Phillip Whiteman, Jr., a nationally-known Indian cultural consultant, storyteller and horseman will present a 2-day workshop in Door County on employing Native American spiritual philosophy and practices in everyday life.
Phillip Whiteman, Jr.
The first day at Nelson Healing Center, he will share the oral history and philosophy that pertains to “Realigning with Spirit” using the foundational teachings of the Medicine Wheel Model. Phillip will explain how the model incorporates the natural laws of gravity, balance, the four directions, the colors, seasons and the stages of life.
The second day at Idlewild Farms, he will demonstrate the spiritual connections that exist between horse and horseman as explained in the philosophy of the Medicine Wheel Model. Long before the horse whisperers of today, Plains Indians have been recognized for their seemingly-innate mastery of effortless communication with horses.
Phillip is also a Champion Grass Dancer know for dancing the “old style” of Northern Cheyenne Grass Dancing and has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe performing and sharing his knowledge and talents with people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Phillip recently served as Northern Cheyenne Culture and Language Consultant for Steven Speilberg during the filming of “Into the West.” His workshop presentations include traditional story-telling and songs that share a powerful and inspirational message of hope. Recently, His first CD, “Spirit Seeker – Stories and Songs for the Spirit,” has received national critical acclaim.
“Society teaches us that we have to dominate, and overpower the horse to teach it,” Phillip states. ”But my traditions and culture, and my understanding of the horse teach me that by working with the horse’s spirit, and believing that we are one, the horse will do what I ask.”
As a recognized horse trainer and a holistic thinker, Phillip realized that the spiritual model he had developed for horses is universal and applies to all human experiences, including our interactions with each other. The very same approach of inferiority and superiority that damages the spirits of horses does the same to our relationships with other people, “and you must learn to interact with their spirit in a non-threatening and non-confrontational manner.” Thus, he teaches people how to use the Medicine Wheel Model for personal growth.
On Saturday, April 30 Phillip Whiteman, Jr. will teach the Medicine Wheel Model in a full-day workshop from 9 am – 5 pm at the Nelson Healing Center and on Sunday, May 1 he will demonstrate and teach using live horses from 9:30 am – 4 pm at Idlewild Farms, 10 minutes south of Sturgeon Bay. The fee is $75 per day and lunch is included. Call 920.818.0045 to register or learn more on-line at NelsonHealingCenter.com.
