Hold on to what is good
even if it is a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe
even when it is a tree
that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do
even when it is a long way from here.
Hold on to life
even when it is easier letting go.
Hold on to my hand
even when I have gone away from you.
- Pueblo –
So live your life that the fear of death
can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion;
respect others in their view, and
demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and
its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day
when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute
when meeting or passing a friend,
even a stranger, when in a lonely place.
When it comes your time to die,
be not like those whose hearts are filled
with the fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep
and pray for a little more time
to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and
die like a hero going home.
- Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Nation, 1768-1813
Deep Peace to You
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
- Adapted from Ancient Gaelic Runes –
I arise today
Through the strength
Of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth
Firmness of rock.
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen Keller
