On my trip home this weekend, I was able to enjoy the beautiful spring weather in my favorite place in the world Diné Bikeyáh. Surrounded by showers of female rain and rolling clouds and filled with many conversations and laughter, my heart was supremely happy. Driving is a meditative state for me and while on my way home, I thought of many things but focused on how important expressing gratitude can be. I recorded my first travel vlog for Grownup Navajo roadside and in it I challenge us to think about ways we can be better. Watch, ponder, share your thoughts with me.
If you are looking for more on mindfulness, I encourage you to listen to this conversation I had with Dennis Worden. Dennis founded the podcast NextGen Native to celebrate and raise the profiles of Native people doing impactful work in our communities with the goal of not solely inspiring hope but generating action. I have long felt NextGen Native and Grownup Navajo are aligned greatly with each other as they celebrate the knowledge we have in Indian Country TODAY. For this reason, to be included on this podcast is great honor and privilege. Ahé’hee to Dennis for sharing your vision and continuing to create positive waves for our people.
Grownup Navajo 
Thank you for addressing the concerns that fired up our community. I for one, was heartbroken over the loss of Ashlynn Mike, a soul so precious and dear. It hit home for me, mostly because she was murdered near my hometown, Farmington and it all reminded me of how delicate life really is. We, as a race, are more susceptible to abuse and violence. Families who work hard, endless hours, leave their kids in such a vulnerable state. It just confirms that you can’t trust anyone anymore these days. I’m so blessed to say that I have protected my daughter, from the moment she was born from anything bad. I go as far as protecting her from the dangers of certain foods that are slowly killing Americans as a whole. There’s so much to worry about, and then to hear about my own people being affected by things like poverty, abuse, and those that are more prone to experiencing crimes, just breaks my heart.
What seems like an innocent, everyday routine for a baby girl, playing on the side of road… a trusting and innocent soul like hers… it still shakes me to the core… to even begin to imagine how life is so very fragile. It seems like no matter how much we protect, advise and counsel our children, there’s always still a chance that we can lose them or each other.
After hearing of her death, I hugged my sweet daughter, kissed her head and talked to her about standing firm around strangers. I talked to her about the boundaries that she needs to set for her body and for her mind. It’s all such a tragedy how, even though I don’t live on the reservation, how much Ashlynn’s passing has affected me. Many prayers for her soul, that she may enter into heaven or the otherworld in a loving way.
Thank you for posting this.
Sadly, it is no longer the way it was even 15 years ago, even in places considered safe or is it that it is more visible. I do note really know, but it makes me feel sick and sad.
I think this tragedy displays how we are all vulnerable, where ever we are we need to watch over each other in an effort to protect & heal.
Ahé’hee Silver for your words. I appreciate hearing your perspective as a mother and while I can relate only as an auntie, I can understand the need to protect your baby at all costs. Sending you much love and light to heal as well.