Author: 8hummingbirdway

I'm Annie Breglia and I'm on a mission to help heal the planet one soul at a time. The ancient way. The way of the shaman.

My Native American journey

by 8hummingbirdway

I have recently been writing about my spiritual search and journey in my life.

My search began as I was sitting in the home of my mother-in-law (from my first marriage) as she was dying. Her death raised questions for me that informed my search going forward. Mary Cuddihy Diefendorf was a Catholic mystic and she had some compelling books on her bookshelf – a couple about Native American spirituality. I took them with me after her death, knowing that she would be glad to have me take an interest. These books first sparked my interest in answering important questions and in Native American spiritual beliefs.

A moment to tell about Mary. She was a kind and loving person who carried wisdom. My favorite memory of her is the way she fully embraced my sister’s child, who I had adopted, as her own grandchild. (Not everyone in the family felt this way.) One of my favorite photographs is of her on the front steps of her home in heart shaped glasses – laughing along with my daughter and her cousin – both about 4. I also thank Mary for the start of my journey and for her books which landed me where I am today.

A book that will forever be on my bookshelf is Return of the Bird Tribes by Ken Carey. It holds many stories, including a story of Hiawatha as a young man. Hiawatha was a legendary chief (c. 1450) of the Onondaga tribe of North American Indians. He is known most famously for uniting the Five Nations—Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk—into a political confederacy of 5 chiefs which was the basis for the United States structure of government, with it’s 3 branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

[Interestingly, the fact that the elder women of the tribes held the highest power was not adopted by our forefathers. Each chief worked with his clan mother and any chief could be removed by the women of the tribe. Of course American women were not yet free citizens, but were the property of their father or husband when our government was formed, and not full citizens until 1922, and not allowed to open a bank account until 1974. They couldn’t very well hold real responsibility.]

My favorite story in this book was the story of White Buffalo Calf Woman who brought the pipe to the Sioux. I don’t think I have ever been so moved by anything I have read. I have wept every time I’ve read it. For the beautiful telling, for the loss of so much – so many people, their ways of life and the nature of life itself on this continent. This story tells of how White Buffalo Calf Woman brought the peace pipe to a tribal gathering and instructed the Sioux Chief and his people in the sacred ritual of smoking tobacco together. There were seven rounds of passing the pipe. Each person in the gathering smoked once for Great Spirit, then one smoke each for Mother Earth, the animals, the Ongwhehonwhe (humans who remain true to reality), the spirit beings that surround the individual smoker, and 6 people you would like to see especially blessed. “The seventh smoke, she explained must always be taken in silence; for it was offered to the Great Being from which every being was drawn. For that sacred mystery at the source of life, it was better, she said, to have no words.”

The gift of the pipe changed everything for the members of the tribe. I know from personal experience that a question considered with these 7 aspects in one’s heart results in a wiser, more compassionate, and more expansive decision. This is the gift of the pipe ceremony and a part of the heritage of the Sioux.

I was in my 40s and I wanted to bring this practice into my life. A friend told me of a woman in Illinois named Elizabeth Standing Badger who made sacred pipes. He had her address and I wrote to her. I was asked to write another letter – about myself and about why I wanted the pipe. I did, and she consented to make a personal pipe for me. I had sent her payment, and months later I received a beautiful yet simple pipe and a letter telling me of her process in making it for me, including holding it outside through 2 thunderstorms. (If I had truly been wise, I would have saved that letter, and I would know what tribe Elizabeth was from.) There was a snake on it – as I had explained that I felt closely aligned with Snake – creature of change and transformation (as demonstrated by the shedding of skin). As I write, I remember other symbols that decorated the pipe in yellow, orange and red. It is packed away now, from our recent move, in a box with other sacred items.

I have not used the pipe for many years. The part of the stem that goes into the bowl needs work, which I started, and hope to pick up again when the time is right.

I was later told that a person should make their own pipe, but I would not have known how. My need felt immediate, and I am deeply grateful for my pipe. Deep thanks also to Elizabeth Standing Badger, wherever she may be.

I used my pipe as White Buffalo Calf Woman instructed for the better part of 2 decades, At times I smoked daily, and later weekly, or as needed. I smoked the seven smokes mostly on my own, but sometimes with others – especially when important things were to be said or decisions were to be made.

[I had smoked cigarettes as a teenager, had quit in my early 20s, and I initially used kinnikinnick in my pipe, a Native American combination of leaves. I was later drawn to smoke pure organic tobacco, and I experienced an ebb and flow with it for several years.]

I have taken out my pipe at this writing and reminder, and it now sits in my work space, calling to me.

When I return to the pipe, it will be with a more deep and full understanding of the 7 smokes, especially the 5th smoke to the spirit beings that surround me. These are my helping spirits, who I journey to and now know well – through my Shamanic training and work. This work aligns with all tribal origins on all 7 continents. My helping spirits are blessed allies who support me on my path. This help is available to all.

There is more to this story, which I will tell another day, telling of how and why my search turned to other sources of the sacred that are not strictly Native American.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

“Steadfastly I Go”

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

I heard the Muslim call to prayer broadcast over the city of Kampala, Uganda this morning and rose to add my prayers in my own daily tradition. I have realized that it is my task to call my beloved son back to himself by speaking truth with love and compassion. His journey has not been easy (nor is anyone’s journey), but the time for allowing distortion to stand without opposition is past. 

On another note – we are scheduled to be in Goma, DRC (Congo) in 3 days and the news stories are alarming. However I believe that they are just that – stories. 

We are in touch with my son’s host there, who will be our guide. He will pick us up from Rwanda and bring us to his country, where his chosen work is to help child soldiers who were once stolen from their beds and have now escaped or been spit out by the army. These youths are rejected, not honored or healed and restored to well-being in their culture. He helps them to find employment, education, support and a place in their world once again. 

I have decided to trust this man when he assures us that we will be safe, that nothing has changed in Goma. I do not expect to change my plans, but to stay on course. My heart is full. 

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The Nile

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

Today my son and his friend are white water rafting on the Nile. My knee injury prohibited that, but as my luck would have it, the property where our cabin is for two nights is adjacent to the Nile. 

And so here I am on this beautiful day of so many dragonflies and birds. I have walked down to the river and I stood in it. It is not cold. A friendly dog accompanied me. He is enjoying barking at some birds which I cannot identify. There is a mild breeze. The river is wide and peaceful. 

A beloved song came to me. Watch this video of the Nile and listen to this phrase of a prayerful song written by Holly Near in 2006, and sung by me today. 

Annie sings “Oh River” while enjoying this view of the Nile.

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My Religious Background

by 8hummingbirdway

I felt some hesitance to write about these classes I dreamed of that seemed to “train children up” – a Christian term you may have heard regarding education. This is how I envision Laura Ingalls Wilder being raised, which seemed good to me. (I only read a few of her books as an adult. I loved them – and read them to at least one of my children.) But I was not aligned with Christianity at the time, and “training children up” was something that in my younger days sounded somewhat harsh to me.

I have also written some thoughts on how children might be more fully educated as part of this thread of exploration.

Perhaps the Laura Ingalls Wilder books are what led me to seek out a church when my older daughter was approaching her teen years and my other two were 5+7. We spent a year or more attending a Unitarian church, where the sermons were soul-nourishing. We were just starting to make connections in the congregation when life’s demands did not allow the hour drive any longer.

I was raised in a family that attended a Congregational church on Sundays, but did not seem to truly embrace the values of Christianity. My mother said we went to church to engage with community – not a bad thing, but we did not give thanks at our meals, and the word God was rarely spoken in our home.

When I was a teenager, my mother said it was important to put myself in other people’s shoes – to imagine what it would be like to be them, with their challenges. This meant a great deal to me, and I took it to heart. I had heard of the Golden Rule and I embraced it the best I could. But that was the only life lesson I can recall receiving from either parent. Of course I don’t remember everything – but I’m certain that the presence of God was not spoken about or acknowledged in any real or way in my childhood home.

There was one Sunday school lesson may have been the reason we stopped attending church. I came home and said to my mom “Now I know why people hate the Jews – Jesus was killed by the Jews!” She was very upset by this and explained to me that Jesus was Jewish. Mom was very vocal and I’m pretty sure she spoke about this with the minister. My mother came to adulthood during World War 2, and her German family were social outcasts to some extent during that time. Her best friend during my childhood was Jewish – the mom of “Jerry” in my recent story. Mom and Dad both believed that all people should be treated equally – all races, religions, and nationalities. I am deeply grateful for this aspect of my upbringing.

I am a lover of all people. Even those who go astray, or who I leave behind, who have hurt me or my loved ones. I can’t help it. I don’t stop loving those who I have loved. This does not always set well with others – and it is sometimes painful to me. I have learned not to always mention it. Such as my friend’s ex-spouse, or the friend of my daughter who betrayed her. But I still carry them in my heart once I learn to love them. Sometimes I carry anger as well – but eventually that falls away, and love is all that is left. I like being this way. It’s gentle and it’s full-hearted.

When I was in middle school, I started attending a Baptist church occasionally with my best friend’s family. I was actually baptized with my best friend there. I remember taking classes to prepare us for baptism and I remember having a really hard time with the concept of accepting Jesus as my lord and savior AND with the belief that he died for our sins. But my best friend was going to do it, so I finally stopped questioning and just went ahead.

My friend and I attended a Baptist youth camp for several years. I loved the Christian songs I learned there around the campfire there and I sang them all year long. I still sing some of them. “Jesus walked this lonesome valley. He had to walk it by himself. Nobody else could walk it for him. He had to walk it by himself.” Love it.

But this was the place of my final separation from Christianity. One morning I was sitting at a bible study class. I can’t recall what exactly we were reading/studying, but it involved Hell – which was a concern of mine. When it came time for discussion, I asked a question that had been on my mind for some time. “If a person who was born to a tribe in South America or Africa never heard of Jesus, would he go to hell when he died?” The answer from the youth pastor was yes. And that was the end of Christianity for me.

My love of others and my belief in equality and fairness for all was stronger than any alignment with a harsh and punishing God.

Later my best friend’s mom told me that not all pastors would have answered this question the same way – but I had turned away. I didn’t want to belong to a group where any others felt this way, leaving me to sift through. Any paradigm I would sign onto would be a loving one, as would it’s followers.

And for most of my life the word “God” made me uncomfortable.

It has been a very long journey back to God. My spiritual search started in my late 20s. And only recently – in the past few years – has my perception of spiritual community expanded to include Christianity.

I do feel some alignment with the concept of “training up children.” In truth, I don’t know a lot about it, and I realize there are probably as many versions as there are families.

My children were raised in a family that valued honesty and compassion and respect for all. I would add discipline and devotion and prayer if I were to raise children today. Although it would probably be a conglomeration of what I have garnered from my spiritual search, not from a specific institution or book.

Wisdom and truth often come late in life. And there are as many versions as there are people. I am still learning.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

More Surprises

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

I arrived yesterday afternoon, my son met me at the airport. We had some afternoon sun and then a simple dinner at a nearby restaurant. In the dark driveway I fell and hurt my knee, not seriously (although I must have a dramatic side because I wondered about amputation during the night). It bled a lot initially which is good and it is finally drying out. I sent a photo to my daughter (vet. tech. with surgical experience) and she advised me to get medical attention, probably antibiotics + maybe a brace. 

I won’t be white water rafting tomorrow as planned. I’m fine with that. I should be in good form in a few days. I feel so much love. From the man who appeared to help me up with my son, from the woman who runs the tiny hotel, from Andrew the driver who drove us earlier in the day, from my daughters, from my husband, from my helping spirits. From Africa! 

Another surprise blessing is that I’ve come to be at ease with my son’s grouchy side! I realize it’s him, not me! He’s most grouchy in the morning, and I do not see the joy in him that I once did. Maybe the gorilla trek or something on this trip will help him.

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Off I go

by 8hummingbirdway

I am flying to Africa today, to a place where the people are more connected to their tribal origins. (Children speak their tribal language until they attend school.)

I hope to connect deeply to this continent and to her people.

I hope to know my son better and to be delighted by his good company.

I hope to be my best self, whatever that means in each moment.

I know I will have the opportunity to work with some Ugandan children.

I know I will be able to connect to Mother Earth in this new (to me) place.

I know my helping spirits will be available to me.

I know I will ask each morning for Creator to guide my steps.

I know I will turn myself over each day to the day’s events and needs and blessings.

I have brought some small gifts – a beloved stone for the continent itself, a work tool for the children, and some crystals and a feather, etc. for …I don’t know who will show up on my path! There will be drivers and teachers and people who make food for us.

I know this will be the trip of a lifetime!

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Evolution of Humanity and Earth

by 8hummingbirdway

One of the most wonderful things that I have learned from Sri Pune is that as each of us embraces change and healing and release of old patterns, we support the ability of others and of humanity as a whole to heal, change, and release patterns.

The personal work that individuals are doing is bringing a magnified and manyfold healing!

Norlen’s website is now active, featuring Sri Pune, at norlenlinn.com Soon it will be available at the bottom of each page on this website.

Recently I had the opportunity to ask some questions of Sri Pune with a couple of friends and one of them asked a question about the origin of the evolution of humanity and the planet at this time. Sri Pune has often spoken about frequency adjustments and healing for humanity and the planet. Today they were more detailed.

The response included the plans and intentions of the Cosmos in relation to planetary evolution. They spoke of the Cosmos as a sentient being.

Specifically regarding this 3rd dimensional construct of our planet Earth …the planet allows for this evolution, and it is a pre-ordained evolution. Layers of realities have unfolded over time which contain an understanding, and have been gathering information, allowing for a new evolvement of frequencies. These changes are automatically occurring and have already been taking place for a number of years. As the planet itself evolves, it evolves the minds of humans. These layers of realities allow for the evolution. The changes in frequencies and a change in light is speeding up and is supported by beings of light that surround the planet. This evolvement is connected to the entire universe and connects to the current evolution of humanity.

I’ve done my best to paraphrase and convey the message I heard. I often find new aspects to each message each time I read or listen to it. It was a very inspiring and moving message, and to visualize the movements as Sri Pune encircled the planet with Norlen’s hands was also moving. (Unfortunately, the video had issues.)

A link to the audio recording is below – it’s an informal conversation and you will have to fast forward 5 minutes to hear the question and the full channeled message I am referring to in this post. (If you start from the beginning, there will be about 25 seconds of silence.)

Link to audio recording (about 6 minutes):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GealM5FFCvmas8coD83AJIRc5afqSJYu/view

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

Very small lots for sale

by 8hummingbirdway

This morning I woke from a dream of looking at several tiny lots for sale. They were 2″ X 2″ – just a tiny speck of land. They were all on the road on the edge of someone’s property. I was considering them as a good place to place a candle and light it and my friends and I would form a circle “around” it on the road (a dirt road). We would pray or sing or share heartfelt stories – I’m not sure what the entire plan was.

The last one I looked at was on the edge of the property that I lived on for 25 years in Summit. It was a lovely little spot, but the owner came over with a bulldozer and pushed the soil towards me and I backed off. I guess he didn’t want anyone – or me – to own this spot. I can understand that.

I woke up and I thought again of the land I love in Summit. It was my dream home and I’m so grateful to have lived there.

I realized that in the Spring or Summer I could take a walk in the woods the way I often did. I could enter on the road. My neighbor didn’t mind me walking his logging roads, which were extensive. He had significantly more acreage than I. I think I will check with him in the Spring to see if it’s ok. And then I can revisit the lovely woods and some favorite trees and rocks. And maybe I will sneak quietly over to visit briefly with Grandmother Tree. I wonder if the wood chimes I left her are still there.

If it’s Summer, I know where there is a sprinkling of raspberries along the road.

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Should Public School Offer More?

by 8hummingbirdway

The dream I had recently about the special course for 10 year old girls has brought me to thinking about what might be lacking in our existing education system. There is SO much in life that I was unequipped to navigate with grace or wisdom when I left home.

Ideally, all the life skills we need would be learned in the home, but who tells their children about the demands and expectations of parenthood – the challenges, disciplinary options, the importance of honoring the child, of listening to them? Some of these things are taught by example. But this depends on the family. Even the specific stages that children go through would be extremely helpful for future parents to understand.

What other things are important for young adults to know?

How about going on mock interviews, learning to present themselves well, and be educated about workplace expectations and dynamics? (Be on time, be presentable, use good manners, clean up after yourself.)

Should children be taught in school about what it takes to live in partnership? Some of some basics about living with one’s chosen partner – blessings, pitfalls and all? How to communicate and navigate interpersonal challenges. (Treat your partner with kindness and carry your own weight.)

Not specific religious teachings, but …something of ethics, honesty, integrity and the skills of personal sacrifice. What it means to be the best kind of human, how to walk in personal balance, and what it means to honor others.

What if young adults were provided techniques that assist one to find inner peace – or even taught the concept of inner peace.

How fruitful would it be to have class discussions about the elements of a rewarding life – and versions of what that might be?

The differences between males and females were very confusing to me for many years. Should all children learn about the differences between the male and female of our species?

What kind of a world would we be creating if we provided this kind of knowledge in a neutral and informational way, facilitating open discussion?

I understand parents wanting to teach their own children values and I totally support that. I homeschooled my younger children for 4 years and I know the commitment, devotion, time and love that goes into it, as well as the valuable family time gained.

Interest, involvement and teachings from one’s parents is a blessing

However, in many families, public school is responsible for providing knowledge. If parents can’t read, their children are taught to read in school. If parents are uncomfortable with numbers, their children gain at least a rudimentary knowledge of the basics in school. What other information and training should be provided for a productive and satisfying life?

I consider it of a matter of great importance what children are taught. They will be the parents and neighbors and citizens and leaders of our future. They will create a future that is beyond what we can imagine. I believe we should give them all the tools we can.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.