I am remembering attending a Standing for Mother Earth event two years ago where we were asked
to form a circle. Each of us then were instructed to name one word that
described what we were grateful for. Many said rain, community, families,
friends, God, and the offerings were sincere and beautiful.
I spoke a Lakota word, Tankuskaska. The word does not
translate exactly (and may not be spelled correctly either) but it does create in my
mind a meaning that presents itself as a whole concept.
I was thinking about that circle this morning and my choice of that particular
word. “Why in the world did that term at precisely that moment want to be said
by me?” I could have said anything, but I chose a naming of something so dear
to my heart and my being that I had to say it.
I also wondered briefly this morning if, while I was
standing in that circle, I had needed to be different. “Had I needed
to call attention to myself?” I wrestled with all my self-judgements, until I
came to understand that I simply had to express this term which has layers upon
layers of meaning to me.
The intention of this word is to refer to: “All that
is, all that has been, and all that ever will be.” For me, it’s a term that is
beyond any concept of God or Great Spirit. It reminds me there is a blessing in
the present moment, in all the past moments, and in those moments of the
future, because they are all happening right now.
It reminds me there is a continuum of what has had to
happen to make this moment be what it is and that what is being done in this
moment is what will affect that which is to come
It calls to me to understand that when I pay attention,
I am part of this moment (and of course even when I don’t). I am part of what
has happened and definitely will be part of what will be.
I personally am responsible for what I do right now,
what I have done, and what I will do.
And, if, as I am coming to understand, there is no
such thing as time, but it is only a construct of the mind, then this term
ushers me into the space where all is one, right here, right now, and again
now, until it is all a smooth being-ness encompassing all occurrences without
judgment.
I am thinking of how I am then required to act so
consciously with regards to all things, people, beings, environment, everything
in my life. Fortunately, I also believe if I have a miss-step, it can become
absorbed in the fabric of all that is. (That is, unless it is a huge
miss-step.)
I am so thankful for the understanding that this term
brings, its potential, its memories, and its promise. I pray we, or at least
this one person, me, can learn to be more inside of it all, to know I don’t
have to be invited to be a part of the whole. I only have to remember to invite
myself.
