To restore balance in this world and unite, we must enter a state of consciousness that transcends the fleeting, material distractions that bind us to the illusions of time and space. These illusions, like shadows cast upon Mother Earth, draw us into an unhealthy relationship with the world of the senses, where temporary desires, fears, and attachments cloud the true purpose of our being. While beautiful and necessary, the physical world reflects a deeper spiritual reality that lies beyond its ever-changing forms.
To achieve this higher consciousness, we must attune ourselves to the eternal truths gifted to us by Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery. This requires turning inward, focusing on the core of our being where the eternal flame of the spirit resides. In this sacred space, we are called to manifest the spiritual qualities that allow us to rise above the transient nature of this world.
Qualities such as love, compassion, justice, humility, forgiveness, and service to others are the sacred tools we detach from this illusory world's changes and chances. These qualities root us in the eternal, guiding us to live in harmony with the divine order established by our Creator.
Focusing on our spiritual being transcends the distractions of the senses and anchors us in a reality that is not bound by time or space but is instead infinite, interconnected, and eternal. By nurturing this consciousness, we become aware that our physical existence is part of a much greater tapestry—a spiritual web woven by the Great Mystery, where every soul, every being, and every element of creation is intimately connected.
This deepened spiritual awareness generates a positive vision of unprecedented unity and action. As we transcend the limitations of the material world and step into the realm of spirit, we realize that humanity's divisions—whether based on race, nation, creed, gender, or social standing—are illusions, reflections of a world disconnected from its spiritual roots. In truth, we are one human family united by our shared origin in the Creator and our collective responsibility to care for Mother Earth, which sustains us all.
The time has come for humanity to awaken to this sacred knowledge and take unprecedented, unified action to restore our world balance, harmony, and peace. We must come together as one people, guided by the ancient wisdom of Indigenous peoples and the spiritual teachings passed down through generations in all Wakan Tanka's Spiritual Faiths. This unity requires us to set aside the superficial differences that separate us and instead focus on the spiritual qualities that unite us.
We elevate ourselves and contribute to Mother Earth's healing by entering this higher consciousness. When we transcend the material world and reconnect with the eternal, we begin to understand that the degradation of the environment, the exploitation of resources, and the disharmony between humanity and nature are symptoms of our spiritual disconnection. To heal Mother Earth, we must first heal ourselves, returning to a state of harmony with the spiritual laws of the universe.
This unprecedented, unified action calls for a sacred alliance of all peoples grounded in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility. It is a call to protect the sacredness of water, the air's purity, and the land's vitality. It is a call to honor the wisdom of Indigenous teachings, which remind us that we are caretakers of Mother Earth, not her masters. And it is a call to foster love, understanding, and cooperation among all nations so that we may restore the balance that our world desperately needs.
In manifesting these spiritual qualities and aligning our consciousness with the eternal truths of Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, we will create a future where humanity stands united in purpose and action. In this vision, the sacred hoop of life is mended, and the Human Family, in all its diversity, walks together in harmony with each other and Mother Earth. This is the path of spiritual awakening, the path that transcends the illusions of time and space and leads to the everlasting light of the Creator.
Ultimately, this journey toward unity and restoration is an external effort and a profound inner transformation. By transcending the material and embracing the eternal, we realize that the spirit's life is true. Through this understanding, we become active participants in the healing and renewal of humanity and Mother Earth. Together, we will rise, guided by the flame of the spirit, toward a future where love, peace, and unity reign and Mother Earth, restored to her full beauty, flourishes once again.
Shunkmanu He Me Yedo! Chanupa Sapa He Me Yedo!
Hinhan/Deloria Tiospaye, Ihanktonwan and Chickasaw Nations
