(((∞)))
Artist Vasil Woodland / aka Vasyl Mushyk
TOPIC: What is Authentic Sobriety? Most importantly, it’s very personal.
It’s not very Authentic for me to read from my notes as chair but only having 6 authentic months of sobriety, I’m giving myself license.
While authenticity is the topic, for today's meeting, one of the promises is, 'We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.' I struggle with believing that for myself. I am in the process of working on step four, and I know that eventually my sponsor will help guide me through those regrets.
I was born into a multi-generational, Professional Military Warrior Cast who lost their way. The cost of recent and ancient Wars, our actions in the face of them, and lives taken, stole pieces of our souls. In the beginning my family was not born into a Christian, Colonized Culture. That part came hundreds of years later as a part of our evolution and history.
I have come to believe the First Responsibility of a Warrior in many cultures, if not most original indigenous cast from all around the world; were & are to be good family mentors and stewards of the world they were born into.
The nature of our Spirit was woven and reflected into the world we lived. That truth probably hasn’t changed very much. As well as our lack of understanding it. At this point, I'm certain we're not supposed to have a fully cerebral understanding of it.
A Warriors strength and wealth, Was & Is based on how much anyone, of any age or sex, could offer to strengthen the whole. We inherently knew that our strength was only as strong as our weakest link in life or death. Our first priority is to help each other, not to deceive, dominate or manipulate each other.
It has taken most of my life to begin to remember that. It often seems more like a DNA Memory than an experiential one.
My parents could not show me what Authentic Love is because they were never Authentically shown. Regardless, I am a work in progress. It’s my journey not theirs.
AA is a program that may fully guide me forward to the founding principles of my cast. A Warrior Cast that helps to provide and protect the needs of the many in the world we live in.
I have come to believe that there are 4 seasons of Authenticity in our lives.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
~ hsh © 110923
(edit 121023)
“Creator, Please Help Me, Help You, Help Us.” ~ Brother Guy
See Warrior Poem in our Blog. https://www.strongheartclan.com/post/warrior-with-video
Artist Vasil Woodland / aka Vasyl Mushyk
Ukrainian Artist, Vasyl Woodland has given me permission to pair his art with my poetry and writings on my new website and FB Page. I hope you enjoy his work and are drawn to support him and his people however you can in your prayers.
PBS / Firing Line interviewed Lieve Schriber, a celebrated actor and descendent of Ukraine. They vetted the NPO BlueCheck and found there are no middlemen and 100% of the money goes directly to all the non-military needs behind the enemy lines. Please click here to make a donation to support Ukraine through BlueCheck.
Vasil studied under Norval Morrisseu. Norval Morrisseau CM RCA, also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an Indigenous Canadian artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. He is widely regarded as the Grandfather of Contemporary Indigenous Art in Canada. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norval_Morrisseau
*The royalty-free Ukrainian Peace Flag image is provided courtesy of Akitada31/Roman. Please look at his other works on Pixabay and buy him a cup of coffee if you appreciate his contribution.
Ancestor Song · Robbie Robertson · The Red Road Ensemble · Ulali · The Silvercloud Singers · Kevin Tarrant · Louis Mofsie · Randy Whitehead · Troy Richardson
Bob Dylan – Chimes of Freedom (lyrics)
Chimes of Freedom The Byrds
Often, I find what I consider to be 'truth', is reflected in other's personal journey, and findings. The only difference is that each and all of us had to pay the price to find our own. I am very grateful for any, and all feedback from all of you.
Your journey, is our journey, is my journey.
~ hsh © 112023
The topics of authenticity and sobriety are dear to me. As you have wisely pointed out, they are clearly linked. I have been trying to find the words to comment on this for awhile. Your journey, from start, to now, and to wherever it leads from here, is a remarkable demonstration of what it means to be an authentic being, in the sense of the word as I understand it. Anything we use to avoid our authentic being, be it alcohol or simply sleepwalking through life, is the opposite of facing the possibilities of the unwritten as a sober thinking human.
It’s been hard for me to find the words I want to write. I had to search for…
Chimes of Freedom by Bob Dylan - Lyrics
Thank you Thomas
Far between sundown's finish an' midnight's broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing
Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
In the city's melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched
With faces hidden as the walls were tightening
As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for…