Do you take delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.
#96. The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If the
Eyes Had No Tears (Book of Native American Proverbs) collected by Guy A. Zona
This book is
a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom of Native American tribes and their rich oral
tradition. They remind us to honor the earth as sacred, cherish every day as
God's day, and celebrate the vital roles of women as mothers, teachers,
artists, and leaders. Their timeless values offer gentle lessons in living with
gratitude, balance, and respect.
“Do not
judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins.” ……Northern
Cheyenne
ð This
Northern Cheyenne proverb reminds us to never judge anyone too quickly. Before
forming an opinion about someone, we should first understand their journey,
struggles, and life experiences. Walking "two moons" in another's
moccasins symbolizes the time, empathy, and humility needed to truly see the
world through another person's eyes.
“It is
less of a problem to be poor than to be dishonest.”…..Anishinabe
ð The
Anishinabe proverb is teaching us that poverty is far less damaging than
dishonesty. While a lack of wealth can change over time, integrity shapes who
we are and how others trust us. True richness is found not in what we own, but
in living with honesty, earning respect, and strengthening the bonds that hold
a community together.
“Thoughts
are like arrows: once released, they strike their mark. Guard them well or one
day you may be your own victim.” …….Navajo
ð The
Navajo proverb tells us that our thoughts shape our lives. Like an arrow that
cannot be recalled once released, our attitudes and intentions eventually
become our words and actions. When we choose wisdom, kindness, and compassion,
they bring healing. But if we nurture anger, bitterness, or grudge, we often
end up hurting ourselves the most.
“Man’s
law changes with his understanding of man. Only the laws of the spirit remain
always the same.” …..Crow
ð The
Crow proverb shows that human laws may change with time or become tenuous
depending on situations, but the laws of the spirit endure forever. While
societies revise their rules as they learn and grow, timeless values like love,
compassion, respect, and harmony remain constant. They serve as our true guide
through every generation.
“I have
been to the end of the earth.
I have
been to the end of the waters.
I have
been to the end of the sky.
I have
been to the end of the mountains.
I have
found none that are not my friends.” ….Navajo
ð The
Navajo concept of Hózhó, often translated as "Walking in Beauty,"
invites us to live in harmony, balance, and peace with all of creation. It
reminds us that we are deeply connected to the natural world and that every
part of life is worthy of respect. By choosing gratitude over fear and
compassion over conflict, we learn to see the world not as an enemy, but as our
shared home.
** Jean’s Small Thoughts:
As the title of
this book - which is also the Minquass’ old saying – shows, joy often grows
from sorrow. Just as a rainbow appears only after the rain, life's greatest
beauty and deepest gratitude often emerge through tears and hardship. Pain can
become a path to healing, helping us appreciate hope, strength, and happiness
more fully. Perhaps that is why we keep moving forward, one day at a time, even
when life doesn't seem to be on our side. Hope quietly reminds us that every
storm eventually gives way to brighter skies.
Today, let me
share the poem that I wrote when I visited the Museum of Native American Tribes
in Cleveland, Ohio a while ago.
An Ode to Cuyahoga Valley
by Jean Jiyoung Lee
Along the twists and turns of the
river,
All the leaves dredged in summer green
holler with pain.
Listening to their roar,
We were led back to the remnant of the
old days slain.
Who was it wearing innocent smiles in
the upland plateau?
When was it that the indefatigable
spirit got ousted with tear?
The Great blue Heron in the valley
gives you a magnificent wing span
quite pseudo,
But her eyes are telling you the past
in fear.
Streaming sounds mixed in the
waterfall
Echo the voice lost for good, I'd say.
Breezy forest full of weeping wildflowers so tall
Resembles the hopeless eyes of
yesterday.
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