Hello My Friends,

In light of recent world events, I decided to re-post the following list of personal codes of conduct, by which to live, that are commonly referred to as the Native American Code of Ethics.

These principles are simple yet powerful, demanding yet gracious, timely and yet timeless.

I post them here as a token of my respect for the past, my appreciation of the present, and my hope for the future.

Most Sincerely,

Mark

NATIVE AMERICAN CODE OF ETHICS

1.
Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.  

2.
Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy – and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.

3.
Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it, for, you.

4.
Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor.

5.
Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.

6.
Respect all things that are placed upon this earth – whether it be people or plant.

7.
Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.

8.
Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.

9.
All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.

10.
Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.

11.
Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. It is part of your worldly family.

12.
Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow.

13.
Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you.

14.
Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within this universe.

15.
Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self – all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.

16.
Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions.

17.
Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others – especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden.

18.
Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first.

19.
Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others.

20.
Share your good fortune with others.

May The Great Spirit Smile down on you and keep you and yours safe

May the trail rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sunshine be warm upon your face

May the rain fall soft upon your fields

And, until we meet again, may The Great Spirit hold your hand in the palm of his hand.