“You want to know who’s a real medicine man? He’s the one who doesn’t say, ‘I’m a medicine man.’ He doesn’t ask you to come to him. You’ve got to go and ask him. And you’ll find he’s always there among his own people.”
—Louis Farmer, ONONDAGA
The Medicine Man embodies harmony and balance with the Creator, attained through sacrifice, discipline, and humility. He lives low key, serving his people quietly, and in doing so, his medicine gains power. The more he serves quietly, the more he is sought out. A true Medicine Man doesn’t seek recognition; he lives to fulfill the will of the Great Spirit, helping his people always.
In our Fellowship, we also strive to live in harmony, taking a regular inventory of our actions, attitudes, and relationships. This new pattern of living contrasts with our past addiction, where self-examination was avoided. We have found a Power greater than ourselves, guiding us and helping us stop destructive behaviors. By routinely examining our lives, we can change what doesn’t work and reinforce what does. This ongoing practice helps us avoid traps of old patterns and encourages continuous growth.
Open-mindedness is foundational for this transformation. While we may have thought ourselves open-minded, we realized that true openness involves listening to others’ insights, accepting feedback, and admitting when we are wrong. This quality helps us identify and change outdated behaviors and perspectives, fostering a mindset that is conducive to personal and communal growth. Open-mindedness also enriches our ability to carry the message to others, enhancing our service to the Fellowship.
Together, these principles—quiet service, ongoing self-inventory, and open-mindedness—transcend cultural boundaries, nurturing spiritual well-being and awakening. By keeping our minds and hearts open, we allow insights and opinions to evolve, helping us to become better versions of ourselves.
I aim to keep my mind and my heart open. I will listen more and speak less. I commit to serving quietly and examining my life regularly, allowing my insights and opinions to evolve as my recovery deepens.