Tony's Blog: We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For…

Dear Friends,

Many cultures start their calendars around this time of year because the Winter Solstice signifies the longest night of the year followed by the initiation of ever increasing lightness. Thus, a time of new beginnings. The term solstice is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) as the Sun's path appears to come to a momentary stop before reversing direction and bringing a time of longer daylight.

So too we pause for a moment to reflect upon the greater light that we can bring into this world. Many people have remarked that the year just past was a very difficult or dark one. So, renewal is called for. Please join us in assisting the return of light into all our lives. Just as we string lights, utilize bright ornamentation and light candles to symbolize lightness returning from the edges of darkness, we endeavor to send messages of light and hope to our youth. Light in the form of mentors and a community that looks in their direction to illuminate the gifts that they were born to bring into this world.

It is time to stop lamenting the dark times and realize that we are the chosen ones if we only accept that we have the inner gifts to renew the world and remake it into a better, more loving place. Please join me in inviting the light back into this world. Give life to the traditional expressions of comfort, joy, love and generosity. Lend a hand to those in need. Offer a word of encouragement to a young person. Become a mentor.

Take heed to the message of the Hopi Elders who say:

We Are the Ones We'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.

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.

—The Elders Oraibi

Arizona Hopi Nation

Together we can do it.  Si se puede!