Gaza and the Sundance
For many people where I live, summer is Sundance time.
To be clear, there’s more than just one Sundance. Actually more like hundreds or thousands acoss Turtle Island and Abya Yala (the Americas). The first time I ever heard of a Sundance was a story about a white anthropologist who was invited to one and wanted to document the tradition.
When she asked an elder at the dance if there were any books at the local library that might be helpful for her study, the elder responded that of course there were but they wouldn’t tell her anything true about the Sundance. If she really wanted to know, she had to get in there herself and learn directly from Creator what it was all about.
As a qualified book nerd, this elder’s answer surprised and intrigued me and I went searching for the Dance.
I’ve found a few in the time since, or rather they’ve found me in the mysterious way of things. I’m not called to be a dancer but I’ve had the chance to camp and pray for the people dancing. I won’t say more than that because, as that wise elder noted, to know what it’s about you have to get in there yourself.
And honestly, I’ve only barely even sipped the Great Mystery of the Sundance and have many more lifetimes before I could say anything about it at all.
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One small way I’ve been exploring the mystery of the Sundance is to drink water for the dancers.
During the week-long ceremony the dancers usually don’t eat or drink anything for four days, though that can vary by lineage. Those of us supporting and praying for the dancers, whether or not we’re actually there, are invited to drink water and eat food on their behalf.
This means that over the past month when someone I know is at a dance, I ask Spirit to send the nourishment of whatever I’m eating or drinking to the dancer. It’s entering my physical body, but in the sacred way of things they somehow receive what they need from it.
I’ve been doing the same for those starving in Gaza.
Because I’ll be honest, I feel so damn powerless. I’ve been boycotting (Boycat App!), writing and calling elected leaders, donating to large organizations and individuals on the ground. Plus, praying my ass off and snatching Spirit up by the lapels with a good stong “What the hell, Lady?!” And still people starve in a world filled with food.
So every sip of water I took the last few weeks of July would go to the dancers and the Palestinians. This sip for J, for A, for J and M. This sip for Gaza; the women, the grandmothers, the babies. This sip for the Sundance lineage carriers and the drummers. This sip for the young Palestinian girls and the teenage boys.
Does it make a difference?
Not enough of one but it’s become my prayer anyway. They say that prayer changes the one who prays the most. So perhaps as I pray and drink water for an ancient lineage that’s survived more than one manifest destiny genocide on this continent, those same prayers are strengthened as they cross the ocean to another genocide of indigenous peoples in Gaza.
And as those prayers are strengthened on their way across the water, I hopefully am too. Whatever you are called to do during this time, may the water find you. We have a long way to go, friends, and I will go with you.
In the Spirit of the Living Water,
Cindy
SING ANYWAY! FINDING COURAGE THROUGH SONG
You don’t have to be a “good” singer to be a powerful one. Join us for Sing Anyway: Finding Courage Through Song, a 2-hour singing workshop for anyone who feels the call to sing—especially those who’ve been told they shouldn’t and especially those who've discovered they can! Together, we’ll explore the deep spiritual roots of song as a tool for healing and courage.
This workshop is for people who sing in the shower, hum when they’re heartbroken, or long to lift their voice but have been silenced by shame or fear. No experience necessary. Your facilitator will lead you in guided vocal exercises, heart-centered group singing, and time for reflection. We’ll remember what our ancestors knew: that singing doesn’t have to be perfect to be holy. You'll leave with more singing confidence and at least 3 simple songs to carry with you into the world.
August 18th 6-8pm at Columbine UU Church
September 11th 6-8pm at First Unitarian Church of Denver
Whether your voice is loud, quiet, wobbly, or wild—it belongs here. Bring your voice and your willingness to be moved. Let’s sing our way back to courage—together.
Cost: $25 general public, $12 Church Members, no one turned away for lack of funds
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