Thnk: More Like a Native American Wisdom Keeper

First, you may be wondering. What exactly is a Wisdom Keeper?

I first became aware of the term many years ago after reading the book “Wisdomkeepers: Meetings With Native American Spiritual Elders” by Harvey Arden and Steve Wall. I highly recommend it.

A Native American wisdom keeper is a respected individual of a tribal community who holds knowledge of their tribe's traditional cultural practices, customs, and beliefs. They preserve and pass on this knowledge to future generations and are seen as spiritual leaders, healers, and advisers within their communities.

To think more like a Native American wisdom keeper, it's essential to embrace some of their core principles and values that have been passed down through generations. Here are some suggestions to guide your thoughts and actions:

Ways to Embrace Native American Wisdom in Your Thought Process:

Connect with nature: Native American wisdom keepers hold a deep connection to nature. Incorporate this connection into your life by spending more time outdoors, observing, and appreciating the natural world.

Be open to learning. Wisdom keepers understand that learning is a lifelong process. Adopt a student mindset and embrace the opportunity to learn from others, regardless of their background or experience.

Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and show appreciation for the world around you. This can help build stronger connections and promote a more harmonious existence.

Honor your ancestors: Native American wisdom emphasizes the importance of honoring those who have come before us. Remember the lessons of your forebears and continue their teachings in your daily life.

Be generous and kind: Native American cultures often prioritize generosity and kindness. Practice these values by sharing your time, knowledge, and resources with others.

Show respect for all living beings: Many indigenous cultures hold a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all life. Foster this understanding by treating every living being – both human and nonhuman, with dignity and respect.

Value community: Native American wisdom-keeper communities emphasize the importance of cooperation and unity. Cultivate a sense of belonging by supporting your local community and engaging in group activities.

Listen to your intuition: Wisdom keepers trust their instincts and follow their inner guidance. Develop and listen to your intuition to make sound decisions in life.

Embrace storytelling: Traditional indigenous cultures rely heavily on storytelling for education and entertainment. Tap into this wisdom by sharing your own story and learning from the experiences of others.

Seek balance: Wisdom keepers understand the importance of balance in life. Strive for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual equilibrium through mindfulness practices and self-reflection.

Practice forgiveness: Native American wisdom focuses on the importance of compassion and forgiveness to promote healing and harmony. Cultivate a forgiving mindset and approach conflicts with empathy and understanding.

Honor both the seen and unseen world: Wisdom keepers acknowledge the presence of both seen and unseen forces within our lives, such as spiritual guides and ancestors. Maintain this holistic worldview by exploring and respecting your own spiritual beliefs.

Wisdom Keeper Quotes:

Chief Seattle, Duwamish Tribe: "Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”

Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota Tribe: "Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”Part of Native American culture is thinking seven generations ahead.

Black Elk, Oglala Lakota Tribe: "The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers.”

Tecumseh, Shawnee Tribe: "Live your life so that the fear of death can never enter your heart.”

Crazy Horse, Oglala Lakota Tribe: "A very great vision is needed, and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky.”

White Eagle, Ponca Tribe: "When you are in doubt, be still and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.”

Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation: "If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you, and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, and what you do not know, you will fear.”

Crowfoot, Blackfoot Tribe: "What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

Chief Oshkosh, Menominee Tribe: "It is easier to sell a good thought than to give it away. This is why wise men place small value upon that which others can get for nothing.”

Geronimo, Chiricahua Apache Tribe: "I have hand on my heart a thousand times sworn I would give up everything for one hour's peace.”

Chief Joseph, Nez Perce Tribe: "It does not require many words to speak the truth."