I am thankful for the respectable resilience of indigenous communities and cultures across the world. Imperialistic colonization caused more problems than solutions in my opinion. As a global society, I think those warmongering ways set us further back instead of aiding in advancements and ascensions. Therefore, I am extremely grateful for the fact that many ancient customs and traditions still do live on today because of the resilience of various suppressed minorities who persevered across time despite powerful pressures.
Reflecting on US history, the infamous Trail of Tears jumps quickly to mind as but only one of many atrocities committed against the original, local inhabitants of these lands.
As you may gather from the guardrails, I deeply treasure my thankfulness for the Toltecs. I am glad that their people, philosophy, and practices have maintained enough resilience to not be rended asunder. How many other groups, though, were far less fortunate? From what I have learned, the scientific and technological advancements of the Mayans were all but wiped out by Spanish invasions of cruel, corrupt, and conceited conquistadors.
As long as you remember what you have seen, then nothing is gone. As long as you remember, it is part of this story we have together.
-Leslie Marmon Silko
Do you know why Tai Chi was created? The authoritative and suppressive government in China had banned or forbidden all martial arts. They did not want their citizens to know how to properly defend themselves. So, what did the wise teachers do? They slowed it all down and still taught their art, right in front of everyone. This smooth and gracefully-flowing practice simply promotes healthy well-being wink wink ;) Nothing to see here…
History is full of people trampling people, and it can feel very frustrating very quickly. Fortunately, with adequate resilience, we can stare down the shameful past and plot a better path for the future. We can dance to a different drum and prove that there is a better way that can stay. If people trample people, then it is up to people to peacefully present polite possibilities, improving potentialities. Resilience restores our will and determination to not give up, to not back down. We can and should be better people. Else, why are we even here?
I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its buildings of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man.
-Sun Bear
A thankful sugjestion for today: let us all work on being beautiful people. That is what I often see best among these resiliently-admirable indigenous populations… true beauty.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.