Episode #21 Ceremonies to our people has always been important because ceremony is an act of gratitude to the Spirit .. and an  act of gratitude to the Land. Because everything we do and receive, we recognize we have to reciprocate by offering a simple word and prayer of gratitude  … and say

"thank you Creator,  that you have given me this breath of life here on earth again today”

“thank you mother earth that you have provided the sustenance ---the food that I have been able to eat, and the water, and the medicines that I need in order to stay healthy.”

When I reflect on the questions that you had like “what is the single most important thing to do help us to connect more deeply with nature whether we live near the bush or in the city ?”  and I have been asked that question many many times. And the answer is very very simple – and that is to make that journey to the Land  -- to go to be near a lake, a river, falls, rapids – and be within the environment of the beauty of nature itself. Go and find a tree that you are attracted to. Go and sit by that tree. Talk to that tree. And allow yourself to be open to the messages that nature brings. There may be a bird that will visit you and want to sing you a song. What is the message that that bird is bringing you – because you are reaching out – wanting to feel that life through nature itself. Nature is the ultimate healer because within nature comes the medicines and the teachings that we need on how to heal.

So Listeners to hear more Elder Dave’s voice and messages of Elders visit Turtle Lodge website: Turtlelodge.orglinks in show notes. On the Turtlelodge website Elder Dr. David Courchene introduces a new book by the Knowledge Keepers from the Turtle Lodge - "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival". You Tube Beautiful and uplifting videos. Indigenous Teachings for Uncertain Times.

http://www.turtlelodge.org/wahbanung/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oBPNlu0LxI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7oW9HgIRsI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bgMcBNOoHY&t=277s

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qktLJ4EUn7w

For  full transcription of this episode please go to my website Treesmendus.com. If you have not yet left a review of this podcast please consider.  Please check out my book and

For peer reviewed research on how your time spent in green space can change your mindset, balance your nervous system and your heart rate please go to verlafortier.substack.com and check out my books Take Back Your Outside Mindset: Live Longer, Stress Less, and Control Your Chronic Illness and Optimize Your Heart Rate: Balance Your Mind and Body With Green Space