Attached To The Rest Of The World

Simplicity 34 comments
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature,
He finds it attached to the rest of the world.” ~ John Muir
Photo: JoHanna Massey
Photo: JoHanna Massey

Millions world wide are shocked, saddened, and frightened by the violence that has taken place in Paris. Hearts grieve for the people who have suffered the loss of loved ones, those who are injured, and for all whose lives will be forever changed by this event. There is gratitude to those who courageously have showed up, and continue to show up to assist and support those in need.

Many Native American tribes strive to live by the belief of                                   The Seven Generations.

David Wilkins in the Indian Country Today Media Network writes of Vine Deloria’s interpretation of this belief:

Deloria’s articulation of the Seven Generations makes so much more sense on a human scale and does away with the destructive myth of mystical, all seeing Natives. In truth, our peoples were visionary but not in a passive, new-age way. We actively tended our families and our clan-ties by holding the lives, memories, and hopes of all Seven Generations close. Each generation was responsible to teach, learn, and protect the three generations that had come before it, its own, and the next three. In this way, we maintained our communities for millennia.

As I  express my sorrow and condolences to the citizens of France, as law enforcement and government confer to come up with a strategy and response to this vicious attack, as we all individually and as a world community try to move forward with our days…
I offer The Seven Generations Principle. for consideration.

34 comments

  4. This manner of life is honourable. My own life is often concerned with these values because my husband, as a Savoyard, and Catholic, actively concerns himself with the memory, reputation and heritage of his ancestors, with intent to pass what he can of them, to his own descendants. Its good to know that such a wise and ancient people do so also.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is reassuring to hear of those who are living it. I really do see these principles as just so right and true. Difficult at times to embrace, but worth the commitment.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Johanna, funny thing on Sat or Sun I posted a comment. Is it possible that it is in your awaiting approval? 🙂 if not, I may have not pushed the post comment and waited olong enough.
    I post frequently about Native Americans. They were here before we were and seem to be better connected in their feelings of nature, community and life. I wrote also about peace. I am so happy you liked my trees post. 🙂
    Very nice song sung by Peter Gabriel.
    I started this kind of comment but don’t mind coming back to share again. I mainly said this to indicate I feel bad at the gap in time which seems to look like I didn’t drop by. Take care and hope you have a great rest of the week and weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good Morning Robin. Sometimes things get lost into the aether. Happy you showed up this morning with this lovely comment.

      I have always found a great peace, calm and connection to the natural world, especially the trees. Was blessed during my working years to have had several employment opportunities that kept me outdoors, often in very remote areas.

      You may already know of this, but if not, there is a book called “Indian Givers” How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World, by Jack Weatherford, that you might find interesting.

      All my very best to you. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Greetings JoHanna. I first want to tell you how exquisite your photograph is! I love the look, and the sentiment it conveys!

    There are a couple of other things I’ve heard which the Seven Generations brings to mind. I’d have to go and find them, and post about them, but I very much appreciated your bringing to our attention this most important WAY of being and living.

    We have much to learn from those who came before us, who keep the integrity of the ancient ways intact, and guide us to keep in our hearts and minds, how our actions will touch those who will inherit from us.

    Peter Gabriel is a perfect choice!

    Fim

    Liked by 1 person

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