Spiritual Connection and Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom: A Journey with Four Arrows (Don Trent Jacobs)

02/06/25 • 50 min

How can indigenous wisdom transform our understanding of fear, love, and courage, and guide us toward a more harmonious existence?Host Liz Logan speaks with Don Jacobs (Four Arrows), a former dean of education and indigenous wisdom teacher, about transforming fear into courage and ultimately fearlessness through indigenous perspectives. Jacobs shares his profound near-death experience in Mexico's Copper Canyon, which led him to deeper understanding of indigenous wisdom and the development of the CAT FAWN connection (Concentration Activated Transformation - Fear, Authority, Words, and Nature). The conversation explores how indigenous cultures view love as an action rather than a noun, and emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing human interconnectedness with nature. The episode concludes with Jacobs redefining hope through Sitting Bull's wisdom - not as optimism for a positive outcome, but as certainty in doing what's right regardless of results - followed by a moving Native American flute performance.Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows), aka Don Trent Jacobs, Ph.D., Ed.D., is a former Dean of Education at Oglala Lakota College and a renowned author in the fields of counter-hegemonic education and decolonizing Indigenous worldviews. Recognized as one of 27 visionaries in education by AERO, he received a Moral Courage Award from NAU's Martin Springer Institute for his pro-Indigenous activism. Now retired from academia, he teaches self-hypnosis, spiritual awareness, and Kinship worldview through his CAT-FAWN Connection. He currently resides in Punta Perula, Mexico, where he enjoys playing music in a band.

In this episode:

(00:00) Liz explains how the podcast name came to her during meditation and discusses its focus on understanding love as our highest vibrational frequency and true essence
(04:04) Don Jacobs shares an indigenous perspective on love, explaining how indigenous languages are verb-based and focus on love as an action rather than a noun
(06:00) Don shares his personal journey, including his experiences in the Marine Corps, near-death experience in Mexico's Copper Canyon, and subsequent spiritual awakening
(14:03) The CAT FAWN connection (Concentration Activated Transformation - Fear, Authority, Words, and Nature) and explains its significance in indigenous wisdom
(28:14) Special video replay, the critical need to recognize our interconnectedness with nature and the consequences of anthropocentrism
(40:00) Bioluminescent sand and ocean experience, Trader John’s piano memory
(43:38) Redefining hope from an indigenous perspective, sharing Sitting Bull's wisdom that hope is the certainty of doing what's right regardless of outcome, followed by a Native American flute performance
(59:21) Closing questions
Subscribe, like, and send us your comments and ideas for future episodes!

Resources:

Don Jacobs/Four Winds LinkedIn

Don Jacobs/Wahinkpe Topa Books Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth

Worldview Literacy

Download the Worldview Chart

In this episode:

(00:00) Liz explains how the podcast name came to her during meditation and discusses its focus on understanding love as our highest vibrational frequency and true essence
(04:04) Don Jacobs shares an indigenous perspective on love, explaining how indigenous languages are verb-based and focus on love as an action rather than a noun
(06:00) Don shares his personal journey, including his experiences in the Marine Corps, near-death experience in Mexico's Copper Canyon, and subsequent spiritual awakening
(14:03) The CAT FAWN connection (Concentration Activated Transformation - Fear, Authority, Words, and Nature) and explains its significance in indigenous wisdom
(28:14) Special video replay, the critical need to recognize our interconnectedness with nature and the consequences of anthropocentrism
(40:00) Bioluminescent sand and ocean experience, Trader John’s piano memory
(43:38) Redefining hope from an indigenous perspective, sharing Sitting Bull's wisdom that hope is the certainty of doing what's right regardless of outcome, followed by a Native American flute performance
(59:21) Closing questions
Subscribe, like, and send us your comments and ideas for future episodes!

Resources:

Don Jacobs/Four Winds LinkedIn

Don Jacobs/Wahinkpe Topa Books Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth

Worldview Literacy

Download the Worldview Chart

Previous Episode

Weaving Stories of Hope: Angela del Sol Varela on Indigenous Artistry and Sustainability

How can embracing ancient wisdom and aligning with love combine to tackle today's global challenges and inspire personal transformation?In this episode of *Came Here to Love*, Liz Logan sits down with Angela del Sol Varela, founder of Ancient Future Earth, to explore how Indigenous artistry and ancient wisdom can fuel sustainable solutions for the modern world. Angela shares her journey of blending "Ancient Futurism" with climate activism, highlighting her SISU initiative that supports keystone species like bees, trees, and reefs. The conversation delves into the importance of honoring indigenous artisans, the power of personal growth through love and alignment, and how creativity and compassion are driving positive environmental change. Tune in to hear about Angela’s transformative work, her Colombian heritage, and how we can all contribute to a more sustainable and connected future.Angela del Sol Varela is a visionary social entrepreneur and climate activist, founder of Ancient Future Earth, where she pioneered "Ancient Futurism" to tackle global challenges. Combining technology with indigenous wisdom, she creates transformative solutions through community organizing, regeneration projects, and art. Her SISU initiative focuses on keystone species like bees, trees, and reefs, developing innovative funding models for local impact. With experience working on large-scale projects for organizations like Google and the UN, Angela is now collaborating with the Planetary Health Lab at the University of Edinburgh, driving global change through creative climate action.

In this episode:

(00:00) What we’re loving right now - country music!?
(06:00) New Year’s Eve with Angela
(09:13) Expressing personal style through clothing, living generously and non-attachment
(16:11) Essence of love and alignment, what Liz is loving right now - Angela’s artisan bag project
(18:31) Honoring indigenous artisans through handcrafts
(27:00) Pollinators and supporting sustainable fashion, the Sisu project, bees, meeting Zach Bush
(32:10) Exploring ancient wisdom for inner healing, soulful private adventures being planned, accessing ancient knowledge today
(40:33) A transformative moment, navigating relationships and trauma responses
(45:10) The art of war is peace
(47:55) Balancing masculine and feminine energies
(51:00) What Angela came here to love, embracing love and inner light, spreading love and living fully
(59:21) Closing questions
Subscribe, like, and send us your comments and ideas for future episodes!

Resources:

Ancient Future Labs

Ancient Future Shop

Ancient Future Labs on Instagram

Next Episode

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Spaces: Ronny Wuyts of Texture Painting

Can wall textures really change how we feel in a space? Join us for a fascinating conversation with the designer who's using local soils and natural pigments to create emotional connections in homes around the globe.Discover the answer as I sit down with visionary painter and decorator Ronny Wuyts, who has redefined interior design with his exceptional use of natural pigments and textures. Known for crafting breathtaking environments that resonate with energy and authenticity, Ronnie shares his artistic journey from a rebellious young artist to the leader of a successful team of 50 artisans. Explore the intricate world of functional and decorative plasters as we discuss the fine art of blending aesthetic beauty with technical precision. Ronny's commitment to authenticity shines as he takes us through his 15 years of perfecting bespoke finishes that echo the natural world. From crafting seamless, crack-free floors to bringing new life to historic structures, you'll walk away with an appreciation for the transformative power of design that connects deeply with its environment and the people within it. His use of local materials and natural pigments ensures that every project is a unique masterpiece, imbued with soul and character.Ronny Wuyts is a visionary painter and decorator who has made a significant mark on the global interior design scene. With a flair for designing exquisite colors and textures, Ronny specializes in high-end projects that use natural pigments to create stunning, exclusive interiors. His expertise and creativity have taken him to projects worldwide, where he transforms spaces into sophisticated works of art. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials, Ronny continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in interior design, earning him international acclaim.

In this episode:

(00:00) Introduction to Ronny Wuyts: His philosophy on natural materials and creating unique finishes inspired by nature
(02:24) Professional Background: Overview of Ronny's work as a visionary painter and current London project using single-color design
(04:11) Texture Painting Technique: Discussion of seamless floor solutions and specialized approach to functional and decorative finishes, the importance of floors and blending environments
(12:26) Career Journey: From leaving school at 15 to founding Texture Painting and building a 50-person company
(20:17) Personal Project: Ronny’s transformation of a 15th-century chapel into his home, demonstrating his design philosophy
(24:11) Business Challenges: Managing people and maintaining work-life balance while pursuing excellence
(30:00) A message to Ronny’s younger self
(36:00) What Ronny loves right now, balancing international work with being present for his two-year-old son
(39:28) Vision for the World: Need for more color and genuine human connection in modern life, moving beyond digital interactions
Subscribe, like, and send us your comments and ideas for future episodes!

Resources:

Texture Painting Website

Texture Painting IG