the hopi elders speak

the first time i heard this hopi prayer referenced was in a speech given by Maria Shriver at an Obama rally last month, and i was so moved. her speech was very understated as she spoke so candidly about this notion of living your own truth and not someone else's.

i think the whole text of the free verse is incredibly powerful; not just in light of this sweeping movement of change and hope that is undeniably gripping this country, but more personally, its message about not looking outside of yourself for someone to activate the change you want to see in the world, your community, your family, your very own life. a scary proposition, to let go of the shore, but when we do, we just begin to live the wildly fulfilling and empowering life that is our own, and no-one else's. we are the ones we've been waiting for...

The Hopi Elders Speak
We Are the OnesWe've Been Waiting For

"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. And 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 great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.

Know 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 the 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 comes 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."