The
Talking Stick is a Native American
ceremonial tool that was an integral part
of all important gatherings. When a meeting was convened,
a decorated stick was passed from person to person
in the community circle. Only the person holding
the stick was allowed to speak. The others were to
listen attentively and were not allowed to interrupt.
Thus, all members of the group had an opportunity
to fully express their own thoughts and opinions
and to truly hear those of their fellow community
members.
Efrat’s
work with Talking Sticks began with a stick she
created in the summer of 1999 for a book group. This
Talking
Stick which she named "What
Goes Around, Comes Around" for its boomerang
shape, made a remarkable difference in the way that thoughts
and feelings were shared in this group.
This was Efrat’s first experience of the
deep wisdom and magic of the Talking Stick.
She
began to find and collect sticks wherever she went,
admiring their endless variety
of shapes, textures, density, and colors. She
also started her ever-growing inventory of feathers,
shells, stones, leather, beads, gemstones and found
objects. She finds
and gathers them on her daily walks in her neighborhood,
her kayaking trips, her visits to thrift stores and
flea markets, and her frequent travels around the country
and the world.
As
she continued to work with Talking Sticks Efrat discovered
a deeper teaching. She realized that all meaningful
and respectful communication begins with deep
inner listening. Only when one is able to listen
to himself or herself, are they able to
speak their truth and then be fully attentive
to others, as they, in turn, express what is in their
heart. Thus the Talking Stick can be a profound
and transformational personal tool.
Efrat
has created numerous Talking Sticks for individuals.
The creative process begins with a conversation or a
written statement about the person’s intentions,
hopes, fears, their support systems, their favorite
colors, shapes, stone, etc. This information along with
deep contemplation and meditation result in the insights
that guide the selection of a particular stick and the
objects that are added to it. Each
personal stick is accompanied by a detailed description
of these choices and their symbolic
meaning. Many of those who have had a Talking Stick
made for them have expressed the profound connection
which they feel towards it and its transformative
power.
Efrat
also creates Talking Sticks for families, for groups,
for companies, for classrooms. She has been commissioned
to create a Talking Stick for special occasions, ceremonies
and rituals such as weddings, graduations, and
retirements. Her Talking Sticks have been given as birthdays
gifts, holiday presents, or as expressions
of gratitude for medical care, for leadership,
for teaching, for friendship.
Efrat
teaches workshops or co-creates Talking Sticks with
family members, church groups, schools
and with other artists.
Testimonials
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