Giving Our Best in the Indian Tradition: A Double Blessing

In the Indian tradition way it is customary to welcome a guest into our home with kindness and generosity by offering the best that we have. In some homes there may not be much - a little coffee, some fry bread -- but whatever we have we offer it to our guests in a good way with a good heart.

This is more than just a simple courtesy. We do this to make the person feel welcome and comfortable. This creates a good/positive feeling in the visitor and is our way of blessing that person. Then when that person leaves, he or she carries this positive energy in their hearts and minds. They bless us with this energy. Perhaps they will speak of their visit with someone and say kind words, leaving this person with positive thoughts about us.

Energy that is related to our intentions, creates. And positive energy creates positive things. We can now charge this energy with our intentions and create for our homes, our family, for balance, good health and well-being.

Both parties, the host and the guest, receive a blessing because both are giving and receiving through this perfect circle in a sacred manner. The host gives his best in a good way and receives a blessing in the form of good thoughts and possibly good words from the guest. The guest receives from the host then gives his blessing through positive thoughts and energy, completing the sacred circle.

When done with a good heart this simple exchange can produce a wealth of gifts for all involved. This is not just limited to our homes. This exchange can take place between people anywhere, at any time. Giving our best isn't limited to treats from our cupboards. We can give our best through a warm handshake and kind words.

I always think of the saying, "Be careful how you treat a stranger lest you entertain an angel." Since all people come from God, should we not view them as such?

Each time you do this you not only bless that person, you open yourself up to a blessing as well. You get what you give. Each encounter is an opportunity for a blessing... and who can't use more of this in their life?

Give your best and be blessed!


Ralph P. Brown is a Mohawk instructor on the use of the Medicine Wheel. He is a pipe carrier, ceremony leader, traditional storyteller and author of "Awakening the Eagle: A Guide to the Medicine Wheel" and "13 Virtues to a New Life: A Journey Around the Medicine Wheel". Having lived with several tribes and studied with many Medicine Men, he brings to his work a lifetime of study and experience. He operates http://www.MirroredWindows.com, an online art gallery.