By Michael Garrett - Walking on the Wind: Cherokee Teachings for Healing Through Harmony and Balance

by Michael Tlanusta Garrett

Using storytelling, Michael Garrett inspires us to discover our own unique Medicine. These traditional Cherokee teachings passed down by Michael's great-grandfather instruct us that all things are connected, have purpose, and are worthy of respect and reverence.

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

Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Thatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a neighborhood rummage sale and you should too if you aren’t already aware of the alternate view Native American thought has to offer.

I’m in the post surgery, post radiation period of cancer treatment so the following bit stopped me in my tracks:

“… when we are going through a difficult experience, we must continue to ask ourselves two things:

1. What is this experience teaching me about myself, about others, and about living?

2. What am I teaching others through my experience in the way that I live?”

Much else in this book was insightful for me. There is also humor and a powerful suggestion of a possible harmony to be had, should we but relax and listen for it.

[Chris Gleck]

This book was published in 1998 and I purchased it new when I purchased its companion book, Medicine of the Cherokee, that I recently posted. This book is a continuation of the previous book describing first American, specifically Cherokee, "Medicine." For them, Medicine is our way or path in life and can be either Good Medicine or not. Once again I find their philosophy and approach to life one that I would like to embrace and have started on my journey (my Medicine) of doing so. I will keep this book for future reference.

[Josh Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational and personal. I very much enjoyed it.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking on the Wind is as profound as any Spiritual book I've read. That includes Michael Singer, Eckhart, Deepak, etc. This is a spiritual book, not a history listen. It will speak to your heart if you are ready. You will need to feel into the teachings and ponder what it means to you. If you at all feel a connection to Mother Earth and nature as a whole, this book is for you. I actually feel that if it was tightened up a bit, it would be included as one of the best Spiritual books. I believe it helps get to the core of where healing and connection begin...with harmony and balance with all Beings. If you can do that, you won't worry as much about Ego, social media noise and every other illusion of a problem. I highly recommend reading this book!!

[Allen Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of those books I'll never feel like I've read "enough" to fully digest it. I think this wisdom is especially beneficial for anyone with a desire to follow Jesus ("The Great One") in spite of a heart and worldview heavily influenced by modern society to be routinely "off balance" in relationships and lacking in a sense of peace.

Whatever else you may do, I encourage you to read this book and meditate on how to live in a state of constant gratitude for all creation and opportunities, how to remain focused on what you can give in your relationship with all, and how to faithfully serve as the "helper" and "caretaker" your Creator intended you to be by following His Spirit (the Wind/Nuwati) for guidance at all times.

[Mark Bourdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Our spirit connects us with the memories of all that has gone before us, all that is, and all that will be. Our spirit connects us with all of our relations in the Circle of Life. Listen and you will hear Water speaking, Wind dancing, Sun smiling, the heartbeat of Mother Earth pulsing beneath our feet.” Michael Garrett shares the Cherokee teachings on the Circle of Life. Great lessons and practices for understanding and living life.

[Michael Delaware · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It covers an aspect of Cherokee spirituality that I have not encountered before, and it really challenged me to look at the world through a more connected viewpoint of the circle of life. Very nicely presented, and easy to follow. I savored this one by reading a chapter a day and then taking time to really reflect on it.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so grateful and proud that I bought and read this book. I bought this book at the time when I really was in need of healing, and the synchronizing was amazing! I read this book at the right time, right place.
If anyone is in need of healing, on the midst of finding balance and harmony in their life, I recommend this book.

[Sieglinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an overview of Native American spirituality from a Cherokee point of view though it is also informed by other tribes and the comparison to other spiritualities. It is spiritual and practical with advice and simple exercises.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all seek harmony and balance in one form or another.
The simple but deep meaning stories in this book might be the best
path for finding some.
Who are you?
Simple question...now try to answer it...

[Carley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it :)
The stories that had been passed down were entertaining and beautiful.
This book made me feeeeeel.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

it takes a while to read but truly a beautiful book :)

[Julie Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, easy to read with simple, yet profound insights.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and feel grateful for these lessons of healing in which harmony and balance are a central focus along with learning how to participate in the healing that it is already going on in the world around us. I love the concept of the Circle of Life, treating the earth sacredly, that healing is found in the whole rather than the sum of its parts (in a group "Circle"), practicing gratitude, and learning the rule of acceptance. I also really like this lesson: "In the traditional Cherokee Way, when children argued over an object, it was taken away from them and they were then encouraged to lie down on Mother Earth and look up at the sky. While observing the sky, the children were reminded that focusing attention on an object and on wanting to possess that object removed them from the harmony and balance of the Greater Circle. Then the children were asked to focus their attention on Father Sky. 'Look at the sky. . . . Can you see the clouds?' the children might be asked. 'Watch the way they move and change before your eyes. Can you see pictures in the clouds? Can you see the spirit people there?'Should we seek to own the sky? it might have been asked. A renewed sense of relation and clarity was sought for the children as they were asked to open their minds and hearts to the movement and language of the cloud people, who speak in shapes and pictures. The children might then have been asked to help out with a particular task as a way of replacing 'wanting thoughts with 'giving' thoughts.This was a very important experience for helping young people (and some adults) to understand the power of relation and the sense of humility required to live in harmony and balance with all living beings in the Circle."

[zogador · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book because of my interest in the traditions of Native American culture. I have several Native friends and I have been to numerous pow-wows and sweat cerimonies over the years. I knew that I would enjoy learning more details about the "Red Path". But after finishing reading, I can say that I chose the wrong book. There were some details about traditional Native beliefs and practices included but that was not the main focus of this book.

This book reads like a self-help book. I was more than a little surprised when I came to the part which had suggestions about a modern diet, exercise and even sex. Much of the material was obviously the personal opinion of the author but the title suggests these teachings are traditionally Cherokee. The title is misleading. This book is 25% native culture 15% native folk-lore 10% self-help advice 10% personal experience of the author and 40% authors opinion. I had to be very careful while reading to distinguish between the traditional teachings and all the blanks that the author decided to fill in himself.

I rarely ever give a bad review. Only if I feel the book was not well written. If I feel that a book was well written but I didn't like the subject matter, Ill still give it a good vote because it is a solid piece of work. I'm surprised by the high rating of all the other votes but I have seen this phenomenon before with other books in special interest categories. It seems that folks who seek out certain books decide they like the material so much that it`s all that matters.

The best part of this book was the selection of quotes.

[Caren Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple stories that children and teens can understand, but have profound lessons.... I found myself thinking and absorbing the teachings after reading each chapter. Many of the concepts remind me of Buddhist teachings about the cyclical nature of life, being versus doing, and tapping into our inner wisdom but it also ties it back to nature which I really enjoyed.

[Anne G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Native American Culture! I bought this book back when I lived in Vermont at the Peace of Mind Emporium. This is one of those books I could read over and over again. I loved the different mental exercises.

[Josefina Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become one of my favorites. The whole book are to see within yourself. It is a book of the smoking mirror, of self reflection. I learned a lot but at the same time reflected and reinforce some teachings I have not been following or exploring. :-D

[Heather Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides a nice way of applying Cherokee teachings to our modern lifestyle. His training as a counselor and his knowledge of Cherokee culture provide unique insight. Highly recommended for anyone insterested in Cherokee wisdom.

[Summer D Clemenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational read. I will read again and again. I also was inspired to write other books mentioned in the text that I intend to look into. Beautifully written; humble, insightful and spiritually inspirational for anyone on many types of journeys.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Various teachings and lessons with stories and information on how the Cherokee see self, balance, harmony, interactions with others, human, plants and animals.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Has great stories and exercises from the Cherokee tradition.

[Sara Judice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good perspective, similar to the toltec wisdom from "the four agreements".

[Christian Baloga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up while I was in Tennessee and was touched by every page of this book. It's been a while since I've read it but I'll be reading this one again and again!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wado Michael Garrett for sharing your thoughts .

[Mm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book that I found myself studying and going back to certain pages that gave me much insight not only into the Indian ways but into my own self.

[Randy Elrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Allison (Azyrre) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that blends traditional Cherokee teachings with practices that modern people can use, regardless of background or location. No matter your personal religious or spiritual beliefs, anyone can appreciate the message of respect, humility, and balance, and the way to treat other people and all of Mother Earth and Creation.

I'm glad I bought a copy of this book, because it is one I plan to keep and read again.

As I went through the book, I went one chapter at a time and took notes in a journal. Next time through I will simply read it. Either way, it is a good book and not too big or lengthy, nor too short.