“Honor the struggle of your history, but also reverence the struggle of others”.
Lesson I taught to the children
Spring Break has become one of my favorite times. My Son and I typically take our annual exploration journey somewhere of interest. I really want him to appreciate the beauty of his homeland before we trek across the 🌍; so the last few years we traversed coasts from the chilly, crisp air of the Pacific Northwest to this year’s visit to Upper East Coast. This year joined also by my Niece, we 3 sought to enjoy the revelry, and learn a bit of the regions history.
Enter the National Museum of American Indian (NMAI). I believe Smithsonian Museums are national treasures and have made it a goal to experience all 21.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world.
Smithsonian Institute
Although the NMAI is smaller than its counterpart in DC, this museum gave us so much knowledge and treasure on Native History we did not know. It was especially fulfilling to watch my 13 y/o ask the Director of Native Education his burning questions. Questions I had never heard before and quite frankly gave me pause to my own beliefs and assertions.
Although I am not the best resource to regurgitate The Native American lessons, struggles, and empowerment; experiencing NMAI taught me 3 life lessons I not only plan to use in the workplace but life in general.
Seek answers from trusted sources. Trusted is dynamic and should be considered at each interval.
Be open to challenging your beliefs. One picture from the voice of one person only means one perspective. Being open also means intentionally seeking diverse perspectives.
Preservation should not mean stagnation. Preserving the best of what we do and who we are does not have to eliminate innovation and futuristic thinking.
On vacation I applied the 7 types of rest for restoration. This experience definately allowed me to sharpen my perspective for elevated thinking. Truly grateful to the Smithsonian Museum for their curated preservation and FREE access.
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