Spiritual gatherings offer a special place apart from our everyday lives for healing and renewal to occur. While we can always take a walk in our favorite nature spot, camp out for the weekend as a personal spiritual retreat , it seems we are closest to the Creator when we come together in the company of all of Creation, the spirits, the elements, the plants, the animals, the rocks and the people to perform our ceremonies, say our prayers and infuse our lives. People are generally more open-hearted and loving in this atmosphere.

Gatherings provide us with a unique opportunity to listen to the many teachers, elders and others who have been invited there to speak. Being outdoors and inspired by these teachers, whose traditions have long respected the Earth and are connected with all of Creation in ways our culture has forgotten, provides us with memories and imprints which will remain with us for years to come. The ceremonies shared with those present are offered with humility in the presence of the sacred fire, the heart of every earth-centered spiritual gathering. It is the fire which carries our intentions outward and strengthens each participant to reach deeper within themselves. The gathering is a good place to begin to learn about that fire.

If you want to learn the Native American way, you go to spiritual gatherings and sit and listen; after a while, you may be called upon to talk. The rewards from these practices come little by little.