Respect
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a festival celebrating the native tribes of North America. Out of respect for the dancers alcohol was banned from the event. I was captivated by the pageantry, elegance and skills of the hoop dancers and fancy dancers but I was also impressed by the attendants. As I strolled through large groups of people I realized no one was on a cell phone. Young and old as well as people of every race and color stood in small circles having real conversations. As I walked from one fascinating event to another, I repeatedly heard the words, “excuse me”. When the musicians played or the dancers performed, the vast majority of the audience remained in their seat until the show was finished. My body instinctively relaxed and I felt a sense of peace and connection.
I’ve been attending music festivals since early adolescence. So why was this event so different from all others? Perhaps it is because the word respect was used and mentioned often. Native Americans seem to always make time to honor veterans, their elders and their ancestors. This doesn’t mean they accept everything at face value, but rather, they appreciate people who made sacrifices on their behalf.
For centuries Native Americans lived in balance with the earth. When animals were killed they tried to do it prayerfully and skillfully and use every part of the animal so as to honor the life just sacrificed. They believe all plants and animals are their relations and must be treated with respect. I’ve also observed that native people talk freely about Creator (God) and are equally quick to tell a joke. Lastly, the natives I’ve met seem to easily and willing include people of other races and cultures (despite near annihilation) and yet they hold on to their traditions.
On my desk is a picture of Chief Joseph, deceased Nez Pierce chief and one of the most notable leaders for Native Americans. It’s a reminder for me to live respectfully; honor my body with good nutrition and enough rest, honor the plants and animals whose life sustains mine, honor the people who created me and the many who guided me, honor those I love and those who challenge me, for they all are my teachers, and above everything else respect that magically life force known and appropriately named, Creator. For in the end, the only thing certain is that we shall join that invisible realm again. Aho!
