Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day
Today in America, we’ve dedicated a day to a man by the name of Christopher Columbus. We are taught from a young age that this courageous, confident explorer stumbled upon the Americas while searching for a new route to India.
His heroic tales fill our history books, recognizing him as one of the essential figures in the discovery of America.
The Truth Cannot Be Hidden Forever
A few year ago, certain cities opened their minds and hearts to the realization that this man is not someone to be celebrated and ultimately changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day; a move more states should consider in my opinion.
Though Columbus did lead an exploration to the Caribbean Islands, not America, his disgraceful reputation remains.
Here’s a statement from Columbus’s journals after first seeing the Native Arawak of the Caribbean Islands:
“They … brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things… They willingly traded everything they owned… They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features…. They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane… . They would make fine servants…. With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.”
Enslaving, robbing, murdering, raping and destroying the Carib culture are a few of the things they forgot to add to the history books.
Today, let’s take a conscious stand and begin to observe the past for what it is. Putting the whole story in perspective. Whether it’s Columbus, the conquistadors, kings and queens, Willie Lynch, the founding fathers, or any other piece of history we’ve been lead to believe is true.
Let’s open our minds and hearts to the entire truth, it cannot be hidden forever.
Truly Observing the Past
There’s a difference between recognizing the truth of the past and dwelling in it. By truthfully observing the past, looking from all perspectives, we put ourselves in the shoes of the oppressors and the oppressed. From this vantage point we start to see the whole story.
As we see the whole story, not just one side, we can recognize the exceptional things that have taken place while being fully aware of the atrocities that have been committed on countless cultures and peoples.
Finding balance between these two sides, you and I may begin to see how we can individually become better today, thereby becoming the Change. Learning to honor, appreciate, love, respect and, most of all, not repeat the countless monstrosities that our early, celebrated explorers helped perpetuate.
Individually, we can start taking those steps towards creating a better world today. It becomes fairly obvious to see that the past has aligned in such a way that it gives us an opportunity to assist in the co-creation of a world that works for all.
This is a call to all explorers and adventurers of peace.
Untapped Land
To everyone out there who seeks to discover a greater place of peace, compassion and respect, there is a land that awaits you.
This land is untapped, filled with limitless abundance.
This untapped land of peace… it rests within yourself.
It is now your turn to tie your boots tight, pack your bags and begin the deep adventure within. Continue on that journey until you discover that internal place of complete peace, respect and inclusion of all.
As we take this journey, we’ll begin to witness that the inner changes and treasures we find within, eventually become our outer reflections.
3 Things We Can Do That Christopher Columbus Didn’t
#1 – Honor & Appreciation – We can move through our days, through our weeks, months and years, recognizing the Life within all people. Honoring and appreciating them for who they are. Realizing that we’re all different, but collectively, we can create a world that honors and appreciates all.
#2 – Respect & Love – We can respect everyone regardless of where they may be in life, understanding that we’ve all been guilty of throwing stones at least once during our time here. From here, we can use this new found respect to shine a light of love and compassion upon every person we have the privilege of meeting.
#3 – Helping Hands – Instead of pointing a finger, placing blame or finding faults in another, we can be the stronger person and lend a helping hand. Uplifting people who are suffering, supporting people who are growing, and thanking people who are contributing.
Build, don’t destroy. (Three Key Tweet)
Gratitude
As difficult as it may be, let us find gratitude for the past. Embracing the truth that countless things have happened throughout history to create you and I.
Let’s be grateful we can open our minds and hearts to the truth, and witness the whole story.
Most importantly, let’s be grateful knowing that we can be the change we wish to see today.
Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Peace
Happiness
Compassion
Respect
Jeffon Seely
Three Key Life