The Sacred Power of Wówaši: Finding Strength and Serenity in the Spiritual Realm
Two sacred forces influence us in this world of time and space: Wówaši (Joy) and Wóiye (Pain).
Wówaši lifts our spirits like the flight of a mighty eagle! In moments of Wówaši, our strength grows with vitality, our minds become sharp like the edge of a finely crafted knife, and our understanding becomes as clear as the waters of the sacred rivers. We find ourselves better equipped to walk our path, to fulfill our purpose, and to contribute to the circle of life. But when Wóiye descends upon us, our strength weakens, our connection to Mother Earth weakens, our vision of the sacred truths clouds, and our spirits dim. The mysteries of the universe seem beyond our reach, and we feel as if we are but shadows of our true selves.
No being is untouched by these two sacred forces, yet all the sorrow and grief arise from the world of matter—the spiritual realm, the domain of the Great Spirit, bestows only Wówaši!
If we endure suffering, it results from our entanglement with the physical world, for all trials and tribulations stem from this realm of illusions.
Consider the hardships of daily life: a hunter may lose thier skill, and despair follows. A craftsperson may find their hands failing them, and the fear of hunger looms. A farmer may see thier crops fail, and thier mind fills with worry. Someone may build a lodge consumed by fire, leaving them without shelter, lost in sorrow.
These examples show that the challenges we face, all the Wóiye, shame, and grief, are born from the physical world. The spiritual world, the domain of the Creator, knows no such sorrow. One whose thoughts dwell in this spiritual realm experiences constant Wówaši. Though the trials of the physical world may touch us, they only graze the surface. Our inner being remains calm and serene, like a still lake under the moonlight.
Today, humanity is burdened with Wóiye, sorrow, and grief. No one is spared. The world is soaked in tears. But, with deep gratitude to the Creator, the path to healing is before us. Let us turn our hearts away from the illusions of the physical world and dwell in the spiritual realm! It is there that true freedom resides! If we find ourselves surrounded by difficulties, we need only call upon the Creator, and through Wakan Tanka’s great mercy, we shall find strength.
If Wóiye and hardship come our way, let us lift our faces to the spiritual realm, and the Great Spirit will shower us with divine comfort. If we are sick and suffering, let us call upon the Creator for healing, and the Great Spirit will hear our prayers.
When the bitterness of this world weighs down our minds, let us turn our eyes to the sweetness of the Creator’s compassion, and Wakan Tanka will grant us heavenly peace! Though the material world may confine our bodies, our spirits can soar into the skies, free and unbound, like an eagle!
As the end of our days approaches, let us contemplate the eternal realms, and we shall find Wówaši!
Everywhere you look, you see the limitations of the material world—how fleeting joy, comfort, peace, and consolation are in this realm of illusions. Is it not wise to seek these sacred treasures where they truly dwell? The doors of the spiritual realm are open to all. Outside this realm is only darkness.
Let us thank the Creator for possessing this sacred knowledge, for in all the sorrows of life, we can find the highest consolation. If our days on Mother Earth are numbered, we know the path to everlasting life awaits us. If material concerns cast a shadow over our lives, spiritual light will guide us. Those whose hearts are illuminated by the Spirit of the Great Creator find supreme peace.
Thus, spirituality is the greatest gift of the Creator, and “Life Everlasting” means “Turning to the Great Spirit.” May each of us grow daily in spirituality, be strengthened in all that is good, be uplifted by divine comfort, and may the power of the Otherside Camp live and work within us.
Shunkmanu He Me Yedo! Chanupa Sapa He Me Yedo!
Ihanktonwan and Chickasaw Nations
