Every year many of us lay out New Year’s resolutions; little ways that we might better ourselves to be a better, upgraded version of our past year’s self. Sometimes we succeed and drop a few pounds or finally whittle down that credit card debt, but we should really look at each new day as a chance to work on those resolutions, shouldn’t we?
The Native American Code of Ethics reads like New Year’s Resolution for humanity — meaning we should all strive to follow its code. If we did, the world would certainly be a better place come December 31.
We’ve picked some standout points from the code, but please checkout the entire thing and resolve to never stop trying.
Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often.
The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.
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Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others
to make your path for you. It is your road, and
yours alone. Others may walk it with you,
but no one can walk it for you.
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Treat the guests in your home with much consideration.
Serve them the best food, give them the best
bed and treat them with respect and honor.
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Do not take what is not yours whether from
a person, a community,the wilderness or from a
culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.
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Respect all things that are placed upon
this earth – whether it be people or plant.
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Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words.
Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them.
Allow each person the right to personal expression.
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All persons make mistakes.
And all mistakes can be forgiven.
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Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind,
body and spirit. Practice optimism.
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Children are the seeds of our future. Plant
love in their hearts and water them with
wisdom and life’s lessons. When they
are grown, give them space to grow.
Avoid hurting the hearts of others.
The poison of your pain will return to you.
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Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the
test of one’s will within this universe.
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Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual
self, Emotional self, and Physical self – all need
to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out
the body to strengthen the mind. Grow
rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.
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Make conscious decisions as to who
you will be and how you will react. Be
responsible for your own actions.
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Respect the privacy and personal space of
others. Do not touch the personal property of
others – especially sacred and religious
objects. This is forbidden.
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Respect others religious beliefs.
Do not force your belief on others.
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Share your good fortune with others.
Participate in charity.