Even though the sun has been elusive and we’ve been wearing sweaters more often than swimsuits lately, summer is definitely here! I nostalgically recall my teenage summers when I would buy magazines filled with quizzes to do on the beach. Those moments tasted like summer, just like an Italian ice cream.
To mix things up from my usual articles this week, I’d like to offer you a quiz on the fundamental principles of the Hopi that we’ve explored in previous articles, such as becoming human, balance and reciprocity, walking in right relation with oneself and the world, as well as truth, authenticity, and caring for Mother Earth. These values are precious and, I sincerely believe, can help us create a more humane and harmonious world.
This fun quiz will help you assess how these teachings integrate into your daily life and, if needed, how you might better apply them.
So, grab your notebooks and pencils, and get started.
Have fun!
Reflective and fun quiz
1. Becoming human
Think of a recent interaction with another person. How did you show empathy and respect in that situation?
- A: I listened attentively and expressed understanding.
- B:I gave my opinion without really listening to the other person.
- C: I was distracted and not very involved.
2. Balance and reciprocity
The last time someone helped you, how did you reciprocate?
- A: I found a way to return the favor.
- B: I expressed my gratitude verbally.
- C: I didn't think about it.
3. Right relationship with ourself and the world
What is your daily practice to maintain your inner balance?
- A: Meditation or personal reflection time.
- B: A physical or creative activity.
- C: I don't do anything particular.
4.Truth and authenticity
When were you confronted with a situation where you had to tell the truth, even if it was difficult? How did you handle it?
- A: I told the truth in an honest and respectful way.
- B: I avoided the truth to avoid conflicts.
- C: I lied to simplify the situation.
5. No gossiping
Have you recently participated in discussions where you talked about someone who wasn't present? If yes, how did you feel afterward?
- A: Yes, and I felt uncomfortable afterward.
- B: Yes, but it seemed trivial to me.
- C: No, I avoid talking about others in their absence.
6. Caring for Mother Earth
What action have you recently taken to contribute to the protection of our planet?
- A: I took concrete measures (like reducing my waste, recycling, etc.).
- B: I think about it, but haven't acted yet.
- C: I haven't really thought about it.
7. Judgment
What is your reaction to judgmental thoughts towards others or yourself?
- A: I recognize these thoughts and try to replace them with more positive ones.
- B: I often let these thoughts influence my attitude.
- C: I don't really notice my judgmental thoughts.
8. Anger
How do you manage your anger when it arises?
- A: I take a moment to breathe and calm down before reacting.
- B: I let my anger express itself immediately.
- C: I try to ignore my anger and move on.
9. Impatience
What is your typical reaction to a situation where you have to wait?
- A: I take it as an opportunity to practice patience.
- B: I become frustrated and restless.
- C: I try to keep busy to avoid thinking about the wait.
10. Presence
How often do you find yourself distracted or preoccupied rather than fully present in the moment?
- A: Rarely, I am often aware of the present moment.
- B: Often, I have trouble staying focused.
- C: Almost always, my thoughts wander a lot.
11. Forgiveness
How do you approach forgiveness towards yourself and others?
- A: I make a conscious effort to forgive and let go.
- B: I find it difficult to forgive and often hold grudges.
- C: I haven't really thought about the notion of forgiveness.
12. Kindness
When was the last time you showed kindness to someone without expecting anything in return?
- A: Recently, and it brought me a lot of joy.
- B: Some time ago, but I don't think about it often.
- C: I haven't had the opportunity or thought about it.
Concrete reflection points
Thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. Here are some ways to further integrate Hopi teachings into your life:
Practice of empathy: Spend a few minutes each day truly listening to someone without interrupting. Try to see things from their perspective. As Grandmother Medicine Song says: “We cannot judge our brother or sister until we have walked in their moccasins.”
Acts of reciprocity: Think of someone who has helped you recently and find a way to return the favor or help someone else in return. Don’t take anything from nature without making an offering (tobacco, cornmeal, hair, etc.).
Personal balance: Incorporate a daily practice of meditation, exercise, or artistic creation to maintain your inner balance.
Authenticity and truth: Commit to being honest in your communications, even when it’s difficult. This builds trust and authenticity in your relationships.
Avoid gossip: Make a conscious effort not to talk about others in their absence and steer conversations toward constructive topics.
Protecting Mother Earth: Choose an eco-friendly action (like recycling, reducing plastic waste, or planting trees) and commit to practicing it regularly.
Managing judgment: The next time you have judgmental thoughts towards yourself or others, try to replace them with more compassionate thoughts. Practice self-compassion and tolerance.
Managing anger: When you feel angry, take a moment to breathe deeply and calm down before reacting. Try to understand what triggered your anger.
Patience: Use moments of waiting as opportunities to practice patience and mindfulness. Learn to appreciate these forced pauses.
Presence: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present in the moment. Simple breathing exercises or meditation can help anchor your attention.
Forgiveness: Work on forgiving yourself and others to release resentments and emotional burdens. This can improve your well-being and relationships.
Acts of kindness: Commit to regularly performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Kindness is contagious and creates positive energy around you.
Exploring the links between fear, judgment, and anger
It is important to recognize the links between fear, judgment, and anger. Often, the judgment we pass on ourselves and others stems from underlying fears. These fears can also manifest as anger. Here are some ways to explore these links and observe them in your daily life:
- Observing fear: The next time you feel judgment or anger, take a moment to identify if an underlying fear is the cause. For example, are you afraid of not being good enough or of not being accepted?
- Recognizing judgment: Be aware of moments when you judge others or yourself. Notice if this judgment is related to a fear of something (such as failure, rejection, or the unknown).
- Managing anger: When you feel anger, take a moment to breathe deeply and calm down before reacting. Try to understand what triggered your anger and if an underlying fear is the cause. For example, anger often results from a fear of losing control, being treated unfairly, or being emotionally hurt. By recognizing these fears, you can better manage your emotions and react more constructively.
By integrating these reflections and practices into your daily life, you can gradually deepen your understanding of Hopi teachings and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with yourself and others. The Hopi teachings, which you can discover by signing up on our site, will help you integrate these concepts into your daily life.
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