Letting the Current Carry Us
A Hopi Prophecy
There’s a Hopi prophecy from 2000 that offers grounding in uncertain times. It speaks of a river flowing very fast and acknowledges that many will feel afraid and want to cling to the shore, to what’s familiar.
But the Hopi elders encourage something different: Know the river has its destination. Push off. Keep your eyes open. Keep your head above water.
And then the prophesy offers this unexpected reorientation:
“This could be a good time! … See who is in there with you and celebrate…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.”
Struggling with Struggle
“Banish the word ‘struggle’”…I love that concept! But it’s easier said than done! To be candid, I’m still struggling to unlearn the habits of struggle…which is a paradox in itself.
How do you stop doing a habit… without doing the habit to stop it?
So much of what I’ve been taught ~ quietly and loudly ~ tells me transformation requires effort, discipline, control. That if I want to change, I need to try harder, push further, perfect myself.
But when I try to force myself out of the mindset of force…I find myself right back in it.
What I appreciate about this prophecy is that it doesn’t offer a tool or a tactic. It offers a reorientation. One that says: Instead of gritting it out, gather. Instead of suffering, celebrate. Instead of trying to “get it right,” do it mindfully, in a sacred manner.
Sacredness
“Doing things in a sacred manner”! What does that even look like? I’m starting to wonder if perhaps sacredness doesn’t have to be grand. Maybe it can be as simple lighting a candle before writing. Remembering to breathe before replying. Whispering '“thank you” to the friend who saw us clearly when we had felt erased. Celebrating the ones who keep showing up for us ~ in the waters beside us ~ even when we forget to look around.
Questions I’m swimming with this week:
Where in my life is “struggle” still a default setting…not because it’s needed, but because it’s familiar?
What would it mean to move in a sacred manner…not after the hard work is done, but as the work itself?
Who do I see in the river with me… and how might I honor them this week?
What would the next few days feel like if we believed we don’t have to effort to get somewhere? That it’s possible to release the struggle and allow the current carry us toward its own destination?
As you can see, this space isn’t about answers, but inviting shared inquiry.
If something inside you has been stirred, I’d love to hear what’s surfacing within you. Feel free to share in the comments below.
Grateful to be in the waters with you,
Laureen