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John Two-Hawks Blog

4/26/2017 15 Comments

If You Just Smile - Hidden Medicine

PicturePhoto by Nora Viola Photography
A long time ago, the wisdom of a Lakota Unci (grandmother) was shared with me. It went like this: No matter what you do in this life, no matter where your path takes you, and no matter how short, long or winding your road is, never ever forget to have a good time! The shining sun will always be concealed by the clouds now and then, and the rains will slide away and be replaced once again by the sun. All of life is the same. There is ebb and there is flow. The tide comes in, the tide goes out. There are good days and bad days, times to laugh and times to cry. All of this duality is why we are here. Through it all, we are learning what really matters – and what really doesn’t. Spirit is teaching us how to be at peace, and even smile, when we find ourselves on a small boat with no oars in the midst of a storm.
 

In my new book, Hidden Medicine, I write about the severe abuse I suffered as a child and the journey I took to survive, heal and ultimately rise from the ashes victorious. I did not write this book because I am the only one who has experienced such things. On the contrary, I wrote it because we all have. It took me 30 years to arrive at the place where I could finally tell my story. And those 30 years have given me time to climb the mountain and look back with a heightened perspective on it all. It is that perspective I wanted to share, because it is a key to happiness. It is a road-map for how to be at peace with the ebb and flow – the good and the bad – of this life. There will always be dark days. And sometimes it will seem as if the sun will never shine again. I want to offer you an excerpt from my Hidden Medicine book that says it best:
 
There are moments in this life that test your faith; moments when it seems love has left us and we are alone. Love is like the wind, sometimes it swirls and gusts and you know it is present. But other times it is so still you can barely feel it, and yet it is all around you. We cry out for it and hear nothing, causing us to doubt its presence and question its existence. Love is a mystery. Its purpose is deep, and its vision long. We cannot always comprehend its hidden medicine. Thus, we must quiet our heart and lean in to hear its still, small voice. For just when it feels as if love has abandoned you and all hope is lost, it reveals itself, and you realize love has been with you all along.
 
So remember the wisdom of Lakota grandmothers. Good times and bad times will come. This we can be sure of. And the light always seems brighter after a great darkness. In all things, there is balance. So no matter what – never forget to have a good time. I offer you the lyrics to a Michael Jackson song to sum it up:

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just… smile.


If you haven't gotten my new book yet, I hope you will.  Click/tap the image of the cover below to get it.
It is also available on this site as a downloadable E-Book, on Kindle and on Amazon.

I will be doing author readings and signings of my book on May 7th at Ozark Research Institute in Fayetteville AR, and on May 12 at The Writers Colony in Eureka Springs AR, and at other events and venues in the coming weeks and months. Keep your eye on my Event Schedule and social media.

In Spirit and Friendship,
John Two-Hawks

New Hidden Medicine Book by John Two-Hawks
NEW Hidden Medicine Book
15 Comments
Vicki Mettler
4/26/2017 06:57:56 pm

Love the new blog! You have such a way with words.

Reply
John Two-Hawks
4/27/2017 12:33:31 pm

Pilamayeyelo Vicki. Blessings and love to you!

Reply
Cynthia McDonald link
4/26/2017 10:35:45 pm

Just got my book today! Excited to read it!
Cindy

Reply
John Two-Hawks
4/27/2017 12:34:33 pm

Looking forward to your feelings about it Cindy. Love you!

Reply
Mel Mayberry link
4/27/2017 10:33:51 am

Hidden Medicine shares insights which can be applied to situations anyone is facing. Thank you, John, for fearlessly sharing your story!

Reply
John Two-Hawks
4/27/2017 12:36:09 pm

Mel,
Wopila for your kind and gracious comment about 'Hidden Medicine'. I wrote it to help others, so your words mean a lot!

Reply
Bill Mettler
4/27/2017 10:55:13 am

John, I read your book Saturday. It is truly a long journey which you have been travelling, and I'm sure one in which you will continue to rise higher and higher above the ashes. I thank you for sharing your story and am sure your book will help many people.
I have often chuckled when you have stayed with us and have eaten Spaghetti -O's, but I now have a whole new appreciation as to why. It's truly amazing how such trivial little things can trigger such loving memories.

Reply
John Two-Hawks
4/27/2017 12:40:20 pm

Wopila for your words brother. It is true, we can never know the deep mysteries that may be hidden in someone's soul. That is part of my reason for sharing my story, to hopefully inspire anyone who has been hurt to share theirs. Because when we know someone's story, we come to understand them in ways we never could otherwise. Love you brother.

Reply
Susan Smith
6/14/2017 01:03:09 am

Hello John and Peggy,
I would like to thank you for the wonderful insight into your lives. Because of what you shared in your book, I was able to see a perspective other than mine which helps unscramble understanding myself. John, I cannot fathom what it must have been like growing up in your youth. But you have reminded me that we should try to never judge others because we have no idea what the have experienced, or may still be experiencing. Sadly, many people do not have empathy.
So I was camping last week and after my geocaching fun, I started to read your book. I read it non-stop from cover to cover. (There is only one other book I ever read non-stop. That was "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud".) It is good that you shared your story and I appreciate that you did. You said so much that I'm sure others can gain a strength from, including me. Thank you!

Reply
John Teo-Hawks
6/14/2017 04:02:21 pm

Susan,
I want to thank you for your kind, thoughtful, and gracious words about my book - especially the words you said about empathy, which are so true and deeply personal for me. I am honored and humbled that you found a new perspective through my written story. Wopila Susan!

Reply
Ian Marchell
8/29/2017 09:30:37 am

I love the truth of your words. I just wanted to say that although I wouldn't be surprised to know that Michael Jackson covered this song, credits go to music by Charles Chaplin, lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. I first heard this as sung by Nat King Cole. An always beautiful song.

Reply
Sandi Guthrie
4/27/2018 09:23:45 pm

JOHN your words always touch my heart, you are such a special person & your music is beyond calming to the mind, you are such a blessing to so many people. Hope you see by the eyes you look into how much you mean to all.🌝

Reply
John Two-Hawks
4/28/2018 05:57:40 pm

Sandi.. Wopila / Chi Miigwetch for your kind and thoughtful words. I cannot tell you how much they mean to me. You are a blessing. I look forward to spending quality time together sometime soon my 3 Fires sister. I send you love and warm thoughts.

Scott Roy
5/8/2018 06:14:35 pm

Very good Reed my friend. I can relate to some of the rings. It's definitely a healing process. Thank you. Your friend for life. Scott

Reply
Sandi Guthrie
8/11/2018 09:45:33 pm

John you are such a special person. Blessings to you always, . Safe travels for your new your tour to you & Peggy, .

Reply



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