
The Breath Of Life Every culture has a name for The Creator. The most common English translation for names used in this context by American Indian cultures is "The Great Spirit". However, there are as many names used as there are diverse tongues amongst the numerous Indian nations, each with a disparate meaning. Ultimately, it is our relationship with The Creator -- not which name we choose to use -- that is important. But one translation holds particular significance to those of us traveling the path of the flute player: "The Breath Of Life". This name provides an important key to learning the art of playing the Native American flute, whether for self expression or the most profound articulation of prayer, meditation and healing. If we avoid interpreting the word profound as meaning complex, we can see how the simplest heartfelt melodic improvisation is far more meaningful than the most elaborate musical intricacies which are played mechanically. The secret lies in honest feeling, sensitivity and intention. With this in mind, I present to those embarking on the flute player’s journey, a philosophy passed to me by the Elder who introduced me to flutemaking. It holds the potential to guide us on perhaps one of the most enlightened paths a flute player can follow: Only The Creator can give the gift of life. It is The Breath Of Life which animates an otherwise lifeless body. We receive the gift . . . we breathe . . . and we live! In turn, when we play the flute, we transfer this breath -- this gift -- to an inanimate, hollow tube. Miraculously, for the brief time of that very focused transfer, we give life to the flute in the form of song. And so we complete a circle. That which was given to us as a gift, is returned to The Source as a gift. The gift of the flute’s song. Hawk Flies High

The Breath Of Life

Every culture has a name for The Creator. The most common English
translation for names used in this context by American Indian cultures is
"The Great Spirit". However, there are as many names used as there are
diverse tongues amongst the numerous Indian nations, each with a disparate
meaning. Ultimately, it is our relationship with The Creator -- not which name
we choose to use -- that is important. But one translation holds particular
significance to those of us traveling the path of the flute player:

"The Breath Of Life".

This name provides an important key to learning the art of playing
the Native American flute, whether for self expression or the most profound
articulation of prayer, meditation and healing. If we avoid interpreting the
word profound as meaning complex, we can see how the simplest heartfelt
melodic improvisation is far more meaningful than the most elaborate musical
intricacies which are played mechanically. The secret lies in honest feeling,
sensitivity and intention. With this in mind, I present to those embarking on
the flute player’s journey, a philosophy passed to me by the Elder who
introduced me to flutemaking. It holds the potential to guide us on perhaps
one of the most enlightened paths a flute player can follow:

Only The Creator can give the gift of life.
It is The Breath Of Life which animates an otherwise lifeless body.
We receive the gift . . . we breathe . . . and we live!

In turn, when we play the flute, we transfer this breath -- this gift -- to an
inanimate, hollow tube. Miraculously, for the brief time of that very focused transfer,
we give life to the flute in the form of song. And so we complete a circle.
That which was given to us as a gift, is returned to The Source as a gift.
The gift of the flute’s song.

Hawk Flies High