The Talking Stick

The talking stick of old

Encouraged our ancestors

To speak with courage

And from the heart

The talking stick of days gone by

Taught our forefathers

To listen in silence

And with respect

As time marched on

The talking stick

Was soon replaced

By paper and pen

Hearts poured out

Upon the page

Thoughts declared

Ideas proclaimed

Now we have the electronic age

Computers and facebook

Cell phones and texts

No contact exists

How can we listen

How can we share

Words are all shortened

No passion exists

The talking stick was used by several American Indian tribes in council circles.  The leader of the tribe would usually speak first and set the tone for the circle.  When he was finished he would hold the talking stick out and someone else would take the stick and share their thoughts.  If you did not have the talking stick you sat in silence and listened.

The talking stick had an eagle's feather to represent courage and wisdom to encourage one to speak truthfully and wisely.  It had rabbit fur to encourage words that came from the heart and to speak soft and warm.  There were four colors of beads to represent the power of the universe so that you could speak what was in your heart.  The talking stick also had buffalo hair to empower the speaker.  The Amercian Indians realized that a sacred spark or light of the Great Spirit lived in everyone, making everyone sacred.  If they could not honor the talking stick with their words, they chose to refrain from speaking and listened.

Evolution has occurred.  Now we communicate by computer and cell phones.  We have created a new language made of acronyms and shorthand.  We no longer speak in full sentences or have complete thoughts.  We don't really take the time to hear what the other person is saying.  We fire off text after text without waiting for a response.  How can you know that my heart aches if you cannot see the tears?  How can you feel my compassion if you cannot hear my tone?  How can you read between the lines when the lines are incomplete?  

I am not saying that cell phones and computers do not have some positive  points.  I love my daily chats with my mom on facebook.  I enjoy sharing good news in mass on facebook.  I find writing on the computer allows my thoughts to flow more freely.  However, I am disheartened by the fact that we no longer have filters.  Angry words fly about and hit more than the attended target.  Hurtful words damage sometimes beyond repair.  Conversations are no longer heart to heart.  

It is time for each of us to take responsibility for our words.  It is time for each of us to respect those around us.  It is time to make sure our thoughts are clearly stated.  It is our responsibility to not assume we understand, but instead, really listen.  It is time to use our hearts, respect the power of the word and honor our fellow man.

Copyright 2011 Ramblings by Dawn.  All rights reserved.