Teachings from the Tree of Life, part 36: Walk Proudly in the Sunlight

She Walks With the Earth and the Sky Painting by Zhaawano Giizhik

Boozhoo, aaniin,

Our people's lives were once deeply connected through family ties. Even though many of us now exhibit destructive behaviors, we must not forget this connection. Remember the teachings of the 7 grandfathers/grandmothers, which encourage us to aim for a goodness that is productive, loving, and humble. Embracing these lessons will empower us with resilience and foster a profound love for all our relationships.

Nowadays, we're surrounded by individuals who constantly find fault in others, projecting their negativity and victim mindset even on those within their own group. Such traumas and syndromes lead to further traumas and syndromes, having significant universal consequences. The pain and damage inflicted by this type of lateral violence impact all of humanity, and because everything in our Indigenous world is interconnected, every living being in nature is affected, with the harmful effects echoing and leaving scars across the entire Universe.

Today, we are often surrounded by people who continually criticize others, imposing their negativity and victim mindset even on those within their own group. These traumas and syndromes perpetuate more traumas and syndromes, resulting in significant global consequences. The harm and damage caused by this type of lateral violence impact all of humanity, and because everything in our Indigenous world is interconnected, every living being in nature is affected, with the detrimental effects resonating and leaving marks throughout the entire Universe.

How can we heal the trauma? Will we, as individuals and as a collective, ever be able to heal the scars? How do we, as a People, detoxify and purify our tattered minds and spirits and find back the Way to the Heart?

Begin with yourself.

Embrace each day. Enjoy being you. Make every moment meaningful, live intentionally, and don't let those who impose their fears and insecurities affect you. Avoid letting people who don't have your best interests dictate your choices. Let your life journey be YOUR narrative, not someone else's. Be cautious with your trust, heart, and soul, and reclaim the freedom to be authentically you. So today, stand proudly in the sunlight with your head held high! Nahaaw!