There
is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom traveled, which
leads to an unkown, secret place. The old people came literally to love
the soil, and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being
close to a mothering power. Their teepees were built upon the earth and
their altar's were made of earth. The soul was soothing, strengthening,
cleansing and healing. That is why the old Indian still sits upon the earth
instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For
him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and
to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life
and come closer in kinship to other lives about him.
Chief Luther Standing Bear