Native American culture is beautifully diverse and spiritually evolved. Each tribe has different stories and takes on similar myths. Each tribe, every person is encouraged to find and develop their own unique path of life and understanding.
The lack of material goods led them to seek happiness and fulfillment within themselves and their community.
This is a stark contrast to our culture and perspectives on happiness and fulfillment. There more of a focus on physical goods and lack of personal understanding.
If you are finding yourself caught up in the whirlwind madness of today's culture, breathe deep and take some of these sayings to heart. They are as true today as they were decades ago. If anything they may be more relevant than ever before.
"When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us." – Arapaho
'Monkey see, monkey do,' came to mind when I read this. Life is intuitive and reactive, treat it wh respect, and you set up life to respond in like.
If you treat someone in a mean or rude fashion, you create an environment that breeds negativity. No matter what, try to treat all life with respect and love.
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." – Cherokee
A life well lived is a beautiful thing to experience and witness. When you arrived in this life you were crying and scared. As you grow shed those fears and nurture your strengths.
If you live in such a way to compassionately touch and positively influence the world, when it is your time to move on, it will cry. The tears will be a mix of sadness, but there will be joyful remembering as well. The emotional reaction of those who knew you is a reliable indicator of your impact.
"Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts." – Hopi
Resisting or suppressing your natural emotions isn't good for you and usually makes things worse. The more we fight or try to control any emotional or mental formation, the stronger it gets.
If you fight a fire with more fire, the overall amount of fire isn't reduced. Acknowledging and allowing your emotions and thoughts to run their course is the best way to get rid of any of the bad.
"It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand." – Apache
Intentions and words will only go so far. Action is what reveals and enforces change.
Having a silver tongue can help you greatly, but a willingness to work towards your goal is more practical.
"All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them." - Apache
Humanity's connection with nature has withered over the centuries. We stopped listening to nature and paid more attention to our greed and indifference.
Anyone can renew their connection to the planet, it takes only patience, an open mind and a sincere attitude. It's easier to feel and connect with nature in the woods or just away from the city. Even in city limits, nature has a definite presence, you need only search for it.
"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand." – Tribe Unknown
The best way to understand anything is to get involved. Books are limited by the writer's skill and the reader's engagement.
Only when you brave the trenches, making the experience yours, can you fully understand that situation. Other wise it's all exposition.
"When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us." – Arapaho
This is a golden rule in every society around the world. To get respect you must show respect. Respect is a cousin of love, when you show respect for a person or thing you empower and nurture it.
In Order for others to respect you, you have to be able to show that you can be respectful. this shows that you understand the importance of respect and are willing to be part of a social structure.
"Those who have one foot in the canoe, and one foot in the boat, are going to fall into the river." – Tuscarora
Metaphors of sure footing are popular in every culture. How you plan your actions and navigate through life is very important. You have to commit to your actions or you will end up failing.
Everything breaks down to step by step progression, follow your path at your pace. Be sure to not overextend yourself or always do your best.
"You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep." – Navajo
A person that is dead set on pretending to be something they are not, can't be dissuaded or prompted to grow. They either truly want to be asleep or want the people around them to think that they are asleep.
As soon as a person is no longer concerned with their true selves, they become impervious to genuine counsel and aide.
"Those that lie down with dogs, get up with fleas." – Blackfoot
The environment you live in and the company you choose have a strong effect on you. If you live in dirty and unsanitary conditions, you will track that filth with you.
You will pick up bad habits that will work against you, resisting productive change. Choose your home and friends well and don't settle for less than you deserve.
No comments:
Post a Comment