Wisdom from The Elders of the Hopi Nation: "We are the ones we've been waiting for."

My T'ai Chi master this morning invited us to read and consider the wisdom in the following prose poem by The Elders of the Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona 2002:

"You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour. Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour and there are things to be considered:

"Where are you living? What are you doing?
What are your relationships? Are you in right relation?
Where is your water? Know your garden.

"It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
Do not look outside yourself for the leader. . . .

"This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so good and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold onto the shore. They will feel that they are being torn apart and that they 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, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water. See who is in there with you and celebrate.

"At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all ourselves. For the moment that 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 your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

"We are the ones we've been waiting for."