In This Issue Upcoming Programs, Workshops and Retreats
Read more about all of our workshops, retreats and resources on our website. |
In this issue, I’ve included the Native American Code of Ethics as printed in 1994 in the Inter-Tribal Times. The significance of this code of ethics is that it is nature- and person-based and not based on Euro-centric entitlement thinking. For example, honoring another person’s personal space and property does not permeate much of present day Euro-centric life, especially sacred objects and personal medicine pouches. Such acts are an attack on the soul of the Native person by saying "I completely disrespect you and therefore I can take or touch whatever I want"... a soul deficit entitlement. I understand that many African-Americans understand this principle as well from the long road they have traveled in this country. Another important principle is to pray often. Many men have lost sight of the soul’s need for a voice and prayer is the soul’s voice. For many, prayer is done at church, temple or the dinner table. However, I believe the roots of all mankind is to pray when it is needed and not just in Temples or Churches or at the dinner table. Often, I do as my father before me and walk outside when I need to feel close to the Great Sprit and Mystery of all life. My experience has been that when a man finds his way back to prayer, he finds his way back to his soul and begins to live the life he was given at birth. Another important principle that has lost its way in modern society is to honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words. This means that we must relearn how to listen with an empty mind so that other’s voice can be fully heard; and, after pondering these words, we respond with our own voice. Most people stop listening after two sentences and begin formulating responses based more on our imagination than on what is really being said. Often, this is the cause of bad relations between couples and a man and his children. Many of the principles of the code permeate the Natural Passages program and workshops and are in support of living a balanced, healthy and fully present life. It is to provide a structure that supports honoring life by being an ethical presence in other’s lives. Some have heard the Cherokee Story of Two Wolves. I’ve included it also as a reminder that we are fully responsible for the life that we have created. Each day and in every moment we create the life we are living. We can choose to do it unconsciously and reactively or we can choose to be mindful and respond to life in the way that we want to be in the world. Finally, I have included a copy of a daily prayer to the great spirit that was conceived and incorporated into the Natural Passages program in 2004. It is a prayer for maturity and integrity. If you choose to read it, do so aloud. The universe loves to hear your voice and it is the only way for your soul to know you remember it. I hope you find something in this newsletter that talks to your soul. Bountiful Blessings Herb Stevenson
Native American Code of Ethics1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak. 2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance. 3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. 4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor. 5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours. 6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people or plant. 7. Honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression. 8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you. 9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven. 10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism. 11. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They are part of your worldly family. 12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life's lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow. 13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you. 14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within this universe. 15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails. 16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions. 17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden. 18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first. 19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others. 20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity. This originally appeared in the "Inter-Tribal Times," October, 1994
Two Wolves—A Cherokee Tale
|