by Kateriscribe

Created on: April 21, 2008

Anishinaabe Affirmations

Living the good life only happens to those who live life in a good way. The people of my heritage believe that there are 7 fundamental rules that all people should follow.

Nibwaakaawin (wisdom) - This means using the knowledge you have gained through your life to make good decisions for your life.
Zaagi'idiwin (mutual love) To receive love and kindness from others, you have to give these to others first.

Minaadendamowin (respect) Showing honor and gratitude to all of creation is how you earn respect.
Aakode'ewin (bravery) This is to face life and all its obstacles with a fearless heart. To do what is right even though it may be difficult.
Gwayakwaadiziwin (honesty) If you face your faults and mistakes with open eyes, you can learn from them instead of hiding from them. If you cannot do this, then you cannot expect others to do the same.
Dabaadendiziwin (humility) To understand and accept that we are all equal to each other, not better than others are. We are each only unique within ourselves and from each other. This word is also used to mean "compassion".
Debwewin (truth) This is to know these things, to speak them, and to believe in them and in ourselves.

Learning how to incorporate these rules into one's life makes the road you travel easier to navigate. It is possible to use the teachings of our forefathers to make our lives better in the world we live in now, not always easy, but possible.

In today's society, we get caught up in trying to make life just a little easier, trying to make ends meet, and trying to make our lives fit into the mold we think it should fit into. What we forget is that our lives are only what we make of them. Everyone has a path through life that they are meant to walk. There are twists, turns, and mountains to climb over, but the choices we make and the directions we take are how we each reach our destination.

I believe that if a person wants to live the good life, they first have to live a good life.

That means that we have to learn to put others before ourselves, we have to encourage our children to care about the earth and all the people on it, and we have to face our mistakes and forgive ourselves for them. That is the only way we will learn not to repeat them.

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