Australian Aborigines is the name given to the first inhabitants of the Australian continent, thought to have arrived some 40-50,000 years ago. For thousands of years, the aboriginal culture remained virtually unchanged.

The arrival of European settlers from England in 1788 brought vast challenges to the simple aboriginal way of life. Yet the heart of ancient culture thrives today, despite a harsh, 130-degree desert climate and few material possessions. Far from a primitive society, this special group is rich in community, gratitude, spirituality, simplicity, and, most importantly, love.

The foundation of this simple lifestyle is the Aborigines' understanding of the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit, and their belief in a universal consciousness–what some might call God, One Consciousness, or Spirit.

Feelings and thoughts, some Aborigines believe, create emotional and physical manifestations that become an integral part of who we are.

Dreamtime

Aborigines connect to this greater power through what is known as "Dreamtime." The word refers to a meditative state they enter that may last the majority of the day. This is the Aborigines' time for a deeper connection and communication with "The Big Guy" (God/Spirit), the environment, nature, themselves, and each other.

Though unusual to those accustomed to Western life, with its incessant appointments and to-do lists, Dreamtime enables the Aborigines to reduce thoughts to their simplest core and to experience the emotions of their thoughts–be it hunger that prompts them to seek new territory for food or irritation with another family member that needs to be resolved.

It is the blockage or numbing of thoughts and emotions that keeps us from wellness and fosters illness.

Emotions dealt with through fear or avoidance, they believe, result in illness or "dis-ease." Known for their powerful healing methods, these Aborigines understand how within each person lies the knowledge and capability to heal and create wellness through balanced thoughts and feelings. By recognizing our emotions and universal spiritual connection, we move toward a state of wellness and, in the process, are enriched by our encounter with life's inevitable challenges and lessons.

Community

Community is at the heart of aboriginal culture. Living in small family groups or tribes, and connected physically and spiritually to the land, Aborigines work and play together, with individuals choosing their responsibilities, rather than assuming designated male-female roles. Life is kept simple and straightforward, free of unnecessary categorization.

Gratitude

One of the most powerful lessons Aborigines teach us is that of living in joy and gratitude. Dreamtime allows a period of prayerful gratitude. They are grateful not only for the source of their food, but give thanks to the food itself. Evening songs and dances express further appreciation toward both "The Big Guy" (God/Spirit), who provides everything, and nature.

Spiritually-advanced and living remotely, the Aborigines do not fill their minds with dark thoughts, judgment, conflict, war, or hatred. Rather, their world is filled with peace and contentment. They choose to grow in love, gratitude, and joy, linked fully to who they really are–the soul within.

This primitive, yet advanced, culture has much to teach Western society.

Through human example, they demonstrate the interconnectedness nature shows us every day–the pure connections waiting to be discovered, connections to each other and to the world around us–... if we only take time to connect to our soul within.

If we truly listen and allow ourselves to be led by our hearts and souls, rather than by our chaotic, overcomplicated minds, we can come to understand and live what the Aborigines have lived and understood for thousands of years: Love is All.