Thursday, November 12, 2015

Noodin on Moccasin Tracks Radio



James B Beard aka Noodin
A Visit With Noodin on Moccasin Tracks

Music Credits:
Black Hawk Singers, Veteran Song from Just For The Fun Of It CD Spirit of The Mountain, Veterans Song with NH Intertribal Pura Fe with My People My Land;
From White Buffalo CD from Canyon Records, Brother Eagle
Joining us on Moccasin Tracks this week broadcasting from the campus of University of Vermont, WRUV FM Burlington we are joined by James beard, AKA Noodin.
His blogspot is here: northeastcultural.blogspot.com
In this conversation Noodin gifts us with a story and greeting for all Veterans. We are honored to talk with Noodin.
"An advocate of traditional living and natural spirit teachings. Topics address concerns to do with wellness and balance in life as well as environmental enrichment. A student of native teachings from Ojibwe Elders, Algonquin language based people, living throughout the Great Lakes Region of the US and Canada. The audiences for presentations vary from youth to elderly." says his website.
Moccasin Tracks is broadcast weekly at WJSC FM Johnson at 90.7FM and online at http://155.42.39.253:8000/stream 1-3PM 

Tuesdays broadcast at WRUV FM Burlington at the University of Vermont 90.1FM and wruv.org from Noon-4PM
www.facebook.com/MoccasinTracks
wruv.moccasintracks@gmail.com

http://moccasintrackswithdeb.podomatic.com/entry/2015-11-12T11_28_32-08_00

“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Remember those who serve !




There is no greater sacrifice 

                  than that given for another !




 You are the protectors of the people! Creator be with 

each and every one of you!


Painting by: Nish Nung, Ojibwe Artist

 
Always stand proud for who you are!






Painting by: NishNung, Ojibwa Nation

Monday, October 26, 2015

Honoring the Spirit of the FIRE

Honoring the Spirit of Native American Traditions

By: Cheryl Roth ~ http://nhfaithfusion.com/2015/10/native-american/













Earlier this week I was invited to a Native American fire circle. I really didn’t know what to expect but I said yes right away. As a matter of fact I didn’t even completely read the description my friend sent me, I trusted her, and the first four words sounded good to me:
To honor all life, all Veterans and warriors, all people, and all those who are traveling to the next realm. Sit by the fire and share in the stories told by the Native American Elders and by the storytellers. Come and hear stories told to share the values that sustain a culture.”

Hidden Beauty and Virtue

New_hampshire_in_autumn


As I drove through the countryside just west of Manchester toward my friends house I marvelled at the life that is hidden in these woods. Sometimes I feel like living in New Hampshire is like being part of some secret society. There is so much heritage, so many people and lifestyles, such beautiful

scenery, but you will never see it from the highway or in the movies or magazines. It is hard to describe, you just have to come and drive through the hills and valleys. It’s like nowhere else on earth.
This drive was a perfect set-up for the evenings event. I met my friend and we drove another 10 minutes to her friends house, Noodin, a storyteller and educator of Native American traditions. It was a very casual gathering of about 12 to 15 people in his backyard, sitting around a fire. It reminded me of the many years of family camping I did while growing up.
Noodin began by telling us that it takes a very long time to get a good understanding of Native American spirit teachings. He said that to really understand you have to learn the language, because Native Americans think differently and express themselves differently than white people. He said that words and expressions can have many layers of meaning so they are not easily translated. He also said that Native Americans teach and learn by “doing”. The spiritual, ethical and moral awareness comes through participating in the traditions and way of life.

Survival of the Human Spirit

Many things that Noodin said were like echos of things I have heard before. There were similarities to the Shamanistic beliefs of eastern cultures, as well as Buddhism and Taoism. Even the ‘Creation Story’ had similar traits to the Judeo-Christian creation story. It amazes me how there is this timeless worldwide connection to a belief in the invisible human nature and the spirit world. Noodin also mentioned that Native Americans do not put down other beliefs and traditions – but they would also like to preserve their own.
“To Native American Aboriginal People there is no one way to honor the creator and the creation. The Elder will often say, “all of Spirit understanding is true.”
It’s not easy to preserve spirit traditions and teachings because life offers so many external distractions. Add to that the historical problem of one culture forcefully dominating another and I would have to say it’s miraculous that spiritual values and traditions survive at all.
All religions struggle with this problem, and all religions have changed over time. Unfortunately much of Native American traditions have been lost due to the brutal treatment of the white culture. But Noodin is a white man who is a living example of restoration in process. He was once an insurance agent, the product of an Episcopal upbringing, a typical white American business man – until he felt called to walk a different path.

The value of teaching, sharing, giving

For a few relaxing hours we sat around a campfire and listened. I felt like I was being bathed in truth and goodness. Noodin invited others to speak several times, but most of us just wanted to listen, to absorb whatever we could glean from his teaching, realizing that there was so much that we still didn’t understand.
White Mocs book cover 09 09 2010

Everything that was being taught had to do with living for the sake of others, the interconnectedness of all life, and allowing spirit to lead the way. I was reminded of how important our spiritual life is, and that we have to work at understanding our spiritual nature and keeping the internal in the subject position. I felt so grateful that this man was offering his time to share his heart and wisdom with us.
The current American culture is so focused on material wealth, physical beauty, having more, doing more, being more all the time. In very subtle subconscious ways we are all affected by it in one way or another. But one day those things will all go away and the only thing left will be your spiritual heart and mind. Is your spirit beautiful, loving, caring, giving and sharing?

Walking Spirit in a Native Way

Noodin, aka James B. Beard has written a book called “White Mocs on the Red Road”, with the subtitle ‘Walking Spirit in a Native Way’. You can also learn more about his work on his website: northeastcultural.com and his blog: northeastcultural.blogspot.com
“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Friday, October 23, 2015

A little bit about Noodin's Place

The Gathering Place !

In early May, after the snow melted, work began to prepare land for a Native Style area at the Home of Monica Beard in Amherst New Hampshire. It was quite a task. First rocks and boulders had to be cleared. The 125 yards of soil were brought in and the land was leveled and seeded. This would provide a quarter acre of open land for development of a ceremonial and teaching area.The work was completed by mid July and work began to prepare the structures. By early August the area was ready to invite people to come.
Story Telling by the fire ~ We offered story telling on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and had good family turn outs. In the fall we changed the format to an honor fire so that people could stop by casually and had good turn outs as well.
Native crafting of drums, shakers, dream catchers, tools, shelters, etc. ~ This 
program will be introduced in the spring but we may offer some small classes during the winter months.

Visiting Elders of various Native American Tribes ~ A four day ceremony was done this summer and three Elders from Ontario joined with us. It was a private affair for a local Elder who passed on. In the spring we will hold ceremonies that will be open to all people.


Gardening Native American Style ~ The garden was a success but we had some things to learn. In the spring we will again plant a Three Sisters Garden of corn, beans and squash. We will also have a separate garden for tobacco.
Sharing about: Medicine Wheel, Prophesies, Ceremony, Animal Helpers, Survival Technique, Personal Well being, Community ~ Several people came through the summer for mentoring and teachings. These programs are offered here and off site for groups in New England as well.


We have a horse, four goats, two runner ducks, twenty two chickens, a dog and a cat that share this property with the people.




“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Spring Fire & Anishinaabe Lifeways Teachings


This gathering is a treasure of teachings given by many of the Great Elders of the Ojibwe Nation. I am looking forward to being there to help with the Fire.  

Noodin

Little River Band of Ottawa

April 8-11, 2015

LRBOI Tribal Gathering Grounds
(Fire Lodge behind Trading Post gas station)

Each day will start with a Sunrise Ceremony and teachings will be held throughout the day.

At the conclusion of the last teaching, Wednesday through Friday, the Fire will be kept throughout the night.


Everyone is welcomed to attend!

2608 Government Center Drive, Manistee, MI 49660

For information, please call 1-888-723-8288,
ext. 6891, 6893 or 6895
Sponsored by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Tribal Historic Preservation Department

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Friday, March 13, 2015

Spring is Sprung !

Spring is Sprung!


The gardens are ready to grow beautiful new life.. Monica and I are getting ready as well.

We are making plans to have a Native Fabric area, community gathering place, at Monica’s home in Amherst, NH.



It will consist of an area for a tipi, a teaching lodge and a healing lodge. A garden is in the works and it will be planted as a three sister’s garden consisting of corn, beans and squash.


Our hope is to provide several activities for our friends and neighbors.
  • Story Telling by the fire.
  • Talking circles.
  • Native crafting of drums, shakers, dream catchers, tools, shelters, etc. 
  • Visiting Elders of various Native American Tribes
  • Gardening Native American Style.
  • Sharing about: Medicine Wheel, Prophesies, Ceremony, Animal Helpers, Survival Technique, Personal Well being, Community.
These offerings are freely given and anyone is welcome.

My name is Maizy and I am waiting !
Much gratitude is offered to Monica for her gracious offering of her land to make a place for programs to help the people.



 


Donations are gratefully accepted and considered private donations.

The programs will be hosted by James Beard aka Noodin and Monica Beard.

James B. Beard aka

James B Beard is an advocate of traditional living and natural spirit teachings. Topics address concerns to do with wellness and balance in life. A student of native teachings from Ojibwe Elders, Algonquin language based people, living throughout the Great Lakes Region of the US and Canada. The audiences for my presentations vary from youth to elderl


“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Friday, February 27, 2015

Light in the Darkness by Richard E. Valdez



5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!

Light in the DarknessA captivating read. The life cycle of a people living at one of the great mysteries of the southwestern United States. The author describes the daily life of the people in a time of transition with clarity that makes the reader feel as if they are there. I have been to Mesa Verdi and the four corners many times. This read makes it come alive! Well done Richard E. Valdez.

 

Purchase Light in the Darkness


Overview

In the year AD 1055, a peaceful people, with a culture veiled in mysticism and ritual, inhabit the San Juan Basin of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. A small boy named Honaw, groomed by his wise grandfather to be one of the spiritual leaders of their village, dreams of the day when he will rule with fairness and kindness the way his grandfather does. His world is thrown into chaos when an evil holy man murders his grandfather to gain total rule of the village. The evil one is vanquished, but the village is destroyed. Honaw grows into a man as he leads his people on a long and harrowing journey to their new home in the fabled city of White House. Forces of men and nature lead Honaw to become the supreme spiritual leader of all the people of the basin. At White House, he faces his greatest challenge when the evil holy man of his youth returns with a band of fierce warriors to exact revenge on him and his people.
In this compelling historical tale, a young leader must rely on his faith and wisdom to stand against a malicious priest leading a brutal horde bent on death and destruction.

Editorial Reviews

Blueink Review

Following in the footsteps of Jean M. Auel (The Clan of the Cave Bear) and Orson Scott Card (The Tales of Alvin Maker), Richard E. Valdez's debut novel aims to use storytelling to illuminate a tumultuous time.

Clarion Review

A master storyteller weaves a beautiful tale from the age of Native Americans' ancestors. -
Light in the Darkness is a beautuful novel. Written in the style of a Native American folktale.
Light in the Darkness has a message for those living now. Richard Valdez is a masterful storyteller, and Light in the Darkness is a pleasure to read.

Meet the Author


Richard E. Valdez was born in Colorado Springs, CO and has lived in the southwest all his life. He earned bachelor degrees in history, English and education from Western State University in Gunnison Colorado, and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Twenty five years of teaching narrative writing at the elementary and secondary levels provided him many opportunities to develop his love of storytelling. He lives with his wife in rural Colorado.
By James B Beard aka Noodin

Purchase Light in the Darkness




“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Programs offered throughout New England.

Talks concerning health and wellness, seeking balance and centering, continue to be offered throughout New England.



Scheduling presentations around the New England area. Programs offer focus on various teachings given to Jim Beard aka Noodin by Elder, Larry Matrious and other Native teachers of the Algonquin people who call themselves the Anishinaabe.



Each program is designed to run for two hours and thirty minutes. They consist of a brief opening in Native Tradition, presentation of the teaching and open discussion.


Available to all age groups.  Ideal for group gatherings of ten to fifty people.. Presentations focus on various teachings shared to Jim Beard by Elder, Larry Matrious and other Native teachers of the Algonquin people who call themselves Anishinaabe. 


· How to know and work with your animal guides.  
· An Evening to Discuss Tradition that is the thread of unity.  
· How bringing all together as one is done.~ the magic of the circle 
· How to improve our connection using our animal helpers 
· How to strengthen the family using Family Story Telling  
· How Native Cultural ways can change the future  
· How to use the talking feather to create a forum for sharing 
· An Evening to Discuss the Anishinaabe Prophesies  
· An Evening to Discuss A time with an Elder.
James B Beard aka Noodin


To arrange to host a presentation please contact: Jim Beard aka Noodin ~ (603) 261-7228 or noodin@northeastcultural.com


Have a wonderful Spring & Summer season and stay safe.


Jim Beard aka Noodin


“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Saturday, January 31, 2015

A lot is happening under the snow


A lot is happening under the snow

 
The ground is resting and getting ready to grow beautiful new life in the spring. Monica and I are getting ready for spring as well.

We are making plans to have a Native Fabric area, community gathering place, at Monica’s home in Amherst, NH.

It will consist of an area for a tiipii, a teaching lodge and a healing lodge. A garden is in the works and it will be planted as a three sister’s garden consisting of corn, beans and squash.

 
Figure 1   Layout Plan for Spring 2015

In the plan is community story telling starting in the spring. Anyone will be welcome to our fire for an evening of stories on a weekly basis. We will be having circles on a regular schedule. Crafting and other events are also being planned to offer to those interested.

Much gratitude is offered to Monica for her gracious offering of her land to make a place for programs to help the people.


Talks concerning health and wellness, seeking balance and centering, continue to be offered throughout New England.

These presentations are open to all age groups. Schools, Holistic Centers, Martial Arts Centers and individual focus groups in communities particularly benefit from these. They focus on various teachings shared to me by Elder, Larry Matrious and other Native teachers of the Algonquin people who call themselves Anishinaabe. Each program is designed to run two hours and thirty minutes. They consist of a brief opening in Native Tradition, a presentation of the topic and open discussion. Some of the topics are:










 If you have an interest in hosting a presentation or helping in the construction of our new program area please contact me. Jim Beard aka Noodin ~ (603) 261-7228 or noodin@northeastcultural.com

Have a wonderful winter season and stay safe and warm.

Jim Beard aka Noodin

 

“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin

Friday, January 9, 2015

RESPECT !


The first step to helping others !



~ M’naa den d’mowin ~ [respect]  Respect everyone, all humans and all things created. Regard each with esteem and consideration.  Allow others to believe in their own reality.
Being in the present is only a part of the answer. Understanding one’s own reality and the reality of those around us is the other critical understanding. What one understands and the way that one understands it is what builds a belief system that guides a life. It does not have to be right or wrong. It is the experience and information that makes what one believes work or not for them. So what one believes is their personal understanding. It is their reality and it does not matter whether is true or not. It is what they know to be true.

Each of us believes things a little differently than another person. We define our truth based on the input and experience we gain over our time in life. What one believes as a youth may be completely different from what one believes as an adult but it is what that person knew to be true then. Since what we believe is the way it is for us, it often leads us to dispute what others may believe because they believe based on their own input. Their belief is the truth for them.

What Native teachings have shown me is that no two of us believe exactly the same thing and that we need to learn not to judge each other’s reality or belief. It is the judging of the beliefs of one another that creates conflict and the conflict restricts the growth of the individual, family and community. Rather than judge one another it is important to respect each other’s right to believe differently. When we respect others right to believe differently we are open to grow. We are not judging so much and can have dialogue and sharing. Through the dialogue and sharing often comes growth for all who are involved.
 
 

“To be centered is to stand alone together” Noodin