Native Pride

The most common reason for not liking someone is because we don't know them. We may tell ourselves we don't care for the way they look or we don't want to know them because they think they are special. These are just excuses. It's a tragedy to judge people by the way they look. Underneath every mask is a real person with real problems and real needs. We may look secure and it makes them uncomfortable. If they only knew, we have the same fears, the same thoughts that they do. Every friendship could take shape more quickly if we would speak and smile - even when there's no obvious response. ~ The Great Spirit, in placing men on the earth, desired them to take good care of the ground and to do each other no harm. ~

"No one likes to be criticized, but criticism can be something like the desert wind that, in whipping the tender stalks, forces them to strike their roots down deeper for security." --Polingaysi Qoyawayma, HOPI— You move toward and become that which you think about. Creating a vision is what guides our lives. If we get off track with our vision, then we experience conflict. Conflict is nature's way of telling us we are not in harmony. Criticism can be a way for one human being to help another. Often our Elders will give us criticism. This feedback is intended to be helpful. Criticism from our Elders helps us grow strong. Great Spirit, today, if I need it, please provide me positive criticism.