Awakening Spirits: A Native American Path to Inner Peace, Healing, and Spiritual Growth

by Tom Brown Jr.

For the first time, Tom Brown, Jr.--America's most acclaimed outdoorsman--shares the unique meditation exercises used by students of his personal Tracker classes. These techniques for finding inner peace and harmony with nature are based on the wisdom of his greatest teacher, a native American called Grandfather. Now all of us can learn these spiritual lessons of life through the earth around us--and deep within ourselves. "This book may challenge the very core of your belief systems and shake up your personal philosophy, but that is not my intent. What I set forth in this book is meant to enhance and magnify your beliefs. Simply, the techniques and skills can be easily integrated into all philosophies, religions, and belief systems. After all, Grandfather considered these techniques the common thread that runs through all things..." Tom Brown, Jr.
Awakening Spirits includes advanced methods of relaxation, insight, healing, and communication with nature and spirits. Through the dynamic meditation called Sacred Silence, the reader can experience the joys of self-discovery--and the power of a personal Vision Quest.

Genres: Spirituality, Nature, Native American, Nonfiction, Indigenous, Self Help, Philosophy

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Tom Brown Jr. was an American naturalist, tracker, survivalist, and author from New Jersey, where he ran the Tom Brown Jr. Tracker School.
In his books, Brown wrote that, from the age of seven, he and his childhood friend Rick were trained in tracking and wilderness survival by Rick's grandfather, "Stalking Wolf" (whom Brown stated was Lipan Apache). Brown wrote that Stalking Wolf died when Brown was 17, and that Rick was killed in an accident in Europe shortly thereafter.
Brown spent the next ten years working odd jobs to support his wilderness adventures. He then set out to find other people in New Jersey who were interested in his experiences. Initially Brown met with little success, but was eventually called on to help locate a crime suspect. Though the case won him national attention, he and authorities in the Ramsey, N.J. area were subsequently sued for 5 million dollars for charging the wrong person. Despite this controversy, he was able to build on this exposure to develop a profession as a full-time tracker, advertising his services for locating lost persons, dangerous animals, and fugitives from the law. According to People magazine, "He stalks men and animals, mostly in New Jersey."

Reviews

[Sergiu Pobereznic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of this book is about the basis of the human belief system and ways of gaining a different perspective on the subject.
Also, the Native American way of life and their history is an interesting and little-understood subject that I enjoyed about this book.
While it may seem slow going, I believe that Tom Brown's writing is really an induction, almost like a hypnosis session. Its actual purpose is to slow you down. I am not sure that the author was doing this on a conscious level, but that is what I experienced as a reader. You do need to be patient, though, and take... it... slow.
There is a lot of repetition, but it is through repetition that we learn.
Personally, the whole, "You need to spend time in the wilderness to find yourself " is not entirely necessary, to my mind. But it may be a slightly quicker path. Having said that, if you are seeking spirituality, this is a good read for that purpose. The entire tome means well.
The point is this: it is the teaching that is important, which is what the author was handed down. And now he is doing the same for others.
I liked it, I hope you do also.
Sergiu Pobereznic (author)
amazon.com/author/sergiupobereznic

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a profound journey based on the life of a Native American known only as Grandfather. His teachings are basic, simple, and powerful. I loved all of the stories and how Grandfather approached teaching, always waiting for the student to be ready to receive. I love how nature is also such an integral part of the teachings. Grandfather was undoubtedly a shaman of the highest order. The last section of the book is a hands-on teaching tool in which anyone can incorporate the practice of entering the Sacred Silence and beyond. But the success stories that follow the instruction phase of the book brought goosebumps on my arms. Just amazing! I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their spiritual journey with an open mind and heart. I will be forever changed because of what I learned between the pages of this book.

[Aiman Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glimpse into the spirituality of a Red Indian tribe and some of its meditation techniques.

Not a really how-to though. To learn about meditation and its varied techniques, better to refer books by different authors.

[brett e smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on meditation and connecting with the spiritual world.

[Df3photo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One if my favorite spiritual and meditation guides. Based on indigenous beliefs.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was hoping a book on meditation and other spiritual matters from a nature dude to be exciting and new. Instead it was watered down spiritual ideas which instead of being acknowledged as derivative are touted as simple. In a world where we have the beautiful simplicity of Buddha's Four Noble Truths and Ramana Maharshi's process of self-inquiry, "man is both flesh and spirit" and "meditation is cool, but not the way you do it" ideas that this book sells fall short in depth and ease of use. Also, the story that the first half of this book takes place is too much of a caricature to be moving or informative. 2 stars 'cause it was short.

[Marita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Brown Jr lays out the content of his philosophy course. ALl the information you need to do these practices on your own is presented here, though it makes me actually want to take his courses, because these are the sort of skills that should be done with supportive people.

[Endira77]

Stupid dog ate this book. :( I hope I wrote a journal about it so I can remember what it meant to me. Mostly, I remember the kid learning from his Native American grandpa, and how he stayed in the freezing river via will power--mind over body.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spiritual book especially on native american meditation.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that helps one discover the world of spirit through the traditions of Native Amercian spirituality.

[Sequoiasprings]

lots

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a native American known as "grandfather" and his spiritual pursuits. Worth the price just for the meditation exercises in Part 3.

[Steven Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book about how to develop real spirituality.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving, the writing is weak but the information valuable

[Deana Duckenfield]

What a wonderful book about connecting to nature!

[Tbob3att.Net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Native American culture experience and it relates to all religions
Not a bookclub book. Husband and son reading it too