My dinétah friends had me thinking this morning about what has become a favorite prayer or affirmation for me. It comes from the Night Way Chant (Yéíbichei). It is “Hóózhó naashá.” Usually translated “In beauty I walk,” it can also have the connotation of harmony. As a musician, I know that the harmony is not the center (the melody is). The singer of harmony must listen to the center. I have value in this world. In fact the experience of life would be less beautiful with out the harmony I add. It allows for and celebrates differences. It doesn’t judge.
Naashá is also used to describe where one comes from. In Navajo we aren’t “from” somewhere, we “walk around” somewhere. So I was raised Da’akózh taa, among the greaswood. In answer to the question “where do you live?” I would say “Da’akózh taa déé naashá.” I am from (walk around) among the greasewood.
Hóózhó can also mean “care,” as in take care, be care-ful. “I walk care-fully.”
So the prayer can translate variously as:
“I walk in beauty.”
“I am from beauty (I live in beauty).”
“I walk with care.”
“I live care-fully.”
“I live in harmony.”
“I am from harmony.”