Native Americans are a very spiritual people. They live in
peace with the land and seek deeper understandings through genuine means. Part
of every tribe’s coming of age ceremony involved proof of productive spiritual
development. Strength of character and morals were placed above material goods
and grand accomplishments.
“The Great Spirit is in all things: he is in the air we
breathe. The Great Spirit is our Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She
nourishes us; that which we put into the ground she returns to us.” –Big
Thunder (Bedagi) Wabanaki Algonquin
A respect and need for the unity of all people and creeds is
critical for peace and universal prosperity. If we can’t recognize we are all
brothers and sisters, in this together then we will continue to waste time and
resources fighting each other.
“The first piece, which is the most important, is that which
comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their
oneness with the Universe and all its powers and when they realize that at the
center of the Universe dwells the Great Spirit and that this center is really
everywhere, it is within each of us.” – Black Elk – Oglala Sioux
Recognizing the similarities of everyone, we can cultivate
compassion and use resources where they are truly needed.
3.”Only when the last tree has died and the last river has
been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat
money.” – Cree Indian Proverb
The Native Americans were more than proficient at getting
what they need from nature without tipping the balance of nature. We now take
and take, with no thought of the future that we are striving so hard to see.
When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; When doubt no
longer exists for you then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelop
you, be still; Be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists,
as it surely will. Then act with courage. – Ponca Chief White Eagle
If unsure what to do next, do not rush out, destructively
seeking answers you already have buried within you. Be still and listen to your
true self, it will tell you everything you will ever need to know about
yourself.
Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your
parents, it was loaned to you by your children .We do not inherit the Earth
from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. – Ancient Indian Proverb
Every action we have directly affects the environment our
children will live in. The conveniences we have today are payed with the health
of those that will come after us.
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one
thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are
bound together. All things connect.” – Chief Seattle
We complicate the theories and perspective of life. We often
distort our own importance, inconsistently viewing our actions as both
beneficial and harmful.
May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill
your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears, and above all,
may silence make you strong. – Chief Dan George
Speaking directly about impermanence, have faith that all
things will end and change form. Have the courage to face tomorrow knowing it
may be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
“Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men,
we didn’t have any kind of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents.
Without a prison, there can be no delinquents. We had no locks nor keys and
therefore, among us there were no thieves. When someone was so poor that he
couldn’t afford a horse, a tent, or a blanket, he would, in that case, receive
it all as a gift. We were too uncivilized to give great importance to civilized
property. We didn’t know any kind of money and consequently, the value of a
human being was not determined by his wealth. We had no written laws laid down,
no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not able to cheat and swindle one
another. We were really in bad shape before the white men arrived and I don’t
know how to explain how we were able to manage these fundamental things that
(so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society.” – John (Fire) Lame
Deer Sioux Lakota
Civil behavior is overrated. If the focus were to return to
compassionate awareness, instead of harsh punishments, we would see the root
causes of criminal behavior for what they are, sadness and emotional need.
“Oh Great Spirit, help me always to speak the truth quietly,
to listen with an open mind when others speak, and to remember the peace that
may be found in silence.” – Cherokee Prayer
This is a powerfully spoken intention. This kind of
statement can guide anyone through any number of situations. It is without
expectations that can lead to sadness and disappointment.
“Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is
every step. We shall walk hand in hand. There are no political solutions to
spiritual problems. Remember: if the Creator put it there, it is in the right
place. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears. Tell your
people that, since we were promised we should never be moved, we have been
moved five times.” – An Indian Chief
Live in the moment and rejoice with every breath. Life and
awareness are a gift that should be enjoyed and shared with others.
source : stay on the healthy path