Wisdom from the Elders of the Hopi Nation

As my friends and I work toward a better future for children, battling for decimal dust in state and federal budgets, and fighting to keep the doors open in organizations and agencies that work on behalf of children and families, I found these opening words from Margaret Wheatley's book, Perseverance, to be very inspiring.

It is a Prophecy delivered by the Elders of the Hopi Nation on June 8, 2000, at Oraibi Arizona.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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.