![]() ![]() With a well-developed constitution he can overcome any adversity that may arise.Īnother way of establishing a strong foundation is by listening to the wisdom of the elders and keeping their words close to one’s heart. By running at dawn one disciplines and strengthens his mind in order to be in control in all situations. To the elders this was not just a physical exercise but an activity that brought about physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It was also believed that one should get up at dawn and run. His spirituality was recognized as the source of both his strength and his enlightenment. It helped one to organize the priorities in his life and to clarify his thinking. In time the petitioner becomes one with his prayer. It was believed that the things which they petitioned for became part of one’s thoughts, planning, teaching and life. Corn pollen is usually offered to these gods and a petition extended to them at this time. If an individual is up and about he will be blessed by them with health and prosperity. The Navajo believe that the gods pass over the country at dawn. This area of learning includes beliefs, self-discipline, and values that provide standards of behavior and give meaning to life. Just as dawn brings light, this area of knowledge brings clarity and perspective to the mind, permeating all aspects of one’s life. This encompasses all knowledge which enables the individual to make intelligent decisions whenever a choice involving values is to be made. The first area of knowledge, “that which gives direction to life,” emphasizes character development, particularly excellence of heart and mind. All of these things placed will direct all lives from here on,” it was said. With the dawn they placed “that which gives direction to life” (bik’ehgo da’iindanii) and with the blue twilight they placed “sustenance” (nihigaal).” The gathering of family” (aha’ana oo’Tint ) was placed with the yellow evening twilight and “rest, contentment and respect for creation haa’ayiih, sihasin doo holdilzin ” was placed with the darkness. Around that foundation they placed the four different lights and four forms of sacred knowledge which would regulate man and all life’s activities. At that time the gods laid the foundation of this world with grandfathers and grandmothers fire, water, air and soil. ![]() This system of organization was placed by the Holy People in the primordial era. The Navajo organized their knowledge, as well as their life activities, around the parts of the day and the four cardinal directions. The connection between that separation and the problems of contemporary life is apparent, and calls for a close reexamination of this traditional wisdom. This foundation is as relevant today as it ever was, and could serve as the basis of an approach to teaching which avoids the separation of secular and spiritual knowledge that characterizes Western society. Traditional Navajo wisdom recognizes spirituality as the foundation of all knowledge necessary for achieving harmony, or hozho, the Beauty Way of Life. ![]()
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