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

by Bear Heart

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

Genres: Nonfiction, Native American, Spirituality, Indigenous, Philosophy, Religion, History

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 1996

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the life of an Native American Indian who was a Shaman. This book is really inspiring on lots of levels; Bear Heart explains about his life, the link that the Native Americans had with nature, his learnt wisdom, his love of the 'Great Spirit', and really is a good source of knowledge and wisdom for all walks of life.

It is a profound autobiography, and I learnt a lot about understanding towards others, forgiveness, respecting nature and that 'everything and everyone' has a purpose in life; we all follow our own directions in life and what we do with our lives is as important as others, no matter their background. Bear Heart also suffered loss in his life - he lost both his natural son and his adopted son, and his loss made him much the wiser and forgiving.

I believe it is an important autobiography, not only as a small insight into Native American ways and their beliefs, but also could be used as a method of understanding and respecting nature in our modern society, which Bear Heart believes that we have become so out of tune with today. It is really inspiring, so much so that I went back to the first page straight after I finished it to re-read. It is that powerful.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear Heart is one of the last traditional medicine men of the Muskogee Creek tribe. He and author, Molly Larkin, want to share his sacred knowledge, which bridges ancient practices and modern psychology. With humility and non-judgment, Bear Heart describes his upbringing, which begins with brief references to The Trail of Tears, and his predecessors’ unthinkable abuses at the hands of white men. As we follow his upbringing, we learn about his tribe’s beliefs. We watch as he is called and trained to be a medicine man, i.e. a “caretaker of sacred knowledge.”

The parallels between Creek and universal spiritual teachings—including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and other world religions—are striking. “There is only one healer,” Bear Heart says, “and that’s the One who created us. He’s the only one who can heal.”

The purpose of Bear Heart’s story, Molly Larkin states in the Introduction, is to inspire others, to help others find peace and serenity. As we follow Bear Heart’s life and teachings, we are invited to become more closely connected to nature and to the Great Being.

This book is a beautiful memorial to an awakened soul, Bear Heart. I highly recommend it. It is a call to re-think our values, our purpose, our endless busy-ness. A reminder that we simply cannot evolve as a race without connecting with nature and the Great Being, nor without learning to practice forgiveness of ourselves and others.

[Edward Gwynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and full of wisdom, a nice book about life and lessons of a Native American medicine man.

[~adrienne~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will absolutely NOT swap this book because I refer back to it over and over again! It is absolutely amazing and I HIGHLY recommend it for everyone!!! It is written by a Native American Shaman who is so full of wisdom....PLEASE read!!!!

[Gail Filson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being of Native American heritage, this book is full of spiritual information and the way of "right living" in harmony and balance with nature. I am half-way through and can hardly put the book down once I get started. Can't wait to finish it.

[Carla Acheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover and premise of this book grabbed me straight away. ‘The Wind is My Mother’ is not a new publication by any means (1998) but does that matter?  It’s a good book and sometimes the truly important and meaningful ones are hard to come by. 

Bear Heart is a Muskogee Creek Indian and Medicine Man, willing to share wisdom and help others to embrace life through his teachings and the ways of the Shaman. 

Even though he descends from the ‘Bear’ Clan, his name Bear Heart was earned through his courage in confronting a bear, and ‘talking’ the animal out of attacking him. The Wind element comes from his mother descending from the ‘Wind’ Clan. 

Bear Heart’s book is a gentle and peaceful look at his upbringing and humanity as a whole, and is offered to provide inspiration and hope to others through his wisdom. 

Knowing literally nothing about Native Americans, this book opened up a few new paths of knowledge and enlightened me to some of their powerful teachings and cultural beliefs. I have to admit that I have never been particularly interested in this cultural society, so I’m glad I picked up this book, as it led me to gain a better insight into their ways of living. 

One of the most poignant subjects in this book are the medicine people who, through the centuries, have been endowed with special gifts to heal even the most serious afflictions in others, including both mental and physical ailments. 

I was also not that surprised to learn that tobacco is used as an instrument of prayer and viewed as a sacred plant (not inhaled) but smoked during some of these ceremonies, communications or chantings with other natural or spiritual beings. The Sacred Pipe would be used in ceremonies to communicate with the Great Spirit. 

Bear Heart says ‘If a child had a stomach- ache  my mother would sing a little chant and thump the child’s belly four times and the ache would go away, and for an ear-ache there’s a chant and a blowing on the ear. You see a lot of things that we can’t even explain.” 

It is interesting to note that his people aren’t concerned with knowing how these things work, they are simply ‘taught’ these methods by their elders, never questioning anything, just accepting it. 

Now for modern society this is all truly bizarre of course. Some might call it ancient voodoo based hogwash! But is it really? What you won’t learn in this book is how any of these practices actually work or where they stem from. It’s much like a telescope, Bear Heart shows you what he has learned and sees, but you still don’t really understand it any more than he seems to. 

The story does enfold with a lovely selection of anecdotes passed through the  Indian generations, even the small incidents which shaped their world are memorable. 

Some could view this book as a ‘life manual,’ an insight into achieving some sort of inner peace, letting go of struggle and understanding your place in the universe. There are no big revelations as to where we came from and why we are here of course, but what is quite apparent is the acute respect the native American Indians have for all living creatures, and non-living objects too.

 The fact that they pray and talk to animals before slaughtering them for food is quite eye-opening. “If you must kill, present an offering, and talk to the animal, explaining ‘I need you for my family’….”

 Something this book does instil, is a sense of rapport and harmony with our fellow human beings. You may read it and start to understand that everything happens for a purpose and of course, we aren’t hear to judge others, but to do our best to make things a little better for ourselves and for the world.

Whatever religion, culture, belief people have is one thing, but we are all part of the same system, we eat the same food, inhale the same air and generally want the same things, love, security and survival. So Bear Heart’s teachings revolve around all these issues with humility and great insight.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in the native American beliefs and even if you don’t, you will come away understanding a little more about others, yourself and your place in the universe.

[Emma Christine Morgan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, what an impactful book. Written by a Native American medicine man, Bear Heart, who was also an ordained Baptist minister, this book was insightful to its core.

So much wisdom and guidance for our life was shared with ways to apply these values. Many of the lessons in morality that we are missing from our popular culture can be found in this book. Would recommend to all religious, spiritual, or merely observant.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1996, this book by a Native American Shaman (Bear Heart) is profound in its simplicity. He covers some of his life story, experiences in becoming a shaman (one doesn't choose to be a healer; it chooses you), personal philosophy about how to achieve and live a good life. The last several chapters have many gems on following a positive life path. I had never heard of Bear Heart before, and I am glad to have discovered him. My library didn't have the book, so I got it on an interlibrary loan from University of Oregon.

[Symon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 1996, I was 27. The Wind is My Mother changed my life :)x

[Lilly Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro su cui meditare spesso, con cui ragionare, con cui connettersi quando si è perso il "senso" del proprio cammino. Da tenere a vista, come punto di riferimento!

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much. Got a little rambling towards the end. This man was amazing.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Wind Is My Mother: The Life and Teachings of a Native American Shaman, Bear Heart shares some remarkable anecdotes to reveal incredible wisdom and experience for the reader.

Upon reading the last sentence, I felt as though I'd just walked away from life-changing philosophical teachings of a great master.

It helps that in reading this book, the reader quickly identifies Bear Heart as a loveable man who has the respect of his audience, whoever they may be.

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the second time I read this book. It's one that you can just read a page of now and then, it works like a life guide. There are tips and insights into so many aspects of life and being, about acceptance and understanding your place in the world. I found it to be comforting and poignant. A really unusual piece of writing and teaching.

[Jilll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a beautiful explanation of Native American beliefs that really explained how much we are all alike and how the Great Spirit guides all of us. I will someday re-read this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of knowledge and insights to how the Native American, the Creeks specifically, held themselves in their society. It all states how much need for humanity there needs to be, and it was refreshing to read. Bear Heart speaks so much truth, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[Donatella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grande spiritualità di un uomo di medicina.

[Izzie Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me when I needed it, and i'm thankful for that. It's been a tough year. Thank you Bear Heart.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has, so far, been the most insightful and inspirational book I've read this year.

"The Wind Is My Mother" gives the background of Bear Heart, as well as myriad personal anecdotes, and imparts the wisdom of his Native American culture and experiences. The stories he tells are sometimes tragic, but touching, and often humorous.

I was surprised by several of the Native American songs and prayers he mentions that have identical counterparts in European-based witchcraft or Buddhist mysticism. There are a great deal of symbols and values that seem to be universal. Bear Heart even recounts interactions with a Buddhist monk as well as an entire coven of witches.

Sometimes the book falls victim to what I think of as "the grumpy old man" tone, in which the author proclaims that the modern generation has lost it's way, but it never becomes tedious and often the main point of his argument is one with which it's difficult to disagree.

[Allie Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part autobiography, part history, part teachings and prayer, I enjoyed this book overall. The stories passed down the Muskogee lineage were some of my favorite parts, as well as the trainings Bear Heart underwent to become a shaman. This book reminded me of the inherent spirituality that humans have, and how much common ground we share across different religions and faith.

[Carolyn Sundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t have to agree with all of Bear Heart’s religious beliefs to gain understanding, compassion, and even a revelation while reading this book. This is one I will pick up again and again throughout life.

[Hannah Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most incredible books I have ever read. Very insightful, moving and knowledgeable - beyond anything we are taught in the modern day, western world. Full of wisdom and inspiration.

[Malte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spændende og dybsindig bog med mange anvendelige anekdoter. Kan klart anbefales til alle der har en interesse i "the native americans". Den indianske shaman Bear Heart har mange spændende synspunkter og bogen giver en forståelse af det at være medicinmand. Første halvdel af bogen er dog langt mere spændende og interessant end sidste halvdel - derfor "kun" 4 ud af 5 stjerner. Sidste halvdel af bogen har en uheldig tendens til at tage kraftigt parti i forhold til stoffet "peyote" i modsætning til første halvdel der forholder sig meget objektivt og taknemmelig til alt.

[Tim Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear Heart is reportedly one of the last Native American medicine men. The book goes over the life and beliefs of this shaman. I found it fascinating! I also learned that the Native American Church allows the use of peyote for your spiritual progression. It makes me wonder how much of the what they saw on their vision quest was due to peyote rather than fasting. Still, I found the native american way of looking at things to be quite refreshing!

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear Heart is a deep listener and profound healer who did much to impact the mental health of people of New Mexico. He is a psychiatrist/shaman. There are many teachings here, for those so inclined to seek. The above information may have errors, which are mine. Apologies. The Wind is My Mother seems to be a memoir of the late Bear Heart. Prepare yourself for a clearer picture of history, and the virtuous beauty of Bear Heart's telling.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most highlighted volumes.

"The word 'memorial' does not indicate that someone has died. It symbolizes that someone has lived. What is going to be that living memorial that you're going to leave behind? We're here to add something, to construct, to preserve. Let that motivation be so firmly established in your heart and mind that you can say: I will stand for this. I will live for this."

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to like this book, but I surrender .. it IS (in theory, I guess) My-kind-of-book, however I just couldn't "get into it", it seemed like I was forcing it down, not that it isn't full of great (if not very familiar) Wisdom, it just didn't seem to flow (I even tried skipping around), plus I was rather put-off by the end sections ... I guess I'm too spoiled by John O'Donohue's writings (different Ancestry, though eloquent written Wisdoms)

[Amanda Kay Creighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful exploration of one woman's journey into the depth and breadth of Native American spirituality. Reminds me of our interconnectedness with all life, and our ability to truly know ourselves and one another. I highly recommend this book to anyone on a shamanic journey of any kind.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned to use this book for research into the rituals of a medicine man but wound up reading it for pure enjoyment. This is not a dry autobiography. It is a life lesson full of peace and spiritual wisdom. I'm happy to have read it.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by my "grandfather" & Spiritual Teacher... I was fortunate enough to spend much time w/ him & he is the one who put up me up for Hanbleceya...

This is an account of his life, teachings & beliefs.....

[happydog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!