Mitakuye Oyasin
| “All My Relations” |
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| To the Creator, for the ultimate gift of life, I thank you.
To the Mineral Nation, that has built and maintained my bones and all foundations of life experience, I thank you. To the Plant Nation, that sustains my organs and body and gives me healing herbs for sickness, I thank you. To the Animal Nation, that feeds me from your own flesh and offers your loyal companionship in this walk of life, I thank you. To the Human Nation, that shares my path as a soul upon the sacred wheel of earthly life, I thank you. To the Spirit Nation, that guides me invisibly through the ups and downs of life and for carrying the torch of light through the ages, I thank you. To the Four Winds of Change and Growth, I thank you. You are all my Relations, my Relatives, without whom I would not live. We are in the circle of life together, co-existing, co-dependent, co-creating our destiny. One, not more important than the other. One nation evolving from the other, and yet each dependent upon the one above and the one below. All of us a part of Thank you for this life. |
| Mitakuye Oyasin (Mee-tock-way Oh-yah-sin), which comes from the Lakota Sioux Tribe, is a prayer of oneness, gratitude, and harmony. The phrase translates to “All My Relations” or “We are all related”. It is spoken during prayer and ceremony to honor and acknowledge the sacredness of all “relatives”. While, to most of us, the word relative means a blood relation in our family lineage, the Lakota definition is far more encompassing.
They think, see, and feel the oneness of creation. When they say “all my relations”, they include the air, the earth, the rocks, the animals, and all human beings. To them, even a blade of grass carries a “life force” that deserves to be honored. Sit with this powerful gratitude prayer. See the truth in it. To say it is to bless and honor the sacredness of all creation. When we truly begin to understand and appreciate our connection to each other and to the universe, this creates a field of awareness which strengthens not only the person who prays but also the entire planet. |
November 20th, 2009 at 10:45 am
This is a beautiful prayer, so simple, yet touches upon and reminds me of the many magnificent gifts that are bestowed on me every day. This is such a perfect way to express thanks and gratitude with all my “relations” this Thanksgiving!
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I have used this prayer each morning at dawn for years. It sets my day, my life. Another favorite quote is this: “When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your strength and life. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
November 25th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Yes, there are always things to be grateful for, and this prayer is an excellent reminder of the things most people take for granted. It’s a wonderful way to start the day. Gratitude prayers really do change our energy and have a direct impact on the unfolding of our lives.
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