A significant belief in the Navajo culture is that understanding people’s motivations and explanations for their behavior is required to help them solve a problem. In addition, the Navajo people believe in the power of words. For instance, naming a “monster” may help people address it. That is why before the creation of written law, people gathered together to discuss a specific issue and find an appropriate solution.
The belief that understanding people’s motivations and explanations for their behavior helps solve issues has been incorporated by the Navajo people into the modern court system. The former methods of conflict resolution are now used in the courtroom, where people are always encouraged to explain their actions and give excuses for them. In addition, the power to preside over the issues in the court is granted to people with the respect of their community.
In my culture, there is a belief that all the evil that people make, no matter how insignificant it has been, is destined to return to them. That belief significantly influences my day-to-day life as I constantly analyze my intentions to ensure that my actions do not hurt people around me. For instance, I am always careful when using a door not to hit anyone in front of me when I open it or behind me when it closes.