Mitakuye O Yasin

"Wopila Mitakuye O Yasin"
Many times I've ended conversations, letters/emails, chats, messages, this blog and other things with that phrase.  For those who wish to read further... This is Why.

       These are some very awesome words and phrases that I was introduced to many years ago.  They were taught to me through "Lakota" teachings and ceremonies.  They were not necessarily introduced in that order, however, I have come to use them in this order because of what they have ultimately come to mean to my 'self'' separately, and together.
       Separately each word and/or phrase stands on it's own.  Wopila, simply means "Thank you"; and Mitakuye O Yasin, means "For All My Relations".  As you can see, apart they hold strong, however together, they become huge!.  There is infinite gratitude in this phrase.  Simply because I am saying, "Thank you for ALL my relations".

       "All my Relations".  Think for a second about that.  It doesn't simply mean your brother or sister, or father and mother.  It doesn't just mean your friends and neighbors or plants and animals.  It even goes further than just talking about the earth and planets, solar system and universe.  It means Every Last thing your mind could possibly imagine; or not imagine.  It includes the beginning to now.  It includes the math that explains or theorizes all that!  It goes so far back and so far forward that your brain can start to hurt which then makes you want to "Live in the Now"!  I'm kidding about your brain hurting, however I hope you're starting to get the picture.
       From the beginning of my teachings, even before I was introduced to the Lakota way of being, all the way to the teachings I continually learn today (almost on a daily basis), this is one of, if not the most powerful phrase to me.  It holds within it, the power of the "Oneness" so many talk of.  And it holds the appreciation for that oneness.  Gratitude in and of itself is so powerful that we forget what it truly means.
       Yes, I and many are grateful for much; however, when we think of that phrase "Thank you for ALL my Relations", it begins to help one understand how we are not alone.  Even if you don't believe in anything other than the fact that you exist, you can at least begin to realize how "You" might not exist if it weren't for "all your relations".  You start to realize that the word "God" IS "You & Every Last piece of Time, Space, and More!".  And you begin to realize how IT IS ALL connected.

       Please don't misunderstand.  I understand that there are words and phrases in other languages and cultures that say the same thing.  I have complete respect and reverence for that.
       For myself, this was what I was taught.  In and of itself, it reminds me of remaining humble.  Of being grateful for every last bit of  "             " that I can think of.  It tells me that it is not just about 'Me'.  It keeps me balanced much of the time.  Even just writing it, will take my thoughts to a place of gratitude; because it reminds me that without 'All my Relations', imagination might just be worthless.  And your imagination fuels the journey.
       From the very thing that "Just Is" to the very depths of "What has always Been", for all the teachers past, present, and future,  for every human be-ing in my life or those that are about to enter into it, for every last bit of energy, imagination, belief, and the opposite, for the 2 sides of the same Coin, and for nothing less than the fact that I am GRATEFUL that I was taught this phrase and have become comfortable with describing what it means to me ,,, I say,
"Wopila, Mitakuye O Yasin"!

All works and photos by: clt/gypsy-chris (C)