The Restless One

Chogan was a young Native American living on a reservation in California.

His tribe operated a casino which generated significant revenue but sadly most of the adults were alcoholics. Young tribal members suffered from depression and low self esteem and many drifted into alcohol and substance abuse. Chogan strongly resisted peer pressure to experiment with drugs or alcohol.  Having witnessed his father drink heavily and beat his mother, he desperately wanted to escape this abusive lifestyle.

When he reached the age of eighteen he took a DNA test and discovered he had origins with the Karipachi tribe in Arizona. They lived a traditional lifestyle and did not allow alcohol or gambling on their reservation. They performed traditional ceremonies and preserved their ancient language.   He felt drawn to the Karipachi tribe and decided to visit their reservation. 

Telling his parents he was going to visit a friend off the reservation for a few days, he set off to explore. He walked and took a few free rides over the next five days. Sleeping under the stars and drinking water from streams, he felt a strong sense of inner peace as the journey progressed.  Upon arrival at the Karipachi reservation he was surprised by the lack of development.  These people lived in simple dwellings and were close to nature.  

He wandered through a small village and saw a trail which led him to a hillside. He could hear music and insinctively followed the sound. Eventually he came across an elderly man playing a flute on an outcrop overlooking the reservation.  The man stopped playing and said welcome my son, we have been waiting for you.

How did you know I was coming? asked Chogan. I could hear you calling us on the wind and I felt your footsteps on the ground for the last five days.  This is your home now, come meet the rest of your new family. 

Chogan never returned to California and had no further contact with his parents. He was reborn and took a new name Ahoti – The Restless One.

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