Native American Spirituality
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.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
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)