Spirit Bear
Erick Evan Lasky, our Elder Honoree for this Celebration, shares his 24 year eldership experience below.
I was initiated in June 1997 in Colorado. Based on my history of corporate leadership, I assumed I should step on to leader track. And yet, I was not called in that direction. Rather, I was called to the path of Elderhood.
Four years later, I was hot seated and became Ritual Elder. Shortly thereafter, I was blessed by my mentor, Ken Kuffner, by his invitation to be a part of creating the Ritual Elder Protocol. After 20 years as Ritual Elder and managing to complete 35 staffings, I was aware that the physical demands required for me to fill the Ritual Elder role on the weekend were becoming more difficult and I stepped back and was Blessed as Emeritus.
I learned, early on, that the most crucial requirement for an Elder is acceptance and letting go of the need to be seen.
I stand ready to share the wisdom of my years and experience with anyone who seeks it and I Bless them wherever they are on their journey. What a Blessing it has been to watch hundreds of men transform as we all did our work. I truly enjoy facilitating men as they process their public declaration of declaring their Elderhood.
As I repeat every morning when I open my eyes, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”