A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to participate in a Sounds True Year of Ceremony event with Grandmother Pershile (Perci) Ami, a Hopi healer. She spoke eloquently on many subjects, and I would like to share some of her wisdom with you.
She spoke about the importance of creating our own prayer rituals and ceremonies. She told us that people often ask her how to pray. “Praying is very simple. Simply speak to the universe,” she said. First and foremost, you need to believe. Then, express yourself. Then, be silent. Listen. Quiet the noise in your head.
The Hopi always pray first for rain, then for health, harmony, peace and well being for all living things. Lastly, they pray for themselves.
Create peace within yourself before beginning your prayer. Clear your mind. Walk in nature. Do whatever you need to do to create peace. Walk with peaceful people. Wear something that reminds you of your intention. That is your practice, your ritual.
Trust who you are to find who you are.
Grandmother Perci told us that it is important to know who you are and what you stand for. Be clear about what boundaries in life you cannot cross. Know your responsibilities and know what you can give.
Hopi energy
In Hopi philosophy, there are five energy centers in the body. Each has a purpose in grounding you to your true self. She described them as “servants of our spirit.” She also urged us to “show respect and gratitude for the blessings in your life.”
- The belly
This is where spirit starts – in the gut. When a situation arises, listen to your gut. What is your intuition telling you?
- The heart
Your heart is the center of your emotions. How do you feel? What is your heart telling you?
- The back of the head
This place is where your memories are stored – the centre of knowledge. What have you learned from experience?
- Top of the head (soft spot)
This is a place of awareness, openness, listening, learning and exploring. What new information can you gather? Are you open to new perspectives?
- Throat
Now that you have listened to your gut, your heart, your knowledge and experience, and opened yourself to new possibilities, you can speak your truth.
“If you want to heal, laugh!”
“Humour is important,” says Grandmother Perci. In Hopi ceremonies, sacred clowns bring laughter to the people. They lighten the ceremony. Laughter is so important in Hopi culture that they hold a celebration for the person who makes a baby laugh for the first time.
“Sometimes, laughter is forgotten,” says Grandmother Perci. “Laugh everyday. Take the time to laugh. You can take your life seriously but have fun doing it.”