Wise Words from Former Senator Paul Muegge

Along with a number of others, I am about to launch a lobbying effort on behalf of women and girls in Oklahoma. When I think about what I may be getting into, I get a little nervous. But then I remember the following remarks by former Oklahoma Senator Paul Muegge and assure myself it is good to "push off" into the river:

The Hopi elders said:

“There is a river flowing very fast. It is so swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel that they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know that the river has a destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river.

“Keep our eyes open and our heads above the waters. And I say, see who is in there with you and Celebrate! At this time in history we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. For the moment we do, our spiritual growth comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves together. Banish the word Struggle from your attitude and vocabulary. All that we know must be done in sacred manner and in Celebration!”

This profound statement and advice based upon ancient prophecy is obviously valid for these times, but how does one do this push off into the swift river of today?

“What you put your attention on is what you become conscious of.”

This is one rule we cannot break. It is inescapable. So let us use this principle to our advantage.

Source. Taken from remarks delivered by former Oklahoma State Senator Paul Muegge upon receiving a Profile in Courage Award from the John F Kennedy Library Foundation on May 24, 2004. View full text by clicking here.