Throughout human history, there are many brilliant examples of combat strategy and rules of engagement to analyze and learn from and in the battle against diabetes it’s time for a new game plan. There is much suffering in Indian Country due to diabetes and western medicine has never been the answer to a cultural epidemic. But we do have answers. The wisdom of our ancestors tells us that the keys to physical health, emotional stability, and mental clarity are found any time we remember our constant connection to spirit. It is from within our own spirit that we detect our connection to Creator.

Our sacred Elders, as well as our sacred Earth taught us to seek balance in all areas of our being, that our state of mind affected our body and our emotions. They taught that purification of mind and body are essential before prayer. We can be encouraged and hopeful today as we reconnect with ourselves through these ancient teachings. We can access this ancient technology through the portal of our open minds. We can bring healing to our lives and the lives of our loved ones. In order to experience any type of healing on the physical plane for our bodies, we must first experience a healing deeper within our soul, on the spiritual plane. If we can get to that place, we become aware of our connection to the source of life. Our ancestors realized this. They lived life like a prayer. They knew confidence and respect for who they were, in the web of life. It was both empowering and humbling.

One strategy in the healing of diabetes is to first make the journey back to the center of ourselves, to purposely make a trek back to our personal identity. This is where we place our sense of self-worth, our self-esteem. What we believe at this level influences our self-confidence, personal power, and freedom of choice. In its natural state, this center helps us to choose what and who we are for our highest good. We are not meant to harm ourselves, we are meant to thrive. However, the individual and collective identity of our People was severely altered by the historical trauma of colonization. As we experienced loss of connection to self and Creator, we became devastated in mind, body, and soul.

Many have been left floundering in the dark terror for generations since. We can reverse this sense of powerlessness and heal this trauma by going back to the source. Our selfhood develops during our adolescence. At this time the center of ourselves develops an inner knowing and gut instincts begin to teach us about things and people. As we grow and experience the natural challenges of life, our personal identity grows and we align with our inner drive for the highest good. A strong and resilient inner core develops, guiding us towards self-management and responsibility. We can heal any damage that may have been done to our sense of development during these years by releasing and forgiving the past. Our true self is always there, underneath it all, true and intact, just as Creator intended.

Though life can be difficult, we are made whole when we connect to the self. This is necessary before we can connect to others. Our original identity is aware of our invaluable worth, our true hearts, and our true power. The self is more radiant than the sun. Our personal power is found at the center of our being. It is not affected by pain, loss, or trauma. It is the strength of our inner warrior. It is where we know victory. Diabetes is the result of a deficiency of insulin, which is found in the endocrine tissue of the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the liver and the stomach. In the ancient model that describes the human energy system, known as chakras, the area of the pancreas is known as the center for personal empowerment.

Whether you view diabetes as a disease of the mind, spirit, or of the body, realizing the three are interconnected is where healing begins. Do not stop medications prescribed by your current medical doctors but in addition, begin the work of the spirit. Reclaim your spirit. Research the healing ways of your ancestors, begin the journey of life anew. Regardless of your age, spring into life like a teenager! Reprogram and heal your mind to believe in the power of miracles to transform. Make a choice to express your personal freedom by knowing that you are worthy of love, respect, and kindness. Know that you are worthy of making your life work. Be confident in the goodness of Creator to see you through. Accept the power of your being to produce health. Be free to choose goodness, healing, and happiness. So be it in your life! Amen!

“When you know who you are; when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will; no cold can touch your heart; no deluge can dampen your purpose. You know you are alive.” - Chief Seattle, Duwamish, 1780-1866