Customer Reviews

Nature's Way: Native Wisdom for Living in Balance with the Earth

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a child I was never satisfied with the Christian religion I was exposed to. A vengeful God just didn't seem to fit, it didn't feel like truth. I've spent a lot of spare time studying religions and philosophies. Bits from some disciplines seemed to be right but I couldn't find the perfect fit for me. This book did! Although I'm rather pale, I must have the soul of an American Indian.
I was especially interested in his research that connected ancient Europeans with North American natives.
His reasons for why our world is out of balance are quite accurate, and unfortunately returning the balance in the near future doesn't seem likely.

After so many right wing wise-use books recently accusing native Americans of milking the bleeding heart liberal environmental agenda for everything it was worth by refashioning their spiritual heritage to match white middle class eco-fervor like some come hither firework road stand, this book by Ed McGaa is a breath of fresh air, making one realize that the native American love and unity with the earth is not just some greenwashing PR scam. I highly recommend this book to those of us who are involved or simply fascinated by native culture's sudden organization in regaining control of their patrimony, a luxury afforded to them by the realization that sovereignty over their lands entitles all Indian tribes to a slew of business opportunities never before possible. If the growing cash flow of reservation casinos can translate into environmental industries, which it already has at resorts like the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, this book may very well be the rallying call tribal leaders needed to make strength in numbers.

This is an intensely important book for our time. As part Cherokee, I relate to the Native American outlook in living in harmony with the natural world, and I love the author's use of each of various animals as representing a particular sort of ability and outlook that modern man needs in order to sufficiently detach from a technological mindset that falsely looks to ever more technology to save us from the pressing problems that technology itself has created.

We need to remember that, during the recent Asian tsunami, various kinds of animals, including elephants, somehow sensed the approaching danger and fled to high ground before the waves struck the shores. This book is marvelous in its clever ways of catching our attention and helping redirect our attention to more natural ways of seeing and understanding.

For anyone who cherishes the Natural World, and the time-honored traditions of Native America, this is a book that sings forth from the heart of Gaia herself! In a time when American Ideals of Freedom, Co-Evolution and Planetary Survival are threatened, Ed McGaa emerges as a Practical Visionary. He provides us with a "shattering glimple of the obvious," regarding a shameful lack of responsibility for our individual Spirits, as well as for our our Planetary Homeworld...Mother Earth.
McGaa bridges the worldviews between Redman and Whiteman, laying out the timeless truths which are embedded deeply both in Native American Tradition, and in the living fabric of the Global Biosphere itself. The Author leaves no stone unturned, and no truth untold as he reveals many facets of the Living Truths of what he calls "Natures Way" through a series of "Stories" which illustrate the perspectives and bahaviors of different animals...the lessons we can learn from them in their infinite wisdom and natural innocence, and how they each uniquely reflect the virtues and perfection of their Creator, and of the Intricate Web of Life on Earth.
This is a powerful and moving book, elegant in its simplicity, yet profoundly moving in terms of Universal Truths. For anyone who cherishes the beauty and perfection of the Natural World, and understands that the Human Race is truly on the brink of "The Sixth Great Extinction," this book makes it painfully clear that to change the world, we must first change ourselves...in our Hearts, our Minds, and our Spirits. McGaa reminds us poignantly that, "The hard part of what it means to be interrelated to all things is that our neglect comes back full circle to affect us negatively as it affects other species. We are held accountable for our actions (or lack therof) toward the Earth, and even to generations yet unborn."

Another good lesson. Wisdom creates Knowlege which leads to Understanding which can create the awareness that is needed to survive on a planetary scale. This is an awesome read to share with as many people as possible. Creates a good "thinking space".
Rates right up there with "Mother Earth Spirituality" but leads one into deeper thought and awareness.

As with most of McGaas' books, this is a good read and worth the time. He is an enjoyable author and a good writer.

This book reminds us that we have only borrowed Mother Earth from our children and grandchildren and that it is up to us to deal with her gently.

This book was very eye opening about the way Native Americans have been treated by 'dominant society' in the past and the lingering attitudes engendered. I also learned a lot about their traditions and philosophy. It was truly a fascinating read. I gained a greater respect for Native Americans through this short book. Definitely recommend.

this is an excellent book.
the indians were far smarter than most people give them credit for.
they lived in balance with nature vs. wasting resources as we do now.
plus at the end of the book are some eye opening chapters about
the future that make you think.
it should be required reading for all high school students as future
leaders
highly recommended

I completed this book last month, and truly believe it is a gem. Growing up in Oklahoma, and my grandma being Cherokee, has afforded me the opportunity to understand what Mr. McGaa talks about. Humans, animals, plants----we are all intertwined. Whether we recognize it and respect it is a different story. His examples thoroughly explain how we neglect and/or take advantage of animals and nature. This is what has led us to the chaos we are experiencing. I'd recommend this to everyone, especially anyone working in corporate America, disconnecting themselves from experiencing all life.