In Silko's ceremony, Tayo's healing process is very extensive and he faces many crucial challenges in order to let go of the traumatic events of the past. During this journey, Tayo encounters many symbols that help him develop a sense of appreciation and freedom. As a Native American with a growing sense of tradition, Tayo believes that nature is a fundamental part of healing and just life in general. With the presence and importance of nature in his narrative, Silko communicates such empowerment and emotion to the reader, who follows Tayo throughout his long but necessary journey. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Throughout this journey, the reader is meant to witness Tayo's connection with different aspects of the natural world. From the beginning of the novel, the reader sees how the importance of the jungle rain relates not only to Tayo, but also to Rocky. The narrator states, “It was this rain that filled the tire ruts and made the mud so deep that the corporal began to slip and fall with the end of the muddy blanket that held Rocky. Tayo hated this endless rain as if it were the green rain of the jungle and not the miles of walking or the Japanese grenade that killed Rocky” (Silko 11). At this point, Tayo's relationship with nature is extremely inadequate. He views nature as the reason for Rocky's death, and this perspective casts a negative light on the natural world. Tayo feels irritation and distrust towards Earth and compares natural forces to the Japanese, who are the real reason Rocky is injured in the first place. The rain in this flashback is closely associated with the suffering Tayo and Rocky endured during their war. Tayo's relationship with the people he loves in America is also tied to the idea that he must become one with the natural world. Josiah's impact on Tayo, for example, is an important part of this journey. Josiah teaches Tayo about life and, even though he is dead, helps him on his healing journey through memories. Josiah is the moral authority Tayo obeys most: “'You see,' Josiah had said, with the sound of water flowing from the pipe into the empty wooden barrel, 'there are things that are worth more than money.' He pointed his chin toward the springs and toward the narrow canyon. “That’s where we come from, you see. This sand, this stone, these trees, the vines, all the wild flowers. This land keeps us going’” (Silko 45). This memory shows how Tayo learned a lot about the natural world from Josiah. He learns to respect and cherish the Earth; even though it may be something boring, it is comparable to a beautiful work of art. Josiah teaches Tayo that there is more to life than material things. As Tayo realizes when remembering Josiah, the most important things in life are the Earth he walks on and how he can connect to it in a deeper way. Towards the end of the novel, Tayo begins to regain confidence in the natural world. As Tayo begins to trust nature again, he learns that to heal properly, he must become one with nature. The narrator states, “But lying on top of the dumpster that drew him closer seemed more familiar to him than any embrace he could remember; he sank into the elemental arms of the silence of the mountains. Only his skull resisted; and resistance increased the pain to a high-pitched moan. ...He could secure the thresholds with burning pain and stay; or he could let go and.