PHOTO: ARIELLAH
“When one is receiving, it is only natural to continue the Circle by giving in turn. Think of someone who has helped you out in some way even though they didn’t have to, especially someone who has helped you when you really needed it…
“Opening up to all our relations and the energy of the Circle means being able to share as well as receive and to do so in creative and meaningful ways. That is the way of the Circle.
“And it is important to give to those who appreciate what you offer and let go of those who don’t… Gather everything in the palms of your hands. Look at what is worth keeping and blow the rest away with a breath of kindness.
“We all have a choice. However, in the traditional way, one never takes without giving something in return.
“This is a way of the Circle known as ‘balancing things,’ and this is Osda Nuwati, or Good Medicine…The idea of balancing things serves a very special purpose in the Circle of Life. It is a river of kindness that flows through the Circle with much energy.
“In our lives, we must not be so concerned with what we’re trying to accomplish that we forget our true purpose of being helpers, or caretakers.
“If we view ourselves as helpers first and foremost, we are taking our place in the Sacred Circle and we are living in a Good Medicine Way, no matter who we are and where we come from.
“Here’s a good rule of thumb: For every person who helps you, it is your willing obligation to help seven others in return. And they too must help seven others, and so on and so forth.
“In this way, the Circle of Life turns with the spirit of generosity and kindness. That is the way of the Circle, and it is Good Medicine for all living beings.”
~Michael Garrett from Walking on the Wind: Cherokee Teachings of Harmony and Balance
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3 comments
Lee-Ann says:
Jan 19, 2012
Perfect
Paul River Roberts says:
Jun 25, 2015
Would be a much more potent article if you spoke from direct experience rather than third person and using terms like “when one” and “we” as even if you are speaking timeless wisdom these words still hold the energy of ego and self righteousness which is never the intent of the awakened heart or benevolence . I see as I personally surrender deeper into the presence and feelings in my own being whether they be desirable or not then I experience heaven on earth moment to moment and breath to breath . Blessings
Sally McLaughlin says:
Jun 25, 2015
I recently have been retaught this lesson in living. It came at a trying time for me and from my daughter. Forgotten was this giving without expecting anything in return. The universe has in turn supplied me with what my soul has needed. thankyou. this also sounds like a good book to have on hand. Namaste.