers or blame. To acknowledge and then choose a life that honors and respects the life that was stolen from them. When we approach practices with honest intention, I think we will find much understanding between all.

The United States government calls this sacred space Devil’s Tower. Native tribes have been asking for them to change the name to Bear Lodge without much interest or response. I have no doubt that the name “Devil’s Tower” was given as part of our attempts to erase a culture that is rooted in practices and traditions that are so different from ours. Different because they inspire different actions in people. More stories. More natural growing. More self sufficiency. More prayers for the good of the community.

As I walked around this space, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence. Peace. It overwhelmed me in a way. Moved me to tears when we completed the counter clockwise walk around the rock rising from the ground. The story goes that a giant bear chased a group of people up and tried to claw it’s way up to them leaving large rivets in the side of the rock that can be seen from miles and miles away. So much more interesting and meaningful than the name that we gave. If the devil lives there, then hell must not be so bad after all.

I didn’t take any photographs out of respect. Some places are meant to be experienced only — and then you can feel for yourself why places like this are sacred and holy.
—
cloths tied in knots
to the ponderosa pine trees.
prayers—
dedicated as offerings.
spirits resting here for all eternity.
coming from the one sacred source—
a love ever growing.