As a Native Artist and Surfer, my connection with nature and my passion for creating art with the purpose of empowering and inspiring other Native People - has been my driving force for most of my adult life.
While I am out in the ocean waiting to catch my next wave, I am always aware of how blessed I am to have the opportunity to connect with nature in such a pure and direct way.
I love to watching a dolphin family swim by me, or watch squadron of pelicans fly by me so close that I can almost reach out and touch them, while they’re riding the updraft of air rushing up the face of the wave they are riding.
Nature is our teacher, if we open our eyes to it. You don’t have to be a scientist to see the connections that Nature shares with humanity. You just have to open your eyes and open your heart to observe the world around you.
As humans, we are much like trees. As with all plants, a tree’s root system is the heart of the tree. Though we only see the trunk, branches and leaves, an entire root system remains unseen, nourishing and taking care of the tree.
Humans are much the same way. Though we have a body that can be seen, our interior well being is at the heart of our growth, mind, body and spirit. What we can learn about life, love and living comes from our internal taking in of the world around us, if we open our eyes to see it.
Just like the trees, adapting to an ever changing environment is, and always has been a matter of necessity. For example, anytime I feel that the challenges in my life are overwhelming - all I have to do is reflect on the challenges my Ancestors had to confront and overcome. This perspective allows me to clearly see that I can both face my life’s challenges, and I can grow from them as well.
This is not the first time in our history that we have had to face challenges that test our spirit, faith and resiliency. It is these very things that are behind every successful gain in our history.
In this moment in time in which are all living, let’s all be safe, have faith, cover-up when you're out, practice social distancing - and together we will come through this stronger!
Blessings to you and your family’s.
Rudy Rojas