Gary Coons

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the kind of world I’d like to see, and what it would take to make that world a reality. I think, having recently discovered the First Nations Ten Commandments (in the Elders Gathering program) that they just might be the key to the kind of world I would wish for.

Remain close to the Great Spirit. When we are close to the great spirit, to the life force that lives in and through us all, we are able to focus on the things that matter……family, friendship, and the celebration of life’s beauty, rather than getting caught up in false things like greed.

Show and give respect to your fellow beings. Who wouldn’t want to live in a world where people treated each other, and other living beings, with respect? Where the commandment to respect the fish, and the animals that drink from our watersheds would preclude anyone dumping toxic waste into lakes and streams?

Give assistance wherever needed. A world with more sharing and more caring, would bloom from this commandment.

Be truthful and honest at all times. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to trust not only each other, but corporations and the government? A better world would be one where honesty is the rule.

Do what you know to be right. I believe that each of us is born with a moral compass, that each of us, way deep inside, knows the truth of our actions, and how they will impact the world.

Look after the being of mind and body. The world I dream of is a world filled with healthy bodies and healthy minds. If we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of each other?

Take responsibility for your actions. Enough with the excuses! We never learn unless we admit when we are wrong. Besides, if we don’t take credit for our mistakes, it is difficult to celebrate our successes.

Dedicate your efforts to the greater good. Can you imagine a society where everybody, every man, woman and child was dedicated to making life better for everyone? That would be a wonderful society to live in.

Work together for the benefit of all humanity. The only way that things will change for the better is if we all work together to build the world we want to see. It won’t be easy, there are lots of problems to fix, but nothing is impossible when we work together. Together we are invincible…together we are strong.

Treat the earth and all on it with respect. Lastly, but most importantly, we have to treat the earth with respect, because without it, where would we live? When we disrespect the earth we are disrespecting ourselves, the earth is a part of us, it is in everything we eat, in the water we drink and the air we breathe.

I hope everyone reading this will work towards building the world we all wish for, and perhaps take these commandments to heart.