The yearning for a spiritual connection is common, and we Americans are very drawn to the Native American spirituality because it’s the indigenous spiritually of this continent. From the mysterious teachings in the books of Carlos Castaneda to the emptiness that many people feel inside, the searching for the proverbial answers is an ongoing quest for many. Most Native American beliefs, is what is called animistic. Now this does not mean that it is the worship of animals but rather the acknowledgment of the living spirit within all things. This spirit is believed to be in animals, plants, rocks and the waters of our world.

These spirits are not worshiped in the traditional sense, rather they are recognized as akin to our own spirits and are treated with the same respect that we wish for ourselves. As in many Native American traditions the respect is expressed verbally with the words “All My Relations” which is acknowledging our connection with all of the things around us. In practice the respect is expressed in how one reacts with the world around them. No animal will be killed unless one is in danger, or requires it for food, and normally thanks is given in the form of an offering for giving up its life. This is practiced the same with plants, and even an offering is given to Mother Earth for having to dig a hole in the ground, in recognition of disturbing her skin.

Native American spirituality requires that we recognize our place in the world around us, and that we never forget that we are surrounded by other beings that come from the same source that we have came from, and are just as deserving of life as us. We take nothing we don’t need, we waste nothing, and we offer thanks for everything we do and take.

This is an amazing philosophy and you can start to understand the level of greed that people have risen to. We take, pollute, pillage and never give thanks. The Native Americans believe that each of us has a particular purpose and goal when we are born, and that our lives will be steered in such a way that the experience that we require will be made to happen. We will meet certain people, or be present in a certain situation. However we always have free will so that we may make the choice, and by making the choice we will either benefit from choosing the right decision, or come back in another body to get the same choice again.

Once we are walking the path that was meant for us, we will find all of the things that we need (but not necessarily the things that we want) are made available to us.

Native American Commandments

1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect

2. Remain close to the Great spirit

3. Show great respect for your fellow beings

4. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind

5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed

6. Do what you know to be right

7. Look after the well-being of mind and body

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good

9. Be truthful and honest at all times

10. Take full responsibility for your actions

One of the hardest things to master can be the art of finding a balance between the things we must do in daily life, and the things we must do for spiritual reasons. As in all things, we simply do the best we can, and incorporate our spirituality as much as possible in our daily lives while still living in the modern world. Take care my friends.

1. 

   Liara Covert says:

   March 7, 2008 at 5:55 am

   Your sense of connection to Native American spirituality suggests you would appreciate books by Lynn V. Andrews. She has written over 30 books to chronicle her journey as a white woman who became a medicine woman with supernatural powers. (Fascinating and engrossing)
2. 

   Charles Hamel says:

   March 7, 2008 at 12:38 pm

   Another great recommendation

   I have been needing some new reading material.

   I will check it out

   Thanks
3. 

   d Faughn says:

   July 20, 2008 at 6:51 pm

   This is somethingthing I’ve been living as for the past 17 years but have only in the past few years really understood what it really meant in my life. Thank you
4. 

   Lea says:

   August 17, 2008 at 9:53 am

   I read Lynne V Andrews series of books a few years ago and enjoyed them immensely.
5. 

   Ann Mari Nerman says:

   November 4, 2008 at 4:42 pm

   If you spend time alone in Nature for some time, at least three weeks, and if you live a simple life and don’t let yourself be distracted by phones, tv, radio etc – the noise of modern life – then you begin to feel The Great Spirit living in absolutely everything. You can feel the energy in trees, hear the grass growing, eventually you can even communicate with animals. It is absolutely fantastic and it gives you tons of energy and creative powers.
   Talksalot (my Sioux name)
6. 

   Sky says:

   November 26, 2008 at 8:25 am

   Great Post, awesome rules to live by. Sad many don’t appreciate it or live by it. I have also been guilt of that. Nice to have a reminder.. Thanks
7. 

   online payday loans says:

   March 28, 2009 at 1:21 pm

   Of course, there is a lot of wisdom in these words! We Should all live by these principles even if we are not part of their culture. It would make a big difference in the world.