Posted by By Alex Bark, Writer
Simply by living in the New Paltz community we are constantly surrounded by nature. But do we appreciate it enough?
While Americans may be detached from our natural world, nature’s role in Native American culture is sacred to all aspects of life: religion, daily rituals, literature, food, medicine and art. Tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass are considered the Four Sacred Medicines. Many shelters across different cultures are constructed from raw materials like sticks, animal fur and leaves.
The belief that every animal, tree, rock, mountain, and even water has a living soul culminates in the universal native custom of treating all parts of nature with respect, importance and honor. One notable worship of these elements is through dance.
The rain dance, most often used by the Navajo and Hopi tribes, is performed to attract the attention of spirits and coax them into cleansing the Earth and the people with water. Rain symbolizes forgiveness and is seen as the sky’s tears. If it is received, it signifies that the spirits have given mercy and approval and the crops will continue to grow to last the tribes through the winter.
It’s fascinating to hear about the Navajo and Hopi tribes’ dedication to honoring the Earth, and I wonder if there’s a place for that in the world today. It can be a struggle to even go out and see nature in between the fast pace of your routine; school, work, and homework almost always takes place indoors.
Although most of us don’t regularly involve Earth in our lives in spiritual ways like the Navajo and Hopi tribes, we can learn from them. Incorporating nature into our lives by participating in clubs that bring us outside can increase focus, calmness and joy.
The Outdoor and the Snow Clubs take students out to various nature destinations like Catamount Mountain, the Black Creek Preserve, and Mohonk Preserve. These beautiful, serene places can offer a sense of peace to any who visit. For many high school students, or anyone with a busy schedule, it is the perfect escape from the stress of life.
Joining a sports team can also help you get outdoors. Roxy Deny Bhagat, junior, confirms, “I really enjoy doing cross country, and nordic because during the winter it’s always cold. There would really be no other reason to go outside. Joining sports gives you a commitment to going out.”
As for the Navajo and Hopi tribes, the rain dance ceremony is still practiced today. Its widespread use throughout Native American culture establishes that it belongs with and means a lot to many people. The quest to find purpose among New Paltz students is proof that nature will eventually find an organic relationship with us.
The Maroon 