The Healing Power of Understanding - Van Benson

By Van Benson - Motive Matters - motivematters.com
There are rich traditions within the Native American culture that speak of the importance of relationships. Josh Sutterfield, Cultural Resource Specialist, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, writes “There are four essential elements required to maintain a traditional concept of relationship within the Myaamia (Miami)”. Mr. Sutterfield continues:
1.) “KNOWLEDGE (kweehsitaatinki) – In order for relationship to be maintained we must seek to understand those whom we wish to relate to. This happens through awareness and seeking knowledge of the other.
2.) RESPECT (kweehsitaatinki) This term is the overlap between the notions of ‘fear’ and ‘respect’. Loss of respect produces instability. Instability brings harm to the people. Within the concept of kweehsitaatinki (respect) is the belief that one should not seek control over others, rather we should learn to identify the differences that exist within the social complex and respect them.
3.) HUMBLENESS (eelaaminaanki) – In a modern context, means ‘to pray’, and gives the notion of ‘gratitude’. Humbleness embodies the belief that we are not separate from the others, but are part of a larger aggregate, and our actions affect all others within the social complex in which we live.
4.) HEALING (peelakiinki) This word expresses the notion of ‘healing’ and ‘curing’. An alternate context for the term is ‘I grant life to a prisoner, set him free’. Relationships can be violated and so it is important to have the ability to heal the violation.
The relationship concept of the Myaamiaki (Miami people) has evolved over many generations through an empirical process of knowledge-practice-belief. It is therefore legitimized over time as essential for sustainable living from the perspective of this one human group, The Miami. It is through this concept that we maintain mutually respectful relationships”.
The understanding of our individual gifts of innate personality driven by a core motive has the potential to bring about much needed healing within our world today. The healing power of understanding empowers us to continue our life journey…a journey with a mission…a mission of love and service.