Like the mighty fists of Creation, great huge earthen wedges 
of every shape and size, grace the mother earth. From the highest peaks of the Andes to the gentlest slopes beneath the deepest waters of the planet, mountains shape the landscape. One Creation story tells of the powerful wing feathers of the great eagle who formed and shaped the muddy ground of the newly formed earth with his strong power feathers while banked in flight. The pointed feathers cut the canyons and dragged moist ground over itself to form the highest peaks and towering buttes and precipices of our land. From the sacred mountain of the Seneca, to Bear Butte in South Dakota, The Sangre de Cristo in New Mexico and all the way to the Big Bear mountain in southern California, we native peoples all have our mountains which we claim are sacred. Perhaps all great and beautiful mountains are sacred after all.
We all have problems, burdens and dramas in our lives. When our burdens seem especially heavy, the elders often say to keep our eyes focused on the mountain. Do not loose sight of the greater picture or the ultimate goal. Old timers in recovery from substance abuse are often heard saying, “Just don’t drink or use no matter what.” We try to stay “focused on the mountain” no matter what life brings, whether great joy or profound heartbreak.
Mountains are formed by the molten burning passion from the center of the earth. The living force of the world, breaks through plates of sandstone and slate that is capable of sending flaming lava bursting fourth from the deepest instincts of existence that we are able to only partially understand. Natural accidents just like those within our own souls have formed the silent mesas and secret places in the shadow land between them. The earth can sometimes appear to be a violent and unpredictable mother. We have found that if we protect and defend her, she will protect and defend us in return. We draw strength from the vision of the great mountain. The canyons where watershed forms rivers and aquifers unseen, hold the secrets of natural selection, the moving force of evolution that marks the passing of lifetimes and dreams. We give thanks for the gentle renewable sunrises and blazing sunsets upon which we have come to depend, that mark the passage of time.
The passing generations teach us that the only constant is change and that this too shall pass and greater things will come. The mountain reminds us to be grateful for the generous provisions of the earth and sky. We are the products of a kind and gentle creation story and the living legacy for the next generations. How will we use our time and talent? How will we use the gifts and blessings which are unique to each of us? Will we serve one another for the highest good or serve only our selfish desires? If we are able to stay focused on the strength and power of the mountain and the physical laws of the land we will walk in dignity and faith. We may choose the strengths we find in recovery with the enthusiasm of a fresh new day and the power of the humble earth. Gentle and strong together mark the face of sustaining dignity among our ancestors. As recovering people, we become the dancers and drums of the celebration of life on life’s terms. We are the promise for others to discover. We have the freedom in our recovery, to love and work and play with our eyes forever focused daily on the top of the sacred mountain.
