Concerning cultural appropriation concerns

Letter to a young friend concerned he may be transgressing on another's territories by taking part in their spiritual ceremonies, concerned to try to find his own indigenous heritage, his own lineage therein....

Dear .....

 I would be honoured to hear more of your journey and that of others as they unfold. 

As for me, I am like Squirrel, I was put here onto this land by Mother Earth to find my spiritual practice, my spiritual gift, which I am then compelled to follow. All I have is not my fault, it is my gift from Mother Earth. I owe nothing to any traditions save those which are gifted to me, and which I discovered for myself from the habitat in which I landed, just like Squirrel...In one way Squirrel has an advantage over me, he did not have to search for the Way he is compelled to follow, he was born following it. And I am not accountable to Manitou for the way in which others do or did live their lives, only for the way in which I live mine. Walking lightly, disturbing nothing, I need manage only myself... That is enough for one life. Even writing this, is a kind of disturbance, but I am not yet a hermit, though that I may become in time..... 

Donato  Feb. 5  2016