3 Minutes - Article
Being a teen or young adult isn’t easy—you’re growing, changing, and trying to figure out who you really are. It can feel overwhelming sometimes. But the Seven Sacred Teachings, passed down through Indigenous wisdom, are here to help.
They’re like a guide to living with purpose, staying true to yourself, and treating others with respect. Here’s how each one can help you through this part of your life.
Love (Pîsimwêw)
How it helps: Love is about kindness and compassion. Applying it helps you build strong, supportive relationships with yourself and others.
Practical Impact: By embracing love, you’ll show kindness to yourself during tough times and treat others with care. You’ll also know how to set boundaries and nurture positive connections.
Respect (Mîna Kîsikîw)
How it helps: Respect teaches you to honour yourself, others, and the world around you. It encourages open-mindedness and understanding.
Practical Impact: You’ll engage in more respectful relationships, avoiding gossip and valuing differences. It also helps you stay true to your own boundaries and values.
Courage (Wâhkôhtowin)
How it helps: Bravery isn’t just physical courage—it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it's difficult.
Practical Impact: Bravery gives you the courage to resist peer pressure, voice your beliefs, and take risks in pursuing your dreams.
Honesty (Kîsikâwân)
How it helps: Honesty builds trust and authenticity. It encourages self-awareness and transparency with others.
Practical Impact: You’ll be more open in your relationships and feel comfortable expressing your true thoughts, which leads to deeper connections.
Wisdom (Aci-kîkway)
How it helps: Wisdom is about making thoughtful, informed decisions. It helps you learn from your experiences.
Practical Impact: By applying wisdom, you’ll make choices that align with your long-term goals and avoid impulsive decisions that could lead to regret.
Humility (Pêyak Pîkiskwêw)
How it helps: Humility reminds you that no one is superior to others. It keeps you grounded and open to learning.
Practical Impact: You’ll celebrate others' successes and avoid arrogance. Humility encourages you to stay grounded and recognize the strengths of those around you.
Truth (Nîmîhkîm)
How it helps: Living in truth means being authentic and aligned with your values. It helps you stay connected to your true self.
Practical Impact: Truth lets you make decisions that reflect who you truly are, boosting your confidence and helping you stay true to your beliefs.
Applying these teachings will help you:
- Build stronger relationships
- Make better decisions
Navigate life with a sense of purpose
You’ll grow into someone who not only respects others but also stays true to who you are. These sacred teachings guide you toward becoming a confident, compassionate individual—ready to face the challenges ahead.