Home, it is a place where I am at peace and feel safe in mind, body and spirit, much the same way as I do when I stand in ceremony, in the sacredness of my forest prayer circle. The energy of my home is calm, it is inviting and welcoming to those who enter it with hearts filled with much kindness. My home has never experienced even a hint of violence in the years I have been here. When my grandchildren visit, only goodness in its purest form, comes to life within the walls of that place I call ‘home’. It is brought there by an energy created by children who only ever knew love in their lives. My future generations leave behind them in my home, echoes of ancient drum songs, floating in great layers throughout each and every room they laughed and played in.
When I cook in my home, my mind travels to the memories of past cooks of my bloodline. My mom and her mom were so appreciated by family for the abilities they had as bakers and cooks in bringing perfection to the meals they placed before us at feasting times. My dad was a good cook, too. I feel these relatives by my side, when I cook for a family get-together.
In the familiar and peaceful surroundings of my home, I often sleep a good and restful sleep only a happy heart can possibly hope to enjoy. Proper rest is so very important! I am a man who lives with chronic pain day in and day out but at home, the pain magically subsides and I find I can relax and enjoy an evening with visiting family or friends. It is the medicine of a happy home which make it possible.
Home, a sanctuary, a place where love lives strong, a place where the songs of my ancestors echo in the vibration of my drum. The drum is so spiritually special to me as a place of honour in my home. All things of my sacred bundle are kept safe and secure in that space I call ‘home’. My home is a dwelling where the spiritual scents of sage and sweetgrass often fill a room.
I am inspired in my home to write poetry, to meditate, to pray, to recall the wonders of those people known as the Anishinabe Algonquins. The counsels and spiritual directives I offer to grandchildren and dear friends are more profound and powerful when shared in my home. It is so, because of the fact that my home sits in the heart of the never surrendered, never ceded territory of the Algonquin Nation, which in turn sits in the heart of Turtle Island. In my home I welcome energies of birds, trees, flowers and of nearby waterways.
Keep the Circle Strong,
South Wind (Albert Dumont)
