Ralph P. Brown

Giving Our Best in the Indian Tradition: A Double Blessing



Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009

by
Mirrored Windows

In the Indian tradition way it is customary to welcome a guest into our home with kindness and generosity by offering the best that we have. In some homes there may not be much - a little coffee, some fry bread -- but whatever we have we offer it to our guests in a good way with a good heart.

This is more than just a simple courtesy. We do this to make the person feel welcome and comfortable. This creates a good/positive feeling in the visitor and is our way of blessing that person. Then when that person leaves, he or she carries this positive energy in their hearts and minds. They bless us with this energy. Perhaps they will speak of their visit with someone and say kind words, leaving this person with positive thoughts about us.

Energy that is related to our intentions, creates. And positive energy creates positive things. We can now charge this energy with our intentions and create for our homes, our family, for balance, good health and well-being.

Both parties, the host and the guest, receive a blessing because both are giving and receiving through this perfect circle in a sacred manner. The host gives his best in a good way and receives a blessing in the form of good thoughts and possibly good words from the guest. The guest receives from the host then gives his blessing through positive thoughts and energy, completing the sacred circle.

When done with a good heart this simple exchange can produce a wealth of gifts for all involved. This is not just limited to our homes. This exchange can take place between people anywhere, at any time. Giving our best isn't limited to treats from our cupboards. We can give our best through a warm handshake and kind words.

I always think of the saying, "Be careful how you treat a stranger lest you entertain an angel." Since all people come from God, should we not view them as such?

Each time you do this you not only bless that person, you open yourself up to a blessing as well. You get what you give. Each encounter is an opportunity for a blessing... and who can't use more of this in their life?

Give your best and be blessed!
Ralph P. Brown (also known as Tawennihake) is a Mohawk Indian of the Akwesasne tribe. Ralph an author and self-taught artist who draws inspiration from his native culture, nature and his unique perspective on the world and his spirituality. Ralph is also a ceremony leader, pipe carrier and musician. He is the author of "Awakening the Eagle: A Guide to the Medicine Wheel" and "13 Virtues to a New Life: A Journey Around the Medicine Wheel" available at www.RalphPBrown.com. Visit his website at www.mirroredwindows.com for additional insight, stories, lessons and visual creations related to many Native American stories.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Nenita Wells
from Providence, RI 2 years 253 days ago.
Hi Ralph.
 
This is one of the best articles I have read in SearchWarp. This article is loaded with positive custom and tradition with pure goodness as well as guide for living a good life. I truly believe what you said, "Each encounter is an opportunity for a blessing..." and we certainly can use more of this in our lives. From now on, I will be more careful in how I treat a stranger because that stranger could be angel.
 
Thank you Ralph for sharing this insightful piece of your work.
 
More blessings.
 
Best regards,
 
Nenita
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