The Elders teach us that if we desire something good, we must be willing to endure suffering. People often misunderstand the concept of sacrifice. For Native people, it is a profound word. On the other side of sacrifice lies an entirely different world. During sacrifice, our beliefs are tested. While we may all possess good beliefs, it is through testing that these beliefs transform into real convictions. Real beliefs create new individuals and reshape our self-images. They enable determination, desires, and faith to manifest. Although goodness is always within reach, we often struggle to embrace it until we release the old ways. Suffering is merely the process of letting go of things that no longer serve us. Beyond suffering lies a new world.
As long as we owe amends, our spirits remain burdened with unnecessary clutter. We carry the weight of unmade apologies, unresolved resentments, and unexpressed remorse. It is akin to living in a messy house. We may attempt to escape the chaos or ignore the disorder, but it persists. A cluttered spirit is as challenging to navigate as a disorganized home. We constantly stumble over the remnants of yesterday, hindering our progress. Neglecting our responsibility to make amends only intensifies the clutter within our spirits. We cannot delegate this task; we must do the work ourselves. By making our own amends, we experience a profound sense of satisfaction. Just as we relish a clean home, basking in the sunlight streaming through sparkling windows, our spirits will rejoice in the freedom to fully embrace our recovery. Once the major mess is cleared, our task is to maintain tidiness as we move forward.
Just for today, I will clear away what’s cluttering my spirit by making the amends I owe.