Navajo Proverb

The Challenge of Awakening the Unwilling Mind

Ultimately, this proverb also teaches the importance of discernment—recognizing when efforts to enlighten others are truly making a difference and when they are wasted. Like the Navajo elder who understands the futility of shaking a feigning sleeper, wisdom sometimes means letting go. This acceptance liberates us to redirect our energy toward those open to change, and to cultivate patience until others are willing to wake themselves. [...]