A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage, and Wisdom in Any Moment

by Spring Washam

With stories from south central LA to the jungles of Peru, A Fierce Heart offers deep and honest reflections on compassion and suffering by one of the country's most powerful mindfulness teachers.

"Washam brings considerable gifts for conveying her vision of personal change and offers vivid, inspiring testimony to the power of Buddhism (and other wisdom traditions) to help heal suffering."
- Publishers Weekly

"Amidst uncertain times we need strong and inspiring medicine. In A Fierce Heart, you will find this medicine: beautiful teachings and heartfelt stories that can transform your day and change your life."
- from the Foreword by Jack Kornfield

With stories from south central LA to the jungles of Peru, these deep and honest reflections by one of the country's most powerful mindfulness teachers focus on compassion as the fiercest and most effective response to suffering.

Spring Washam is a founder of the East Bay Meditation Center, the most diverse and accessible meditation center in the United States. In A Fierce Heart, she shares her contemporary, unique interpretation of the Buddha's 2,500-year-old teachings that get to the heart of mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Woven throughout the book are stories from her life, family, and community, along with soulful and unexpected stories of compassion in action from all over the world. The life-saving teachings of this charismatic teacher are universal; her honesty, enthusiasm, and energy are a balm.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Growth, Memoir, Health

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Spring Washam is a well-known meditation and dharma teacher based in Oakland, California. She is a founding member and core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center located in downtown Oakland. She is the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys an organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom. She is the author of, A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in any Moment. She was trained by Jack Kornfield and has studied numerous meditation practices and Buddhist philosophy since 1997. She is a member of the Sprit Rock Teachers Council. In addition to being a teacher she is also a healer, facilitator, spiritual activist and writer. Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness based healing practices into diverse communities. She has studied indigenous healing practices and shamanic practices for over a decade. She has practiced and studied under some of the most preeminent meditation masters in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism. She currently travels and teaches workshops, classes and retreats worldwide.

Reviews

[Leah Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 60% of this book is pure gold, beautiful self-help wisdom that I appreciated deeply and loved for what it offered me. Unfortunately, the remaining 40% embodied the absolute worst of orientalist exotifying self-help new age tropes, doubly troubling and disappointing coming from a woman of colour author who I expected would know better. But the uplifting and naming of white spiritual teachers, while mythologizing and homogenizing ones who are Indigenous to the Americas or Southeast Asia ran rampant. I powered through because the parts that weren't waxing poetic about shamanism or gurus were so powerful that I wanted to finish, take what I need and let the rest go by. But when I finished I realized how disheartened and disappointed I was, and how much I long for an end to the long-standing new age tradition of appropriating and exotifying the traditions and practices of Indigenous cultures for profit or for generic spiritual lessons.
My search for a self-help book that doesn't fall into this exotifying trap continues.

[Viv JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Buddhism with a side order of shamanism. Occasionally strayed a bit too far into New Age woo-woo territory for my comfort but otherwise, a nice introduction to Buddhist ideas interspersed with reflections on the author's own life and the challenges she has faced and overcome. The audio was read by the author herself and she has a very gentle, soothing voice which made this a pleasant listen.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars is a bit generous, but there is no 3.7 option. Here’s the thing—this book was so healing in so many ways. It felt like Spring saw me and saw my current journey even more vividly than I do right now. It shook me to the core.
There were parts that seemed unrealistically optimistic and even prosperity gospel-ish (ex: meditating cured this friend of that, and that friend of this!) But that wasn’t the meat of the book; the meat of the book was what filled my soul.

Spring has also confessed to not being a writer and having difficulties with writing. I wished there were better editors, but it is what it is.

All in all, I will carry this book inside of my fierce little heart throughout this life and the next.

[Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Washam is an absolute gem for the world. Having met her in the Minneapolis area for a couple of her talks I was intrigued to purchase her new book. Her work is very honest, heartfelt, magical and practical at the same time. This book could very well apply to practitioners of meditation and mindfulness and buddhism.

Her delivery and writing style is very down to earth and I felt as if I was reading the work of a close friend I've known for many years. This book is absolutely brave and open. Why? Because Spring shares tales of her upbringing, relationships, love, race, buddhism, start the Eastbay Meditation Center and many more slices of her journey. I plan to read it several more times. She's got a big heart and big smile.

I recommend this book to anyone new or advanced in the spiritual journey.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would like this book, but after finishing it, I love it! Another one I will come back to again and again and would definitely recommend. So much of it resonated with me and it includes a lot of stories, teachings from others, wisdom from around the world, and other ways of making a lot of ideas and concepts very clear and tangible, and within reach.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautiful meditation on the benefits of living life with deep love, courage and compassion both for ourselves and others. A lesson I wish more people could learn. The author also considers how we can learn greatly from some of our darkest times. Definitely one to read / listen to again to revisit the lessons shared.

[Carol Palecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and Uplifting and unlike a lot of Buddhist books. A great combination of useful Buddhist wisdom and engaging stories of Spring's personal journey. It gave me hope that anyone can get solace from walking this path. I really enjoyed it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, thoughtful, thought-provoking and empowering. A really good book for anyone trying to cope with the chaos of 2020 right here, right now.

[Asha]

I am not going to give this a star rating because I didn't like it but it also isn't for me so any star rating would be kind of unfair. If this is your kind of thing, it might be good.

I just have no patience for spirituality, particularly that kind of smorgasbord of religions vision quest dream interpretation kind of spirituality. It just doesn't resonate.

The review below is more blog post/thoughts on reading it than proper review.


I've been on a self-improvement kick over the last few months and one of the youtubers I've been following is a psychologist who trained to be a monk for awhile and so when I saw this book while scrolling around my library's digital catalogue, I thought, this is going to be a different approach to those concepts, maybe I will find it interesting.

And I did find it interesting. I read the whole thing. There are pieces that were fascinating, pieces that were confusing and assumed a certain level of knowledge that I don't have. It's a very internal book. It's not about the neuroscience behind meditation (which is what really got me interested in the youtube series I was watching) or about the culture or history of this culture or that practice. It's very internal. It's not quite a memoir but it has more of that sort of feeling, it's her story and her spiritual journey. I think that's why I found it interesting despite my "lolwut" millennial skeptic response to that kind of approach to spirituality.

Because it is so internal, it also has very little scene setting or that kind of prose. There's a part where she talks about leading a meditation group as a post-2016-American-election riot broke out on the streets nearby and one of the staff having to interrupt her and ask if they can close up the windows so the tear gas doesn't get in. That is a hell of a scene. But isn't written like scene. It's written in the same explanatory style as everything else and then she's back to talking about her internal landscape.

I obviously have a lot of thoughts about it.

[Miriam Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am waffling between 3 and 4 here. I am labeling it 4 because the parts that are gold are really gold. I highlighted many amazing quotes from her and others. She gets gold pass to 4 because I am getting to know her work enough to know the following issues may have been more about not enough strong editing.

Here’s where the book lacks: there’s too much spiritual bypassing and mental ableism - that changing your thoughts can cure your depression! There’s also a deep lack of trauma informed options - breathing doesn’t work for everyone, etc. These spots are not only painful, they feel irresponsible in this era.

I suspect - having listened to her podcast with Lama Rod - that she doesn’t actually believe these things. But that’s the impact and it hits hard for a meditation teacher of almost twenty years whose had to fight these misconceptions in myself and my students the whole way.

[Tanyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not the type of person that reads this hippie sort of book. But that's part of what made it so refreshing.
Spring embraces the present moment. And most of the time, the present moment is filled with sorrow. But the sorrow will never heal unless you let it be heard.
I do have a question: why doesn't loving yourself include loving your defenses? Why break down every wall instead of accepting that some things make you feel safe?
I'm not saying that you should be closed off to everything, you should expand your comfort zone and willingness to try new things. But defenses exist for a reason.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Washam's beautiful and inspiring book came to me as a great gift while I was navigating a dark night of the soul. Her no holds barred personal stories of facing her own demons express deep humility, courage, creativity, wisdom, compassion and insight. Her writing continues to help me understand and bear what I thought was unbearable. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book to all who value inner life with the curiosity to awaken to what is possible in the midst of the human condition and mystery. And to trust the fruits of the journey. Thank you Spring!

[Michael Sasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me it was a slow start... Not exactly, it actually easier for me to breeze through the first portions of the book and later portions took me longer but I wasn't as moved/inspired/schooled by the beginning as later portions.

That being said, I both think the beginning will speak strongly to some and also think a bunch of what follows is as strong an explanation of the connection of emotional work and mindfulness/spiritual work as I've ever seen in writing.

[Ivonne Quiroz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry while on the BART train. It made me want to dance (which sometimes i did). This book moved me to my core. I am a better person because i read this book. Thank you Spring for sharing your struggles and victories with us so that we can learn from you.

[Beno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful and powerful book that I expect to return to again and again.

[DCBlue]

Washam touches on many of the background issues that bring us to a point in our lives that we seek change. Her book reminds us that to be happy in the present, we must make peace with our past.

[Vishnu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, awesome book. Spring is a wonderfully inspiring writer with many deeply moving stories to share. I was only upset when I ran out of pages to read!

[Chloé Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, but seriously needs some trigger warnings. TW: sexual assault, physical abuse, emotional and sexual abuse...

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love that it’s part memoir, part study of Buddhism and mindfulness. I love that she’s open about how much she felt like an outsider in a predominantly white and upper class movement, which is not a criticism, just a fact. Being “the other” is so much a part of our existence, and talking about it brings us together and creates greater understanding.

Ironically, however, she repeatedly shares her experience of going on many 3-6 months(+) pilgrimages and retreats over the years. I worry that this might set her apart from the class and people she was reaching out to with this book, as much as the wealth and whiteness of her spiritual counterparts set her apart in the beginning of her spiritual journey.

I ask any reader that might want to stop reading this book, because ‘who could ever afford to take off work for months to become enlightened,’ to please keep reading. There is so much to be learned from this book. Everyone’s journey to inner peace takes a different path, and all paths that lead to inner peace and loving kindness are worthy!

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book A Fierce Heart it was very interesting. Being someone from the Bay Area it was really cool that the author was from my city and lived in the city I live in. I felt like I could really relate many ways especially being a mixed child. She found that she had a much more peaceful life now that she began meditating. She has a very unique way of tell her story, she goes back from her own stories to stories about Buddha and Gandhi. I thought that was very original and I recommend this book!!!

[Zoe Ho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moments of strong insights in every chapter, where the writer occasionally breaks through clunky writing to deliver some fierce teachings. The writer's personal story, as well as her meditation community celebrating diversity in race, class, gender etc., is very inspiring! Unfortunately, the book is scattered with platitudes and contradictions (e.g. street-wise dharma anti-materialist guru stance does not align with author's elite priced ayahuasca retreats; personal anecdotes that are used to overgeneralize, etc.).

[Ashley Garver · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Fierce Heart” is filled with personal anecdotes of Spring’s journey to find her way. Her tales are relatable, inspiring and challenged me to reflect on my own journey, choices made and interpretations set. Spring was one of my first meditation teachers and I will always enjoy her curious nature, her dedication to the practice, and her steadfast belief that love conquers all. Grateful for this beautiful read. My copy is thoroughly dog-eared! :)

[Rhiannon Soria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional rollercoaster with so many beautiful stories. I was on a reflecting journey. The author’s message was powerful, inspiring, and instilled hope that we all have the ability and courage to show others grace, to forgive others, and to show empathy to others. The world needs more of that to go around. It was hard to read at times because the content was heavy. However, the messages left a positive impression on me.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. Spring Washam's writing is open, wise, and beautifully steeped in self-compassion. Reading A Fierce Heart reminded me that my true path lies deep in my heart if I can hear it calling and trust my voice. This book is a salve for anyone who feels lost or drawn to meditation. I highly suggest getting a copy for yourself and all your friends.

[Angy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an insightful read and I think it would be beneficial and helpful for a lot of people, but it wasn't personally my cup of tea. I thought that Spring Washam was very wise and insightful with an engaging writing style, but her specific overly positive mixture of Buddhism and Shamanism did not click with me.

[Lia Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to do a lot of meditation, but I haven't recently so maybe this book will help me get back in the swing of things. So far it hasn't, but that's really more my fault than anything else. I loved all of the anecdotes within this book, and it really makes you look at the world in a different way.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up randomly while at the Makawao Public Library because the cover looked great and I had heard Spring's name mentioned on retreats for the Ram Dass community; her book is beautiful, heavy hitting, and thought provoking. Buddhism intersecting with memoir with being a woman of color. Beautiful, powerful, excellent read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I found through Parallax Press’s mailer - I enjoyed the calming nature of this book throughout; perhaps my favorite section is when she talks about racism, sexism and other injustices happening within groups of people sharing this planet and how we can move forward from these.

[Beth Trizna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved a lot of this!! I heard Spring’s voice come through and a lot of it was so beautiful and true for me. Some of it conflated all indigenous cultures together in a weird way, my aversion to the shamanism stuff was related to that but also probably something else, not sure what.

[Allison Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a little closer to 3.5 stars but not quite 4. There are certainly some good lessons, and I really enjoyed reading about her meditation experiences, but the parts about shamanism and dream sequences were less interesting to me.