I confess. I was a bit apprehensive when a few weeks ago I signed up to take part in a group healing with Native American Energy Healer, Dennis “Rocky” King. I didn’t know what to expect.

But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the traditions of the Native Americans– and especially in how they understand animals and the healing medicine animals provide us in their teachings. But the more years I’m on this planet, the more it breaks my heart what we are doing to our mother earth and to ourselves.

But I do believe we can change this. And it all begins with looking in the mirror and healing our own “stuff.”

I’ve come to understand that by working on my own issues and finding more peace and acceptance of who I am that this in turn sends a positive energy out into the world.

Rocky, part of the Bear Claw tribe, began our healing circle on Saturday by thumping his large, strong hand on his heart saying we must repeat to ourselves twenty times a day, “I love myself. I love myself.”

It really does begin with each of us. If we can’t love ourselves, how can we expect to love those around us? And I know for many it is one of the hardest things to do – to say we love ourselves.

I remember years ago during a retreat I helped create with a friend. We did an exercise called “mirror work.” It was my part, to hold a mirror in my hands, look into it and say what I loved about myself, instead of what we most often do, and point out our flaws.

I couldn’t do it. I was too self-conscious. I felt bad that I let down my partner I was facilitating the retreat with. And felt even worse for not being a positive example to the women taking part that weekend.

For a long time, I beat myself up about it. But I’ve since forgiven myself because I know that I am human. I’m a work in progress and I’ve grown since then and loving myself comes much easier these days. Not that I’m perfect, far from it! — but I’m at least much more aware and can remind myself to be kinder to that lady in the mirror looking back at me.

Each time I step out of my comfort zone, as I did on Saturday, taking part in this healing is another step in my awakening. And another chance to be of good in this world.

Native American, white, black, or whatever your color or race, we all have our struggles. Rocky opened his heart to us about his alcohol addiction and how he finally saw what he was doing to himself. But more importantly that he had been given a gift that needed to be shared. And he came to understand the rough start down the path of life was part of his journey in order to share his gift and help others.

His gift has not come without struggles either. He’s learned to trust and have faith in Spirit. To know that he will be provided for, even when he really questioned how that was going to happen.

Someone in our circle asked Rocky if he ever doubts anymore. He said he does not. Whoa, really?  I thought. I’m still wrapping my head around that one.  And I know it is because of my own moments of self doubt that I question it because I am not yet there.

But I loved the experience and all the thoughts it has brought since then. I so appreciate the work Rocky is doing along with Bear medicine in a world that really needs it.

If you want to learn more about Bear medicine, here is a link. You can certainly do a Google search for other resources too. And if you wish to learn more about Dennis “Rocky” King, visit his Facebook page.

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