Continuing our exploration of First Nations’ Seven Sacred Teachings, we add respect to wisdom and love:
“Respect: To honour all of the creation is to have respect. Symbolized by the buffalo, no animal was more important to the existence of Indigenous families than this animal, and its gift provided shelter, clothing and utensils for daily living. Native people believed themselves to be true caretakers of the great herds, and developed a sustainable relationship with the buffalo resulting in a relationship that was a true expression of respect.”
Being able to respect and honour our self while also respecting the other is one of the healthiest positions we can achieve when in relationship. “I am important and so are you” allows us to recognize our own needs while considering the feelings of our loved ones. Respect towards our environment and the natural world holds us accountable to reducing our carbon footprint and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. At times, it becomes about respecting another, even when we might not agree with their opinion or choice.
In any case, we best access respect through attention and regard, reaching a level of esteem we can hold in reserve.
Information for this post was found at: http://empoweringthespirit.ca/teachings/the-buffalo/
Photo credit: http://Photo by Eric Murray on Unsplash
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