And so it goes, on and on. Settlers have no problem co-opting "spiritual" practices from whomever, under the guise of attaining enlightenment or bliss or joy or whatever other good vibe they are seeking. And to be fully open, I am a white settler. And I thought about doing something like making a sweetgrass offering before I went into the forest to hike.
But then I said no. That is not truly me. But what I can do is thank all the beings in that Forest for the teachings they are willing to share with me that day. And I promise that I will appreciate them. Because I don't want to steal, I want to align, be an ally, an accomplice and that doesn't mean taking something that's not mine.
And as I have been a Buddhist for several decades, I just try to maintain my awareness and really SEE what is there. That is more than enough spirituality for me!
So thank you for speaking out @Your_Native_Friend. I'm doing the best listening I can. As I am on my own path of decolonization, reconciliation and regeneration, I welcome your thoughts on this path towards re-envisioning and our working together to respect and care for this fragile planet Earth.
Here's one of my "steps" along the way.
Shalom.
Rich
