The leaves are changing. From the high country in Mescalero Apacheland to the gorgeous towering crests of the Sandias in New Mexico to the belt of aspens around the San Francisco Peaks the colors of Aa’kęę (fall) are washing over the mountain ranges in the southwest.
In the past month, we marked the autumnal equinox, a Super Blood Moon, lunar eclipse, new moon and full moon alike. I recently commented to a friend how I can feel the power of the earth, moon and stars move in me. This omnipresent force is guiding me lately to turn inward thinking about the ways to cultivate more practices of self-love.
It is in this reverence I find myself tonight. Having spent the afternoon with a group of empowering women reflecting on ways we can cultivate more practices of self care. A critical conversation as waiting and sitting are extraordinarily difficult for this asdzaan Diné (Navajo woman) with a hummingbird spirit. I am forever on the go and rarely make time to be still.
I recently learned that a common practice of Diné prior to ceremonies would involve the person having a prayer or ceremony spend the four days before a ceremony preparing for the practice. They then would take the time to have the ceremony and then spend the four days after being reverent, observing taboos and keeping close in prayer.
Corresponding to this palpable presence of earthen energy, my life has been full of changes. In this period of flux, I am thinking of the power of preparing to take action. Thinking of the heavenly bodies moving outside and around me, the changing temperatures of the Navajo New Year (the month of October), a natural time used by my people to set intentions for the cold weather coming in the winter months. Amidst all of this, I am urged by a whisper to be still and wait in active preparation.
We falsely assume grand revelations to be scarce as “the waiting” occurs. In actuality, we need to remind ourselves to prepare with an open heart. It is with this grace of heart that revolutions of greater self-acceptance, grand self-realizations, and monumental moments of healing can commence. I believe this is why we take time to prepare in ceremony for our ceremonies. One cannot act brashly hoping to heal but must act thoughtfully knowing greater healing can come from waiting in thoughtful motion. To be still in action and “run with patience” understanding more blessings can be received if we not only set intentions but prepare for healing and blessings with an open, humble heart. So this is where I rest tonight, thinking of the many changes in my life, not fully understanding them but also knowing in my waiting, I am at the epicenter of many earthen powers which will guide my heart as it continues its radical venture.
Grownup Navajo 
The way you embrace your “radical adventure” speaks volumes about your incredible spirit that walks this earth with an integrity that touches my heart!
The wisdom of your words stop me cold. Like the changing of the seasons, this waiting for wisdom seems cyclical.
Have you thought of writing a daily devotional from a Navajo-Native perspective? I think it would be remarkable. Your words carry me through my day and I am sure it will do the same for others.
A truly beautiful and eloquent post.
Just lovely Jaclyn. You speak to the hearts of all women and I for one am forever grateful….
Thank you so much for your powerful note of kindness.
Thank you for your beautiful words and the thoughtful reflection. I sometimes go out in the late evenings and look up into the night sky and feel like I could be pulled in and amongst the stars. I believe the feelings of connects come from you. I love you. You are an awesome center of energy for me. Kard
Originally from Missouri, I have lived on the Navajo Nation over 20 years. For over 13 years I was the marketing coordinator for Navajo Tourism. Your post reminds me of a personal discovery that changed my life. I shared it with many visitors who came in search of “The Spirit”. They would dart around from one site to the next, searching for the magic. How do you find it? My answer, “You don’t, It finds you”. One must stop, enjoy the moment, slow down, clear your mind. Then, if you’re blessed, It will find you. The People of this beautiful land know this. Thank you for another perspective.
Ahé’hee for you thoughtful comment.
As always Jaclyn, your words have power. I find this post very inspirational. I like how you relate yourself to a hummingbird, always on the go and rarely making time to stand still. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hummingbird stand totally still, I can also relate to having the spirit of a hummingbird! Looking forward to your next post ☺
Nizhoni my friend. Absolutely incredible to read what your writing. You have done awesome. I was just browsing online about kayenta, arizona and I found this, I got into reading it. I love it. Thank you Jacklyn. I will be looking forward to reading them. Yes, us Navajo woman are a solid foundation for who we are, and we must not forgot that and for it to be passed down in generations to come. Thank you again, this lifted me up especially being far away from home.
Ahé’hee for your kind comment. I am happy it made your heart happy. Sending you my best.
I just found out about this blog through a refinery 29 post on Native American designs and I’m so glad I did! What wonderful wisdom in your words. The relationship you describe with nature and it’s intersection with your faith is beautiful and inspirational.
Thanks for coming over to Grownup Navajo and for your thoughtful comment. I hope you keep following!