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Grateful for the Wisdom of Hopi Elders: This is the Hour… Let go of the shore!

Photo of rushing river with caption "Embracing Life's flow: Grateful for the Wisdom of Hopi Elders"
Grateful for the Wisdom of Hopi Elders”

This is The Hour…
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

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. The kind, the brave, the grateful. This metaphorical river represents the relentless progression of life, with its currents symbolizing the events and transitions we encounter. Attempting to cling to the “shore”—our comfort zones or past experiences—can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or “torn apart.” The elders advise embracing the river’s flow, encouraging us to:

  • Let Go of the Shore: Release attachments to the past or the need for control.
  • Push Off into the Middle: Engage fully with the present moment, immersing ourselves in current experiences.
  • Keep Eyes Open and Heads Above Water: Stay vigilant and maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with adversity.


This wisdom passed down by the Elders of the Hopi Nation in 2000 speaks to something deep within us: the need to let go of fear, embrace the present moment, and trust the journey. They use the metaphor of a river, a powerful image that represents the flow of life—unpredictable, swift, sometimes overwhelming, but always moving towards a destination. Their message reminds us that when we resist the current of life, clinging to the shore out of fear or a desire for control, we suffer. However, when we embrace the flow and see who is on this journey with us, we discover reasons to celebrate, and for that, we can be deeply grateful.

In many ways, this message is one of surrender. Not the kind of surrender that signals defeat, but rather the surrender that allows us to flow with life rather than struggle against it. This surrender requires trust—trust in the process, in the destination, and in ourselves. It’s easy to resist change, to hold on to what feels familiar or safe, but growth comes when we step into the river’s current, letting go of the shore and allowing ourselves to be carried by life. Gratitude plays an essential role in this process. When we are grateful, we see life’s challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and transformation. We trust that the river, though swift and uncertain, is taking us somewhere we are meant to be.

Gratitude helps us release the need to control outcomes and allows us to appreciate the journey, wherever it may lead. It is easy to become fixated on the destination—our goals, dreams, and aspirations—but life is lived in the present moment, in the flow of experiences that shape us along the way. When we focus only on what we want to achieve or where we want to go, we miss the beauty of the present, and we overlook the gifts that each moment offers. The Elders remind us to celebrate the now, to see who is journeying with us, and to cherish the connections and experiences that enrich our lives today.

In times of uncertainty, like the fast-flowing river described by the Elders, we may feel tempted to isolate ourselves, to go it alone. Yet, the Hopi Elders urge us to recognize that the time of the lone wolf is over. Now is the time for community, for gathering together, for supporting one another in sacred and joyful ways. Gratitude deepens when shared. It is in our relationships that we often find our greatest reasons for giving thanks. Whether it is family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers who cross our paths, the people in our lives are there for a reason. Expressing gratitude for their presence, support, and wisdom strengthens our connections and builds a sense of belonging. Together, we can navigate the river’s current with greater ease and joy.

The Hopi message also touches on an important aspect of gratitude: the importance of not taking things personally. When we let go of taking every challenge or slight to heart, we free ourselves from unnecessary pain and frustration. Life is not always about us, and the world does not revolve around our individual concerns. When we adopt a broader perspective, we see that many of the struggles we face are shared by others. We are not alone in our fears, doubts, or uncertainties. Gratitude helps us cultivate this wider perspective, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—our spiritual growth, our ability to help others, and our capacity to celebrate the beauty of life, even amid challenges.

Gratitude is, at its essence, a form of celebration. It is a way of honoring the sacredness of life, the people we meet, and the experiences that shape us. The Elders remind us that all we do now must be done in a sacred manner, with joy and celebration. When we approach life with gratitude, every action becomes meaningful. Every moment holds potential for joy, even when life’s current feels overwhelming.

The Hopi Elders’ message invites us to see life as a river, flowing fast and sometimes unpredictably, but always moving forward. Gratitude is the key to navigating this river with grace. By letting go of control, celebrating the present, and cherishing those on the journey with us, we open ourselves to the deeper wisdom and beauty of life. We are not alone, and for that, we can always be grateful.

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