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The Wind Is My Mother: The Life and Teachings of a Native American Shaman by [Bear Heart]

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Bear Heart

Molly Larkin

The Wind Is My Mother: The Life and Teachings of a Native American Shaman Kindle Edition

by Bear Heart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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With eloquent simplicity, Native American medicine man Bear Heart demonstrates how traditional tribal wisdom can help us maintain spiritual and physical health in today's world.

“As a child I was taught, ‘Chebon, the way to attain the beauty in life is through harmony. Be in harmony with all things, but most important, be in harmony with yourself first. A lot will go on in your life, some good, some bad—people may argue and some will try to take control of your life—but that one word, harmony, will neutralize any problems and help your life to become beautiful.’”—from The Wind is My Mother

“A compelling and important work…Bear Heart is a gifted storyteller—readers of all backgrounds will be inspired by his lessons of how to apply traditional Native American wisdom to maintain balance in today’s world…Bear Heart’s is a truthful, honest voice which has let us into his world, and our world is better for it.”—Body, Mind, Spirit

Length: 280 pages	Word Wise: Enabled	Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Page Flip: Enabled	Audible book: Audible book Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to the Audible book with Whispersync for Voice. Add the Audible book for a reduced price of $7.49 when you buy the Kindle book. Available	Age Level: 18 and up
Grade Level: 12 and up

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Wind Is My Mother: The Life and Teachings of a Native American Shaman

“This fascinating book is a rare combination of universal truths and practical applications. It is an excellent manual for living a healthy life in a complex world.”—John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

“Bear Heart, a full-blooded Muskogee Creek Indian and one of the last ‘trained’ medicine men, shares this knowledge, combining it with his more formal, graduate [studies] in psychology to build a bridge between Native American and modern spirituality.”—Publishers Weekly

“At once mystical and utterly practical, Bear Heart’s message is not a call to conversion, but the testimony of a life so fully lived that it can heal others. To read it is to be inspired to live one’s own life with more attention, harmony and hope.”—Lorene Cary, author of If Sons, Then Heirs: A Novel

“Bear Heart, a Muskogee Creek Indian medicine man, tells his story, including his insights about receiving the power of the Great Spirit through fasting, chanting, and vision quests.”—St. Petersburg Times

“Inspiring...Bear Heart weaves together anecdotes and philosophy demonstrating that traditional Native American wisdom can be applied in today’s world to live a peaceful, balanced life. A charismatic storyteller, Bear Heart’s autobiography is rich not only with the amazing accomplishments and wisdom of his life as a medicine man but also with the ages-old legends of his people.”—Evolving Woman

About the Author

Marcellus “Bear Heart” Williams [1918-2008], born in Okemah, Oklahoma, was a full-blood spiritual leader of the Muskogee-Creek Nation trained in the traditional ways of his tribe. Highly regarded as a healer and counselor, he was also a respected leader of the Native American Church, Sun Danced with both the Northern and Southern Cheyenne people, and was an ordained minister in the American Baptist Church. He was asked to be one of the spiritual counselors for the fireman and their families after the Oklahoma City tragedy and put down prayers with the Fire Department at Ground Zero in November, 2001. Bear Heart helped thousands of people over the course of his life and his book, “The Wind Is My Mother,” continues his life work of sharing wisdom and inspiration. For more information, visit www.TheWindIsMyMother.com

Molly Larkin is a writer whose in-depth tutelage and spiritual practice under Native American elders have given her unique access to Native American perspectives and teachings. Molly lives in Los Angeles, California.

From Kirkus Reviews

The life and healing practices of a Muskogee Creek medicine man who seems never to have met a disease he couldn't cure. A general reader must suspend disbelief and patiently endure grandfatherly lectures throughout this book, coauthored by Larkin, a white woman who experienced a spiritual rebirth under Bear Heart's tutelage. As a young disciple, Bear Heart underwent training rituals that included trooping through a nest of rattlesnakes and lying on an anthill. He also became adept in using traditional healing tools, including a wide repertoire of chants, an eagle feather upon which he blows when ministering to sick patients, the Sacred Pipe, and peyote, which only recently was legally permitted for use by practitioners of the Native American Church. In his long tenure as medicine man, Bear Heart claims to have cured earaches, tubercular-like illnesses, poisonings, and paralysis, often after Western medicine had failed. In addition, he was able to produce snow for a Colorado ski resort and cause choking fits from a distance in those with evil intentions. In the main, however, one can read this as a homily-filled discourse on leading a healthy and happy existence. Among his admonitions are to remain humble, have respect for elders, laugh frequently, be respectful of the natural environment, avoid blaming others for one's situation, and other tried-and-true strategies. The book is forever in danger of meandering into areas best left untouched, such as bear psychology (``Mostly they use telepathy to communicate'') and anthropology (``It's possible that the Hebrews were here in North America first and then traveled to Israel''), but the writers maintain such a consistently sincere tone that the uncritical reader readily forgives Bear Heart's leaps into the unknown. In sum, one can read this in lieu of spending an evening with a well-meaning but long-winded relative or use it, sparingly, as a resouce for insight into traditional Native American practices. -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Bear Heart, a full-blooded Muskogee Creek Indian and one of the last "trained" Medicine Men, shares this knowledge, combining it with his more formal, graduate degree in psychology to build a bridge between Native American and modern spirituality. Categorized as an autobiography, the book is nevertheless constructed episodically rather than chronologically, resulting in a lack of fluidity that may distract some readers. The first section describes Bear Heart's family, their beliefs and the calling and training he received to be a medicine man. In the second section, great truths of Native American beliefs and Christianity find parallels. Section three further describes the relationship of human beings to each other, to nature and to the Great Being; the importance of the Sacred Pipe; and the purposes of vision quests. It concludes with this question: "The word 'memorial' does not indicate that someone has died. It symbolizes that someone has lived. What is going to be the living memorial that you're going to leave behind?"
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

"At once mystical and utterly practical, Bear Heart's message is not a call to conversion, but the testimony of a life so fully lived that it can heal others. To read it is to be inspired to live one's own life with more attention, harmony and hope." Lorene Cary, author of Black Ice

"This fascinating book is a rare combination of universal truths and practical applications. It is an excellent manual for living a healthy life in a complex world." John Gray, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

"A fantastic book; you won't want to miss it . . . an eye-opening piece of history." Mark Steiner, WJHU Radio, Baltimore, Maryland --This text refers to the paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

worlds of the traditional Native American and modern culture, the authors offer an inspiring and moving autobiography of a native American medicine man, one of the last to be trained in the ancient ways, and one of the few to teach nontribal people. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

ASIN : B008CNX5KO
Publisher : Berkley; Reprint edition (February 1, 1998)
Publication date : February 1, 1998
Language: : English
File size : 477 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 280 pages
Lending : Not Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #123,274 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #55 in History of Ethnic & Tribal Religions
- #60 in Native American Studies
- #89 in Native American Religions & Spirituality

Customer Reviews:
386 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		84%
4 star		9%
3 star		4%
2 star		2%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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rtlmt

Great Lessons Shared

Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2016

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I wasn't sure what to expect when I first opened this book. I quickly discovered a beautiful tribute to ancient ways.

Bear Heart's retelling of Native American history, traditions, and beliefs left me wishing everyone would read this and take it to heart. The respect that was given to old ones and young ones, nature, animals and plants, is something we all would be wise to follow. And the lessons and experiences he shared were remarkable.

I thank Bear Heart in spirit for sharing these great teachings. Clearly he was a gifted man and story teller. And I thank Molly Larkin for compiling these memories into a warm, compelling story of a great being. The lessons filled every page, leaving me with gratitude and hope.

18 people found this helpful

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John P Josey

A must read

Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2017

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I've read many books on the Native American culture and spirituality. This is one of the best I've read to date. Bear Heart was an amazing person and author Molly Larkin passes on his thoughts and lifestyle with clarity and careful thoughtfulness. A must read for anyone interested in Native American culture.

14 people found this helpful

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M. E. Anderson

This is a wonderful description of the evolution of the life of a medicine man.

Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2019

Verified Purchase

After reading this fascinating book, you will have insight into much of the Native American culture and the amazing way in which they care for each other and indeed for all who are in need of healing and seek help from them. Having known 3 medicine men, I have been in awe of them, but hesitant to ask too many questions. Now I understand those things. Hearing about the challenges this man faced gives us a walk into the beauty of the Red Road, and makes Clear the many ways we could learn from our Native brothers and sisters to live a happier and more content life.

4 people found this helpful

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JohnJ

A Shared Passion for Healing

Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2020

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I'm only half way though this book and truly resonate with Bear Heart's teachings and medicine. As a counselor, I also have a passion for helping people heal in both traditional and nontraditional methods. Bear's shared stories about healing were very close to my heart and own practice. I only wish he was still alive today, so that I could meet and learn from him.
I was touched by the epilogue and how Molly said, he continues to walk, or walks again, and I agree. Bear continues to walk in all of us that read, listen and understand his teachings. Thank you Molly and Bear Heart. Love this book!

Helpful

A Smith

Valuable teachings and wisdom

Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2019

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I bought a copy of this for my cousin who is of the bear clan. There is so much wisdom in this book and true history. It is a recommended must read for everyone.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Amazon Customer

for those seeking kind instruction

Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2013

Verified Purchase

I'm a big fan of Pema Chodron, and I read all of her books. I first read this book about 13 years ago, when my mind was in a bad state. it was evidenced by my general disregard for my appearance: slightly overweight, drinking a little too much, messy room, messy car, etc. i have adhd, and finding books that i'll read all the way through is hard for me because when i'm "off," i'm just not diligent about anything.
then i read the wind is my mother, by bear heart. to say that the book changed my life would be an overstatement, but it was so kind in its message. he was an extremely disciplined individual and what was so cool about it was that he didn't psychoanalyze a bunch of reasons why he did what he did. it's almost as simple as the tao of pooh. it definitely helped me to remove my emotions from every single decision i made, helped me to be kinder to myself in regards to my self-discipline, and most of all, helped me to forgive myself for the way i had been living, because to forgive means to move on, and i was ready to move on, but for some reason, i was always feeling guilty about one thing or another, thus preventing me from moving on.

when i began reading this book, i hadn't dreamed in months, or rather, hadn't remembered my dreams. then after i read on the first night, i dreamed i was running around the UNC track, which is blue in real life, and i was running and the track turned into a big ocean and there were live shrimp in there with me and we were all just swimming around. to say that it is cool to me that i remember a dream from 13 years ago is pretty bada$$. :)

the message of this book is kindness. maybe i should say messages. kindness, honesty, and compassion. and in my opinion, if i am able to create these messages from within, towards myself, i'll be a lot easier on those around me. it's sort of a circle. a friend once told me, "you gotta give to get." and i really think that is true, but i learned through this book, that i need to start with myself. i need to give myself the compassion and honesty and then i can be true to life around me.

also, from a non-self help standpoint, i loved the stories of bear heart's youth, and his stories of learning to be a medicine man. his manner of storytelling via text is very similar to a speech, and there are lots of playful, non-formal moments in the book that i cherish. i hope you'll consider reading this. i re-purchased it again just recently for my iPad and even though i remembered almost all of it, it was a joy to read over and over again. <3

29 people found this helpful

Helpful

Squarecrow

The book is a beautiful philosophy of an American Indian healer

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2016

Verified Purchase

The book is a beautiful philosophy of an American Indian healer. I bought a second copy to use as a gift.
Many lessons of life are conveyed in these writings that would be great tools for rearing children.
The book has a slightly slow beginning, but continue reading. I read a little in between a busy schedule, looking
forward to a moment of calm, of reflection, and insight.

7 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

A time to listen...A time to think

Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2004

Verified Purchase

When I first read this book I was humbled by the simple eloquence and homely guidance of such a well educated individual. His words required listening. His many ideas, thinking and practice. I was impatient. I knew something of The Way. Now I wanted to know more. Give me more...and then I'll practice what seems right to my way of understanding. Bear Heart, said "no." He wrote this book so that people could listen and think. Practice and learn. See errors of heart and behavior and correct these through prayer to "All That Is." He teaches us about some ceremonies and some important tools. He does not teach us everything. That he leaves these for us to discover through our own spiritual travels is a test of our own fidelity. Fidelity to the Great Spirit,the Tribe and the Truth being the greatest measure of us all. This book needs to be read more than once by all who are of Native American ancestry. And, it belongs on the shelf of any thinking person, particularly those trying to figure out where things are out of harmony or balance.

16 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Leni Pepelisheva

Pure joy

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2018

Verified Purchase

This book has been really amazing for me!

I had no expectations about it - I was being curious about Bear Heart's life and certainly got nicely surprised when found a lot of practical advice. It is all really humbling and a joy to read.

I don't view as a self-help book, though. I can relate to most parts but not to all. However, I still respect his experiences, even if they might be unusual. I am not sure why people would be buying this is they are not okay with mysticism. After all, he was a shaman and some of what he shares has no logical explanation. He perpetrated the traditional wisdom and rituals of his people as taught by whose that came before him.

I had many "Aha" moments while reading and I am actually re-reading it now - I want to make sure I remember some of the words to reflect upon.

Again, if someone is not familiar with Native American belief system, I would suggest to read about it first - so they know what to expect with this book.

12 people found this helpful

savagegardener

First Class.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2017

Verified Purchase

A thoroughly interesting and informative book that should be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the Native American ways or simply in spirituality in general. These were people who understood how life should really be lived.

10 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Great book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2019

Verified Purchase

This is the nicest book I have ever read. I am not a great reader and usually get bored half way through. I haven't finished it yet, I am about 3/4 of the way through and taking it slow so I can enjoy it. Many words of wisdom and uplifting passages. Everyone should read this book and try to live in the suggested ways then may be we would have more peace in the world. We can only hope. I would have loved to have met Bear Heart.

3 people found this helpful

The Wind is My Mother

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2015

Verified Purchase

This is a book to keep and read over and over. It gives an insite into the lives of an amazing people and in particular Bear Heart and his life as an American Shaman. It also touches on how his ancestors suffered a great injustice and how the Native American Indians kept to their word despite many broken promises, injustices and loss of lives and eventually displacement of whole tribes who were herded up never to live freely and independently again.

9 people found this helpful

Beautiful book, very well written :)

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2015

Verified Purchase

This book is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It is written in a very eloquent way. No amount of money could buy the wisdom and lessons contained within the pages of this book. I always felt a very close affinity to the Native American people, and having read this book, I now know why. Their ways are so gentle, their respect for all living beings, and for one another is really evident. Humanity could really do with applying some of the lessons from this book, to help our chances of survival.

This is a must read for anyone interested in Shamanism, Native American teachings, tribal culture etc.

8 people found this helpful

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