A Message From the Chairman
“You know what the ultimate in cultural competency is? To have enough compassion
to become a relative.” ~ Larry Swallow.
(Board Member – All Nations Gathering Center
Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, October 2, 2017)
Another reminder of what wisdom teachers throughout the ages have taught. We are all related. In the Lakota tradition, there is a saying that many of us have heard, Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ. Frequently translated as “All my relations,” the words are a reminder to me of our interconnectedness across all differences. They are a reminder that we rise or fall together. There is no ‘other,’ though our cultures and institutions certainly create very real impacts in the treatment of some – for benefit and for detriment.
Whether suffering arises from human action or from unforeseeable natural occurrences, in each new moment we have opportunities to choose our path of response and action.
As a human being, I commit to modeling more compassion. I want us all to experience that we are all fundamentally related more often, to feel it in our hearts and guts. I commit to working together, transforming our culture and institutions to reflect this lived experience.
All harm is harm to ourselves. All violence is violence to us. All neglect is neglect of us.All separation is separation from the self. May all who are suffering in the wake of tragedy know peace. I remain committed to creating that peace.
Today, I’m on my way to serve as staff on a New Warrior Training Adventure. All actions create ripples. I honor all the men and women out there stepping forward in service to humanity. I honor all those who are suffering and stepping forward to appeal for help. May we all receive the help we need.
Blessings,
José
