In Lakota, the phrase Mitakuye oyasin means “We all are connected.” This powerful teaching was first shared with me by my mother, a wisdom that has woven itself into the fabric of my life. As a child, I heard these words without fully grasping their depth, but over time, as I grew and learned more about the Lakota way, I began to understand the profound spiritual and philosophical implications behind them.
Mitakuye oyasin is not merely a concept; it is a belief and a living philosophy that speaks to the interconnectedness of all things. It is a worldview that reminds us that we are in relationship with everything—the trees, the flowers, the animals, the earth, the water, and even the stars above. This belief shapes how we live, how we care for the world around us, and how we care for ourselves.
Understanding this connection calls for action. Beliefs, after all, are empty without actions that bring them to life. Throughout my journey, I’ve explored how Mitakuye oyasin can be applied in my daily life, not just as a mantra but as an active practice. It is a reminder that we are related not only to the buffalo, the bear, the eagle, and the owl, but also to the water in the creeks, the herbs we use for medicine, the mushrooms we forage, and the vegetables we grow or purchase at the store. We are connected to the sun, the moon, the rocks, the earth beneath our feet, and the air that fills our lungs.
This understanding comes with responsibility. If we are all one, if we are all connected, then we must be stewards of this earth and caretakers of each other. Compassion becomes a form of self-care, for when we show kindness to others, we are honoring our connection to ourselves. When we act with reverence for the earth, we honor the deep ties we share with it.
To say that we are all one is not just a comforting idea—it is a truth I feel down to my bones, as they grow cold in the northern snows. It’s a truth that resonates in the cells of my body, where the stardust of the universe lives. This is the essence of Mitakuye oyasin—a recognition of our shared existence and a call to ask ourselves regularly how we can deepen our intentional, conscious living and daily practice to honor this sacred belief and ethos.
Invitation for Reflection:
Here are three journal questions for reflection inspired by the energy of Mitakuye oyasin for you to use as you explore your own daily practices and intentional, conscious living practices.
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In what ways do I recognize my connection to the natural world around me?
Reflect on how you feel connected to the earth, plants, animals, and the elements. What actions do you take that honor this connection, and where could you deepen your awareness or relationship? -
How can I be a more mindful steward of the resources I use daily?
Consider the food you eat, the water you drink, the energy you consume, and the products you purchase. In what areas can you reduce waste, practice gratitude, or make more sustainable choices to better honor your relationship with the earth and its resources? -
How does showing compassion for others reflect my relationship with myself and the earth?
Explore how acts of kindness, empathy, and care toward others—whether human, animal, or plant—mirror the care and compassion you give to yourself and the world. How can you bring more balance and harmony to these relationships in your daily life?