Aired Sunday, Jan. 20th, 2013
The snake bites the hand that saves it - an ancient Shawnee story that teaches each being is "whole cloth."
A young boy climbs the mountain and discovers a snake too cold to move. The snake convinces the boy to carry it down the mountain to the river. Reluctantly the boy agrees. When the boy releases the re-warmed snake, it bites him. This ancient story reminds me of how all creatures, including humans, are "whole cloth." They are consistent within their nature. I'm learning how to be neutral and yet allow passion to shine through me. I imagine what type of cloth I am - pashima, warm and soft, slightly irritating against the skin, a cloth that I can wrap around my bones and call my own.