Crossing Worlds Program is a bridge for all peoples to learn from and be inspired by the living earth, universal wisdom keepers and earth-based cultures. We offer experiential-based seminars; conduct projects on Hopi, Navajo and other native lands in support of cultural continuance, self-reliance, self-esteem, and maintaining life in remote lands far from the economic resources of the modern world; and other projects that shall be approved by the directors.

"Sharing in respect and friendship, valuing diversity,
we all learn from each other in this great circle of life. "

Hopi Holiday gifting project to provide food and needed household and clothing items in winter when most needed. And co-host our annual Solstice holiday dinner with Hopi peoples sharing fun and friendship. All gifting is from a place of respect and thanks acknowledging that Hopi people are carrying on a tradition that is of importance to all the world. We do not want to encourage dependence. See press release for details.

Provide economic support for Hopi village projects such as plastering traditional homes, help build a piki bread making house and an outdoor bread-oven, or water conservation projects.

Provide the opportunity for schools and other off-reservation groups to perform a designated village service project in combination with a cultural seminar, such as one done by a visiting California Waldorf high school group in 2003. Our goal is to provide some base funding for project coordination, planning and materials so more interested volunteer groups could participate. Native peoples benefit by receiving help with needed infrastructure and respect and interest from the outside world. The village project leader and cultural instructors receive employment. Visitors gain by experiencing first-hand the enrichment that comes from being part of the the community and making a needed contribution.

Provide support for Hopi ceremonial activities throughout the year such as helping with needed supplies. See article Hopi Cycle of the Year.

Offer experiential seminars based on cross-cultural sharing, exposure to earth-spirit wisdom principles, creative expression (arts, storytelling, music, songs, movement) on Hopi and Navajo lands and other locations for individuals, families, groups. Our goal is to provide continuing education units for teachers, social workers and health care providers and other interested people as well as to provide experiences on the land that will help them destress and gain new inspiration and knowledge to take back into their professional and personal lives.

Help spread the water conservation message of the Black Mesa Trust, a Hopi-based environmental protection group that has traditional Hopi and Navajo peoples' involvement. Black Mesa is shaped like a giant hand with the Hopis living on the fingertips of the hand and Navajos surrounding them. Black Mesa Trust founder, Vernon Masseyesva, considers this area "a learning plaza for the whole world." Hopi science includes both keen observation of the land and stewardship based on a spiritual relationship to place. Also see article on Hopi Water.

 

Come home, the voice of Mother Earth calls.

Five centuries after the arrival of Columbus and Coronado and the Western culture immigrants that "missed the sacred instructions that came with the altar of Mother Earth" (quote from an Anishinabe elder), there is a hunger for connection to the greater circle of life that is larger than the mind-driven urban lifeways. Home-grown now on American soil is a seed swollen and budding of peoples hearing the voice of the land, seeking ancestral wisdom to help shape a new ecology. And they come in all colors and creeds and indeed from around the world. Physics is now "proving" what ancient cultures just "knew" about the interconnectedness of all life. For example, Navajo wisdom says the patterns of the stars are in us; physics says we are made of stardust.

"Core, universal elements are emerging from this crossing of the worlds of nature, ancient wisdom keepers and Western cultures," according to Sandra Cosentino, founder of Crossing Worlds Journeys in 1991. She began Crossing Worlds Program in 2003 in response to visitors who, deeply touched by their experiences with Native peoples, have asked how to contribute to the People and how to learn more.

"When I am in nature just being, observing, not thinking-planning-spinning around in my mind, subtly tension is eased" Cosentino says. "Flashes of insight occur. I am aware of wild animal presences before seeing them. Animal helpers come in the dream time with comfort and wisdom. My own culture did not give me a way to understand and work with these powerful direct experiences. Native peoples have shown me how to pay attention to the signs coming from nature and dreams and honoring ways to actively work with the energies of nature for healing, vision and renewed balance. They provided me a model of how to see from the heart, to honor all peoples, to pray from the heart with gratitude knowing in absolute trust that the universe will respond."

"Circles, oh so many circles, have we shared. And oh so slowly have I absorbed the wisdom of the circle. How all are equal with something of value to offer. How to open up and express what you really feel. Humility growing as I see how each has part of the truth. So many learnings: respect for all...mistakes are our teachers...trust your own instincts. I have seen their pain, a kind of generational grief. And I have never laughed so much as with my Native friends. What seems like paradox in our Western world, just two sides of the whole to Native peoples."

"Native peoples have a real mastery of letting go--a powerful role model for those of us who live in cultures of acquisition. Hopi people in particular give freely knowing they are seeding the abundant flow of life. The ultimate act of faith and communion with Source, they have been for over 1,000 years growing corn in the sand in a high wind-swept desert that gets only 10 inches of rain in a good year."

"I have seen too how much self-esteem has been generated among Native peoples as they are respected and valued by visitors. And how sensitive, aware visitors help Native hosts expand their horizons, give new perspectives and provide support (both emotional and material) for dealing with life in small villages remote from the economic resources of urban America."

There are Universal Wisdom Keepers of all races and creeds. In these times of chaotic change, we are all learning from each other as we come together in circles of friendship and respect.

Sandra Cosentino

We invite you to become a contributing part of:

CROSSING WORLDS PROGRAM

Crossing Worlds Program is a program of Congressional District Programs, a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to the development and support of non donor-advised funds who have a local or a global focus. The fiscal agent is Congressional District Programs, 6201 Leesburg Pike, Suite 403, Falls church, VA 22044, IRS # 65-0970090 who encourages the support of the office of the Congressman in the Congressional District that is the focus of administration of the project. All moneys raised by the Crossing Worlds Program are received by Congressional District Programs and become the sole property of CDP which, for internal operating purposes, allocates the funds to the Project.   The Program Manager makes recommendations for disbursements which are reviewed by CDP for approval.

To make tax deductible monetary donations:
Please send checks payable to: Crossing Worlds Program.
Donor checks of $250 or more will receive a tax deductible receipt from the Congressional District Program, smaller donations are verified to IRS by your returned check.

Or pay directly with your credit card or electronic check
via the Congressional District Program web page.
Please click on the "donate now" button for the secure web page for your payment information.

policy links: § Privacy Policy § State Fundraising and Solicitation Guidelines  § Non-Discrimination Policy

 

Circles of Sharing

A native of this land from an Arizona pioneer family, Sandra Cosentino, MS, is the Crossing Worlds Program Director. She draws on a lifetime's experience of exploring the Southwest, listening to Nature and sharing friendship and respect with indigenous Peoples. She resonates with the vibrant energies of a land alive with stories, sun and rocks that speak and renew life. Creator, owner and head guide for Crossing Worlds Journeys, Sandra, M.S., has been offering quality experiences of the Southwest since 1992. Prior to that she was a school teacher, natural resource manager, forest service fire look-out and worked professionally for and with Native American groups.

Would you like to be on our project mailing list?
click here:
info@crossingworlds.org
and say project list in subject line!

---

Crossing Worlds Program
P.O. Box 3288
Sedona, AZ 86340

928-282-0846

eMail:
info@crossingworlds.org

---