Walking In Beauty

Abstract

The sun rises from the East and the sun sets in the West, wind can cut ferociously and then
peacefully falls, rain can endure harshly then softly subside, sun heat burns and moon light cools,
all these elements exemplify a balance and harmony in our world. This ideal of harmony and
balance is Hózhó. Hózhó is a state of harmony that the Navajo people always strive to achieve.
K’e is establishing a relationship with everything in the universe; it continues to be an important
value widely practiced in Navajo society today (Haskie, M., & Edwards, JL. 2002).

The term social justice has originated and coined from Italian Risorgimento of the nineteenth
century (Williamson, J., Rhodes, L., & Dunson, M. 2007). The term has taken different forms
and has shaped into today’s “social justice”. Although the idea has originated from different
source, this idea has long resonated in Diné ΄ culture from the creations of the worlds. Creation
stories has told many about the conflicts and resolutions made in Diné history. Before emerging
into this fourth world (glittering world) as we know today, Diné people have passed through
three different other worlds. Diné teaching has passed on many stories about the Holy people and
the four sacred mountains. The Holy People are believed to have power to heal or to harm Earth
people, this counter balance can either nurture or destroy harmony. According to Wally Brown,
a Navajo historian, each world has brought awareness to the Diné people in regards to behavior
conduct, valuing life teachings, and respecting the earthly environments.

Diné culture has always transpired living in harmony and balance by conducting our lives with
respect to Mother Earth, Father sky, and towards others. The word “Hózhó”, in Diné ΄ Bizaad
describes this word as striving for balance and harmony together. The Holy people have taught
prayers and healing songs to Earth people in the representation of four; four directions, four
seasons, four clans, four colors, and the four sacred mountains. From the Diné ΄ perspective life
is nurturing and positive when lived in harmony and balance with others, with ourselves, and our
environment.

Creation stories have been long told and passed down in Diné teachings. Stories of war and
peace, stories of beginnings and ends, stories of rights and wrongs, stories cautioning listeners to
be aware. The stories that have resounded with myself as a young child, was the winters stories
of coyote tales. The tales would include stories and would associate to a life moral and lesson for
Diné people. These cautionary tales would remind me to be fair, honest, and hardworking and
make resolutions for peace and prosperity with others. The Diné concept of having respect to
yourself, to others, and the environment is a powerful notion to teach in preschool. This
perception can encourage positive early social justice for very young learners.