Each morning upon rising, each noon-time, and each evening, before sleeping, give thanks for life within you and all life, for the good things the Creator has given you, and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day.
Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek the things that will benefit everyone.
Respect means “To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy.” Showing respect is a basic law of life.
Treat every person, from the tiniest child to the oldest elder, with respect at all times.
Special respect should be given to Elders, Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders.
No person should be made to feel “put down” by you; avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.
Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially Sacred Objects) without written permission or an understanding between you.
Respect the privacy of every person, and never intrude on a person’s quiet moment or personal space.
Never walk between people who are conversing.
Never interrupt people who are conversing.
Speak in a soft voice, especially in the presence of Elders, strangers, or others to whom special respect is due.
Only speak if invited at gatherings where Elders are present (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).
Never negatively speak about others, whether they are present or not.
Treat Mother Earth and all of her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world, and the animal world. Do nothing to pollute our Mother. Rise with wisdom to defend her.
Show deep respect for the beliefs and religion of others.
Listen courteously to what others say, even if you feel that what they say is worthless. Listen with all your heart.
Respect the wisdom of the people in the council. Once you give an idea to a council meeting, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and do not insist that your idea prevails.
Indeed, you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas are quite different from the ones you have contributed. The clash of ideas brings forth the Spark of Truth.
Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, it will become apparent to everyone in its own time.
Be truthful at all times and under all conditions.
Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give your best food, blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.
The hurt of one is the hurt of all. The honor of one is the honor of all.
Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.
All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator, they must all be respected.
To serve others, to be useful to family, community, nation, and the world, is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your affairs and forget your most important task. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.
Observe moderation and balance in all things.
Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.
Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms: through sacred teachings, prayer, dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and the words and deeds of wise elders and friends.
CIRCLE OF COURAGE
“The Circle of Courage.” This philosophy, deeply rooted in Native American wisdom, offers valuable insights into human development and well-being. Here, we will delve into the principles and fundamental aspects of this circle.
The Circle of Courage is a model of positive youth development based on the integration of four core values:
Principles of The Circle of Courage
Fundamental Aspects of The Circle of Courage
The Circle of Courage is a powerful philosophy that can guide us in nurturing the well-being of individuals and communities. It emphasizes the importance of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity in promoting positive youth development. By understanding and applying these principles, we can create a brighter future for the next generation.
THE FIVE AGREEMENTS
“The Five Agreements.” These agreements, based on the ancient Toltec wisdom, offer a powerful framework for leading a life of personal freedom, happiness, and self-fulfillment. Join me, Sidhuri, the young tavern keeper, as we explore these transformative principles.
What Are The Five Agreements?
“The Five Agreements” are a set of guiding principles outlined in the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, with an additional agreement later added. These agreements are:
Be Impeccable with Your Word:
This agreement encourages us to be truthful and authentic in our words. It stresses the importance of using language to spread love, kindness, and positivity, while also avoiding self-criticism and gossip. By being impeccable with our word, we build trust and foster better relationships with others.
Don’t Take Anything Personally:
This agreement reminds us not to internalize the opinions and actions of others. People’s behavior is often a reflection of their own beliefs and experiences, and it’s not a personal attack. By not taking things personally, we free ourselves from needless suffering.
Don’t Make Assumptions:
Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. This agreement encourages clear and open communication. Instead of assuming, we should ask questions and seek understanding. By doing so, we avoid unnecessary drama and create a foundation of trust.
Always Do Your Best:
Doing your best doesn’t mean perfection; it means giving your best effort in every situation. This agreement promotes the idea of continuous self-improvement and striving for personal excellence. When you always do your best, you can be proud of your actions and avoid self-judgment.
Be Skeptical, But Learn to Listen:
This fifth agreement is an extension of the original four. It encourages us to be skeptical about the messages we receive and the beliefs we hold. It emphasizes the importance of listening to others with an open mind, which leads to a deeper understanding and stronger connections.
The Impact of The Five Agreements:
SEVEN HERMETIC PRINCIPALS
The Seven Hermetic Principles, also known as the Seven Laws of Hermes Trismegistus, are a set of timeless philosophical and metaphysical principles that have their roots in Hermeticism, a spiritual and philosophical tradition that dates back to ancient Egypt. These principles serve as a foundational framework for understanding the nature of reality, the universe, and our place within it. Here is a comprehensive guide to the Seven Hermetic Principles:
The Principle of Mentalism
“The All is Mind; The Universe is Mental.” This principle asserts that the fundamental nature of the universe is mental or consciousness-based. Everything in existence, including matter, energy, and spirit, is a manifestation of the Universal Mind or the One Source. In essence, all is a product of thought and consciousness.
The Principle of Correspondence:
“As above, so below; as below, so above.” This principle suggests that there is a harmonious relationship between the macrocosm (the greater universe) and the microcosm (individual realities). The patterns and laws that govern the cosmos also apply to our personal experiences, and vice versa. By understanding this principle, we can find connections and insights in all aspects of life.
The Principle of Vibration:
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.” This principle emphasizes that everything in the universe is in a constant state of motion and vibration, from the subatomic particles to celestial bodies. These vibrations create various frequencies, and our thoughts and emotions also emit vibrations that can influence our reality.
The Principle of Polarity:
“Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites.” This principle recognizes the duality inherent in the physical and metaphysical realms. Opposing forces or polarities, such as hot and cold, light and dark, and love and hate, coexist and complement each other. By understanding and balancing these polarities, we can find harmony and equilibrium.
The Principle of Rhythm:
“Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall.” This principle acknowledges the cyclic nature of the universe and all its phenomena. It’s like the ebb and flow of the tides, the cycles of seasons, and the patterns in our lives. By recognizing these rhythms, we can align ourselves with the natural flow of existence.
The Principle of Cause and Effect:
“Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause.” This principle underlines the idea that there are no random events in the universe; everything happens for a reason. Our thoughts, actions, and choices have consequences, and understanding this principle allows us to take responsibility for our lives and create positive outcomes.
The Principle of Gender:
“Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles.” This principle asserts that gender exists not only in the physical sense but also in the spiritual and mental realms. It’s about the interplay of masculine (active, assertive) and feminine (receptive, intuitive) energies in all things. Balancing and harmonizing these energies within ourselves can lead to personal and spiritual growth.
The Kabbalah Tree Of Life
Ein Sof:
Infinite and unknowable divine essence.
Source of all creation.
Keter (Crown):
Represents the first manifestation from Ein Sof.
Pure divine will and infinite light.
Often associated with the divine point.
Chokhmah (Wisdom):
Divine wisdom and the first spark of creation.
Active, dynamic, and masculine energy.
Source of intuitive insights.
Binah (Understanding):
Divine understanding and receptivity.
Feminine, receptive energy.
Associated with the contemplative aspect of God.
Chesed (Kindness):
Sphere of divine benevolence and mercy.
Expansive, giving energy.
Represents love and compassion.
Gevurah (Severity):
Sphere of divine severity and justice.
Restrictive, disciplined energy.
Represents judgment and strength.
Tiferet (Beauty):
Harmony and balance between Chesed and Gevurah.
Mediator of mercy and severity.
Represents beauty and compassion.
Netzach (Eternity):
Sphere of divine victory and endurance.
Energies related to perseverance and ambition.
Hod (Glory):
Sphere of divine glory and acknowledgment.
Energies related to acknowledgment and humility.
Yesod (Foundation):
Sphere of divine foundation and connection.
Symbolizes the link between spiritual and material realms.
Often associated with the moon.
Malkuth (Kingdom):
Represents the physical world.
Sphere of manifestation and realization.
The point where divine energy becomes tangible in the material world.
Pillars:
The Tree is divided into three pillars: the Pillar of Severity (left), the Pillar of Mercy (right), and the Pillar of Balance (center).
Paths:
Connect the Sefirot and represent the journey of energy and consciousness between them.
Each path corresponds to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Unity and Wholeness:
The Tree of Life is a holistic representation of divine emanation, illustrating the interconnectedness of all aspects of creation.
