Day Two Hundred Thirty-Three of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics – The Nature of Nature!

“It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!” Many of you remember the 70’s circa television commercial about Chiffon Margarine. Even if you don’t remember the commercial, you have likely heard the line. It’s classic, funny, catching! Another 70’s iconic commercial was by Euell Gibbons, the spokesperson for Grapenuts cereal. He was a naturalist bent on […]
Day Two Hundred Thirty-Two of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: The Power of Thought!

Much has been written in psychology about the connection between the mind and body. The two are inextricably linked. They interact and communicate on so many levels and we are the beneficiaries of these interactions (positive or negative). The Christian Scripture refers to the Body, Soul and Spirit being interwoven. This perspective actually reflects five […]
Day Two Hundred Thirty-One of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: The Outcome of Mistakes!

Mistakes! We all make them and when we do, we have many options to choose in the aftermath. We can work to forget them. We can deny them. We can blame them on someone else. We can allow ourselves to be defined by them. We can spend inordinate amounts of time regretting them. We can […]
Day Two Hundred Thirty of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: The Nature of Negative Energy

Almost every Belief System has a proverb that addresses the Nature of Negative Energy. Whether that energy is expressed in thought, word or deed, the Nature of that Energy is the same. We get what we give! What goes around, comes around. You reap what you sow. Each statement carries the sense of the circular […]
Day Two Hundred Twenty-Nine of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: The Right To Personal Expression

I’ve said this before but writing commentary on The Lakota Code of Ethics is very often a real challenge! Today’s attempt verifies this fact. The atmosphere in our country finds us struggling with the notion of freedom of speech and expression. The freedom of speech and expression is one of the foundational tenets of our […]
Day Two Hundred Twenty-Eight of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: Respect All Things!

I am finding that writing commentary on each one of the 20 parts of the Lakota Code of Ethics is more difficult that I first imagined. More often than not, some part of the Code challenges my thoughts, beliefs, feelings and actions. As I read the relatively simple statements, I discover a rich complexity positioned […]
Day Two Hundred Twenty-Seven of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: Not Yours!

Don’t! Never! Ever! Please! To what do I refer? Why, taking things that are not yours to take! That’s what! Now on the surface you might say something like, “Wait a minute, Mark! I would never steal anything . . . ever! I promise! I would never steal anything from anyone for any reason! What […]
Day Two Hundred Twenty-Six of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: With Respect and Honor!
How often have you found yourself the guest of another in their home? I don’t now about you but I find the experience a bit unnerving. I feel uneasy, as if I am intruding in the established routines of their daily lives. As often as I find myself the recipient of genuine hospitality, I still […]
Day Two Hundred Twenty-Five of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: Search for Yourself!

Day Two Hundred Twenty-Five of my 365 day personal writing journey finds me analyzing number thee of the Lakota Code of Ethics. Twenty powerful nuggets of wisdom that pack a real punch! Twenty powerful nuggets of wisdom that point the way to more purposeful living. Twenty powerful nuggets of wisdom that if implemented, can turn […]
Day Two Hundred Twenty-Four of 365 – The Lakota Code of Ethics: Treatment of Lost Souls

Many Native American nations have a peculiar approach to dealing with those who have lost their way in life. The Lakota are no different. In the second of 20 posts based on the Lakota Code of Ethics, we have the chance to explore this peculiarity. So often when people in our society demonstrate aberrant behavior […]