I am blessed that two parts of the world in which I live – New Zealand and northwest Arizona – have significant indigenous cultures and traditions. Both Maori and Hopi Indian cultures have deep spiritual dimensions associated with the environment, family, life and death. For Maori, the life force is known as Mauri, the essential essence of being, an energy which permeates through all living things. Being Hopi involves a state of total reverence and respect for all things, to be at peace with these things, and to live in accordance with the instructions of Maasaw, the Creator or Caretaker of Earth. The Hopi observe their traditional ceremonies for the benefit of the entire world.
On a wall in my house in Carefree AZ I have a prophesy from the Hopi Elders, purportedly an open letter of advice on how to get through the year 2001. It could not be more prescient in 2016:
To my fellow swimmers:
here is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift,
that there are those who will be afraid,
who will try to hold on to the shore,
they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.
Know that the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore,
push off into the middle of the river,
and keep our heads above water.
And I say see who is there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history we are to take nothing personally,
least of all ourselves, for the moment we do,
our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves.
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
For we are the ones we have been waiting for.
So Act Now!