When the Navajo woke to the first dawning he realized that life was to be a continuous struggle for survival. He knew that throughout his life he would have to face the four monsters: old age, poverty, sickness, and death—monsters left by the killers of all evils, the Twin War Gods in the beginning of the fourth world, to make the Navajo stronger by overcoming obstacles.

In preparation for this cycle of life, the old ones of The People knew that if they, as a people, were to survive, they must teach their young ones to become strong at an early age. Their teaching was good. Their method of discipline was hard, but the experiences were rewarding.

At the break of dawn, the old ones threw the young people out of their sleeping places; they whipped some of them; some awoke of their own will, knowing the consequences if they did not. They were told that if they slept they would find themselves killed by the enemy; they would be weak; their minds would not respond with alertness, and they would not survive the cruelties of life.

“If you sleep you will be weak, and should your woman leave you, you will cry to no avail; but if you are strong and face the hard times at an early age, you will not cry, but you will forsake sadness and find another to take for your wife.” “Rise and be on your feet. What good will sleep do you? It is not going to bring you wealth; it is not going to make your sheep big and fat; it is not going to feed you or do your work for you. So throw that devilish woman of sleep off you and rise. Go meet the morning breeze.”

“Get up and run; there is work to be done. Being lazy will not do you a bit of good; when your work is finished, then you can sleep.”

So were their teachings. They were spoken with harshness. The old ones did not withhold their youth from stormy mornings. They were sent out in the rain and snow. Many times Navajo children felt the sting when they were told to roll in the snow without clothing. Because of such encounters with the bitter wind, the Navajo people have survived, although they have suffered many hardships.

I hated to hear the voice that called me in the morning to wake me up so that I could run. I often cried as I ran out. I remember the cold winds, the cold trails, the cold waters, but most of all I remember the teachings of my parents and my grandmother. I am grateful I had that experience in life. For the few years I have lived, I find my elders have spoken the truth. The morning run has given me the strength to go on.

This tradition is being lost and forgotten. The young people are hard to discipline today, mainly because they have fallen away from the traditions that were vital in the early history of the people. I thank my family that I had the opportunity to be tested at an early age.

In this series of short stories, Louis takes us from the Hogan—a traditional Navajo dwelling—to the importance of family and elders; the role of the woman, wife and mother; responsibilities; survival; the clan system; the land; the medicine man and more. Be sure to read all the stories and to “Discover Navajo”.