Going with the Flow: Memories From the Feather River to the Pacific Islands and Back

by Paul Callaghan

Born in the early 1940s in a small California farming community, my insightful parents provided a foundation that encouraged education, exploration and adventure. These pages contain eighty years of memories that comprise an eclectic mix of experiences in diverse settings that include alpine ski runs, the Irish countryside, California's High Sierra Mountains, and fifty-five years of life in numerous Pacific islands. Though I have traveled through and lived in many beautiful places, there are no scenic photographs contained in these pages. Instead, I highlight some unique individuals encountered along the way, all of whom enriched the fabric of my life. This memoir records the thoughts and experiences of a person from the "silent generation" who did not remain tethered to the place and ethos of his birth, but eventually returned home to record these experiences.

644 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

Paul Callaghan is a First Nations custodian in the land now called Australia. Paul belongs to the land of the Worimi people which is located on the east coast of Australia about 2 hours north of Sydney, New South Wales. He is an Aboriginal story teller and dancer. Paul has held a number of senior executive positions in his career and has qualifications in a diverse range of disciplines including surveying, drafting, accounting, economics, training, executive leadership, emotional intelligence, company boards, and executive/organisational coaching.
Paul’s passion however has always been around healing individuals, communities and the Earth our Mother. His corporate roles have always incorporated this passion.
Paul has been ‘going bush’ for many, many years and learning traditional ‘Lore’ from his Elders much of which he is willing to share with those who respect it.
Paul also ran a very successful spiritual/energy healing practice for many years with a wide variety of clients and illnesses.
The underpinning foundation of the book is his journey through depression and the role Aboriginal culture, spirituality and philosophy had in not only enabling him to recover, but also empowering him to live life by his truth rather than everybody else’s expectations. The book has a number of exercises and models based on his experience aimed at assisting people from all walks of life to build the courage and skills to live a life of purpose, choice and wellbeing. You will find it is a combination of styles including textbook, self help, Aboriginal history, Aboriginal philosophy, Aboriginal spirituality and an autobiography of his journey through depression.