Happy SMART Day Everyone!
According to a Cree Native American tradition that originated from the very beginning of creation, every morning when the sun comes up our Creator gives each of us four tasks for that day:
1) First we must learn at least one meaningful thing;
2) Next we must teach at least one meaningful thing to another person;
3) Then we must do something for some other person—and it is best if that other person does not even realize we have done something for them;
4) Lastly, we must treat all living things with respect.
As each person goes through the practice of implementing these things on a daily basis, they spread that consciousness throughout the world. Nice tradition huh?
So, what is your tradition? If you don’t think you have one—think again—we all do. What do you do every day when you wake up? Do you kick off the sheets and jump out of bed looking forward to a great new day? Or…well, you tell me. Unfortunately if you watch the news, read the newspaper or check the posts on Facebook you can tell that not everyone wakes up with a smile on their face and love in their heart. Actually, when you think about it, the manner in which we wake up, and the routines that fill our morning and our day are our traditions. And just like the intentions that the Cree Native American’s have, we are spreading that consciousness out and around the planet.
The good news is that if we aren’t happy with the traditions we’ve practiced in the past, we can start a new tradition right now. All we have to do is realize that our traditions reflect what we think about and what we believe are important. Anyone who wants to be thought of as a positive, uplifting and kind person can make a corresponding decision right now, and begin to include traditions and practices every day to make that a reality. Can’t think of any traditions on your own? No matter—I’m sure the Cree’s won’t mind if you borrow their tradition, starting right this minute.
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” ~Annie Dillard, The Writing Life
“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” ~Fr. Alfred D’Souza
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