The Beauty Way

Issue 14/ Spring 2025

Winter is a time for solitude, a moment of deep reflection and connection to the divine. As darkness falls, we enter a space where sacredness is ever-present, and the spirit of the Creator surrounds us.

The theme of hooghan biyiin—the sacred song sung after the construction of the hooghan—reminds us of the spiritual foundation of our homes. The hooghan is a living, breathing entity, animating with each song, each prayer, each action. It is a space where something sacred is about to unfold. Each winter season, we gather as a family and listen to sacred stories. The stories we share are sacred because they come from our people.

Raina Brown was the first presenter in our Winter Stories Session. In Raina’s presentation, she shared that the first hooghan constructed was the male hooghan, a tq’ache, a sweatlodge where our ancestors meditated and connected with diyin diné, and the sacredness of the cosmos. Then when Changing Woman was born, they built the female hooghan. It represented our lives and where we come from. An extension of mother earth to us. Our birthplace. Where our songs and prayers come from.

The hooghan, as it is built, becomes a living memory. Each object within the home, each space, and each moment inside it tells the story of our lives, our ancestors, and our journey toward maintaining Hózhó—balance, beauty, and harmony. The process of building and maintaining a hooghan is a continual act of respect, a reminder of the values our ancestors taught us. These values, such as respect for all creation, are passed down through generations. It is up to us to maintain Hózhó, walking the line between the negative and positive, the good and the bad.
Walter Shorty was our second and third presenter due to technical difficulties. Walter shared the prayer process of the Sacred Mountains. “When you tell stories, it is spiritual.”

We have four sacred mountains, four seasons, and four clans. So, it was fitting that Walter began his presentation by explaining the Four Sacred Mountains, their significance, and their many meanings and symbolisms. As the sun walks across the sky, you see many colors of the sky, beginning with the white of dawn, the turquoise of midday, the yellow of evening, and the black night sky. You can see the Sacred Mountains and their colors on our ECN Shield.
Walter shared some traditional winter stories, which can only be told in Winter when the animals hibernate. The stories referencing animals hold teachings within the traditional narratives passed down to teach valuable lessons about behavior and life.

Our last presenter was Leonard Anthony, an educator and consultant deeply rooted in Navajo traditions. As part of his research, Leonard has engaged with elders, children, and community members, collecting wisdom passed down through generations. He shares the deep cultural values that shape Navajo life, and this Winter Zoom gathering focused on personal responsibility, family, and the wisdom of our ancestors.

Leonard highlighted how caring for our homes, livestock, and relationships helps shape who we become. Through his storytelling, Leonard Anthony shared cultural teachings and reminded us of the importance of being positive role models. He explained that one of the most powerful ways to teach is through action—by living out the values of respect, trust, and care, we provide a living example for our children to follow.

The first thunder we experienced in the second week of March marks the end of Winter. So, in conclusion, the winter season and the stories we share are deeply rooted in the sacred teachings of our ancestors. From building the hooghan to the wisdom passed down by Raina Brown, Walter Shorty, Leonard Anthony, and countless others in their respective homes with their families, we are reminded of our responsibility to honor and maintain balance in our lives. These stories are not just memories but teachings that guide us to live in harmony, respect, and beauty. As we reflect on these lessons, we carry forward the sacred values that have shaped us for generations.

You can find recordings of the Winter Story sessions on ECN’s YouTube channel.