It is a saddening sight to witness so many of our Human Family, our relatives, ensnared within the confines of the self, like being entombed, buried under the weight of ceaseless worldly cravings and desires. These desires, like tendrils, entwine the spirit, veiling its true essence and fastening it to mirages that only lead to a deeper void. They draw us away from the life of unity and our sacred duty to care for one another and honor Mother Earth, the very source of our breath and being.
If one were to grasp but a single dewdrop from the clear, flowing waters of divine knowledge—the sacred wisdom gifted to us by our Creator, the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka—then one would see with new eyes and know that the true essence of life is not found in the fleeting sensations of the flesh, but in the everlasting life of the spirit. Our true purpose and strength lie in this spirit, which binds us to one another and all creation.
The life of the spirit is a journey of awakening and remembrance, a liberation from the chains that bind us to self-centered pursuits, and a return to the circle of life that unites all beings. It beckons us to look beyond ourselves and strive for a profound unity that fosters healing for all the human family. This unity is not just a concept; it is a call to action that urges us to rise, hand in hand, to restore Mother Earth to her rightful balance and honor the sacred gift of life entrusted to us.
Through this sacred vision, we come to realize that we are not separate from the rivers, the winds, the mountains, or each other. We are a single breath, a single prayer, carried forth by the Creator. The life of the spirit draws us into this understanding, compelling us to let go of superficial desires and embrace the depth of our purpose: to unite humanity in compassion, respect, and love and to walk in harmony upon Mother Earth, honoring her with every step.
Let us turn our hearts to the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka, our Creator, and remember our role as guardians of this world. Let us release the illusions of self and worldly attachments, returning to the sacred path that leads to unity, to the restoration of Mother Earth, and to the life that is genuinely everlasting—the life of the spirit.
Shunkmanu He Me Yedo! Chanupa Sapa He Me Yedo!
Hinhan Wicasta/Deloria Tiospaye, Ihanktonwan, and Chickasaw Nations
