A World Of Difference

[cedar_grove]

Happily may I walk.
Happily, with abundance, may I walk.
Happily, with abundant clouds, may I walk.
Happily, with abundant rain, may I walk.
Happily, with abundant plants, may I walk.
Happily, on a trail of abundant pollen, may I walk.
Happily, with abundance, may I walk.
Happily may I walk.

--Hopi night chant

...But the Hopi and other ancient people of the Americas made happiness something simpler, and more profound. To them, happiness was being atuned to the natural world around us - and fulfilling one's duties toward that world.

It's funny this should come up today - or maybe just another example of synchronicity, because yesterday I came across the 'Ten Commandments of the Native Americans' somewhere on Facebook. Went something like this:

1. Treat the Earth and all that dwells therein with respect.
2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.
3. Show great respect to 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.

I sit here thinking maybe that it was arrogant of the writer of the book to suggest that our indiginous peoples see things in a 'simpler' way, have 'simpler' priorities other than our 'good job, materialistic' view of what makes us good, successful people. To me, the above ten things are far more impactful and far reaching than having a good job. You can have a good job and not be a good person. Not care two hoots for your fellow people, or the earth - not be honest or truthful - god knows I've worked with a few of those people in my time, I'm sure we all have... and actually, when it comes to it, those ten simple and good tenents to live by, are actually a true testament to a persons strength, goodness and determination to right - the test of a person's love.

If we could just - all of us - remembered these ten things, and lived by them, which don't even really need to be specific to any faith (you can aways replace 'Great Spirit' with whatever overarching or divine power in which you believe), then what a different place the world would be. Oh, I'm not naive enough to believe there would be no more war, no more disease... that the world's problems would be solved overnight, but it would certainly make a difference. It would have to make a difference.