Orenda

/aw·ren·duh/

a supernatural force within each human being that empowers people to change the world in a positive way. (Native American origin)

In Iroquois Indian belief, within each individual, there holds a spiritual power that aspires one’s self to alter the world by their own originality. This means that you have a yearning to influence your surroundings whether the desire is subconscious. It makes you question how you, a singular human being, can make a difference in a competitive world filled with billions of people.

During the six month period we’ve all been isolated, it made me reflect on who we truly are and what we were designed to do. While we spend days and nights laying on our beds, wearing the same clothes from yesterday, and food at our dispense, we often got lost within the comfort of our own homes and the technological advancements we use to keep company. With every loved one we see through a screen, the more we feel disconnected from what’s real. 

Although it is definitely out of the norm, this global pandemic has given people the time to reevaluate what is more valuable to them, including myself. With societal issues surfacing the media, it has become evident how much we as a whole need to improve to be better as we continue our day to day lives. I live with the fear of experiencing a life not worth this time on earth, and we don’t have much to lose. Silence speaks volumes and we can’t afford to hold back our voices. Each one of us has our own unique stories to tell whether it be spread to one person or written on paper. Like dominos, even a slight push can impact a whole line of people. Our ancestors and their ancestors have fought their battles and you are the product of their victory. That in itself is more than enough of a reason to stay. Expand our inner orenda by being unapologetically you.