Mindfulness and Native Culture

Native Addiction Healing

Black Elk was an Oglala Lakota holy man who spoke about many topics in his book, "Black Elk Speaks." In it, he discusses the Oneness of the Universe. From this Oneness comes what is true, and what is true has the presence of peace. It is the experience of peace that validates what is true. From stillness and being in the present moment, troubled people find a deep sense of peace and an improved vision of self, events, and things in general. Mindfulness, a modern therapeutic practice and an evidence-based practice, has at its root a way of being that was a common experience in Native culture. In today's times, Native culture has fewer and fewer daily activities that support being in the present moment and being with the stillness of the mind. The source of wisdom and peace is still there in each of us; we just need to find our own path into stillness.