Native Wisdom for White Minds: Daily Reflections Inspired by the Native Peoples of the World

by Anne Wilson Schaef

You don't have to be white to have a white mind.
What is a white mind? As Anne Wilson Schaef learned during her travels throughout the world among Native Peoples, anyone raised in modern Western society or by Western culture can have a white mind. White minds are trapped in a closed system of thinking that sees life in black and white, either/or terms; they are hierarchical and mechanistic; they see nature as a force to be tamed and people as objects to be controlled with no regard for the future.
This worldview is not shared by most Native Peoples, and in this provocative book, Anne Wilson Schaef shares the richness poured out to her by Native Americans, Aborigines, Africans, Maoris, and others. In the words of Native Peoples themselves, we come to understand Native ideas about our earth, spirituality, family, work, loneliness, and change. For in every area of our lives we have the capacity to transcend our white minds--we simply need to listen with open hearts and open minds to other voices, other perceptions, other cultures.
Anne Wilson Schaef often heard Elders from a wide variety of Native Peoples say, "Our legends tell us that a time will come when our wisdom and way of living will be necessary to save the planet, and that time is now." Anyone ready to move from feeling separate to a profound sense of connectedness, from the personal to the global, will find the path in this mind-expanding, deeply spiritual book.

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

421 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read snippets of this book at a time over the past two years. It's written in a day-at-a-time format, but since I've not checked it out to bring home from the library where I work, but instead stop during a break to read that day's entry, it's taken me quite a while to work through. I've read other day-at-a-time books by this author, but this one is my favorite so far. I really enjoy the daily wisdom from aboriginal peoples from across the world, and the way that this bit of wisdom might tie into my daily life, the ways that bit of aboriginal wisdom has made me stop and think of the differences from the way I live my "white" life, and the many ways in which aboriginal communities lived closer to the land, closer to nature, and with a sense of being PART of everything around them, not separate from.

[Kim Browers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried several days of this yearly meditation calendar, but I could never quite shake the feeling of cultural appropriation. The title should have given that away, but I still felt like this was something pseudo-new age, noble savagesque that I couldn't accept. I admitted defeat after the 4th day.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read ths because I have heard quotes here and there from Native Americans that I found fascinating; Chief Joseph of the Nez Pierce stands out.

No, I don't believe and in some cases don't understand all the entries in the book, but I did agree and understand most.

The format is there is an entry for each day of the year and it involves a topic, that quote, the authors take on it and the author's brief summation of both.

There were so many intriguing quotes that I would have to make a long list to detail them all and I don't have the time or the inclination for that.


I suggest if you are interested in a different point of view from the "white mind" (and there is such a thing; it's something I've been aware of for a while having heard quite a bit of history from around the world) then you really need to read this. After you read it, it wouldn't surprise me if you hug your family afterwards and maybe start thinking about family reunions or future famly get togethers or even planning one. I think this books shows what our priorities ought to be and we need tht reminder.

[Cynthia Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a nature lover from way back with great respect for the Native American way of life I found this insightful. I have Cherokee, & some Choctaw blood. I did mission work in Cherokee Tenn./N Car.& celebrated with some of the tribal people. I did much research as I traveled the Trail of Tears & this captured the essence & reflected the heart of these women. Kudos!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for seeing different points of view from native people all over the world. The only ich I had was the author is a little bias with western culture. However, some of her quotes rings true.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this book year-round for 2 years now. Great book

[Fae Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

poignancy personified

Each day a sunbeam of pure delight, wisdom and with its teaching offering a way of being in the world… with others. That doesn’t rush, push or tear at my soul so it’s in shreds.
I adore this book and will continue to read it daily for its continuing inspiration and insight into me and who I thought I was… thanks Anne for your marvellous books all of which have changed my mind and my life…

[Sue Ronnenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many insights and powerful and inspiring readings in this gem of a book. We need to listen to Native people all over the world. We need their wisdom, their understanding of nature and community, and their generational knowledge to help save our planet and our people. This book is a mind changer. I highly recommend it.

[Lavonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading a daily reflection and found this to be perhaps a bit minimalist in what I typically look for. However, there is enough inspirational content to be of value.

I especially liked her pondering on greed, respect & acceptance, and differences/diversity.

[Jacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one too, came across it a few years after I read the other one.

[Laurie]

Great!