Exploring Navajo Culture Through Unicycling, Fly Fishing, Lasertag, Bowling, and Dodgeball

As a person who loves bowling, fly fishing, lasertag, unicycling, and dodgeball, I have to admit that my appreciation of Navajo culture is far more limited than it should be. I mean, I'm an avid reader of science fiction with multiple degrees in math and physics (which I can't remember what they are but that's besides the point) and I wholeheartedly believe that the entire universe is an H. P. Lovecraft tale. But my knowledge of the Navajo is limited to what I've seen, heard or read.

What I do know is that the Navajo people have rich and complex traditions that have been evolving over millennia. It's this same tradition that serves as a sort of time-worn source of inspiration in the cultural dialogs of our modern world. The Navajo shape their ways of life through a philosophy that focuses less on material wealth and more on spiritual understanding and appreciation for the natural order of things.

To that end, it's possible to connect activities such as unicycling, fly fishing, lasertag, bowling, and dodgeball to the culture of the Navajo people in much the same way. For example, unicycling is an ancient form of transportation and entertainment that requires balance, dexterity and precision. It's a skill that many ancient cultures not only appreciated but rewarded in their ceremonies. Similarly, fly fishing calls to mind the patience and skill needed to outwit even the craftiest of prey. Such an act of mastery goes far beyond the idea of enjoying a sport or leisurely hobby—it's a sign of dedication to a culture's traditions.

The same can be said for lasertag, bowling, and dodgeball. Lasertag is a game that hinges on fast reactions and clever strategy, akin to the honor and respect demonstrated in battle. Bowling involves the same sort of finesse as rolling a stone wheel down a hilly terrain in ancient Mayan civilizations. And dodgeball, at its core, is about the strength of the individual pitted against the agility and strength of a larger group. These activities may not bear the same weight as the customs and ceremonies of the Navajo, but the values behind each activity— determination, agility, strategy—are certainly similar.

In short, although I may not be able to comprehend the full richness of Navajo culture, I can certainly borrow from it to enhance my appreciation of activities such as unicycling, fly fishing, lasertag, bowling, and dodgeball. This isn't to say that these activities are better or worse because of the Navajo; rather, it helps me to see how activities from the past can still be relevant to the present. After all, regardless of our cultural backgrounds, we are all connected by the same core values and passions.