Teachings From Mother Earth

Teach Me...
A Ute Prayer

Earth teach me stillness
   as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering
   as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility
   as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring
   as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage
   as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation
   as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom
   as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation
   as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration
   as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself
   as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness
   as dry fields weep with rain.

This Native American prayer is an absolute gem. Over the years, I have come to see this prayer as a blueprint for a way of being that makes us fully human. It presents human characteristics as the essentials for life that when put to use can give meaning to our existence. We can all learn and develop these qualities through practice and attention, and by doing so, they become our strengths.

The act of...

stillness allows for self-reflection, self-knowledge, and self-awareness. Make time to be still and you will see with the heart what is most important and be thankful for it.

suffering is the common thread that unites us as human beings. It is the painful side of life that none of us want to experience; however, if we keep an open mind, we will see there is meaning in the midst of our suffering. Our attitude towards personal suffering can transform tragedy into triumph. 

humility makes us teachable. It allows us to appreciate others, listen more and speak less.

caring for and helping other people is a gesture of love that benefits the giver even more than the receiver. Showing that you care keeps your heart open and makes you a better person.

courage is moving forward in spite of fear. It takes courage to take responsibility for your life and allow yourself to be real.

knowing and acknowledging our limitations helps us lose our arrogance. Being realistic about what we know and don't know is a strength that allows us to make progress and lead the life we want.

freedom is the ability to choose our thoughts, have our feelings, and create our own path in life. Real freedom comes from the choices we make and how we respond to life's challenges in any one moment.

resignation is perhaps stated best by Reinhold Niebuhr, "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Resignation is also knowing when it's time to let go and move on.

regeneration requires ongoing maintenance. It relates to the importance of replenishing our bodies, our selves - spiritually, mentally, and emotionally by looking within and being open to support from others.

forget myself has to do with shifting the focus from self to other long enough to help those in need. It is about paying attention and being engaged with others. In other words, " Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." (Philippians 2:4 MSG)

kindness is all good. It softens the heart and brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver. Choose to live with kindness. Be kind with yourself and others. Remember, when someone is unkind to you, that's about them and not you. Try not to personalize everything that happens to you. It's not always about you.

Finding meaning in life is what a well lived life is all about. May the message in this prayer help you see what's most significant in your world.

Cheers!