Vince Two Eagles
The Rez of the Story
"Focus On Being Thankful"
By Vince Two Eagles Hau Mitakuepi (Greetings My Relatives), Embedded in the Dakotah cultural perspective is the notion about being thankful--of course meaning being imbued with the "state of thankfulness." This subject being of particular importance because of the holiday "Thanksgiving" coming up on the 26th of this month. I wanted to be one of the Native columnists who remind Americans annually about the true history behind the so called "spirit" of the holiday--but not this week. In the spirit of Thanksgiving or more precisely "being in the state of thankfulness" let me share this bit of prose authored by a American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana, Max Ehrmann, who according to Wikipedia is widely known for his now famous "Desiderata" (Latin--"things desired"). Mr. Ehrmann's poem has helped me to sustain a positive outlook and by sharing it I sincerely hope it will do the same for you. "Desiderata" goes something like this: "Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story." It continues:
"Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. "Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the wor5ld is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. "Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity [dullness] and disenchantment it is perennial [enduring] as the grass. "Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of the spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; and whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should. "Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
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I know from experience that my efforts to further the narrative about the "Native American Story" puts me at risk for plunging into the destructive lure of negativity and hopelessness. Our story, however convoluted, is still, and forever must be, included in the written pages of human history. As a writer some times submerged in the researching of the sordid detail of America's treatment (past and present) of its Native population I never-the-less fine it necessary to rely on the peacefulness one finds in remembering to be thankful in living each and every day. The lesson learned from being in a state of thankfulness are enormous. In addition to the nice big turkey and all the trimmings to share with your families this year, teach yourself, each other, your children, and your grandchildren to not be so concerned with what they don't have but with what they have. Especially, be mindful of our relationships in our lives. I am convinced that this is the well from where we draw our strengths, courage, and other attributes that will sustain us to follow the "Red Road" (the road of success, happiness and good health) as we Indian people say. I know its early, but heartfelt nevertheless--have a happy, safe and thankful holiday season everyone. And now you know the rez of the story. Doksha (later). . . Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter.
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