Loss and Separation: A special ending by Raymond Ruka
Presence has the overriding precedent!
(E Hoatu te Tapu o te ko te Mana)
By Raymond Te korako Ruka
Son of Waitaha
Stephen W. Emerick Ph.D. Raymond, there are many things considered in the understandings. What is it that has the predominant precedent when we consider all that you have shared?
Raymond:
Extended Family.
Tribe.
Nation.
Imagine a tree, a family tree, some plant it in a book, others plant it in the ground, others still, create a forest of memories, each memory a voice to go out and remind each of us about the worthiness that dwells within all of us. That indeed is our common history, our shared history that distinguishes us, but does not separate us from our Star Families.
For Indigenous folks like us, The Māori People of New Zealand, or Aotearoa, we have a family tree that joins our families to us as well. But that’s another story for another time.
Our grandchildren ask us why we don’t sit in the chairs allocated for us and why is it that we sit on the floor sitting with our backs against our chairs. We simply tell them, we’re taking care to ensure that when it becomes their time to lead, that they will have as much of their ancestor’s, our parents, and grandparents undisturbed, mana – integrity, ihi – the essential force, and wehi – awe, that our generational line were personally embraced by. The last ones, before they departed.
We also tell our children, that, in our culture, just because our Elders are no longer here with us in one aspect, in one form, they are still here in another. It’s not just about believing – it’s also about respecting.
Believing is holding a particular view, whereas “Respecting” in comparison could be likened to, having an open mind about a multitude of views. Like how our people of Waitaha view the Sea, the Mountains, The Air, The Forests, the Waterways, the Land.
We also offer, most importantly, our children the option of being Present.
Being Present, in our understanding, is probably the greatest gift we can bestow on another person.
In the right situation and circumstances, presence is one of the most effective healing treatments when used at the appropriate time.
Our Healers view Presence as one of our most important spiritual/mystical and physical healing tools we can apply to someone in need.
There are situational variations on what and when our Healers use Presence, otherwise it just becomes another “string in the bow” for practitioners or people wanting to chat with someone, anyone.
In any culture, when we arrive for example at an ailing persons bedside, and it doesn’t matter the degree of the ailment, an ancient process, devoid of any particular Nationality, because it belongs to humanity alone, magically intercedes and takes over to the degree that, for the length, however long that it may take, at the bedside, for each individual, that space and time is, without question – given!
Because Presence has the overriding precedent!
Stephen W. Emerick Ph.D. Brother Raymond, thank you for the giving of your heart in these matters. It has been a blessing to receive your teachings. May your ancestors be blessed.
To our readers and listeners: If you wish to share any responses with Raymond, please send an email to Stephen, Custodian of Stories, at: MedicineSingingSWE@gmail.com or use our Contact Page Here.