The Gift: A Message for You

In Native American culture, the concept of "the gift" holds profound sacredness. It is not transactional or tied to expectations. In contrast, modern culture often focuses on desires—on wanting rather than giving. The idea of "give and you shall receive" is frequently misunderstood and misapplied. Many may think, "I don’t have much, but if I give a little, maybe I’ll get more in return." This mindset leads to frustration because genuine giving doesn’t come from a place of lack or expectation.

Giving and Receiving: A Sacred Exchange
Take a simple, essential act: giving breath. When we exhale, we gift the world our breath, and in return, we inhale the breath of life. It’s a seamless exchange, natural and without thought.
You, yourself, are a gift. Every aspect of your being—your strengths and flaws, your positive and negative experiences—constitutes the sacred gift of life shaping your unique world. True giving happens when we give wholeheartedly, without anticipating anything in return. Few things are more sacred than this.

Understanding the Gift
From an indigenous perspective, any act of giving is sacred, no matter its size or perceived value. For example: if I give you a stick of gum, it’s sacred. If I give you a brand-new car, it’s equally sacred. The sacredness does not depend on the material value of the gift but on the act of giving itself.
In this way, the receiver also holds responsibility. If you receive a stick of gum, you don’t belittle it or complain, “I wanted a car, and they gave me gum.” Likewise, if you receive a car, you don’t boast to everyone, “Look how special I am!” Both the gum and the car carry equal weight in their sacredness.
 

Recognizing the Gifts Around Us
The programs that support this flute circle—like the VA and Whole Health Program—are gifts. They exist because countless individuals have come together with their own gifts to create something meaningful for you.
This flute circle is also a gift. My hope is for you to discover a truth: you are a gift. You cannot give what you do not already possess. But here’s the beauty: you are always gifting who you are, whether you realize it or not.
When you play your flute, it becomes a channel for who you are. Your music reflects your inner world. It might not sound perfect to others—and that doesn’t matter. What matters is that it feels meaningful and beautiful to you. That connection between you and your flute is sacred.
 

The Purpose of the Flute Circle
This circle is about more than learning techniques; it’s about having fun, connecting with Spirit, and rediscovering the gift that resides within you.
Remember: you cannot give what you do not have. As you grow aware of your own value, your gift will naturally manifest to others and radiate outward into the world. Your flute can express this gift in a deeply personal and healing way.

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Embracing Your Emotions Through Music
Your emotions—whether they are sadness, anxiety, anger, or fear—are also gifts. When you channel them into your flute, you are offering them to the world. This practice can lead to healing and better health. However, when playing through these heavier emotions, do so privately, in a space where you can reflect and process them with Spirit.

On the other hand, when you feel joy, love, compassion, or inspiration, let your flute sing these feelings loudly and share them with the world. These emotions are blessings meant to uplift and connect us all.

Closing Thoughts
This journey with the flute is not just about playing music—it’s about recognizing and sharing the gift of who you are. As you play, remember that your music is your voice, your story, and your spirit. Whether you play for yourself in solitude or for others in celebration, let your music reflect the sacred gift that is uniquely you.

Michael  sevenwindsflutes.com

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