The Old Anasazi Way

There is a lot to learn from Native Americans and from those who understand the eternal laws of the universe. Recently I read a book called “The Seven Paths” written by an Anasazi Native American who inspires his readers to reconnect with wildlife. Throughout the book, the author gives examples of profound life lessons he learned by interacting with Mother Nature.

When you learn to view nature through the eyes of the Anasazi, even unassuming rocks in the wilderness teach you the meaning of humility. The gradually shifting tectonic plates that form colossal mountains will instill in you an inspiration to begin making positive changes in your life. Modest plants and cacti will show you self-restraint in action.

Last week, my husband and I went to the Wasatch National Forest. We took the book with us and we read it among the surrounding pine trees, lily covered lakes, and among wild animals in their natural habitat. The words of Good Buffalo Eagle sunk into our hearts and we began seeing nature the old Anasazi way. Nature became more alive than it already was. The rustling of pine trees in the wind whispered to our hearts the secrets of old.

We made friends with a wild young cat in a vast grove with striped fur that matched the multicolored bark on nearby trees. The young feline accosted another neat snow colored cat that had elegantly made her entrance. Our new friend clearly wanted nothing but to play, however he was haughtily ignored. The striped cat, however, was undeterred. He wasn’t going to let one rude cat spoil his beautiful day! Instead of trying to play with his snooty comrade, he decided to amuse himself by playing with a flower as if it were a bobble head. How many times in my life have I allowed the actions of others to ruin my mood? As I observed that young cat, I resolved to be more like him, to be more light-hearted and to find joy in even the simplest of life’s surrounding beauties.

Early in the morning as my husband and I were eating breakfast, we observed two lovebird-couples of large sand hill cranes leisurely making their way along a stream adjacent to the cabin where we had spent the night. We were amused to observe one of the male cranes approach one of the neighboring cabins and make loud clattering sound by knocking on the door with his large pointed beak. Perhaps he was disappointed that nobody answered the door. “Oh well” the crane must have thought. “There’s still plenty to do around this neck of the woods.”

We observed the cranes for about 45 minutes; in that time, they traveled a mere distance of approximately 70 feet. They weren’t aimlessly wandering in circles. They certainly must have had a destination in mind. However, they were clearly in no rush to get there. As we attentively contemplated the unhurried easy-going pace of the cranes, I pointed out to my husband how often in life we get caught up in the turmoil of life’s demands and we forget to slow down and enjoy the blessings that are afforded to us on a daily basis. We forget to decelerate, relax and find joy in life, like those cranes.

In our modern day, we have surrounded ourselves with buildings and technology. The things that man is now capable of were only the dreams of centuries ago. We find however, that modern man has become increasingly disconnected with nature. Some affirm that this disconnect is of little importance. But from my experience observing and mingling with nature, my soul is filled with an inspiring energy. It’s like the satisfaction of drinking water when you didn’t quite realize you were thirsty. I now strive to see the world, the old Anasazi way.