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Catch the Whisper of the Wind: Inspirational Stories and Proverbs from Native Americans

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My life has been one of contrasts. On the one hand I yearn for knowledge of the universe, how it works, why our world is the way it is, and I marvel at the accomplishments of technology and science. On the other hand I feel a deep connection with nature, I love to listen to the wind, to sit atop a craggy peak in solitude and contemplate my place among the little animals, the earth and the sky.

When I feel contemplative, I find great solace in the collection of quotations assembled by James. These are the words of timeless wisdom from a people who found the meaning of oneness with nature. James has captured, in roughly 70 pages, the spiritual essence of much of native-American religious and philosophical thought. The quotations she has collected span subjects from the meaning of life to parenthood and the pain and trial of old age. Here you will read words of wisdom from such inspirational figures as Chief Seattle, who helps us understand that "Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it," and Geronimo, who inspires me with words such as "Even if the heavens were to fall on me, I want to do what is right."

This is a short book. You can read it in less than an hour. It's not the volume of words that count, though. It's their meaning. I keep it near by and read it's timeless wisdom often. Sometimes, when I'm busy at my computer terminal, I take a moment to reflect on its prose, close my eyes, and meditate. And often, when the weather is good, I ride my horse to the top of the hill behind our house, gaze across the misty valleys to the hills beyond, breath deeply in the mountain air, and use their teachings and ancient wisdom to catch the whisper of the wind.

Duwayne Anderson, January 31, 2000