The Light Way Blog

Native American Hand Drum

thelightwayblog — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:16:33 +0000

The Principle of Choice and Accountability

thelightwayblog — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:08:20 +0000

We choose how we feel about our experiences. The universe is always accountable to respond abundantly to our choices, giving us experience according to our choice. Choosing suggests the ability to choose again. We can choose to perceive differently and thus change our life experiences. Because of the responsibility the universe has to us, we are bound to the consequences of our choices. When we choose again how we feel about life, we change the consequence the universe delivers to us. Choice and accountability, as a unit, equates to the development of personal empowerment. -Rapid Eye Technology’s Skills for Life

The Principle of Perception

thelightwayblog — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:18:08 +0000

Perception is how we understand or view our world based upon our experience and is filtered through our judgments. It is so for everyone, each person living in a world of his/her own perceptual creation. Most emotions stem from our perceptions. Comprehension of this principle dissolves conflict into understanding. -Rapid Eye Technology’s Skills for Life

Pow Wow Drum

thelightwayblog — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:51:08 +0000

The very large Pow Wow drums are tons of fun to play with. They make a big vibration that penetrates the body. Here’s a close up of one that is ready to dry.

Making Native American Drums

thelightwayblog — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:34:06 +0000

Click to view slideshow.

The process in a nutshell.

All Thought is Creative

thelightwayblog — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 13:56:09 +0000

The principle of thought is: all thought is creative. We are creating our world at this very instant. It is precisely as we think it is, and the moment we take responsibility for our world will be the moment we take control of our world! Thought is the principle that puts all other principles into motion. Nothing happens without thought. All our worries, woes, troubles, enemies, poverties, and grief have all been created by us. Though we may point the finger of blame at someone else, we are doing the thinking in our world. Perhaps it’s time we took responsibility for our thoughts and change our thinking!

Finished Native American Shamanic Rattles

thelightwayblog — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:33:13 +0000

Finished rattles.

After a couple of days the funnest part of the project is putting in some seeds, black beans and popcorn, adding the handle, and decorating. Since the head is rawhide it can be affected by moisture so its a good idea to waterproof it with shellac, which also makes a good looking finish.

The Principle of Thought -Rapid Eye Technology Skills for Life

thelightwayblog — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 15:18:08 +0000

Think for a moment—everything starts with a thought. Your home was first a thought in someone’s mind. Your car started out in the mind of a designer or engineer. Everything that exists in the present moment was first a thought. Thinking is a creative force. We are always thinking. There is never a second when we are otherwise engaged. Even in sleep or unconsciousness we are thinking; muscles require sleep, yet thought processes require no rest.

Some thoughts create corporeally, others dies in the realm of thought. Some thoughts are meant to be created in our world and others are meant to remain thoughts only. Our thoughts reside in a realm that is free of the limitations of this world; that is, we are free to think anything. We can imagine anything. Since we can imagine or think anything we wish, we can also choose what we will think. We control our reality by controlling our thoughts. Our world is exactly as we have created it. Dr. Deepak Chopra refers to the space between each thought as “The realm of infinite possibilities.”

How to Make Native American Rattle Heads

thelightwayblog — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:56:29 +0000

Here’s a couple of pieces of buffalo skin cut out in the shape of the rattle head. They have soaked in water for several hours to soften.

Buffalo skin is very thick and tough. This piece measured 1/8 inch thick. Two layers together makes 1/4 inch to try and sew together. First punch holes with a tool and hammer to make that possible.

Its important that the holes are aligned. Clip the skins together.

Use the tools to punch the holes around the perimeter.

Make sure the tool goes all the way through both layers.

Whip stitch them together. This example uses hemp cord.

Fill it using a funnel and some play sand.

Pack as much sand as possible into it. You might be surprised how much you can get in there and you will get a better, rounder shape if you really work at it. I use the eraser end of a pencil and push it down in to pack the sand.

Keep working more sand into it and shape it how you like it.

Put the stick you will be using as the handle in and straighten it. It will dry tightly around the stick. You will be able to wiggle it out to pour the sand out and add seeds when you are ready to assemble the rattle.

Hang it to dry for 2 days. This helps hold the shape you want. If you don’t hang it the shape will flatten a little as it dries. I have put them into a paper cup about the same size to dry which works, but I prefer hanging it.

Been making more rattles.

thelightwayblog — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:46:35 +0000

Its been fun making Native American rattles. I am finding my groove. Fringe has always been one of my favorite things, and feathers. Some times I leave off the feathers though.