Life Lessons from the book RED THUNDER
In RED THUNDER, readers see through new eyes essential life lessons, such as:
- Respecting elders' wisdom and appreciating the many rewards of extended family.
- Living in harmony with nature and the animal kingdom.
- Opening our spirits to the incredible healing power of nature.
- Incorporating ceremony and prayer in our daily lives.
- Properly honoring motherhood, marriage, childbirth, and other major rites of passage.
David Matheson has been a member of the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe since his birth in 1951 at the home of his grandparents. He has served as a Council leader, the Tribal Chairman, and manager of various tribal operations over his career. He is a traditional leader working to retain tribal cultural traditions, the native language, and ceremonial practices. His knowledge of ancient teachings provides him with a deep understanding of the ceremonial practices of native people. David Matheson also holds an MBA from the University of Washington. He resides in Northern Idaho.
The Way of the Warrior
Death, losing life, and fighting for life are sacred things. The warrior way is not about glory and celebration.
p. 33
Our Familial Bond with the Land
The mountains and the lakes, they are a part of us...It feels like us, like we do. The country is alive. It knows us. It is related to us. It is our Noona, our mother. It is our family. It is our belonging.
p. 56
Our Animal Protectors
A low flying eagle passed overhead, looking intently back and forth through the forest. He was the guardian of the land, the protector against evil. Should he ever disappear or cease to exist, the land and all upon it would perish.
p. 68
The Healing Power of Nature
Just to be in nature has medicinal power. It opens your heart and your mind. As you turn your mind to nature, your soul is refreshed. When the soul is renewed, the heart and mind are joyous and the body is healed. Nature makes you turn to the Higher Power in thankfulness. Moreover, in your spiritual thanksgiving, the soul rejoices. The healing power of the natural world is magnificent.
p. 74
Respect for Ceremony
Ceremonial ways are sacred and powerful. Only those so authorized by the sacred beings of nature could conduct them, or pass them down to others whom they deemed worthy or quali¬fied to conduct them. Our ceremonial ways were protected from abuse or misuse. To mimic or pick up someone’s ways, without proper authori¬zation, was more than wrong or foolish. It was dangerous. Spiritually, it would not work out for you or the people you tried to help. Some great misfortunes might actually befall you or your loved one.
p. 210
The Role of Heroes
We want peace. We want the goodness of life. That is why we are blessed by the Kolunsuten (God). We never kill or take life indiscriminately, nor do we take slaves. All people are equal. War at just any cost is insanity; but peace at all costs is slavery.
p. 237