Níłtsą́ Bi’áád

"In Navajo, there are two types of rain: Níłtsą́ Biką' (Male Rain) and Níłtsą́ Bi’áád (Female Rain). Both work in harmony to bring life in Dine bikeyah (Navajo land). The Male Rain is the rain that brings the big droplets of water, lightning, and thunder and is responsible for carving out the land with its torrential downpours. It also is responsible for burying the seeds deeper into the ground. The Female Rain is the gentle showers that nurture the soil and penetrates the earth deeper; making it ripe and fertile for planting. It is the continuous balance between the two that makes the land and therefore the people and the animals ever so healthy and beautiful. Rain along with pollen, cloud, and dew was Asdzáá Nádleehé (Changing Woman's) gift to the people of the earth from her home in the west."

I've always loved reading this story about rain in the library growing up. To me and for me, it symbolizes the constant turmoil and harmony I experience in myself from growing up being bullied about my femininity to even today, where I am very unsure of my future. This and many other creation narratives are how I live my life daily and with every passing winter. It is how I keep myself collected, positive, caring, and calm, even though I may experience grief, guilt, remorse, and reminiscence. My thoughts and emotions are like rain; nurturing, and at times, eroding my soul into something better and unique just as a storm changes the landscape to fit the needs everyone.

Photo: Bradley Garrison Cinematography and Photography

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