The cultural side of Native Americans is markedly different from the one of metropolis. They are spiritually endowed, and much closer to nature. Every single tribe has a different tale, and indulges in a similar mythology. All the members are given the freedom to choose whatever path they want their lives to take.
Their distance from capitalism, and cravings for commercialism, keeps them distant from the stereotype of a ‘customer’. They are happy with nature’s resources, and their own systems of accumulating necessities. This makes them more peaceful and happy than the average citizen of a busy city.
Keep whatever you have learned aside, and let’s delve into the deep cauldron of wisdom that Native Americans have discovered over several ages.
1. “When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.” – Arapaho
“What goes around comes around”. It’s true that Nature works in a mirror-effect. Karma is very real. If you treat somebody well, they will treat you well too. If you think you can be extremely mean to somebody for no valid reason, and get away with it, then you’re extremely mistaken. Life does not work that way. Otherwise, we wouldn’t think twice before killing another person. That same law acts everywhere. If doing bad brings bad, then doing good, brings good to you.
2. “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
Do something worthwhile. Something that the world will remember you by. Don’t chase after things that don’t matter. Make a positive difference to this Universe, while you’re around.
3. “Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts.” – Hopi
Emotions are the most natural thing about a human being. You cannot take that away from them. It isn’t wrong to cry, or feel. But it definitely is wrong to run away from something completely natural to us and our well-being. Feel, be perceptive, and hold the planet in your arms.
4. “It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand.” – Apache
If you can help it, speak less, and think more. Once you shut up, you become a better observer. With less material spewing out of your mouth at lightning speed, you have more space for awesome things to occupy your brain. Let yourself be influenced by amazing facts, and the mysterious ways in which Nature works.
5. “All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them.” – Apache
We have ceased to surround ourselves with natural things. Stuck in a world of artifice, with our eyes perpetually glued to the cellphone. We have lost touch with the side of us that matters, and makes us happy. This is an unparalleled and very different type of connection that one experiences. It’s liberating, calming, and very rewarding.
6. “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.” – Tribe Unknown
Go out there, and explore. The world is waiting to be found. There are many mysteries that the human mind is yet to unravel and solve. Don’t sit in the corner of a room, trying to conquer the world through second hand knowledge. The Universe is seeking you, go out and embrace it.
7. “Those who have one foot in the canoe, and one foot in the boat, are going to fall into the river.” – Tuscarora
If you choose to do something, dive into it. Half-hearted efforts never got anybody anywhere worthwhile. While it might seem easy to do a million things together, sometimes, it is more beneficial to award your undivided attention to one aspect of your life, if you want to achieve your goal.
8. “You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.” – Navajo
You cannot save somebody who does not wish to be saved. You can help a person, but they need to accept that gesture and act upon concrete advice. The same applies to you. If you don’t help or assist your own self, nobody else will be able to do it for you. Healing and progress both depend on you.
9. “Those that lie down with dogs, get up with fleas.” – Blackfoot
Be very alert about the kind of people you allow into your life. If you surround yourself with toxic people, then your life will turn out to be extremely sad. Be cautious about the social circles you walk into. They could make or break you.
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