Embrace the Pain of Growth; Native American (Navajo) Teachings

Overview of Growth and Awareness Across Worlds

The speaker discusses the importance of growth in knowledge, understanding, and imagination as essential components of life. Growth is a continuous process that originates from the earliest stages of existence, progressing through different realms or “worlds” in traditional Navajo teachings: the First World, the Second World, and the current Third World. Full awareness, they note, will only be realized in the Fourth World.

Stages of Existence and Growth

According to Navajo tradition, growth began in the First World, known as the “Dark World,” and progressed through subsequent worlds. In each stage, beings developed new levels of awareness. The current world, the Third World, is where beings are required to cultivate growth in four key aspects of self:

1. Mental growth
2. Emotional growth
3. Physical growth
4. Spiritual growth

This comprehensive growth is essential and rooted in traditional practices.

The Concept of Continual Growth Direction

The Navajo people follow specific practices that reinforce the idea of continual growth. This concept is exemplified by rituals and daily routines, such as:

• Entering the Hogan, the traditional dwelling, in a clockwise direction.
• Performing ceremonial acts, like preparing medicine bundles, in the same growth direction.
• Traditional rituals, including making the coming-of-age cake, adhere to this pattern, symbolizing a life path aligned with growth.
• Growth is further symbolized by the way hair grows and the layout of fields.

All aspects of life are designed to follow this natural path of progression and development.

The Role of Imagination and Spiritual Awareness

Imagination, regarded as a form of spiritual awareness, connects beings to past knowledge and understanding, guiding them in growth. This awareness is more profound than mental activity, encompassing elements of spiritual growth and transcending the physical brain. Spiritual awareness is crucial, originating in the First World and anticipated to reach full realization in the Fourth World.

Growth in the Four Aspects of Being

Growth is achieved through personal responsibility and decision-making. Each individual must strive to improve mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. While each person encounters opposition in these areas, overcoming challenges leads to growth. The pain associated with change, whether due to physical limitations or personal choices, is a natural part of development. Accepting and learning from discomfort fosters resilience and growth in these four aspects.

Personal Responsibility and Helping Others

Personal growth extends to supporting others. Those without physical or mental limitations bear a responsibility to assist those who face such challenges. Helping others also contributes to one’s own growth in mind, emotions, body, and spirit.

Navigating Pain and Change

The journey of growth often includes painful experiences, especially when one must break free from detrimental habits. Recognizing mistakes and making changes, though difficult, encourages personal growth. Observing others’ experiences can also provide insight, helping individuals avoid making similar mistakes.

Awareness and Sensory Perception

Awareness encompasses the development of the senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. While people respond differently to sensory experiences, all must work towards understanding and managing these variations in response. Fears, such as fear of darkness or heights, are examples of individual differences. The journey of growth involves recognizing these differences and continuously striving to improve.

The Importance of Awareness and Common Sense

Awareness, a concept dating back to the First World, is akin to what some might call common sense or even a sixth sense. This awareness guides individuals in developing across the four areas of their being and fosters the continual improvement necessary for personal and communal growth.

Conclusion: The Path of Continual Growth

The teachings underscore the importance of continuous self-improvement. By aspiring to be better each day, individuals can strive for a better tomorrow. Growth will inevitably encounter opposition, but through commitment to development, one can achieve progress in mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions.