Respect

The best meditations for me are the single word contemplation. It’s easily done, one sits with open eyes, with a piece of paper and a pen. All attention and energy goes it resolving a single word. Thought goes to unraveling the meanings, by that definition we define and redefine the word and how it relates to us. The lesson in the word and how we can apply it to our daily life … if we can at all.

I’ve been doing this work when thinking of the 7 Sacred Teachings.

Seven simple words, disassembled and deduced to emotions and matter which you can breathe. That energy absorbed and made part of you, with it deeper understanding as to what they truly mean. Only because you’ve unlocked it for yourself and begin the process to making it part of everything you are and everything you do.

Respect

Buffalo teaches us Respect. During ancient times the Buffalo was the staple of our survival. Their pelts kept us warm, the meat nourished our bodies and it body provided shelter and help us create the tools we needed to live our lives. During that time, they were a staple to our way of life and we lived in harmony with them. Only taking what we needed. That is the nature of respect.

It is defined as:

• A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others

• The action of admiring (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements

Understanding the teachings of Respect we must look deeper to find meaning of this word. To understand what it is, but more importantly what it isn’t.

How does Respect relates to Buffalo?

It is no secret that Buffalo has a temper, then again so do most people. Saying that, Respect comes in many forms. It relates to how we treat people, the places we frequent and things we come in contact with. Creating and respecting boundaries is an expression of caring and how we treat ourselves. Ignoring that, you might find yourself getting hurt or perhaps damaging the relationships around you. How those boundaries can take form is a conversations between people, taking into account the needs of others as well as your own.

How do we show Respect?

• It is in what do and what we don’t do. Many would describe it as good manners and being polite. A show of respect for to our parents: to show them that we know how to behave and take care of ourselves and that we are functioning members of society.

• It is in how we care for things and places we find important. We maintain it and not allowing it to fall into disrepair.

• We respect others by being considerate to their time, their space and their feelings, when we can

• We respect ourselves, through discipline, shows of integrity, restraint and being mindful

How do you practice Respect?

Contemplate this for yourself. Discover the methods that work for you.

Although keep in mind writing it down is not truly practicing. But a simple step into understanding it better.

It is the difference in knowing the teaching and putting it into practice. How we do this, is up to us as individuals.

These sacred words are not simple things, they are a way of being. To embody and envelop these words they become part of us and our way of life.