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I Remember Eli
by Mariah
printed in The Flowering Tree, Spring 1999
I first met Grandfather Eli in June of 1974 at a friend's home. I was impressed by his gentle, humble manner. His eyes were kind, yet I felt as if they could look right through me and into my soul. His teachings of truth and simple wisdom touched me deeply. He radiated a loving, joyful energy. I knew in the first hour that his teachings would have a powerful influence in my life.
I had the privilege, along with many others, of spending two summers in Minnesota studying directly with Grandfather Eli as he taught us the basics of the Natural Medicine Course. He gave us a wealth of information and taught simple truths to maintain health. We learned how to do hydrotherapy and healing by rubbing (massage). We also participated in weekly "sing-sings." Eli would play guitar or fiddle along with some of the students who played musical instruments, and we'd sing a variety of songs. The sing-a-longs were always happy, joyful celebrations. He also taught us Mountain Dancing and taught some the basics of calling for the dances. His joyful energy was apparent in his graceful movements on the dance floor and in his happy calling. He could do both equally as well. His love for music and dance was easily visible and his radiant enthusiasm sparked us all to join in the fun.
Eli often spoke of the beauty of simplicity. He taught the beauty of appreciating the simple things in life. His love for Mother Earth was apparent in his teachings to take care of the earth and to attempt to recreate the garden-like state. He spoke of raising your own food and of planting fruit and nut trees to replenish the earth. I remember the comment he once made to me as we sat outside his bus, which was parked out on our farm: "I may have a small home here but just look at the size of my backyard!" He stretched his hands to encompass all of the grass, birds, trees, and the river flowing near by.
All of the lessons Grandfather Eli taught were based in simple truth. He taught us to maintain the health of our physical bodies, to sing and dance and play, to garden, as well as encouraging the active use and growth of our mental powers and to develop our spiritual pathways toward perfection. Even now as I reread the Good Medicine Philosophy, Keli, and Natural Medicine lessons and practice what I have been taught, often another aspect of the lesson becomes clear to me...something I had missed before or a deeper understanding. How wise each of us would become if we truly put to daily practice these simple teachings!
Although Eli has passed on, I still feel the power and truth of the lessons he taught me...still guiding me and still working in my life. The power of his love and grace is carried on as we practice the wise things he taught us and as it is shared with others. Often, I remember his gentle voice or feel his quiet presence in the Silence. What better tribute to his memory can we give him than to continue practicing his teachings and sharing these simple truths and love and wisdom which he gave so freely to us?
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