Think Indigenous: Native American Spirituality for a Modern World

by Doug Good Feather

A guide to integrating indigenous thinking into modern life for  a more interconnected and spiritual relationship with our fellow  beings, Mother Earth, and the natural ways of the universe. There is a natural law—a spiritual intelligence that we are all born with that lies within our hearts. Lakota spiritual leader Doug Good Feather shares the authentic knowledge that has been handed down through the Lakota generations to help you make and recognize this divine connection, centered around the Seven Sacred Directions in the Hoop of Wiyóhinyanpata— New Beginnings Itókagata— The Breath of Life Wiyóhpeyata— The Healing Powers Wazíyata— Earth Medicine Wankátakáb— The Great Mystery Khúta— The Source of Life Hóchoka— The Center of Life Once you begin to understand and recognize these strands, you can integrate them into modern life through the Threefold The Way of the Seven Generations—Conscious living The Way of the Buffalo—Mindful consumption The Way of the Community—Collective impact

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

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Bev Siddons · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have so much to learn from our Indigenous peoples. This book leads the way toward understanding the spiritual intelligence that abides in our hearts. "Think Indigenous" can help us awaken our heart/mind, find a sense of balance in our lives and in the environment in which we live, and, in general, live a genuine life.

Regarding gratitude: ". . . a person cannot exist in a place of fear and true gratitude at the same time. . . gratitude is the doorway to divine intuition, which allow us to be guided by our connection with the Creator."

On walking with Wisdom: "Being wise has a lot to do with knowing what not to do, like knowing when to pause instead of taking action, or knowing when to praise instead of being critical, or knowing when to listen instead of talking."

This is a book to read slowly, to savor, to contemplate. Highly recommended.

[Susan Nicolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Indigenous by Doug Good Feather

This book opens your awareness to the threefold path: conscious living, mindful consumption, and collective impact, by immersing you in a way of thinking understood and shared by Native Americans over many, many generations.

The Think Indigenous model anchors virtues, the elements, the seasons, and spiritual practices around the Seven Sacred Directions in the Hoop of Life. Good Feather teaches readers to connect with the Divine using stories drawn from his heritage, spiritual practices, and gentle encouragement.

I enjoyed learning about The Way of the Buffalo, how Sacred Hoops are formed, and intend to adopt the practice of a Spirit Plate. Spirit plates are an invitation for ancestors to join you at the table; you serve them a forkful of each dish and bit of drink as a way of letting their spirits know they are still with you.

Good Feather says, “All of our embarrassing little imperfections don’t seem so imperfect when we have a powerful sense of self-respect. Having the courage and self-respect to simply be who we are is the best way we can show up and contribute to the world.” This kind of message, for me, never gets old.

Good Feather illuminates the need for healing through accepting responsibility. One example is how he suggests that without rites of passage, modern men suffer disconnection from their masculinity. Taking responsibility for providing, nurturing, and protecting are indigenous principles that connect man to himself, his village, and Mother Earth. This connection to these responsibilities—and yes, including nurturing— instills virility, vitality, and keeps the inner light of man alive.

The author explains the shift from a disconnected mindset to one that operates with greater consciousness of all life in this way, “The deer did not cross the road, the road crossed the forest.”

The book presents universal truths while painting picture of a culture that has held tight to them through many struggles. It presents practices that with a little willingness and intention, anyone can use to move towards self-actualization and to expand reverence for life here on earth.

Sprinkled throughout this book are many beautiful words from what I assume is a native American language connected to the author. The accent marks and symbols indicate syllabaries that created a feeling for me, even though I could not begin to pronounce these words. I could imagine how lovely an audible version of this book might be if we had a narrator who breathe the proper cadence and inflections into these words and bring this text even more alive.

This book did bring me more alive. It showed me how the indigenous cultures listen to nature, the call of spirit within, and use and respect the imagination as a tool to connect with divinity.

I’m happily thinking a little more indigenously.

listen to my podcast

[Kim Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The author is Lakota, and I wonder where his nation's views overlap with other Indigenous views. I think that Indigenous views on spirituality have a lot to teach Christianity. The most obvious one was the matter of personal consumption. Indigenous views on consumption are more of a "take what you need" approach rather than the western, capitalistic approach of "take all you can." Good Feather talks about living in harmony with ourselves, other, and nature, and I think even asking ourselves how to do that will aid is in evaluating our own consumption practices.

Indigenous spirituality allows for attention to the self; being whole, being in harmony. Christianity in the evangelical variety thrives on self-loathing. We are taught to distrust our instincts, to distrust our hearts. Indigenous spirituality looks for self- acceptance. In the Christian view of humanity, we believe God created us. If we are his creation, why is there so much focus on individual sin? Perhaps the concept of sin ought to be channelled into asking how we have actually "sinned" against the created world by pursuing greed.

I would like to read other perspectives of Indigenous spirituality because I do see the need to re-connect with creation and nature. This was only an introduction, but it was a fairly quick and easy read, and worth the time.

[Aliya Furton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family is Ojibwe and my grandfather has been helping me not only understand more of our own tribe’s culture, but the culture and literature from other tribal leaders and groups. Colonization and indigenous genocide has unfortunately wiped out much of Ojibwe culture and oration. So, I try to learn as much as I can about the many North and Central American indigenous peoples (particularly the Lakota).

My grandfather gifted this to me for my birthday. This is not just an incredibly enjoyable book, but a greatly NEEDED and necessary book. I cannot recommend it enough. I saw a piece of myself in every page and reflected on myself. I have to say, I’m not an overly emotional person (at least in my opinion) but I was emotional reading this book. I’ll be keeping this by my bedside for inspiration for a very long time. My grandfather will be reading it soon as well.

I have to say, if you enjoyed this book as much as I did please share it with a loved one or loan your copy. It was truly enlightening to me and if I want others to feel as empowered as I did reading it.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5!!
Here are some highlights:
"Each morning when we wake- should we choose to listen - is a message from the Creator to remember the privilege we were given of waking up."
"A whisper on the breath of Mother Earth sweeps across the world with a message to all her children that now is the time to celebrate life."
"The medicine we seek for ourselves can be recognized in our offerings to others."

And felt called out in the best ways, like with, "essentially, procrastination is having a lack of integrity with our self."

Loved this book. Quick read, too. 150 pages

[Labruja_dietra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book and the author at the Denver March Powwow. I felt drawn to it but waited until after the intertribal dance to purchase it. Of course there were a ton of people and I had sleepy kids in tow. So to Amazon I went.

I am of Mestiza heritage (Tewa Pueblo and Spanish/Mexican heritage and have been on the path to walk the Red Road for a couple of years. I needed to read this book as I've fallen off a bit and I thank the creator for sending me this sign.

[Kelly Bock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that you don’t just read once… I plan to read again and keep it on hand to reference! I definitely recommend the read!

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have been careless with our environmental care and working with each other to make a better life. In this book, the author isn't teaching us to be "Native Americans", but to learn from the Lakota culture to connect with our own indigenous roots and remember that we are all connected. The three concepts of The Way of the Seven Generations (Conscious living...thinking of our previous seven generations and the future seven generations), The Way of the Buffalo (mindful consumption...thinking about and taking care of Grandmother Earth, and the Way of the Village (Collective impact...being a part of the community.).
There's a lot to think about in this book.

[Tracy Blanchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I can really write a helpful review. I will need to read this book many times over before I can begin to speak about it. It is a powerful call to a life of integrity. I followed a pagan/earth-honoring spiritual tradition for many, many years and so much of his discussion of the directions and elements felt familiar. But still, there is so much wisdom to be absorbed and lived here.

Goodfeather does the narration on the Audible version, which makes it special, but there is so much to think about and reflect on and read over and over that I think I’d recommend the book over the Audible.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This has been one of the best books on spirituality I have ever read! I love this book! It’s a must read, I highly recommend. The world would be better place if we practiced what Native Americans/ Indigenous peoples have been practicing for centuries. The respect for nature, living consciously, being mindful that our actions and words impact many generations, not taking more than we need, etc it would make a huge difference. Mitakuye Oyasin 💙

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There’s an ancient proverb that says, “All the flowers, of all the tomorrows, are in the seeds of today.” This is just another example that indigenous cultures from all parts of the world—not just Native Americans—knew the way of the seven generations thousands of years ago. And as the ancestors know, thousands of years is not a long time, whether we’re going back in history or forward into our future."

Let’s put our hearts and minds together and see what life we can make for our children. — TȞATȞÁŊKA YAŊKÁ (CHIEF SITTING BULL)

A quick read and such a treasure of some of the teachings of the Lakota people presented in the same way other wisdom traditions like Christianity and Buddhism can be presented to share the wisdom, essentially, and to help us find our way back to our nature in nature. If I can even being to think indigenously, I am so blessed, and grateful and humbled.

Obviously, we may not all be Native American, but each and every one of us is indigenous to Mother Earth…Indigenous spirituality is not a religion; it’s a nature-based way of living in alignment with Mother Earth and the spiritual laws of the universe…it is time for chosen keepers of traditional wisdom to build bridges between nations and share their indigenous wisdom to help heal and raise the vibration of humanity.

The spiritual practice for our body is to get back to nature to spiritually rejuvenate, reenergize, and heal. We have to relearn how to see with our “forest eyes.” The key to contemplating nature is to see beyond the form of the beings in nature, which helps us to understand the energies that are required to have a system that exists in harmony. It helps us to understand the space and the beings differently. It takes a little while to sit with this concept and understand it, because we’ve been taught in the modern world that nature is just a pretty place full of resources for humans to exploit. Try looking at it this way: the deer did not cross the road, the road crossed the forest. See the subtle yet profound difference? That’s the difference between seeing nature with a disconnected mindset and seeing Mother Earth through our forest eyes.

What we do know is that we are made of stardust. Basically, we’re just water and stardust held together by a song from the universe.

We’re in a time when many people the world over have spiritually devolved and have lost connection with their seasonal and celestial senses. The good news is that it’s not difficult to rebuild our relationship with the ways of the earth and stars. The memory of these ways is literally part of our ancestral blood memory. When we learn how to sink into the rhythm of our natural spirituality, we can sense the influence the moon has on us, and we become keenly aware of our earthly relationship with the power of the sun. We may have forgotten the words of our original song, but we can hum along until we begin to remember again.

When a solar eclipse is coming up on the calendar, it’s a topic of conversation all week. There’s the usual rush to find the cardboard glasses, and the people in their schools, workplaces, and homes go outside, gazing at Father Sky, watching the moon eat the sun. There are collective oohs and aahs as the sun disappears for a few minutes, as this brief event reminds us of our natural spirituality and rejoins us with our sense of awe and wonder. But think about it—the sun only disappears for a few minutes! It leaves for hours and hours every night! Imagine what it would be like to have that same sense of awe and wonder when the sun returns every single morning of our lives. We need to connect with that awe, with that sense of gratitude and reverence every day.

This is our journey
Each of us the hero.
The miracle. The center of change.
The center of choice
My (our) next choice is the choice our ancestors told stories of
What I (we) choose in this present moment is everything
Are we (I) choosing to tend the garden of LIFE?
Unity Sferrazza

[May De Mendieta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly was a divine sending. The winter months can be hard specially for me right now- there is a lot of stress going on around me, this book was a teacher on presence, a reminder that to be alive means to be in balance with nature to enjoy our days to be intentional and grateful for every breathe we take. This book was intentional with practice, stories and lessons from the indigenous community it was so beautiful to listen to this book when I was stesss or just on my nature walks or in the morning. I re listen to it multiple times and went back because I wanted to really have this lessons sink into my presence. I will be implementing everything this book had to offer, i wish everyone could read it and take the lessons from it. Just wonderful

[T. Laane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a bit too political (beginning) and way too disillusioned that we can change where the future is going (book ending). But all the rest was good! To find medicine not from stores, but from earth, air, water and fire.
GROWTH AND HONESTY. Get comfortable with not always knowing what’s right for you. You are supposed to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow. Complete honesty isn’t just for others; you have to be brutally honest with yourself, even if it stings. Life isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to teach.
WISDOM FROM ELDERS. The Elder said: Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, nobody would believe them. Experienced leaders always pause before answering because that offers clarity and lets the message settle before a reply - nuances emerge when you don’t rush. Often, the art of answering isn’t to give your answer at all, but to help the questioner find their own answer that’s already buried deep inside.
TRADITIONAL PRACTICES. Medicine, in its original sense for these people, means more than substances - it includes soul-nourishing things like walking with animals in nature or other activities that feed your spirit. Much of the book explores ideas about how fire, water, earth, and air can heal you. Even simple things like walking barefoot outdoors can be medicine: introduce yourself to Mother Earth, ask permission to walk and sometimes close your eyes to really feel where you are. Always leave the environment better than you found it - pick up trash, and remember one day you’ll be an ancestor walking these same paths for someone else.
MASCULINITY AND RESPONSIBILITY. In today’s society, the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood is missing - many forty-year-old men are still like boys. Traditionally, boys used to have serious family responsibilities young, like caring for animals or helping with chores, but modern society doesn’t demand much accountability from them. The meaningful path: I provide, I develop, I defend, and I help others do the same.
GOODNESS, PERSPECTIVE, AND THE POWER OF HABIT. You don’t have to live in a world where you chase after good things but can imagine a better world where good things chase you. We are always only one decision away from crossing into a totally different life.
BREATHING AND PRESENCE. The book describes an exercise to consciously raise your pulse: close your eyes, inhale fully through your nose into your lungs, then exhale through your mouth, hold your breath for seven seconds, let everything out quickly, and repeat this four times - don’t do it in the evening!

[becky c · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful so much wisdom

This book came to me exactly when I needed it and was ready for it. It’s beautiful and full of so much wisdom. I am white grew up Christian in the Southwest desert. In recent years have become a lot more aware of issues with our societies function and history and have been more connected to nature and cycles and wishing I had more ties to my indigenous Celtic heritage. I’ve realized that a lot of Celtic indigenous wisdom has been lost sadly. Thankfully this wisdom from the Lakota Tribe is inclusive and inviting and very encouraging. I have even more love and awareness of earth and humanity now. I feel like if more people live with a sense of belonging and family and responsibility with all of nature and humanity there would be a lot more harmony and love in the world.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for our times that shows easy ways to change our ways of thinking to live in ways that are better for Earth and all the creatures living here. Of course it doesn't cover everything, but if you are realizing that you need to make a change in life and retool your thought processes away from capitalistic pressures and stress, this book has some great starting points. Recommended for anyone and everyone, religious folk included. The author himself says that this way of thinking is not mutually exclusive and can be combined with religious beliefs, so really anyone can benefit.

[Rochell McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Indigenous By Doug Goof Feather

This book opens your mind to a new way of looking at an Old way of not just life, but a Spiritual belief system. With the world in chaos it is easy to forget what is truly important. I really did not find anything about the book that I did not like. I have already suggested this book to my friends and to my Therapist. I do not normally give a full five star review,but I believe this book deserves it. If you are looking for away to find the path that is calling you, I believe whole heartily that this is a good book for you.

[Brian G. Stazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I found this book to.be a great tool to allow us to live a more harmonious and connective life with our global citizens . There is great insight tk.be read and knowledge to be shared with our children and our grandchildren . Love , Respect , Community and to use our voice to produce the best possible results for a more kind , compassionate and united world . Each one of us has a gift from God to contribute to.making this world a better place to live , love and learn .

[Tony Rogers Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The pollution of mother Earth is simply the external reflection of our inner spiritual relationship with the creator or in other words, our self. When millions and millions of us are spiritually disconnected from ourselves not living in the alignment with the ways of mother Earth or the natural laws of the universe then it’s easy to see how we as a society can defile this earth without much consideration of the results of our actions and decisions.”

[Maria Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was looking for a more practical and mythical composite of how Native American Culture and Mores related to the Modern World. Moreover I was hoping for a nice listing of what spirit animals and beliefs and medicines and habits were used and hence passed down. This was not what I was looking for - way too technical and far-fetched.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches you to take a step back in this fast paced world and to really enjoy your life and environment. If you are going through a rough time to not see it as a bad thing but a lesson to grow from. I really enjoyed learning about the seven generations. This book is filled with loving yourself and giving back to Mother Earth. I will be rereading this book every year!

[Mário Forjaz Secca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good and more natural alternative view of the world in these troubled and money oriented times. With gems like this: “Try looking at it this way: the deer did not cross the road, the road crossed the forest.”

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and it is now a treasure on my bookshelf to spiritual guidance. Very touching. Very thankful to have the insight shared in this book. I bought several
More copies to share with close family members.

[Buck Wilde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doug mixes and matches various New Age spiritualities in with traditional indigenous belief structures, though it could be argued that a lot of the New Age stuff came from the Old Age of the natives. There is talk of starseeds and whatnot. And recycling. A whole lot about recycling.

[Jennifer Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for anyone on their spiritual journey

Doug Good Feather does an amazing job encouraging you to live a more spiritual path. He incorporates and breaks down how to do this step by step in the world of today. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book of indigenous practices, stories & mindset. This book comes from a place of generous, heart-centered teaching & is an invitation to all of us to think & live from & with multicultural indigenous wisdom.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be. Be accountable. To your self. Your family. Your community. Your Mother Earth. We were all indigenous with a deep respect and reverence for our world. Make choices that affirms this connection. Be.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of stories and insights! Both reaching into rich Native American spirituality and relevant for today.

Read this over several (!!!) months, in and out, and it feels like that's just fine. Read a bit, let it sit, then come back for more.

[Peter Maciel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Indigenous not only makes me proud of my roots but it also shows me that I need to reconnect with myself. I can’t explain the spiritual guidance this book has given but I’m glad I’m picked it up when I did. Now it’s time for me to start walking my own path down the red road.

[Gabriella Medeiros · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book to complete a book review essay for a religious studies class I am taking this semester; what a beautiful read! i am so glad i had the opportunity to read this book, and would recommend to anyone. so many beautiful life lessons to enlighten the heart.

[Rachel Bragstad-Valdivia]

I really appreciated Doug Good Feather’s messages and teachings. Everything he shared led to self reflections. I always appreciate learning new things and how to better connect with and respect ourselves, our communities and Mother Earth.