12-08-25 North Shield: Embracing Wisdom and Gratitude
In this episode, Carolyn reflects on the North Shield, a teaching from the Native American Path Cards by Jamie Sams, which invites us into the deeper wisdom that emerges through listening, truth, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Drawing on the symbolism of White Buffalo, Carolyn explores three paths that lead to wisdom:
- Listening deeply to Mother Earth and to the quiet voice within
- Defending truth with humility, knowing when to forgive and when to stand firm
- Cultivating gratitude as a spiritual practice that transforms lived experience
Woven through these teachings is Carolyn’s own story of the past several years — life at Charlie’s Place Healing Sanctuary, navigating profound loss and caregiving, recovering from a life-altering injury, and allowing unexpected change to open new doors. From tending animals through harsh New England winters to reimagining vocation, community, and service, this episode is an invitation to reflect on how life’s most challenging moments may also become unexpected teachers.
The North Shield reminds us that wisdom is not abstract. It is lived. It is earned. And it often arrives through patience, presence, and gratitude for what has shaped us.
Reflection prompt:
What experiences in your life — especially the ones you never would have chosen — may be offering you wisdom now?
Ways to Connect & Work Together
If this episode resonated with you and you’d like to stay connected or explore working together, you’re warmly invited to visit: stan.store/carolynromano
There you’ll find:
- Opportunities to connect with Carolyn through coaching, shamanic work, and Path Card readings
- Ways to support and follow Charlie’s Place Healing Sanctuary, a multispecies animal sanctuary devoted to care, dignity, and presence
- Information about Tending the Sacred, a re-imagined spiritual nonprofit and learning community devoted to consciousness, connection, and living wisely in a changing world
Whether you’re seeking personal support, spiritual practice, or community rooted in compassion and lived wisdom, there are many doorways — you’re welcome to step through the one that feels right.
Contact Carolyn at carolyn@blisshealingarts.com
