Newton’s Third Law states that, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Indigenous cultures from around the world have known this for thousands of years in relation to how our actions affect our Mother Earth. There is a give and take with the understanding that you only take what is needed. Awareness of how we gather and how much of it is harvested is key to preserving these natural treasures for future generations. Lately we seem to be taking more than what we are giving back. Environmental degradation may seem like a conservation issue, but the health of our communities depends on the health of the land. Is it possible to live a healthy life while the earth is in peril? Learning about the flora and fauna of the different regions of Texas will enable us to take ownership of this great state and aide in the preservation of our natural lands.
Afuera hay mucho más. There is so much more outside. It is important to remember that beauty is all around us. How often do you pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you? It’s time to connect to the earth by first connecting to Texas. The journey begins within us.
To begin this journey, I’ll leave you with this prayer from the Navajo Way blessing:
In beauty I walk
With beauty before me I walk
With beauty behind me I walk
With beauty above me I walk
With beauty around me I walk
It has become beauty again
Hózhóogo naasháa doo
Shitsijí’ hózhóogo naasháa doo
Shikéédéé hózhóogo naasháa doo
Shideigi hózhóogo naasháa doo
T’áá altso shinaagóó hózhóogo naasháa doo
Hózhó náhásdlíí’
Hózhó náhásdlíí’
Hózhó náhásdlíí’
Hózhó náhásdlíí’
Today I will walk out, today everything negative will leave me
I will be as I was before, I will have a cool breeze over my body.
I will have a light body, I will be happy forever, nothing will hinder me.
I walk with beauty before me. I walk with beauty behind me.
I walk with beauty below me. I walk with beauty above me.
I walk with beauty around me. My words will be beautiful.
In beauty all day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons, may I walk.
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.
With dew about my feet, may I walk.
With beauty before me may I walk.
With beauty behind me may I walk.
With beauty below me may I walk.
With beauty above me may I walk.
With beauty all around me may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.
My words will be beautiful…
Afuera Texas 