I just finished reading 

The Lakota Way

Stories And Lessons For living

written by Joseph M. Marshall 111

Two passages are perfect fuel for the week ahead.

There is a reality that makes the mole equal to the bear, a reality that connects us all whether we walk, fly, crawl, swim, or grow roots. We are all born and we all die. This is such a simple and quiet reality that we humans allow our arrogance to obscure it and our ignorance to deny it. My maternal grandfather, like many of his generation, was realistic about life and death. He said quite often that death is a part of life. For him death was not a taboo subject to talk about. One of the most profound comments he made provides an insight into the reality that connects all living things. “You cannot fight death,” he said, “you can only fight for life.” 

Life goes on, it continues to cycle. The sun comes up each morning and with it comes new opportunity, new hope. No matter what kind of mess I’ve made of the day before, no matter what victories I’ve celebrated, each new day is a chance to set the record straight, atone for a mistake, achieve another victory, and take another step on my journey. Each new day is an inikagapi, a chance to be renewed and reborn— another opportunity to be part of the circle that is life, knowing that it is a journey, not a race, and that one doesn’t travel it alone.

Marshall III, Joseph M. (2002-10-29). The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for Living (Compass) (p. 226 and p. 230). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.