It is natural for parents to want a better world for their children and grandchildren. The key is in knowing what a “better world” is. Is it a better world when today’s administrators, politicians, scientists, and engineers create an imbalance in the world by polluting the water, air, and land that all creatures on this planet require for survival? Those educated people are the very same ones who are not connected to their ancestral heritage because if they were, they would know that their energies and talents should not be directed in those directions. This is why we need our [native] children to be immersed in our culture and at the same time acquiring the skills necessary to participate globally in the modern world. Our children need to be contributors and participants in both worlds.
Michael, what was your path in creating Aztec Stories? Were there pivotal events in your life?
This is a question I get asked many times. Awareness, one of four main characteristics that I believe are essential for personal growth and development, comes to mind when answering this question. One pivotal event for me was when I found a particular book at a yard sale. Today I wonder if I found the book or if it found me? Things happen for specific reasons and becoming aware of situations or events offers us the opportunity for growth and new experiences.
After reading my yard sale book I was motivated to learn as much as I could about the Mexica/Aztec culture and in learning about that culture I began learning things about myself. From that point on things started falling into place for me resulting in developing the Aztec Stories project. One thing to keep in mind with the concept of awareness is that with awareness comes responsibility – we are given awareness for a reason and once we have it we need to do something with it. To me, the decision to share what I had learned became the focus of my energy and that energy transformed into the cultural programs I, and my family, now share.
Michael, you mention that "awareness" is one of four main characteristics that you believe are essential for personal growth and development. What are the other three?
The four characteristics essential for personal growth and development are Patience, Awareness, Endurance, and Compassion.
I agree with you — patience, endurance, awareness, compassion. How did you come up with this list?
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