It is so easy to get caught up in the pace of life in the world where we are going, going, going all the time, tied to technology and rarely have time to “BE” and connect with ourselves or our natural earth. It ‘doesn’t have to be that way! You have a choice. I know as I have transformed how I operate in the world with phenomenal results, and you can too!
My husband and I were fortunate enough to be part of the Cree Indian Nation Sundance Ceremony in Alberta Canada last month. The beliefs, lessons and values that the Native American Tribes hold are exactly what we as a nation need to find again to get back to our own roots and transform our world into a better place.
What was so incredible to me is to see that all the Native American messages are the messages I have spent the last 10+ years discovering and teaching in my practice as a coach. The lessons I have found and teach mirror the beliefs and values of the Native American culture that have been around thousands of years. Knowing this is very powerful to me. I ‘didn’t have to re-invent the wheel as I did as I have learned it was always there, I just ‘didn’t know where to look.
Here are some of the key takeaways that I feel are important messages for people who want to heal and find their way in this crazy world of ours:
1. Being Native American is “what is in the heart.” It is love and respect for the land and all living things that inhabit it. It is a respect for the elders and acknowledgment and respect of the spirits. Their beliefs correlate with my messages of living from the heart, not the subconscious mind. When you are heart-based, you are naturally more respectful to the land and others. It is about operating from a heart-based place in what I call the “Being Zone” where you are very present, listening to your heart and in tune with those around you and the land you exist on. The Native American drumming and music expand this feeling of connection within your heart. Find what speaks to your heart and follow it.
2. Native Americans and their core value system cannot be broken apart from their spirituality, as it is the foundation of the Native American culture. It is about connecting with something greater than you…no matter what your beliefs are. You can call it God, the Creator, Spirit, Source, the Universe, Buddha, etc. The key is knowing there is something greater than you that when you trust it, it will guide you where you need to go and the world as a whole will be in a better place. It is not about a specific religion; it is about a deep connection with spirit.
3. Native Americans have ceremonies to keep these values and traditions alive, so these powerful core values pass from generation to generation. In America, we used to value family connections through shared homes, meals, and more meaningful family gatherings. I call it Kitchen Table Wisdom, where the elders passed down values and morals on but in ‘today’s’ busy world, families ‘don’t even always sit down to dinner together let alone with their elders. I encourage you to create valued and special times with your elders.
4. Native Americans have always believed in the need to protect Mother Earth and use her resources wisely, and this is more critical today than ever before. One should only take what they need and should treat the earth with reverence instead of destroying it with chemicals. We are in Global Warming whether we know it or not. The more we exhaust our natural resources and ‘don’t respect the power of the earth, the more we will suffer. I ‘don’t use chemicals in my yard or home and spend time “earthing” each day to connect with the natural power and energy of the earth. I highly encourage you to get in harmony with our earth through daily “grounding or earthing” as part of your healing and healthy soul maintenance process.
5. The Native American culture also honors its elderly. Community elders are revered and provide the tribe with advice and guidance gathered from a lifetime of experience. Native elders are expected to keep the culture alive by passing down their wisdom and ancient ways of being to the young. This phase of life is admired and respected in the Native American culture because with age comes wisdom. In today’s world, often elderly are ignored or put in homes and no longer prized. I encourage you to reconnect with and value your elderly. Learn from them and document what they can to pass it down. And if you are elderly, please share what you know with the younger generation.
6. The practice of daily gratitude is another Native American value. Giving thanks to the Great Spirit for all he has provided keeps one present minded and focused on all that is good. Often when one ‘doesn’t take the time to be grateful, everyday blessings are overlooked. I encourage you, clients, to keep a gratitude journal by your bed and write what you are grateful for each morning and night. Being grateful for what or whoever you believe in is a foundation. Being thankful for what the earth offers us from the sun rising and setting or the beautiful surroundings and wildlife is powerful. Showing and expressing gratitude for good things happening in your life or relationships just attracts more. The more you give to the world and show in your gratefulness, the more you will experience all that is good.
7. One of the most important Native American value is respect. It is believed that all of life is sacred: the mountains, lakes, plants, animals, and people. Each has something to teach, and all things have a purpose. No person is above another; everyone is equal. To show respect, Native cultures teach that respect should be giving and shown for all beliefs and religions. Here are some basic rules I encourage: Show respect for other people by never interrupting a conversation or intruding into a ‘one’s personal space. Never speak negatively about others and listen respectfully to what others are saying even if you do not agree. It is not about being right; it is about considering all truths to everyone. Be truthful in conversations with others and with yourself.
8. Native American values and cultures believe that everything and everyone is connected. What we do to others and to the planet we do to ourselves. The peace pipe is ceremonially passed around the circle as a token of peace connecting all within the gathering. You ‘don’t need the peace pipe if you take time to practice love, honor, gratitude, and respect daily as that will help unify you with our earth, its creatures, and the Great Spirit.
If you are ready to adopt the ways of the Native Americans in your daily actions and beliefs, you will find that the more of us that do this, the faster we will be able to heal ourselves and collectively transform our world!
