Until We Meet Again

In several Native American languages, farewells are often expressed as “I’ll see you again” or “until we meet again” rather than as “goodbye.” 

In Cherokee it is donadagohvi/denadagohvyu “until we meet again.” The Ojibwe say giga-waabamin “I’ll see you again.” Lakota/Sioux use the term tókša to express “see you later.”

These phrases capture the imprint we make upon each another and that our paths will cross again someday, in this lifetime or in the spiritual realm. 

There is faith in the idea: we will meet again.

I wondered what the etymology of “goodbye” was in the English language and found that word emerged in the 1500s as a compressed version of “God be with ye.” It was a blessing more than an ending. 

If you have a goodbye coming as the school year ends, friends move away, or a loved one is dying, experiment with this sentiment of “until we meet again.” 

Do you notice how different it feels than a traditional “goodbye”? 

It holds the spirit of: we may separate for now, but our connection lasts beyond proximity. This is a reminder that separation is temporary and we can be intentional about meeting again. 

Goodbyes with people we love are hard. The sentiment of “until next time” has helped me with a few goodbyes lately and I hope it helps you too. Think of your own wording that feels authentic to you and try expressing a farewell with your own phrase. 

Indigenous wisdom reminds us of the interconnectedness of our lives. 

Sometimes, we need a reminder of the beautiful phenomenon that we are connected and together in ways beyond our imaginations. 

Until we meet again,