04/16/2026
The free school taught me so many things, so grateful for Greenbriar!!!
A Mountain’s Mirror
By Nathan Good
Gazing over the treetops near North Crestone Creek, an epiphany arrives beside me in the warmth of the morning sunlight. I pause with a sense of awe, listening with a quiet presence. It feels as if I am connecting with a center—or perhaps a circle.
It isn’t deja vu, yet the sensation is familiar. This penetrating inspiration dives into my spirit like a past journey still unfolding. Grounding myself in this moment of wonderment, I am led toward a curious landscape of new possibilities: a vision that arrives with a gentle request for permission. As the sun continues its ascent, a reflection appears. I see it clearly now—a new sacred hoop could be built in Crestone, bringing balance and wellbeing to our community. My thoughts crystallize around the idea of a new community center.
Pausing to give thanks for the epiphany, an old friend enters my thoughts. He is a spirit guide who has walked with me for years, offering clarity for my evolution. He says to me: "Rely on more than just the modern food chain for the coming adventure; rediscover some old training wheels."
What wonderful wisdom the indigenous Native Americans continue to share! For many years Hanne Strong and John Milton, through the Manitou Foundation, have made great efforts to ensure this wisdom is emulated within our theological community. It's still a work in progress!
Then I remembered, we have a medicine wheel that was built in the Baca Grants over twenty years ago, created with the assistance of chief of Turtle Island, Arvol Looking Horse. I have learned that these sacred hoops guide those who wish to rediscover their relationship to Self, Mother Earth, and Father Sky—teaching us to live with balance and purpose alongside all our relations in the web of life.
Asking for patience, I hope to see more of our mountain’s mirror. I wonder how the reflections of Crestone might assist and harmonize with the Great Mysteries on this healing journey. I remind myself to remain grateful on the dance floor of Mother Earth, beneath the disco lights of Father Sky.
Perhaps it will come with grace and blessings; perhaps natives of Turtle Island will come to help us construct this new medicine wheel. With simplicity, we can ask. With compassion, a new hoop can be built, intimately connected to our community center. It will happen whenever it is ready—as sudden and inevitable as the arrival of the summer monsoons.
From a central point within me, a type of medicine wheel appeared to grow, perhaps a gift from the Great Mystery, and seeking balance between man and woman and then the creators: Father Sky and Mother Earth.
It began in the Mental East, with a birth place of yellow to***co, the rising sun, and the spring air. Discovering an eagle’s view, I began to learn about myself and take steps.
Moving to the Emotional South, amidst the red summer fire, I began shedding my old skin with the Coyote, growing toward the sweetgrass of adulthood and community weaving.
On the journey to the Physical West, through a black autumn, I found maturity in deep water, sage, and introspection. With the Bear and the setting sun, I let go of the rascals of the past.
Finally, traveling to the Spiritual North, the white winter, I found my connection to the earth, gaining wisdom and integration through the elders, the cedar, and the life-giving Buffalo medicine.
I realize now that the epiphany helped me listen to a story once told, but perhaps never finished. May it continue now with honor and grace.
For good information connected to this content please discover the seventh generation principle from the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace at
Among the nations of the Haudenosaunee is a core value called the Seventh Generation. While the Haudenosaunee encompass traditional values like sharing labour and maintaining a duty to their family, clan and nation and being thankful to nature and the Creator for their sustenance, the Seventh Genera...
