There’s something quietly powerful about the wisdom passed down through Native American cultures—it’s strong, it’s gentle, and it stays with you. Today, I wanted to share two quotes that really speak to what it means to live a grounded, meaningful life.
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The other day, I got an email from my mindfulness (MBSR) teacher, Mechthild.
I’ve mentioned her before; her newsletters are something I always look forward to. They’re warm and thoughtful, the kind you read slowly, maybe with a cup of tea.
She has a way with words that feels both comforting and energizing—like a thick knit sweater and a walk in fresh air.
What I especially love: she always includes a little gem at the end—a quote or proverb I’ve usually never heard before, but that somehow lands right where it should.
This time, she shared a beautiful Navajo proverb.
As someone who is not Native American, I share these quotes with deep respect and a recognition that they come from cultures and histories far beyond my own. My hope is simply to honor the beauty and wisdom in these words.
Native American Quote #1: Navajo PROVERB
This beautiful Navajo proverb is one I keep coming back to. It’s simple, yet it carries such depth—a gentle guide to living with strength, heart, and balance.
Walk tall as the trees,
Navajo proverb
Live strong as the mountains,
Be gentle as the spring winds,
Keep the warmth of the summer sun in your heart,
And the Great Spirit will always be with you.
Let’s look at what each line might mean ...
"Walk tall as the trees":
This feels like a call to move through life with quiet confidence. Trees stand rooted and tall, even in storms. It's a reminder to stay grounded, to carry ourselves with dignity and strength.
"Live strong as the mountains":
Mountains endure. They’re steady, solid, and always there. This line suggests building a life on inner strength, having a calm, steady center no matter what’s happening around us.
"Be gentle as the spring winds":
Spring winds are soft but full of life. They carry new beginnings. This encourages us to meet others—and ourselves—with gentleness. A soft approach can be just as powerful as a strong one.
"Keep the warmth of the summer sun in your heart":
Think of how the sun feels on your skin on a summer afternoon. This could be seen as an invitation to hold onto that kind of warmth (joy, kindness, love) and let it shine through in how we show up for people.
"And the Great Spirit will always be with you":
To me, this last line ties it all together. When we live with strength, gentleness, and warmth, we stay connected—to nature, to each other, to something bigger than ourselves.
To sum it up:
This Native American quote is a gentle nudge to live in alignment with the natural world and our deeper selves. We’re not separate from nature—we are nature. And when we live with intention, we feel that connection more fully.
Native American Quote #2: Apache BLESSING
I recently came across another beautiful line that echoes the same spirit as the Navajo proverb.
It’s a simple and heartfelt Apache blessing, and it reads:
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.
Apache blessing
Isn’t that lovely? It feels like a soft hand on your shoulder, a reminder to move through life with care, to notice the beauty around you, and to stay open to wonder.
It’s about presence, appreciation, and walking lightly, both in the world and in our relationships.
Bonus: BOOKS on Native American Wisdom
If these two Native American quotes spoke to something inside you, you're not alone. I’ve found that Native American wisdom has a way of settling the mind and opening the heart.
One website I return to is Inspiration for the Spirits—it’s full of reflections on life, death, nature, and our place in the world. Whenever I’m feeling off or need grounding, I find something there that gently shifts my perspective.
And if you're like me and love the quiet focus of a good book, here are three thoughtful reads that go deeper into Native American poetry, stories, and philosophy:
1. When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through, with LeAnne Howe, Jennifer Elise Foerster, and contributing editors
2. A Radiant Curve, by Lucy Tapahonso
3. The Wisdom of Native Americans, by Kent Nerburn
Which is your favorite quote? Do you know more inspirational Native American quotes?
Wishing you planty of inspiration,
Ramona
♥
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