LEARNING FROM LAUGHTER

     Starting about three months after a child is born in a traditional Navajo community, the infant is watched over carefully by family and friends, who patiently wait for the moment when the baby laughs for the first time. In their tradition, this moment is particularly important, because it marks the child's first outward sign of pleasure as a social being, and thereby, the completion of it's transition from the spirit world to the physical world.

     Whoever is present for that first laugh is deemed to have caused it, and is considered to have a special bond with the child for life. Whether the Laugh Witness is a close relative or a passing acquaintance, s/he then receives the privilege of preparing an A'wee Chi'deedloh (The Baby Laughed), a special ceremony and party that officially welcomes the infant into their community. This also formally begins the child's training in generosity, a trait that is held in high regard among the Navajo people.

FEELING GENEROUS

     At the party, guests bearing plates of freshly cooked food slowly pass in front of the child who, with help from the Laugh Witness, places a pinch of salt on each person's food as a symbolic act of generosity. The salt is said to rekindle and sustain the goodness in each recipient, and is considered the first in a lifetime of generous acts by the child. 

     At a time when so much of our contemporary pop culture and socio-political frames of reference are focused on the power of greed, separation and self-importance,

I believe this inspiring Navajo tradition has several important reminders for us:

·   we humans are social beings, who thrive on the company and support of others

·   generosity is a central virtue

·   opportunities to celebrate generosity help us remember and regenerate our goodness

·   an act of kindness blesses not just the receiver, but also the giver, and all who witness it

ACTING GENEROUS

     In the Celebration Circle, our purpose is to honor and nurture awareness of the Sacred in ourselves, each other and All Creation. As we deepen in understanding of our Oneness as individuals and as a spiritual community, we do our best to demonstrate that awareness by being generous, kind and compassionate with ourselves and each other. Not just because it's a "good thing" to do, or "The Right Way" to be, but also because, at our core, that's who we truly are.

     As the Navajo tradition of the First Laugh shows, we have much to enjoy and learn from each other in this respect. And, as my good friend and teacher, Charley Heavenrich likes to say, "You've got to do it by yourself, but you cannot do it alone."  At least, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

With joy,

     Rudi

PS: Speaking of generosity, many thanks to all the volunteers, donors and attendees who made the Circle's  25th Birthday Party such a Big Success. I can't begin to list all the folks who made it possible in this space, but you know who you are -- and I trust you can feel the power of your contribution(s).