SECTION TWELVE) SPIRITUAL JOURNEY Independence

This Outline may be used for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion. Please indicate the source of New Feather Village (kivafeather.com) A complete Reflection Journal on this topic is also available. Contact Us - newfeathervillage@gmail.com

A) Discovery Of HIS Love For Me

My GREAT FATHER blesses me with Independence, like unto the Walnut Tree. 

Granted through HIS Protection -  

…that I become complete and whole

…beyond freedom from captivity, now walking at HIS side

…having an ability to set priorities and goals that are achievable and realistic

…embracing liberty, accepting responsibility to pursue that which is meaningful

The Walnut Tree symbolizes clarity and focus, gathering of energy and beginning new projects. 

-Meaning of Trees (warpaths2peacepipes.com)

-Royalty Free Illustration by Johann Siemens (upsplash.com)

My GREAT FATHER Loves Me, HE Is My Tree Of Life

HE loves me  to remain with me from the beginning of each day. 

HE loves me that HE might win my soul through righteousness. 

HE loves me that I might partake of the goodness of HIS Word. 

HE loves me to grant me wisdom from my experience, as I allow myself to learn from HIM. 

HE loves me that I might never be in want for the Fruit of HIS Spirit. 

HE loves me to explore a Vision for what I may experience as I rely upon HIM. 

HE loves me to protect me through an awareness of HIS word. 

HE loves me to make HIS Presence known in my hour of distress. 

HE loves me to enlighten my path, when all I have known is darkness. 

HE loves me to offer me to drink from a spring that will never run dry.

B) In The Spirit Of My Elders

I learn that the lessons of Independence are given through hose who have gone before me. It is through their Legacy that I emerge as a new Creation.  

It is upon The Spiritual Journey To KIVA, that I find RECOVERY of the body, mind, spirit, heart and soul – 

• indepEndence From The Captivity Of Self-Destruction 
• Discovery Of Life Values
• Reflection upon challenges that have been endured as well as opportunities that have been provided

C) My Destination (Spiritual Based Outcomes)  

• Gaining Independence From Barriers To Spiritual Health & Well Being (Physical, Mental, Psychological, Intellectual, Emotional, Social & Relational)
• Finding peace, strength and comfort from a source that guides, protects inspires
• Freedom of the soul, heart, might, mind, body and spirit  
• An emerging of self-awareness and confidence
• Pursuing all of the adventures and challenges that await me

D) Pathways To Self-Discovery

• Pathway 5) Seeking & Accepting The Influence Of A Guiding Presence On The Spiritual Journey 
• Pathway 6) Gaining A Rebirth Of Personal Freedom 
• Pathway 7) Rejoicing In The Liberty That Lies Within
• Pathway 8) Following The Pathway That Lies Before

E) Treasures Of My Spiritual Journey                                                                                                     

• Seeking and accepting the influence of My Protector
• Gaining a rebirth of personal freedom
• Following the pathway that lies before
• Rejoicing in the liberty that lies within
• Change of desire through HIS Graceful Presence   

F) Declaration Of Independence From The Tyranny Of Addiction 

(Adapted from the original Declaration Of Independence by Chaplain J. Michael L. Benedict)

     When in the Course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for people to free themselves from that which prevents them from the pursuit of meaningful living, and to dissolve the shackles which have bound them on a course that leads to downward destruction, recognizing the power of substances to ensnare the human body, mind, spirit and soul – those whose lives have been ravaged by these snares may make a declaration, to become independent from the tyranny of addiction.  

     All men and women are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

     To secure these rights, each person has the power to choose one’s own course, including a life that is free from chaos and despair.  It is for each person to exercise choices which lead to independence over that which would prevent them from following a course that leads to a productive, fulfilling life. 

     When any choice becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right and responsibility of a person to become independent and to make new choices that will bring about peace, hope, joy, meaningful relationships, productive living and the opportunity to determine one’s own path. 

     These choices are laid on the foundation of what a person can achieve, once they have been freed. Through such Choices such a life may be pursued which will also ensure safety and security for each person, including friends, family and community. 

     Choices indeed, will dictate their own outcome. Long established habits cannot be changed easily or without effort. Accordingly, all experience has shown that the addicted are more disposed to suffer, through becoming accustomed to the pain that it causes. 

     Such choices are taken by one who is addicted, rather than abolishing the habits to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses toward self and others results from such pain, it is the right, it is the duty of one who is addicted, to throw off such pain, and to provide new a better way of living, in the present and in the future.  

     Such is the suffering of the addicted, and such is the necessity to alter such habits as well as choices.   

     The tyranny of addiction is a history of repeated injuries and violation of person as well as property, of soul as well as of society. All who have been a direct object of addiction have become victim to the establishment of an absolute tyranny over the individual as well as the community. 

     To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. 

     Those who, through malicious intent, distribute these substances refuse to acknowledge the common law which is to protect all – 

including the innocent and vulnerable. Such laws are necessary for the public good. 

     Those who partake of their own drugs of choice become partners in the distribution of these substances, for as there is demand, there is always a supplier. 

     Those who choose to partake of their own drugs of choice utterly neglect to attend to the needs of those who depend on them for the basic necessities of life.  

     Those who partake of their own drugs of choice relinquish themselves to the formidable tyrant which addiction is, fatiguing all within its grasp into compliance its destructive power. 

     Families and loved ones of those who partake of addictive substances become the victims of invasions to their own rights in living a life that is free of fear and despair.   

     The tyranny of addiction has made necessary, the quartering of large bodies of armed troops among us on our streets and in our neighborhoods as well as along our borders. 

     Those who serve to protect become the unsung heroes in the war against addiction, for too often, it is they who leave behind their own widow and orphan;  

     The tyranny of addiction makes a mockery of the judicial system, for the guilty take pleasure in avoiding the punishment for any murders or crimes which they commit on those who are unable to defend themselves;  

     The tyranny of addiction cuts off legitimate trade with business, through the laundering of money obtained through the curb side sales of kilos, joints and balloons;        The tyranny of addiction imposes the expense of rehabilitation and incarceration on all throughout society;  

     The tyranny of addiction plunders our women – be they wives, daughters or sisters, as their lives have been ravaged by prostitution and exploitation; 

     The tyranny of addiction transports large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, continuing with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of any civilized nation;  

     The tyranny of addiction constrains our fellow-citizens, and makes them victim to drive-by shootings and gang warfare. Such gangs become executioners of friends and family, also falling themselves by their own hands.  

     I therefore do, as one who seeks peace for myself and for those I care about, do solemnly declare that I will choose to become independent from the tyranny of addiction. 

     All connection between myself and these addictive substances and their suppliers, ought to be and is totally dissolved – and that, as a free and independent person, 

      I have full power to make choices, enjoy life and pursue my own dream. 

     And for entering into this Declaration of Independence, with a firm reliance on the protection of my own Higher Power, I pledge to myself and those about me, to pursue a life of clean and sober living. For by so doing, I will enable myself to receive the blessings of life which have been promised. 

G) My Dance Of Independence and Life Values by Chaplain Michael L. Benedict

My rhythm and song unite with Winds Of The Four Directions, The Four Legged Of The Land; The Winged Of The Air; The Fish Of The Water. All are as Trail Guides along The Spiritual Journey. Theirs is  given by THE GREAT FATHER to lead through storms and  adversity, victory and achievement. 

From the whisper of the breeze and the light from sun above, comes the warning of potential danger and an invitation to celebrate each moment. It is a sojourn of the spirit, for my soul has left behind that which held me back. It is mine to prepare for the embrace of all the good that lies ahead. Past struggles have become a preparation. 

This is My Rhythm of Freedom. 

This is My Song of Liberty.

This is My Harmony which unites with:

The Determination Of The Beaver, 

The Gracefulness Of The Deer, 

The Curiosity Of The Racoon, 

The Joyfulness Of The Rabbit, 

The Persistence Of The Rooster.

Dance I Now - My Dance Of Independence And Life Values.