Monday, July 25, 2016

1:56 AM
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.