Thanks Lars - I've missed you lately - Reader comments at The New York Sun

Reader comment on:
American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders

Submitted by John Cannon, Nov 4, 2007 01:11

I just read the article on the internet. I was a bit surprised by the dollar amount at the end. I haven't spoken to Harold or Elva in a few months, but that is irrelevant.

I, like many, have logged many hours in their kitchen, always with love and humor, and a refreshing lack of anyone taking themselves too seriously. Both have been special people in my life for close to twenty years.

I have stayed with them quite a few times, when I wasn't sundancing at Florentine Blue Thunder's, or supporting at Crow Dog's Paradise. I have had the priviledge of sundancing at Harold's for a number of years. I have also been in ceremony with Harold and others in his ceremony house. Never was I asked for money. I did however choose to give some $ to support he and Elva in their work and would also do so for the Sun Dance singers, etc. When I would go up by myself or along with someone I wanted them to meet, I would try and bring vegetarian delights from my urban hometown or spiritual items or herbs from other Traditions. This is simpy the way I was taught.

I am a retired psychotherapist who has spent 3 decades studying my craft and trying to evolve my work ,intrapsychically, interpersonally and transpersonally. I have spent many thousands of dollars training with the finest therapist/teachers I could find: hours, days, years of training and working. It was not cheap nor do I hold any regret having spent so much in learning. I still stay in touch with teachers whom have now become colleagues. I myself have spent years traveling and teaching and running workshops. I do not work for free. I have also voluntered many hours and days giving away what has been so graciously given to me in the way of healing gifts, such as energy work, inipis, hanblecheyas, pipe and night healing ceremonies. I have spent days traveling to remote villages high in the Andes to learn ceremony with the Q'ero. I have spent time with a number of spiritually gifted men and women from different indigenous cultures. I always tried to give something back for the many gifts I have received. I cannot thank Harold and Elva enough for their love. I write this in Harold's defense (not that he needs any) because of the profound love I have for Harold and his wife. I know that I can call them anytime and run-by whatever crisis-dejour is happening with me on my path.

I have seen Harold and Elva give of themselves beyond what I thought could be done. He is a humble man and Elva is truly unique in many, many ways.

I site some of my spiritual travels only as a way of establishing some credibility with readers who have not been lucky enough to interact with Harold and Elva. I have seen the ecstacy and the dark underbelly of Indian healing. Even medicine people and healers are just men and women who walk upon this Earth. They should not be put on pedastles. I have seen that happen too many times. It is good for neither followers nor healers. Heirarchial systems are seldom capable of empowering individual group members in any types of circles, be they healing, business, therapy, etc. Harold has always let individuals find their own answers and I have seen him only only reluctantly take the position he now holds because of others asking him to take-on such responsibilities and roles.

My health has been extremely poor the last couple of years and I have been unable to be with them. I do, however, wish to say these words about two wonderful people and, when I die, they will be at the top of the list of people whom I will give thanks for having crossed my path.

In the Light and the Darkness, may we all bring Love, and suspend our judgments, under the Tree of Life,

John Cannon

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Reader comment on:
American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders

Other reader comments on this article

Comment on American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders

Reader comment on:American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders

Other reader comments on this article

Comment on American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders

Reader comment on:
American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders