Home > A journey into Inuit Traditional Knowledge > Perspectives on Traditional Health > The Power of Thought, Emotions and Words
- A journey into Inuit Traditional Knowledge
- Introduction
- Childrearing Practices
- Cosmology and Shamanism
- Perspectives on Traditional Health
- The Sick Body: Diagnostics and Treatments (North Baffin)
- Physical Disorders and Mental States: Cultural Representations and Answers in North Baffin
- Anniasiutigijauvaktuviniit, Material Means Used for Healing and Birth
- Mamisaijjusituqait: Advice and Healing Practices
- The Power of Thought, Emotions and Words
- Piruqtuit: Regional Plants
- Appendix
- Perspectives on Traditional Law
- Winds of Change
- North meets South
- Development of Government Services in the Arctic
- The Creation of Nunavut
The Power of Thought, Emotions and Words
Quotation:
Akisu Joamie
“The mind is so powerful that it can take over the body.” (Page 245)
“We were not only taught ways to deal with illness, we were also taught ways to keep the mind clean.” (Page 245)
“For example, if you treated your mother or grandmother well throughout life, they could reward you with a good life when they die. If you mistreated them or did not listen to them, they could leave you with a bad life. That is how powerful the mind of an elder is. You are advised to treat the elderly with respect (....), if on the other hand, you had given them cause for worry, your body and your mind would experience the consequences. This is an old saying that is well known.” (Page 246)
“The mind is so powerful that it can take over the body.” (Page 245)
“We were not only taught ways to deal with illness, we were also taught ways to keep the mind clean.” (Page 245)
“For example, if you treated your mother or grandmother well throughout life, they could reward you with a good life when they die. If you mistreated them or did not listen to them, they could leave you with a bad life. That is how powerful the mind of an elder is. You are advised to treat the elderly with respect (....), if on the other hand, you had given them cause for worry, your body and your mind would experience the consequences. This is an old saying that is well known.” (Page 246)
Presentation:
The
Power of Thought, Emotions and Words
For the Inuit, words have power. Making fun of an elder, a person, or a disability can come back onto oneself or affect a loved one. The same thing can happen in cases of lack of respect, wrongdoings and insults. If bad words hurt the heart, they can also affect on the physical level. Thus, to be assured of a good life and a quiet death it is important to keep a positive attitude and be respectful towards others. Children should be sheltered from the sadness of adults and people in need should be helped, even if this is simply by speaking to them. The importance of confession must be underlined, as this practice soothes torments and enables healing.
For the Inuit, words have power. Making fun of an elder, a person, or a disability can come back onto oneself or affect a loved one. The same thing can happen in cases of lack of respect, wrongdoings and insults. If bad words hurt the heart, they can also affect on the physical level. Thus, to be assured of a good life and a quiet death it is important to keep a positive attitude and be respectful towards others. Children should be sheltered from the sadness of adults and people in need should be helped, even if this is simply by speaking to them. The importance of confession must be underlined, as this practice soothes torments and enables healing.
