Sunday, September 22, 2019

Befriending First Peoples: Listening, Paying Attention, Learning

I have a strong sense that white people can learn a great deal from indigeneous people such as the Purupecha here in Michoacan. A big part of the paradigm shift is forging a new relationship with first peoples, a relationship of respect, honor, goodwill, appreciation, and most of all, understanding that we have much to learn from them. Of listening to what they have to say. Of paying attention.

No matter where we live, we can befriend someone who is among the first peoples of the area, and build a new kind of relationship with them. It means letting go of all past stereotypes, prejudices, and mental blinders. It is the beginning of caring more for each other and all the people in our world.

For many people, it will take courage and an enterprising spirit, as well as a deep commitment to making a better world, and a willingness to leave our comfort zone so that we can enjoy more love, peace and harmony among all of humanity.

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