Elemental Truths: A Gental Nudge
Nudged Along the Path: flickr
What is the purpose for Elemental Truths?
This should have been my first story. I will tell it now. Elemental Truths exists to give a nudge. Let me try to explain. It will not be easy. I’m not sitting with you to share with the expressions of my face, the gestures of my hands, the rise and fall of my voice and to put my hand on your shoulder. Because of this, I must build shared understanding between us with words, constrained by my limitations as a writer. If I choose my words with great care and you read with patience, we can come to be of one accord.
If I do my task well it will be as if I am gently nudging you along. In this way I can weave the in the cultures from which the message gets meaning. The meaning is only relevant in that context. Think of it as a friend pointing out a distant landmark or a nearby dangerous snake.
My people are imprinted with the nudges of our heritage. We are descended from archaic transplanted European mountain dwellers blended with the Native American Mingo culture. This symbiotic blend lent itself well to seeking the nudges of truth found in the forests and mountains which long surrounded, nurtured and embraced us.
The Mingwe call these nudges “ketseoo,” to urge someone on. We looked to the mountains for insight. This was for good reason. The mountains always nudged us onto the right path; at least those who paid attention to the nudges were led to their right path.
Some say these guiding touches are merely the effects of studying nature. I believe the mountains, ridges, creeks, valleys and hollows were created by the fingers of God. I believe His touch infused them with glimmering imprint of His will which nudges those along who are open to it.
But, now and again, my heart is saddened. I’m not saddened by the nudges. They bring me great comfort, purpose and solace. I am not saddened by the act of sharing my understanding of the nudges. With the sharing comes great spiritual wealth.
My heart grows heavy when I see those who once stood in the center of their path that now struggle and cast about without direction. They turned away. The Mingwei (Mingo) would say they had “hu’kyuku uhaate’,” translated as “gone out from the path.” Because some people have trouble recognizing the nudges to their path, I write Elemental Truths. I try to nudge my readers who are my friends back on to their path.
But, I must be careful that it is their path; because my path will not reach their destination.
Elemental Value Added Truth: “A subtle, well timed nudge on a journey can immensely alter your destination.” Reg Adkins ©