Text Box: Talking Stick We pass the Talking Stick in sweat lodge. We think it is our sweat that heals us. "Sweat, you purify us," Sweat answers, "I am only sweat, brother skin purifies you." Brother skin speaks up, "I am only the boundary between your inner and outer world, what do I know? It is sister blood that makes the net of healing." Sister blood says softly, "You are all so silly. Give the Talking Stick to Mother Heart.” We passed the Talking Stick to Mother Heart, she said; "Daughter blood passes through me and tells me everything. I know all you secrets--hiding places, fears and joys. It is not mine to tell you what these hoops are, save that they are hoops of healing and that you must jump through them until you are ready to give them up. But I will tell you one thing to do; never give up the hoop of joy." ©2005 Dan Kantak