I’m working with people all the time that are in various stages of creating success in online marketing and content syndication. It’s a fast paced, very demanding enterprise that requires incredible concentration and focused action. So much so, that I sometimes feel we become oblivious to the “real” world around us.
That can be a good thing to the extent that it insulates us from the nonsense and negativity is often the main attraction in the real world theatre.
It can also make us forget our obligations, however… Our obligations to our fellow network marketers… to our family and friends, the land that sustains us, the creatures that walk with us. We might even forget our duty to have an impact to the best of our ability on the world in which we live.
Today, I want you to step away from your business mind for a few minutes. I’d like you to contemplate the prayer I offer to my Community… That is, to all my Relations… My Relations that are living beings and creatures, and those that are part of the inanimate world that I call my home.
This is a Lakota prayer that I learned many years ago, and repeat always. I do not offer it because I believe that the Lakota world-view is any better or any worse than any other. I offer it because it brings us into Spirit, as the prayers of all religions are designed to do. It is the Way of the Lakota.
I offer this prayer as a challenge.
A challenge to comprehend your place in Community. That place is as brother and sister to each other, as Keeper of the Earth, as protector of ALL our Relations on this Earth, and as children of the Great Mystery that is Sacred.
A challenge to comprehend the Source of Community. This Source is what the Lakota call The Great Mystery. Many call it God. Many call it Spirit. It is a single Truth. There are not different Truth’s for different paths. There is a single Truth, for all paths. Depending on our religion, culture, or personal philosophy, We walk many different paths… but there is but One Source. It is the Source that has inspired all religions and spiritual paths. This is the teaching of the Lakota.
Most of all, this prayer is a challenge to live in love with all your Relations at all times. This love comes from understanding and humbly accepting that We Are All Related. There is no joy or victory in defeating our Relative’s army, or nation, or political belief, or religious dogma, or right to express their beliefs through marginalization, shout-downs or criminalization. To do so expresses hatred rather than love for Community.
Do not say you love all people when you love only those whose views you share. Do not say you love, when you sit at your computer, looking for ways to undermine those with whom you disagree. Do not say you love, when you plot and scheme, and bear false witness against those whom you wish to discredit, because you do not share their beliefs, color, politics, religion or ideology. Do not say you love when you speak hatred for your brother who watches a different news station than you, or for your sister who prays to a different God.
Dishonesty, angry words, plots to discredit others… These actions dishonor Community, and cause hatred and division that alienates you from Spirit. You are hidden from the Light, though you receive great applause.
This is the Way of the Lakota.
I offer this challenge to you today.
Before you ridicule and scheme against those that you think are stupid, dangerous, narrow-minded, self-righteous and unworthy to be heard… Know that they are Community. Labels imposed on them are artificial, meant to set them up for ridicule and scorn. Do not see only black and white, right and wrong, good and bad, republican and democrat, terrorist and patriot, racist and purist.
Your violation of any person or group of persons’ right to be heard and to be loved EQUALLY with those you deem brilliant, wise and worthy… violates your sacred duty to Community, and prohibits you from being in Spirit. Such actions of anger, hatred, POWER and PRIDE may gain you great popularity and acclaim, even fortunes and fame… but they destroy Community, and prevent it from being sustained in love… in Spirit.
Walk always in Love and Humility, ESPECIALLY when you believe you are endangered and wronged. Love ESPECIALLY, those who plot against you. This expression of Love is what sustains Community.
This is the Teaching of the Lakota. Aho.
David,
What an awesome prayer! Some have used the internet as a place to spew their angry opinions, not realizing there are people out there, not a vast space.
Personal connections between people are so key to becoming your best. I really like your thoughts on why we like people. Stepping out of judgment and being open to new ideas. Great thought provoking areas to contemplate.
Thanks for sharing your ideas,
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..How Many Rocks Are in Your Backpack? =-.
You are right on David. We need to bind ourselves together in a way that respects and celebrates our lives on this planet. I am always in debt to you and your post.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..Never Give Up =-.
Thanks Nelson and Val. We’ll keep it real out here.
Let’s work together to stop the snickering, finger-pointing and self-righteous “we know better than you” stuff that pervades our culture… from the 6:00 News to the midnight “talk” shows.
It’s all designed to keep us from relating to each other in loving relationship. Let’s not take the bait any more.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing this, David.
Love. Tolerance. Discussion. Community. Spirit. Peace.
We are all related. We are all one, indeed.
Beautiful.
.-= Beth Allen´s last blog ..How My 2 Year Old Taught Me the Value of the Platinum Rule =-.
David,
WOW, thank you for sharing something so deep and profound from your heart. The message comes in many ways and in many forms but the message is always the same. LOVE.
This is a tall order to truly live on a daily basis. And it is a huge challenge that you have given us.
A number of years ago my mother passed away and at the time I was reflecting on her life and preparing what I was going to say at her funeral. The conclusion of my message about my mom’s life was that she lived by a very simply belief. Love One Another. I can say that I was blessed by this in my life and I can also say that I have work to do.
Thank for sharing something so personal to you.
.-= Don Enck´s last blog ..The iPad…Is This The Future Of Computer Technology? =-.
Hi David,
We are all just leaves on the tree called humanity and the sooner everyone realizes this the better life will be. We are all one and the same and loving each other is what makes the difference.
Great post.
Garth
.-= Garth´s last blog ..Dating Tips – Men, Not Getting That Second Date, and Want It? =-.
Thanks Beth, I truly value your opinion, and your support to this tribe community.
Don, the story about your mother certainly resonates with me. The only thing I really remember about my mother is how deeply she loved the people around her. She had lots of faults, we all do. But only her willingness to love carries on. The most important goal and purpose of our lives is simply that… to love. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for your insight Garth. There are many types of love, as you know. But they all bind us into Community. Glad to have you out here.
David,
The spirit of Humanity flows through us all, but you are one of its incredible tributaries that speaks to many. As I have grown older, and because I am a parent, I have noticed my tolerance for differences has expanded, and while there are people who do really stupid stuff in this world that make me very upset, I try my best to remember that they are someone’s child.
This message cannot be said or written enough. This prayer is beautiful and sacred. The wisdom of America’s original inhabitants brings me to my knees every time…our cultural fixation on winning and money and getting ahead for the sake of getting ahead is a force that seduces millions. Yet we all know we can’t take any of it with us, but the Love we give to and receive from others must surely send us to the next place in peace.
Thank you for these words, for this prayer.
Mary Lou
.-= Mary Lou´s last blog ..Lose Weight While Watching TV! (Thanks, Doctor Oz!) =-.
I love this! Aho! Very wise words to live by — Thanks David
.-= Karla Setchel´s last blog ..How To Get the Dishes Washed! =-.
This is so powerful David!
Over time, I have learned not to judge people, for who am I to say that I am better. Just because I don’t have the same views as someone else doesn’t make my thoughts the right ones. I accept people for who they are and always try to find the good in all.
People need to stop judging others and re-focus their energies on improving their own actions!
Thanks for sharing David,
Sharon
.-= Sharon Hartman´s last blog ..My Top Ten Recommended Plugins for Your WordPress Blog =-.
Wow David! Thank you so much for sharing this. If everyone spent more time improving themselves and stopped trying to change others, the world would be a better place!
Thanks again!
David Haines
.-= David A Haines´s last blog ..5 Network Marketing Secrets =-.
Peace David!
The principle of a Community is harmony. The respect for others is self respect.
“You can pray for whatever you want, but it is always best to pray for others, not for yourself.” John Fire Lame Deer
.-= Omar Estrada´s last blog ..Network Marketing para Dummies =-.
That affirmation by the wise Lame Deer, is in full connection with your spirit!
You know? It´s awesome to be part of a community whose principles are these.
¡Gracias!
.-= Omar Estrada´s last blog ..Network Marketing para Dummies =-.
Mary Lou, you’re so right. We can’t take anything… No Thing… AT ALL… Yet, we spend so much time in the pursuit of that which we will never own, even if it rests in our hands for a short time.
Sharon, you’ve got it! Spend time improving our SELVES. Forget about judging others… And we must be especially careful to not judge people who judge us, or who we perceive as self-righteous. That only immerses us in the depths of a sea from which we will never see shore.
But yes… spend the time on improving ourselves instead. Great insight Sharon. Thanks.
David… You’re right on target. Spend the time improving ourselves instead of judging others. That way we actually make progress instead of engaging in a futile exercise that does nobody any good.
Omar, thanks so much for the great quote. Yes, indeed. Best to pray for others. I might even add, best to pray for those that you find most despicable. They, too, are your brothers and sisters. Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap that is always before us… the trap of thinking “we” are RIGHT and “they” are WRONG. Even more, listen to them and be open from the heart… do not shut them out by declaring them “hateful”, “extreme”, “bigoted”, “racist”, “dangerous”… or whatever other term people use to avoid sincere dialog of substance. Name-calling seems so juvenile, yet it is an extremely popular pastime these days.
Great to hear from you Omar.
David,
Thanks for sharing directly from your heart.
If you want to receive love in your live, you need to give love. Harmony, Tolerance and Respect is the only way.
Thank you for this prayer.
Raisa
.-= Raisa Garrido´s last blog ..Más tráfico a tu blog =-.
Oh, thank you, David for the great spirit!
Tolerance and understanding is the way of humanity. The other way around, as you imply, is a run to self exclusion… yet, popular these days isn´t it?
Big hug!
.-= Omar Estrada´s last blog ..Network Marketing para Dummies =-.
Raisa, so glad to have you here. You are always an inspiration and a leader.
David,
This is such a powerful prayer. It is a wonderful reminder to stay in conciousness and be really present for everything around us. It is so easy to have my neurons sucked right into the computer and never come up for air! I am on my way to a very important service for my church….I will be thinking of your words the whole time that I am there. Thank you for sharing these wonderful words.
Mentor Mama
I’m happy to share with you, Nancy, as you have been so willing to share with us. Our sharing plays an essential role in keeping the circle spinning.
Hello David,
“Activity is love, first and foremost…”. Wow I can so relate to that.
and of course the harmony it creates.
It really looks that it comes from deepest of your heart.
Thanks for sharing this
And I must admit that those Lakota words remind me a little
bit the language and atmosphere that was presented in the
“Avatar” film lately.
All the best,
Yossi
.-= Yossi Steinblatt´s last blog ..Your Destiny Is In Your Hands =-.
David,
The Great Spirit is a uniter and not a divider. He would have us all realize that we are brothers and sisters. Respect of nature and keeping in mind that this world does not belong to us but in fact to future generations that are to come is one of his truths.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful prayer my brother.
Keep rockin,
John
.-= John Chatman´s last blog ..Social Media Network Marketing =-.
Thanks for such a lovely prayer.I agree there is so much hatred in the world.Thanks for sharing.
Beverly
.-= Beverly Monical´s last blog ..The Next Best and Greatest Business Is… =-.
Hey Yossi, great to have you check in!
You know, I didn’t even see Avatar, but now you’ve got me curious about it. Thanks for the tip off, I’ll check it out.
.-= David Merrill´s last blog ..Community Prayer: We Are All Related =-.
Beverly, I’m glad we connected out here. We’ll keep the wheels turning on this… together.
.-= David Merrill´s last blog ..Community Prayer: We Are All Related =-.
Hey John. The future really is now. We’re making it happen, so let’s make sure we get it right. Glad the prayer resonated!
.-= David Merrill´s last blog ..Community Prayer: We Are All Related =-.
David – This is so powerful and thanks so much for sharing. You are right – we are all one big community:)
.-= Glyna Humm´s last blog ..My New Favorite Timesaving Toolbar! =-.
Thanks for being a part of THIS community, Glyna. You always add a lot of insight and value.
David, David ~ You have the gift of connecting my
friend. Everything I learn from you is respected
and special to me. I think it is because you do
really care.
I loved this and so appreciate what you give us.
.-= Robin Lynn Brooks´s last blog ..Listen for that Real Connection in Relationship Building =-.
Thank you David for this reminder of our stewardship here. We truly are all connected and that connection should always prompt us to acceptance, tolerance, charity. The Lakota way is a way of peace and contentment.
.-= Val Haderlie´s last blog ..Making Room for Miracles (Part 1) =-.
Hi David: Appreciate your community prayer. We are all one with the universe. Love and sharing is the way. Thx for this community prayer.
I’m glad you joined in, Arlan. Giving is a powerful prayer. We need to practice it every day in one form or another. This was a little gift I offered to the universe, for all of us to share in.