The Seven Grandfather Teachings—Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth—are anchors, guiding me toward a life that resonates with my heart and soul. Reflecting on these teachings, one at a time, feels like a meaningful way to grow and improve. Today, my reflection is on Wisdom this one took a bit to wrap my head about but was a delight to learn.
In the Plains Cree tradition, Wisdom is not just about knowledge—it is about how we apply what we’ve learned, how we live in harmony with the teachings, and how we share that understanding with others. Wisdom asks us to listen deeply to the land, the spirits, and the people around us, and to reflect on how their guidance shapes our path.
Wisdom calls us to approach life with curiosity, humility, and patience. It reminds us that every experience, whether joyful or difficult, carries a lesson, and that true wisdom lies not in knowing everything, but in being open to learning from everything. Elders often share that Wisdom is a gift we nurture throughout our lives, growing as we listen, reflect, and act with care and intention.
I once heard an Elder tell a story about Wisdom. Their voice carried a quiet reverence as they said:
_”There was an old turtle who lived by the edge of the water, its shell worn smooth from years of journeying. The other animals would gather around it, seeking answers to their questions, trusting its wisdom.
One day, a young beaver came to the turtle, anxious and full of doubt. ‘I’ve been trying to build my dam,’ the beaver said, ‘but I keep making mistakes. The logs tumble, and the water flows where it’s not meant to go. Why can’t I get it right?’
The turtle nodded, its gaze steady. ‘Wisdom is not about getting it right the first time,’ it said. ‘It is about learning each time you try. When the logs tumble, ask yourself why. When the water flows too quickly, listen to its voice. Every mistake is a teacher if you let it be.’
The young beaver reflected on the turtle’s words and returned to its work, approaching each challenge with curiosity rather than frustration. Over time, it built a dam stronger than it could have imagined, guided not just by instinct, but by the wisdom gained through its struggles.”_
Reflecting on this teaching, I feel its gentle encouragement to embrace mistakes and challenges as opportunities to grow. Wisdom is not about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, listening to the lessons within each experience, and using that understanding to move forward.
I also feel called to think about how I share Wisdom with others. Am I honoring their paths and their learning? Am I listening deeply to their truths and their stories? Wisdom asks me to approach these relationships with care, knowing that true understanding grows from connection, trust, and respect.
This teaching reminds me that Wisdom grows not only through reflection but also through action—by applying the lessons I’ve learned in a way that uplifts others and strengthens our collective journey. It asks me to balance patience with persistence, trusting that even the most challenging experiences offer something valuable to carry forward.
Wisdom also feels like a reminder to be gentle with myself when I falter. Mistakes are not failures—they are invitations to pause, to ask “what can this teach me?” and to continue with greater clarity. It’s about being open to learning not just from what goes right, but also from what goes wrong, and finding strength in the process.
I hope to carry this teaching into each interaction, each decision, and each moment of growth. It’s an invitation to walk through life with curiosity and intention, honoring the guidance of the land, the spirits, and the lessons they provide. Wisdom doesn’t demand perfection—it simply asks that we remain open to its gifts and willing to share them with others, fostering a deeper connection to the world around us.
These reflections on Plains Cree teachings are part of my personal journey to gain clarity and understanding. While these teachings are central to my identity, I recognize there is always more to learn. I encourage you to consult an Elder for accurate guidance, as my interpretations may not always be correct.
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