Introduction to Elderhood:
Ever find yourself or someone else speaking about Elders as “those old folk”? The ones with memory problems? Do you know that with Elders the last thing to leave is the stories? No memory problem there. They are paying forward by sharing backward, to the younger generation. And you thought you could only pay it forward. No! Elders are the bridge to the next Seven Generations, and planting the seeds behind them as they go! In sharing their stories, they are seeding the Gifting of the Next Seven Generations. This is a story that cannot be made up – but is in the makeup of every one of us.
Who needs Elders?
Elders have held a vital role in Indigenous populations, as they are the custodians of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. MedicineSinging.com’s support of and sponsoring www.RaymondRuka.com is one excellent example of an elder and their stories. Please take some time and visit Raymond’s site. He is of the Maori tribe of New Zealand, and currently lives with his wife in the United States.
As with many elders, Raymond has served as storyteller, and teacher, ensuring the continuity of Maori values and practices. Raymond’s wisdom, derived from a lifetime of experience, is invaluable in guiding younger generations and preserving a living connection to the past
The Kiss of Eldership
Stephen W Emerick
There is a moment on the steps of life
Where the stones speak of Eldership…
They more than any, fully familiar
With the passage of time.
Having witnessed the kiss of many a Grandfather
To his precious and beloved Grandchild…
And the joy and grief that comes when Grandfather,
One day, will turn and go where Grandchild cannot.
But I am not afraid.
For I am finding comfort upon the steps of Eldership.
Knowing one day I shall step over into a new life.
And one day, many years from now,
As my Grandchild takes his first step into Eldership…
I shall be there. Waiting. Welcoming.
I shall be there.
In that sacred place, where the stones speak of Eldership.
The stories of the Maori are passed down orally through stories, songs, rituals, and other cultural expressions. They represent a rich heritage of human interaction with the natural world and are increasingly recognized for their essential value in contemporary ecological and conservation efforts. One of the many rich components of the Maori is that they have a deep love for the waters of the world, as well as a love for celestial navigation.
In addition to Raymond’s incredible stories, he brings a perspective and knowledge that inspires solutions rooted in planet sustainability, peace, and reciprocity, as well as communal well-being.
We invite you to visit: www.RaymondRuka.com
nzuzu
"In Circle we can not only remember that we belong to each other but that we are each other."
— Quanita Roberson
Meet Quanita
Entrepreneur, Author, Coach, Consultant, Organizational Shaman and Keynote Speaker & Keynote Listener
I am the promise of forgiveness and reconciliation in the world. I haven’t always known this but I have always been moving toward it. I started my healing journey at a young age. I am a shaman. It has taken me a long time to grow into this...to grow into me. Mostly because I never quite understood why a person would choose this life. Now I understand that it chooses you.
Read more about Quanita at nzuzu.com