Leadership Philosophy
Seeing God in all things as I carve a future for those I represent
I was born and raised in northern California and I currently live in Sacramento, California. A key aspect of my upbringing that defines who I am are my ties to my Native American roots. This aspect of my life is a factor that still influences me to this day. Not only did it guide me in many spiritual aspects, but it also instilled in me the value of having little but giving a lot. One thing that being in a community like that shows a person, is that love, respect and kindness is the glue that holds us all together. We went through our share of tribulations, but we always held on to what mattered; love. I was raised with both Native American and Christian beliefs, In my formative years I found similarities between both of these cultures, and the life guidance they provide. Native Americans may not be known by their tribal nature anymore but the value of the group is something that transcends the ages. We are all one, and we all should give our best.
For this reason, I have invested as much of myself into my communities and spirituality. I currently serve on the tribal council for my Native American government, this allows me to be a representative as well as make a positive impact on an often underrepresented section of society. This leadership position which I hold requires me to think critically and to make major decisions based on my ethics every single day. It is a process that has developed my understanding of unity; merging heart, philosophy and mind. In fact, unity is a recurring theme in my life and is something that spans the many guiding principles that influence me each and every day, from the large decisions to the small and mindful.
I know you may be wondering what ethics I have that guide me in what would seem like such a juxtaposition upbringing. Some of my beliefs come from my core, finding depth within the Native Americans values that surround me still. Of course, nothing is so simple and I would not want it to be. Remember, unity.
As mentioned, I was raised Christian and this was due the fact that at very young age my great grandmother was taken from her home and put into a Catholic boarding school. When she returned she would no longer share the origin stories of our people and the beliefs they had. Those cultural narratives became a fearful reminder of the suffering and institutional bias that sadly, continues to afflict Native American communities today. However, for me, it has been finding the commonalities between these two seemingly polarized world that has helped me to find my ethos..
As a young boy this blend of spirituality seemed perfectly natural. Maybe to others it this may seem illogical, but let me explain, because it was here that the seeds were sewn for the greatest revelation of my life. With all the religions in the world having such seemingly different morals, wrongs and rights, there is a correlation; a thread that weaves its way between all labels and binds us all as spiritual beings on a human journey.
I believe that we are all equal regardless of color, faith, gender or experience. I believe that within all of us is a wealth which cannot be ignored. That is the fertilizer that grows the rich soil of change and reminds us that we are all growing towards the same sunlight.
I realize that definitive interests aren't held to the same regard, and i understand that right and wrong are held to more subjective standards than I had previously comprehended in my younger years. Growing up with the support of all of those around me I gained maturity and diversity. The deeper I look into all of these religions and their differences; I also work to find commonalities between them. Finding something in common, whether on a personal or global level, is a much more rewarding experience than comparing things that polarize and segregate humanity. It is only through mutual bond that we can grow as a whole, and this I have learned, is the same with all matters of faith; religion included.
Each religion and spirituality has core components; people, goodness, grace.
It is these common bonds that I strive to use to set my moral compass by, and I found that they are very effective. They have pushed me on paths of respect, cultural love and positive influence. This compass drives my moral changes and how I regard the world.
Now I maintain that setting as I strive to be a better person in all aspects of my life. Positivity is the commonality that elicits a guided and more mindful understanding of the future. Yet what are these commonalities, you may ask?. What is it that could possibly intersect all of the elements from such wide and varied faiths? It may appear as though religion has caused so much confrontation in the past, just look at the current state of affairs in Israel. You may say that, but you would be wrong. Religion is not the cause of these things, it is wholly against it; it's often the interpretations that followers of the faith have that indeed contribute to this. My mission, as it were, is to reveal the secrets that are hidden where all can see, that bind not break us.
What I found is that there are 8 individual ideals that really get to the root of what unifies us. I have delved deep into faith across the worlds and out of the many texts and sermons, prayers and rituals, callings and collaborations, these 8 points shine through; proving to be the light that guides us all. These 8 principles really get to the root of most of the religions in the world, and what constitutes being an ethical, moral person.
Believe it or not the first one is the golden rule. This rule is reciprocation. It is that simple. Heaven is within every one of us and is the soul and lifeblood of the world. Reciprocation broken down is simply a mutual exchange, yet it is so much more than that. The most beautiful thing a person can do is to reciprocate the love that is given to them; in whatever form that may be. What gifts are given should be passed on. This could take place with small acts of kindness or even on a larger scale. We each have our own part to play but at the end of the day we are all part of the same chain.
The next piece of the puzzle links closely with upbringing. This is, to honor thy father and thy mother. This could be from a biological standpoint or those that were there for you and raised you. Family, like many other things we have discussed, is an interconnected network based around love. Knowing family is the key to knowing ourselves and the day will come when we will wish we had known them better. Show them gratitude and reciprocate the gifts that they give. Be this the knowledge that they provide, the lessons they teach or the values, which they instil, honor thy father and thy mother – always.
The third lesson is one that can be considered a little difficult at times, but it is one whose value crosses through all walks of life. This is, to speak the truth. Honesty is the best gift that humanity can give. In truth we may be forced to hear the hard things, face the difficulties, and in that our life overreaches to the heaven which is within all of us. This honesty is the force that creates unity amongst a people, and without it community is flawed.
Next, is the idea that man does not live by bread alone. This has a particularly resonance, as I find that the blessings of life are deeper than we see at first. I believe that much of the power of people is within, and that the first blessings that we have are the ones, which are given to us. Sustenance alone does not give people fulfilling life, community is the base that supports and nourishes life.
There are components that are accepted by all but which words are rarely used to define.
Following this idea is one such un-written rule which is universally agreed upon but that many texts have in common. Do no harm if someone tries to hurt another, it means she is perceiving the person as something separate and foreign from the self. It may not be possible or practical to follow this rule but it must be important to make it into so many texts across the world. Personally, I strive to do my best with the least harm.
Forgiveness is an essential trait to have, as lack of forgiveness is more detrimental to ourselves than we tend to believe. The only way to go forward is to make progress, and progress can only be achieved by moving on; just as forgiveness is the moving on from negativity. This is why the most beautiful thing a man can do is to forgive wrong, "judge not lest ye be judged". In this the principle is an expression of the underlining truth that mankind is one great family in that we all spring from a common source; our divine maker, whichever name they may go by. Yet forgiveness is hard, especially when emotions are present.
Be slow to anger. Those who are able to control their anger have a great capacity of understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes. Anger clouds our perspectives in the very moments where we should be objective. These are the times that are needed most. After all, he who holds back risks rising anger like a rolling stone which only picks up momentum and is unable to change it’s direction until it collides.
Next, my findings mirrored my own views once again, that there is but one God. God is a love of nature being formed in the absolute, whatever name man chooses. There is but one God of all people and all things or of one essence. From God, to energy, the Trinity, Allah and nature itself these are just labels for the one true source of greatness. And this is the energy or life force or guiding principle, by any name we wish to choose, that sets into motion these other principles and spreads them around the world in mediums that each culture understands, in their own tongue and using their values. They come in all walks of life to be the vessel which ferries such a truth; In the final position but not by any means the least needed. I think the best help that we can get in this life is to follow these guiding principles. They clear up all of the differences in every religion, showing how they relate rather than pushing them apart. All of these lessons and phrases were taken from different religions in which they are shared. In the true nature of universality I won’t share which, as they are mere labels to guiding powers that overrule our existence; at least, if we wish for a happy one.
Yet these are the philosophies of others, much as I agree with them. For my personal philosophy, I found a meaningful message in all of these, but like their origins they are general. And as I have discussed, I prefer not be the standard version of anything. For this reason I have outlined eight core principles that set me apart as an individual within a community. This is my personal philosophy; that I am one with all as we are all born under the one God, but also that I am the one who is responsible for creating my own path. We all walk the path of purity, but the actual steps are the things we must do ourselves. These are the steps I take as a leader within my community.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord – Corinthians, 12:1-31