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Healing of the Mind, Body and Spirit

                                                                                                                                                   

There is much to be discovered about the underlying meanings of Native American practices and rituals.

Although there are many, I want to focus on “The Night Chant (Orature Section)” from Navajo Ceremony.

The Night Chant is a practice for healing from various sicknesses of the brain. The chant uses repetition and speaks of beauty, happiness, and restoration throughout the reading. One of the objectives of the chant is to heal the mind from depression and despair and to restore peace, calm, and appreciation for the beauty that is in all of God’s creation. 

The mind is one of our most precious and powerful tools when it is functioning properly. Work, school, family and so much require our minds to be stable and free from negative strongholds that can steal our joy and open us up to sickness and pain. It is the purpose of practices such as “The Night Chant” to deliver strong minds– free from wickedness and overpowering thoughts that can bring an imbalance to health thereby affecting the mind, body, and the spirit.

To help students appreciate the history and importance of Native American chants, it would be helpful for teachers to include the audio CD, “Sacred Spirit: Chants and Dances of the Native Americans to their lesson plan. It is available on Amazon. Students can listen to the songs from the 11- track CD and choose one song to write about describing their experience. Additionally, nature walks are wonderful for restoring peace and tranquility to the mind. With technology leaving little room for exploring the outdoors these days, both students and teachers will appreciate this break from the hustle and bustle of life to take some time to hear the leaves rustle beneath their feet. 

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