Wisdom

I recently had the distinct honor of sitting with an Acoma tribe leader in New Mexico…a deep-hearted, wise, humble man who exuded kindness. Our group included Maori Grandmothers from New Zealand along with Native American Grandmothers from the United States. Our purpose was to learn from our Native American hosts and to share love, joy, truth, and peace.

I sat mesmerized as this Acoma elder shared his tribe’s history and their deeply held beliefs. The Acoma believe that if someone knocks on your door, you welcome him and feed him. No one is a stranger. They believe that the Creator walks the Earth, and you never know where He will appear.

The Acoma tribe is a matriarchal society. It is the women who own the land, make major family decisions, and maintain the traditions of the tribe. Strong masculine energy supports the feminine. The tribe believes all is sacred, and their ideal is to be in harmony with all of nature. 

This elder shared his conviction that we humans are all the same, but we don’t recognize that. We see our differences more than our similarities. This must cease. We are all part of the five-fingered clan, he said with a wry smile.

When asked if he had a message for us as we returned to our own communities, he was silent for a moment. His eyes filled with tears and he said yes...the most important precepts to put into practice at this time on our planet are kindness, compassion, and respect. 

I honor his words…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

Deep Heart

I recently had the opportunity to travel through the Southwest with a group that included Maori Grandmothers from New Zealand as well as native Native American Grandmothers from the United States. Our group’s purpose was to learn from our Native American hosts and to share love, joy, truth, and peace.

We were welcomed by Hualapai, Hopi, Navaho, Acoma, and Laguna tribe members across the region. It was an experience unlike any I’ve ever had. I was so touched by the warm reception and deep-hearted connections.

Sitting around a fire one evening, the Hopi elders shared their history, their beliefs, and their hopes and dreams. They shared that the Hopi tribe is centered around its women and children. Each child belongs to everyone. When asked what it means to be Hopi, an elder explained that if you see a crying child, you comfort him. If you see a hungry child, you feed him. And everyone is a child. A Hopi home is a living being with a heart, and all are welcome.

The Hopi, as well as all the other indigenous people we encountered expressed a deeply held belief that the Earth is our Mother, and we must take care of Her. She is the source of life, not a resource. Before you take from Her, you ask permission. You take only a little, always give something back, and express gratitude for all you receive.

I am grateful for the wisdom...

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)