For as long as I can remember, I’ve been curious about the nature of our existence. I used to think early on, “Why am I here?”, “Who put me here?”. “Why am I here during this Time and not 50, 100 or 500 years ago?” or “What is my Purpose?”. This is a curiosity that has driven me to seek a connection with something greater, something beyond the physical world. This book is an exploration of that search. A journey through all the dimensions that has led me to see the world differently and connect with a higher source beyond myself.
In the past few years, I’ve been engaged in a battle that goes beyond the physical. A spiritual warfare against the evil of child trafficking. When I first stepped into this mission, my eyes were opened to the darkness that permeates parts of our world, and it was a darkness I couldn’t ignore. It shook me to my core, pushing me to question not only the state of humanity but also my own place within it. Through this battle, I began to see how deeply interconnected our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical states are. Fighting against such darkness required not only strength but also a profound sense of purpose and connection to a higher power.
This journey isn’t just about fighting evil. It’s about finding light and seeking growth amidst adversity. I believe that everything we experience in life, every challenge and hardship, is a tool meant to help us grow. Whether it’s a farming tool used to nourish the land or a mental tool like four-second box breathing, which I’ve learned from friends, everything plays a part in maintaining balance. And that balance between, spirituality, emotions, mentality, and physicality, is what keeps us centered. It’s this balance that the dimensions offer us a pathway to explore.
There were moments in my life that led me deeper into this exploration. One such moment was during my deployment with the 2-130th Field Artillery to the Sinai Peninsula. I was standing near Mount Sinai, I felt at a crossroads. I was at a low point, struggling with my faith and questioning why I was facing so much pain. In that moment, I told God that if He didn’t quit putting hurt on me, I would stop believing in Him. I felt lost, on the edge of giving up. A certain event happened when I was a few miles from St. Catherine's Monastery. I hit another low point. Gratefully, a moment after that I felt something shift. I found a glimmer of hope. A reminder of those who stood by me and gave me the strength to continue holding on.
Another pivotal moment came during my time in the desert of Nevada, in a place called Pahrump. I was once again struggling, trying to reach out to a higher source in my search for healing. It was an experience that took me deep within myself, as I tried to find balance and a sense of peace. And it was there, in the solitude of the desert, that I began to connect with the power within and around me. Even though I was lost. It was a turning point that would ultimately lead me to this mission when certain people yet again gave me hope. This experience laid the foundation for my future journey. Though it would take another year and significant mental recovery before I actively joined the fight against child trafficking, the seeds of purpose were planted. I felt a growing desire to help in any way I could, even as I focused on healing and regaining my strength. As I continued to heal, I was learning from world experts on severe trauma and coping skills. This period of growth and education would help prepare me for the mission that lay ahead.
As I delved deeper into my own spirituality, I felt a pull toward the teachings of heritage as a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. I didn’t grow up with these teachings, and they weren’t something I had learned as a child as I grew up mainly with Methodist Christian teachings and attending Youth Group. But as I began exploring some of the culture I missed out on, I found myself drawn to the medicine wheel. I wanted to understand its significance and how it could help me find balance and growth in my life. This journey of learning and asking questions has become a part of my own spiritual and cultural healing, and I want to share the comfort and understanding I’ve gained with others. Life has shown me that everything, whether it’s a tool for the farm or a method for healing, it's meant to help us grow. My hope is that you find tools here to deepen your journey and connect with the greater picture beyond the distractions of this world. For me, it’s to connect with Our Creator and do what I am supposed to do right in this physical world.
I wrote this not just for myself but for my two young sons. As my oldest who is 8, asked me “What's the 5th Dimension?”. I want them to have the knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained and continue to learn as a guide, so they can grow and find their own paths toward the higher source.
Though I mainly wrote this for my family and myself, I also wrote it for you, the reader, as well. We are all different, with our own perspectives and ways of viewing the world. Yet, we are all connected. My hope is that through this exploration, I can offer a perspective that helps you find your own light, your own sense of connection, and your own balance. I ask that you keep an open mind as I am growing and continue to learn as well.
May this journey help you see beyond the distractions of this world and into the bigger picture of our existence. Thank you for taking this step with me.
Miigwech and Pray Always!!
Tyler
If I am wrong on anything in this material, please guide me to the right Spiritual Leader or Elder that way I can learn from. It was a challenge learning through 5 different languages with words/names with multiple meanings with multiple translations. I think it was a beautiful process. This is not meant to blend religions. More to allow others to being more conciosly aware. I believe if we can get rid of Pride and Ego. We can be more Grateful to have Forgiveness for one another(neighbor/relative). We are all in this together! Please email me at [email protected]. Miigwech!
"American Indians share a history rich in diversity, integrity, culture, and tradition. It is also rich in tragedy, deceit and genocide. As the world learns of these atrocities and cries out for justice for all people everywhere, no human being should ever have to fear for his or her life because of their political or religious beliefs. We are in this together, my friends, the rich, the poor, the red, white, black, brown, and yellow. We share responsibility for Mother Earth and those who live and breathe upon her. Never forget that."
Leonard Peltier, Native American Rights Activist, TMBCI
LEGACY