Harmony Ethic
by J.T. Garrett, Ed.D. and Michael Garrett, Ph.D.
The
Harmony Ethic is a system based upon caring for fellow human beings through the
expression of deep respect and kindness. This is the way of a harmonious
survival. It also emphasizes the presence of choice. To the Cherokee, a person
has just as much choice in creating harmony as he or she does in creating
disharmony and social disruption.
Life is very precious. Must we have something like a "close call" to realize this? Can we not recognize and embrace the beauty of all life without being splashed in the face by the Great One with a bucket of cold water?
There is something known as the "Harmony Ethic," based on the communal spirit of cooperation and sharing, which guides much of traditional Cherokee living. It is a way of life that gives purpose and direction to much of our interaction in this world. In Cherokee tradition, wellness of the mind, body, spirit, and natural environment is an expression of the proper balance of all things. If we disturb or disrupt the natural balance of ourselves or others, illness may be the result, manifesting in the mind, body, spirit, or natural environment. However, all aspects are affected by such disturbances of the delicate balance as we easily realize when we abuse ourselves or others.
The Harmony Ethic is a way of maintaining the natural harmony and balance that exists within us, and with the world around us. It consists of:
A nonaggressive and noncompetitive approach to life.
This is especially true if the goal of aggression or competition is individual
success. If the goal of competition is to benefit the family, clan, tribe, or
community, then competition is considered acceptable. Intertribal sports
competitions, for example, can become quite aggressive. Competition or
aggression for personal gain, however, is frowned upon.
The use of intermediaries, or a neutral third person,
as a way of minimizing face-to-face hostility and disharmony in interpersonal
relations. This involves the conscious avoidance of interpersonal conflict in an
attempt to maintain reciprocally harmonious relations with "all one's
relations". This is a common strategy in the traditional way for resolution
of conflict without upsetting the natural balance of things.
Reciprocity and the practice of generosity.
This occurs even when people cannot afford to be generous. It is the act of
giving and of receiving that makes the Circle turn. Being able to share
unselfishly frees a person to learn important lessons that are offered in life.
A belief in immanent justice.
This relieves people from feeling the need to control others through direct
interference, or to punish others. There is a natural order to things, and,
sometimes, there are situations or experiences that are "out of our
hands", so to speak. It is very important to be able to release something
rather than harm ourselves or others with destructive emotions, thoughts, or
actions. There is an old saying that we should never speak ill against another
for the wind will carry it to that person, and eventually, the ill will return.
Traditional teachings relate to us how important it is that we move through our lives with courage, humility, respect, and kindness in our heart. All these things signify a deep respect for the gift that we have been given in the breath of life, as well as a respect for all life. Wisdom transcends all circumstance, and ultimately comes from a harmony within the self, and between the self and the universe -- an inner strength derived from the unity of spirit, natural environment, body, and mind. As Douglas Spotted Eagle says, "An Elder once told me that I should always remember: 'All that moves is sacred, only by understanding this can you realize the rhythm of the Earth, and thereby know how to place your feet'."
This article is excerpted from:
Medicine of the Cherokee
by J.T. Garrett and Michael Garrett.
Reprinted with permission of the
publisher, Bear & Co., a division of Inner Traditions Intl. ©1996. http://www.innertraditions.com
Info/Order
this book.
About the Authors
J.T.
Garrett, Ed.D., and his son, Michael Garrett, Ph.D., are members of the Eastern
Band of Cherokee from North Carolina Asstudents and teachers of Indian Medicine,
they draw on the ancient wisdom teachings of their Medicine Elders on the
Cherokee Reservation in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Garretts have developed
ways to present the "old teachings" to effectively guide people today
to appreciate and understand living the "Medicine Way."
Tom Payton
said:
| Hi Dr. Michael Garrett, I am about to complete my degree in Counseling and am doing my internship now. I just came back from the Smokey Mountains and visited Cherokee, SC. I had hoped to meet a Medicine Man or Woman to ask for some input form his/her point of view as a native healer how I can be a better counselor/healer. What traits do they feel I need. I have an interest in spirituality and counseling and am very interested in Jungian psychology. My hope was that a Native Healer could give me some tips on how to approach counseling and clients in a more spiritual and balanced manner. Unfortunately, my requests were not well received or at least viewed rather strangely. (Also I asked about you and your father at the Chamber of Commerce and the Museum Store and received no guidance even though they had several of your books for sale. The reaction was not negative just not helpful - very odd.) ANy way, I am reading your book Medicine of the Cherokee, The Way of Right Relationship and love it. I began this on vacation. I think I will order Walking on the Wind, too. If you have time, could you respond to my questions about what I can adapt from your perspective to my work as a counselor? I am really interested as I belive we are more than a diagnosis and that these symptoms represent the call of the Soul. Any input you can offer would be most appreciated. Thanks again. Peace and all good things. Tom Payton |
