Have Respect
Consideration for the well being of all. To treat someone or something with deference or courtesy. Never interfering with the right to walk their journey in the matter that they so chose. In the Native Culture of all Tribes, every person from the tiniest child to the Oldest ELDER – is treated with RESPECT at all times, with special honor given to: Our ELDERS & TEACHERS.
No person was shamed or “put down.” People never spoke of others in a negative way for this interfered with their lives and diminished the Tribe in anyway shape or form. The people believe that every thought and action that went out into the World, affect the next seven generations of family.
One of the most important aspects of the Native Culture is Respect.” RESPECT includes many things: Respect for Life - Respect for Self - Respect for Elders.
RESPECT FOR LIFE - We believe all LIFE is sacred. All LIFE is an expression of The Creator. Each has its place and purpose. Each is dependent upon all other LIFE for its existence. All LIFE is part of the Sacred Circle. Every action affects all other LIFE. Even when we take the LIFE of an animal, brothers and sisters we thank the Spirit of that animal for giving itself to us for food.
RESPECT FOR ELDERS - ELDERS are held in reverence. These people have walked Life’s path ahead of us and have wisdom beyond ours because of that. Their life has earned this reverence we give them. We honor them and we learn from them. ELDERS are always to be given courtesy and Respect.” Their words are to be listened to and considered seriously. One display of RESPECT is silence in their presence and also listens to their words. One does not jump into a conversation among/with ELDERS without being invited, or addressed. One never interrupts a ELDER or contradicts him/her publicly. (That does not mean one must agree, nor does it mean that one cannot express an opposing view, only that it must be done in a respectful manner, not degrading the ELDER. ELDERS are referred to as Grandfather – Father – Uncle – Grandmother –Mother – and Aunt. These positions of RESPECT and honor are important and to refer to one as such is a display of RESPECT.
RESPECT FOR SELF - It is believed that one can only have respect for oneself when one RESPECTS LIFE and Elders. In doing so, one is able to RESPECT oneself. In the ways of Life and death the circle is one. In learning these you will have balance and the natural RESPECT of yourself. This RESPECT will be shown to others, as you carry yourself threw Life and have the privilege of being a ELDER.
ANCIENT TEACHINGS ON RESPECT
Do not touch anything that belongs to someone else (especially sacred objects, Drums, Shakers, Medicine Bundles and Regalia) without permission.
RESPECT for Privacy: Never intrude on a person’s quiet moments or personal space. Never interrupt or walk between people who are conversing.
Speak in a soft voice, particularly when in the presence of Elders or Traditional Teachers or to whom special RESPECT is due.
Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel impatient, or what they are saying is not relevant to you: Quiet your inner chatter and listen with your heart.
Be truthful at all times and under all conditions.
Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are Present (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).
Treat Mother Earth and all her living children as your Mother.
Show deep respect and love for the mineral, plant, animal, four elements and human worlds.
Always receive your guests (including strangers) with a loving heart and as members of the human family: Greet them with an honor song and give them your best food, best blankets, best places to rest.
The hurt of one is the hurt of all.
The honor of one is the honor of all.
All four colors of human are like different colored flowers of one meadow of Mother Earth. All are beautiful and must be RESPECTED.
To serve others is the main purpose that mankind were created. Do not be so self absorbed that you fail to see and respond to the needs of others.
Moderation, harmony and balance in all things: know the difference between those things that elevate your Life and those that do not.
Listen, Listen and Listen with your heart. All my Relations.
RESPECT means listening until everyone has been heard and understood, only then is there a possibility of “Balance and Harmony,” THE GOAL OF NATIVE SPIRITUALITY"
May Creator smile on you today
