Tecumseh's Wisdom - Thoughts on Living with Death from the Native American Tradition

Today I want to share a beautiful piece that I received through someone who introduced me to the call at the end: "Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."! It comes from Tecumseh, Shawnee sachem (1763 - 1813) --

Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about his (her) religion.
Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours.

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the Great Divide.

Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. 
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light,
for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools 
and robs the spirit of its vision.

When your time comes to die
be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time
to live their lives over again in a different way.

SING YOUR DEATH SONG, AND DIE LIKE A HERO GOING HOME.

And remember: There's tremendous sacredness and beauty awaiting us in this mystical event of our souls returning home to Spirit. A Great Reunion with Love itself! So I invite and encourage us all to live our lives FULLY every single day, make our bucket lists, and enJOY everything that we can right now, making sure that we find ways to delve into the mysteries of death so that whenever it comes, we are prepared for that "last adventure of life!"

Yours on the Journey - the Gift of Life itself, Maria Dancing Heart~~~~

Wonderful Books to Gift (and Awaken) Your Children or Parents

My dear friend and supporter, Buryl the Awakening Heart, is now on hospice due to his heart condition and decision not to keep "reviving" his heart. Recently he asked that I send each one of his children and niece and nephew -- and their partners -- a set of my books with the beautiful letter below. I was deeply humbled and moved by gratitude for his foresight and generosity. (Often it's the adult children who are purchasing my books to help in their parents' final transitions.)

Dear Loved ones,

I have ordered two books sent direct to the six of you via media mail this week: The Last Adventure of Life and The Most Important Day of Your Life: Are You Ready?. These books have been very helpful to me as I experience the "process of dying". (Surprisingly, it has been enjoyable.) The books are written by Maria Dancing Heart Hoaglund, a Hospice Counselor. Her fervent desire is to help people release their fears and awkwardness around death. (In the USA we don't talk much about death so as if "then" it won't happen.)

There may be a note in the books. "Happy Death Day". Some day you and your loved ones might find these books as useful as I did. ( Anyone can send a "Happy Birth Day" gift per AT Hill.)

Thanks for your understanding and nice comments on my experience.

Love and hugs, Buryl Hill

Thank you, Buryl of the Awakening Heart, for your wisdom, courage, and adventuresome spirit. I love and appreciate you so much! May you have an amazing, glorious adventure when the time comes. As the prophet Isaiah says, "You shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace." (Isaiah 55:12)

Blessings of Deep and Abiding Hope, Dancing heart~~~