Thanks to Maureen Ingram for joining our group and hosting this month's gathering of the Spiritual Journey, and for providing the topic of Community as our focus for the month. You can find her post and the rest of the group here.
I'm currently reading and learning from Braiding Sweetgrass, which is full of wisdom from indigenous tribes, written by Robin Wall Kimmerer. She shares a Thanksgiving Address, a traditional way to begin meetings in the Onondaga Nation. This particular address has been widely shared, and was given by John Stokes and Kanawahientun in 1993:
Today we have gathered and when we look upon the faces around us, we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now let us bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People. Now our minds are one.
I'm trying to let this address sink in, with its emphasis on balance and harmony. Notice that he speaks not of hopes or dreams, but the duty to live in balance and harmony. Likewise, not only within the human community, but also balance and harmony with all living things. In a few words, John Stokes outlines huge challenges. Lifelong challenges. Still... I believe that we all yearn for balance and harmony. To me these two ideals embody community, and imply a possibility that often seems insurmountable. And yet... and yet I agree that it is our duty to work toward them. I especially admire John Stokes' sense of certainty in the final phrase that affirms community: Now our minds are one.
Choir has been a particular source of community for me. We gather and work hard with the goals of balance and harmony. I often come back to music as a balm. And so, today I will leave you with music.
Many blessings.
Karen, music always soothes my soul and this song is such a feel uplifting one. In my K-12th life, I lived in Syracuse, NY and was well acquainted with the Onondaga Nation. Yet, I never read any of their writings. The Thanksgiving Address is a testament to community and what it offers to each member. I like the line, "to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things". It is a duty as a member of the community. What if the world could do the same? Balance and harmony are important elements. I am so pleased to be a member of this community of writers and friends. I learn so much from each member and feel the harmony when I read each post. Thank you for giving me the time before bed to reflect upon your words.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift you've shared with us today. I still haven't read Braiding Sweetgrass, but think I would enjoy it. I love that you pointed out searching for harmony and balance in your choir community. We are blessed by the groups we belong to.
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ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and true, this duty to be in balance and harmony with all living things. Nature itself glimmers with it - no doubt why we find such healing and peace in communing with it. Connecting these ideas and community with choir is masterful - a vivid illustration of all the parts working together in balance and harmony! This song so buoys the spirit - thank you for finding the words and music and sending them out to us. I must read Braiding Sweetgrass.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I am so touched by your meditation here today. I love this passage that you have singled out from Braiding Sweetgrass (a book that has been on my bedside table for too long and begs to be read), and your emphasis on "the duty to live in balance and harmony." I immediately think - well, yes, our 'duties' are not always automatic or easy, they often take much intention and focus. I agree with you, this idea of 'obligation' to strive for balance and harmony is at the heart of community. Thank you!! You have given me much to contemplate!
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you for sharing what you are learning from Braiding Sweetgrass. I like the community of generations coming through in the excerpt by John Stokes and Kanawahientun. "Today we have gathered and when we look upon the faces around us, we see that the cycles of life continue." It brings balance and harmony, and it helps me today to appreciate my place in that cycle and act accordingly. Thank you for your post today.
ReplyDeleteKaren, this blog was wonderful. I think we all strive for balance and harmony more than ever. John Stokes is so right.
ReplyDeleteI nodded my head with your comment that we yearn for harmony and balance at our core, even as we feel the chaos around and within us. The analogy to choir is so fitting--and thank you for the bonus song at the end of your post!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, i am trying to get intouch with you and your brother but i could not find any other contact information than facebook messenger and your blog. I have also sendt you a message on messenger, but i dont think hou have seen it. I am searching for relatives in the USA, because my great great grandfather moved to USA back in 1883. His name was Ole Jakob Evenson. I think maybe you are related to his brother Otto? I might also be wrong, so sorry if am wrong🙈 Anyway, if you are and you want to write to me, please feel free to contact me on messenger or mail: siljesmess@gmail.com😊 Best wishes from Silje Evensen, Norway
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