Spirituality Books

a marvelous book of blessings - a gift from John O'Donohue - who has recently died much too soon...his written legacies will continue to inform, and nurture his readers

O'Donohue has blessed us with this profound treasure. It is replete with soul - a companion for all the seasons and incidents of life.

I can't begin to say enough about this book. It is a collection of "blessings" for all occasions, moods and daily events. Buy it. If you own a copy of Anam Cara then you'll be lown away bu this one.

This book is beautiful in itself as well as in it's contents. John o'Donohue is a poet and an artist with words. These blessings can be used for so many situations. I highly recommend this book.

Bless the Space Between Us is a great book of wonderfully simple yet insightful poems and blessings. If we all blessed the spaces between us, there wouldn't be any spaces as we could all just be the one among us. Beautifully written and lovely in its grace and language.

I haven't been a big fan of Schuller's other books. The ideas were good, but there was too much "fluff" along with the "stuff." Hurts into Halos breaks the mold by grappling with the real-world issues which afflict us all. Schuller reveals his own struggles and how his faith in God provided practical guidance for navigating difficult waters. I'm giving copies to many friends for Christmas.

This thought-provoking publication authored by the well-known Dr. Robert Schuller certainly should stimulate the curiosity of its readers. But to round out their spiritual education, they will benefit from the perusal of "From Here to Greater Happiness or How to Change Your Life for Good" by Joel Marie Teutsch and Champion Kurt Teutsch. First printed in 1959, their book really started the consciousness revolution, including assertiveness training and the holistic health movement. It certainly changed my life-and that of everyone I love and know-for good.

In choosing to respond appropriately to suffering you ensure that the experience leads to something beneficial. Free will is involved in that decision. Dr. Schuller writes, "I promise you that there is gain in every pain." Our reaction to pain is crucial! That choice determines whether we will expeience the benefits associated with the suffering process.

Hurts do not endure permanently. Pain passes. Trials end. He tells us to view pain as a process not an event. God has a purpose for everything. People who have made significant marks are the ones who have responded successfully to adversity. Thank God Dr. Schuller is in that group and left this work and others showing us that we too can make our way through life's challenges.

Dr. Schuller's first chapter is so aptly titled! "Welcome To The Human Race" - we are all hurting human beings! What sets us apart is our ability to recognize that the hurt is not punishment from God, but instead a reality of our life on earth. Schuller takes his reader through a series of practical analyses of hurt, in much the same way that Elisabeth Kubler Ross taught us to move through the stages of grief. How heavy is the hurt? How hardy (what is its lifespan)? and, How healthy is this hurt? He reminds us frequently that we must constantly examine our priorities and renew our faith that with God, all things are possible. Not an easy road to take, but worth it.

The book is written in an easy to follow manner and uses real life illustrations of both the author's personal struggles with hurt and those of others who survived life's worst tragedies and came out of these fires strengthened and renewed. Had Dr.Schuller omitted his own experiences, this would be just another sampling of inspirational story gathering. But as the "father of possibility thinking" was feeling victimized, he realized that he "needed to delve deep into the meat and potatoes of handling hurts and get over that seductive, self-absorbing, pity-party reaction." And he shares the wisdom of his exploration with us in an easy to read format that time and again reminds us of Schuller's powerful commitment to God.

Both believers and non-believers will find this book helpful as they search for the skills to cope with the hurts that come with divorce, death, destruction and our perceived failures. I liken it to Christian counselor Gary Smalley's teaching that we must learn to "treasure hunt" within a hurtful experience and find ways to bring acceptance and peace back to our lives.

This may be the ultimate gift book for a hurting friend!

I as all humans have been hurt during my life and didn't at times know where to turn. One day at the library I was I felt, being lead to read this most spiritual book.I know I must continue to read it at different times in my life to give me the strength to go forward,and change the hurts to halo's.

I bought this book for my nephew and it met all my expectations and I am sure he will be quite pleased with it.

Excellent reading. Michael Garrett has become a fine teacher like his father before him. A true student of life Michael takes the Cherokee ancestral stories, mixes in some modern day experiences and relays a wonderful message. If harmony and balance are traits you would like to have within your own life I highly recommend this selection.

If you want to find balance in your life, this book is an excellent way to start on that pathway.

Michael continues his journey of a Helper in the truest form of "being Cherokee". I am amazed at how simple God our Creator is revealed in our self induced complexity of life. Thank you Michael for helping to remove the scales of our heart and spirit. For those of you who are Christians, I would encourage you to use Michael's book as a help in your journey through the Bible.

Blessings

I came across this book while exploring my recently discovered Native heritage. It fit the bill perfectly, helping me learn about universal Native traditions, practices, and thinking. I could go on and on, but it's enough to say that this book is well written, informative, and enjoyable. Michael Garrett has a lot to offer.

The book is very inspiring and useful especially to those who are at the crossroads of their lives. It's a life-giving book and brings you closer to God. In fact, a friend who's in her challenging stage in her life is using this book.

This book presented itself to me when I was deep into a project and just needed some factual answers. It's only 94 pages. I thought I could read it very quickly.

Ha.

It did give me answers, but it wasn't a quick read. It was the kind of book that had me reading a page, then pacing the floor, waiting for the million thoughts it excited to settle down so I could read the next. This went on for a week. And then I read it again, and read it out loud to friends. The cheap copy I bought is already wearing out.

What's it about? Simply, it's about the ancient practices of the Desert Fathers, of solitude, silence and prayer, how and why they came about, why they are needed now, and how they can be made to work in our crowded, noisy, distinctly non-contemplative lives.

The thing that first got my attention, was Nouwen's description of the problem of worldliness in the church, our tendency to think the way everybody else thinks. Worldliness, not simply in the way we've all come to see it, drinking and carousing, that sort of thing. He talks about the sneakier form, the kind that creeps in without our noticing, that has us convinced that what makes us valuable, what makes us worthwhile, is what we own, what we have accomplished, and what people think of us. Take those away and we have no reason to exist.

Think what that does to us. Think how it drives our choices, how it colors our view of others.

That's what began to get my attention - but I knew the book would be precious to me when I read the story of St. Anthony, who after some twenty years of practicing the disciplines of solitude, silence and prayer was finally able to pray genuinely - talking to God as himself, not the person he thought or wished or hoped to be. When he rejoined humanity, his very presence was healing to people because at last he could look at them with clean eyes, he could really see them as they were, not as accessories to his own self esteem.

Can you imagine how that way of being would change everything?

Buy this book. If you can, get a good strong copy. It's going to have to hold up to much reading.

This book is about how people who are engaged in active work to help others also need to spend time in prayer with God so that they can be more peaceful and more in touch with who they are and who they need to be.

This is a book that should be required reading in highschool or maybe earlier.

Had I previously investigated the author and the content, I wouldn't have purchased WOTH. Nouwen draws heavily from the "Desert Fathers," a group of hermits who lived in a Middle Eastern wilderness during the Middle Ages. They based their philsophy and practice of spirituality not only on the Bible (which is why I awarded two stars instead of one) but from eastern mysticism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. If you want to learn more about the beliefs of these mystics, it's an excellent sourcebook. As a reformational Christian, there wasn't much in this book I can recommend to those seeking to know the God of the Bible.

This is "not your average reference book" - to quote the press release I received when asked to review this book. Always up to a challenge, my curiosity piqued, I requested the book, and I'm not at all disappointed. Let's change that "D" word to "delighted!"

I love reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and the like, especially when it deals with any part of history. Biblical history is a particular fascination. When I had this new book in my hands I was captivated.

"An illustrated A-to-Z Dictionary of the People and Places in Scripture" it says on the lower part of the cover. I thumbed it open and the book opened about mid-way to "Jeremiah." A blocked side-bar caught my attention: "Prophets Who Didn't Want the Job" and yes, Jeremiah was certainly one, along with Moses and Jonah.

This fantastic book is illustrated in full color, with artist's interpretations of things like Noah's Ark, Herod's Temple, Lot's family fleeing Sodom, and an intriguing rendition of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar when he lost his mind and ate grass. Included are photos of modern day Israel and the way these historic places look today. And of course maps of all kinds.

This isn't your normal dry, historical narrative interspersed with pictures and maps-the author shows his wit and humor with some wry and acerbic references such as the section about Solomon. Page 356 gives us this: "Solomon at his dumbest." What? Everyone knows that Solomon was the wisest man in the Bible. So what's this? Take a look:
"There's a tie for first place.
* Marriage can be plenty stressful with just one partner. "He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines [secondary wives]" (I Kings 11:3)
* In his old age, Solomon worshipped idols."
The author goes on to say that the two `dumbnesses' (his word - not mine) were related. Many, if not most, of Solomon's wives were acquired through peace treaties and trade deals with foreign nations. Unfortunately these wives brought their own gods with them. In 1 Kings 11:4 we read "In Solomon's old age they turned his heart to worship their gods instead of trusting only in the Lord."

I could continue to dissect this book and give you bits and pieces of the jewels it contains, but a review does not permit that luxury. I can only say that this book would be a most valuable resource on your bookshelf - not just for writers - this would be an asset for Bible scholars, too.

Stephen Miller, the author of "Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible" wrote in his Introduction: "Sorry, folks. It's just not possible for you to enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it." Well, I beg to differ. I have had the grandest time going through this book, and it has earned a prominent place with my Bible study reference books.

If you're intrigued with the Bible stories and Biblical history, I strongly urge you to get this book. It's not going to give you deep historical facts, though there are some! What I find most refreshing about it is that Miller presents everything in a simple, straight-forward manner, with a snicker here and there to show how very human these ancient patriarchs really were.

I teach Bible Church School and this book is great when you need to understand the gist of a person or place in the bible. It's not your exhaustive detailed reference work, but it is a 'to the point book'.

Great little pocket/purse size for information on just about anything in the bible. Places, people, etc...fun to read!

A super resource for anyone interested in Bible characters and Bible places.

The book is very well written and Biblically correct. The pictures and maps helped tremendously. I recommend it as an addition any Christian's library.

Beth Moore's updated Bible study, "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place," is a mixture of the material she published 10 years ago and the lessons she's learned since. The exercises are slightly changed - not all for the better. Typos and poor editing make me long for the first member book.

However, as a complete package, the updated video teaching is typical Beth - energetic, thought-provoking, and full of wisdom and humor. You absolutely cannot complete this study and NOT be changed!

The book was in Great shape,I have told all my friends this is the way to buy books.It came to me in just a few days.I also love the contents.thanks

Such a wonderful, in depth look at the tabernacle. My husband and I did the study together over several months and were so blessed by the insight.
Would recommend to women and men !

I received this product promptly, in excellent condition. It is a terrific study - worth the investment! I recommend it highly. :)

Even if you did not do the first study (which I did not), this is a great study. I have done many other ones and Beth Moore keeps getting better and better. She will make you laugh, cry, think, praise and most importantly encourage you to grow closer to God. I am only a few weeks in and can't wait for the new material every week.

When I was told in an e-mail that I might have the same appreciation for this as "The Great Divorce," my eyebrows immediately were raised. And yes, they were raised in suspicion. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to see what "The Ancient Path" was all about. Seriously, what does Joshua Jost really have to offer, right? Hey, what can I say? It isn't that bad. OK, it isn't bad! This book boldly declares that it represents a ten year journey from Genesis to Jesus. So, how do you start down a particular path? You take your first steps, of course!

With a Lewis-like heir, the author begins the journey. He begins with creation. He brings along Adam and Eve. He exposes the selfish indulgence they choose to pursue! He exposes you, and he exposes me! That stinks. Are you calling me selfish? Ok, look at some of the other lives in scripture. Abraham, Isaiah, David, what will we learn through these lives and more? Eventually you'll find that we were commanded, and still are commanded, to stop pursuing self, and start pursuing God. As small as it may sound, we need to take seriously His standard of love. We also need to take our journey more seriously.

A small book that packs a huge punch! Quite frankly, I thought more could've been said. That's my only gripe. Joshua Jost did some homework, and he made me think. I wasn't afraid to crack open the first page. If you venture down this path, don't expect it all to be easy. It isn't. But it is ancient! And it is something to be desired to live an abundant life. That's what makes the Christian life beyond special. Do you have the guts to take it on?

This is a beautifully written book. The author wanders at leisure through the Old Testatement from Genesis to Revelations painting simple and clear pictures in words to show the amazing nature of God's creation and the love of God for his children. - Well worh reading!

Let me start from the end. When I finished reading the final paragraph of The Ancient Path, I sat and clapped my hands. I kept saying over and over, "very clever, very, very clever". Jost masterfully weaves you through time, stopping only to let you change your clothes according to the time period. Starting in heaven, watching the Creator create. Then, through the Garden of Eden, to the pivotal chapter of Abraham making covenant with God. Next we find ourselves in the desert with Moses, and if you close your eyes, you might just feel the searing sun, and sand in your shoes, so vivid the picture Jost casts in our mind.

Chapter five finds you running down dusty streets, fearing for your life, with Rahab the prostitute. Many times as a child you hear the story of Joshua, marching around Jericho. But Jost starts out by looking at the story through Rahab's eyes. I wept as I read this chapter, and looking over it now, I fight back tears. The power lies in this authors ability to bring the emotion of a four thousand year old story, right up to present day. Rahab saw the grace of God, the same grace that saves us today.

In the next two chapters you get to meet great men of God, like David, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. I felt like I was watching them, walking along side them, as they struggled as we do, to obey God with all their hearts, yet willing to make the sacrifices to do so. But not until the last chapter, do you see what tapestry Jost has been weaving in your mind all along.

The book finishes with Jesus. He is on His way to be crucified. And as Jesus makes His way to the cross, Jost flashbacks through all the previous chapters and you start to see what it has all been about. Why did the father not just bring Jesus, straight after the fall? Why wait four thousand years? The last chapter shows us the master plan of the Father, one that cannot be shaken. It is about covenant, and grace. I have been greatly challenged by this book, and inspired. This is not a book about me, or how I can become great. It is a book focused, as we should be, on the Word of God, and the mighty and powerful God we serve. Well done Joshua Jost, I applaud your bravery, in this world of self, for giving God the glory, and honour that He deserves. I eagerly wait for the next instalment, and highly recommend this book. Five gleaming stars.

. . . which defies easy explanation.

Joshua Jost is on to something here. His book "The Ancient Path" describes in a very unique, deeply personal manner, the love of the Father for His creation -- in good times and in bad, through sin, disobedience, and rebellion on through to the gift of the Son. His storytelling methodology is unconventional, but "works" in this particular format. The particular Old Testament examples Jost uses are solid -- and going through the book, my mind was drawn to other Old Testament stories he could have used to good effect as well.

The format of the book might not appeal to everyone, and I thought that the author's "apology" for lack of specific Scriptural references was unnecessary. Jost makes his points without the need to quote Scripture "word for word" -- indeed, in the mind of this reviewer, such would have detracted, not added to the writing. Coming as I do from a different theological perspective as Jost, I was uncomfortable with what I perceived as a "penal substitution" view of the Atonement -- but this doesn't really detract from the value of the book.

In short, I think that Jost is onto something here . . . a concept I would very much like to see him expand greatly. The journey would certainly be worth the effort!

Four very solid stars.

"The Ancient Path" is exquisitely written, with insights into biblical truths that go deep into your heart. The poetic flow of this work, and the sheer beauty of it, makes the passages moving as well as memorable. Joshua Jost's description of creation and of how God brought life into being is masterful, as is every chapter from "In the Beginning" to "The Son." There is a wise, discerning mind, a life devoted to the Lord, and a child's wonder coming together on each page. I found Chapter 2, "Forbidden Fruit," very illuminating, with reasons why Eve added "touch" to God's commandment of not eating from the tree of good and evil, as "the serpent laid before them the ultimate temptation of sin: the pursuit of knowledge for power" (page 35), and Chapter 3, "The Father," is enthralling, as Abraham waits...and waits...for the destiny God said was his to come. "If hope were our destination, and faith the feet that carry us there, covenant is our path, laid straight before us" (page 52).

Only in his early 30's, but with the wisdom of the ancients, truth shines brightly in the cottage Jost shares with his family in northeast Scotland. "...only those who listen with ears of faith will see with their eyes the promises they hope for" (page 135). There is an intimacy with the Lord, and a passion for His Word in the pages of this slim but mighty book, that can only be written by someone who knows Him well. With the overwhelming love that comes from this knowing, and by yielding one's life to Him, we see the good fruit that ensues. This book is the good fruit Jost shares with us; we are enlightened and lifted up, and very much rewarded in the reading of it.

Between 2012 and 2027 after the religious wars and the formation of a 3 world government (futures are always probable), the ASSOCIATION OF WORLDS will officially and publically come a knockin.
Will we be ready?
Bashar is a time traveler, a member of a hybrid race that is the result of the cross between Earth humans and the greys. Bashar's race literally is a part of of all.
Some of Bashar's insights seem slanted towards the hive mentality being part grey, and his famous advice " Follow your excitement" is a prime example that could get an Earth human in trouble for sure. Some of the other positive thinking insights were NEW to me and well worth the price of the book.

Bashar when are you and Daryl going to do another book. I'm assuming Bashar has a telepathic link to the internet. looking forward to meeting you before 2027. Bashar also comments on:
TIME TRAVEL -- JESUS CHRIST -- RELIGION --SAUCER PROPULSION GOVERNMENT COVERUPS-- ET AGENDA --THE ASSOCIATION OF WORLDS--ASTERIOD BELT--ORION CIVILIZATIONS--ROSWELL-HARMONIC WAVE TEMPLATE,AND MORE

You will feel the intensity of this book while reading it. While the source of the information (aliens, other dimensions, channeling) are far-out and the effect of the information is incredibly practical in a down-to-earth and speedily efficient way. This book is very different from most of the "you create your own reality" books out there.

Bashar's insights, as channeled by Darryl Anka, have provided valuable information to me over the last 15 years. In the mid-to-late 1980s, I personally listened to and interacted with "Bashar" dozens of times. The perceptions I gained from these interactions have propelled me through many personal transformations and "ah-ha's". I have had multiple copies of this book since it's first printing. I unequivocally recommend it to anyone who is ready to think and act "outside of the box", they presently find themselves within! Learn to think multi-dimensionally, with YOU as the center!

Darryl's story does push the outer limits of imagination in some ways. Darryl says that he had two up close, broad daylight sightings of Bashar's space craft; that Bashar is a future-self of his (who he will be in a future life); that this channeling is the result of an agreement the two of them made before this lifetime. Do I believe it? Well, I'm certainly open to it being true. OK, if I had to answer, I'd say yes, I believe it.

What I know is that I used to sit in a living room every Monday and Tuesday night listening to Bashar for about three hours an evening. This book contains verbatim transcripts from introductory statements made by Bashar at those channelings.

I was quite impressed by the way Bashar would answer spontaneous questions from random attendees, without even pausing to consider an answer. Someone would ask a question, and boom, Bashar would come back with an answer which would frequently blow us away with it's power and clarity, and wisdom.

No matter what you believed about the channeling process, if you sat there with an open mind you had to realize that you were in the presence of sheer genius and profound wisdom. I highly recommend this book,

As good as the book is though, my opinion is that there is a lot of power in Bashar's presence. If you have the opportunity to attend a channeling, I recommend it. Last I heard, Darryl still channels in Southern CA and Las Vegas. You could probably find him with a web search. --Frank Boyd

Darryl Anka brings us the gift of channeled messages, and enlightened insight from our future. This book is one that stuck with me, and began to lift the veil with respect to our multidimensional selves, and how we are all connected. I had the rare opportunity to attend a channeling session with Darryl in 1994, and he brought through amazing information from Bashar, who is a being of Light, here to assist humanity evolve. Once we open up to all of the assistance we do have, humanity will cease to struggle. Darryl Anka is a Blessing to humanity. This book is a must read, and one that you will want to read again in the future. Highly recommended from my heart.

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and If God Was Like Man
Editor, inspire! magazine

This book was fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially those trudging through those first years of parenthood. It is an honest and funny look at baby's first year.

Five stars for Marla! Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time is a book that is a must read for any new mom, old mom, soon to be mom, happy mom, sad mom, content mom, overwhelmed mom, and even dad.

Ms. Taviano is a down-to-earth, caring, compassionate writer and when you read this book, you'll feel like you're sitting beside her on the couch talking about the beautiful things (and the woes!) of motherhood. She writes from a Christian perspective, and includes a lot of encouraging Bible verses that are balm to the soul; however, you don't have to be a Christian to appreciate this book. It's got great input and stories (oh, the stories!) from women that have been through it all! It really is a wonderful book, and a wonderful read.

My kids are still 3 and under, but I wish I would have had this book in my hands during the difficult days of having a newborn. Other people feel the same way! Amazing! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll relate and you'll LOVE it!

And then you'll want to buy it for all of your friends.

This book is perfect for everyone - new moms, experienced moms, and not-yet-moms. I happen to be a NYM, and I loved every minute of reading this book even though I don't have kids yet myself. Marla is incredible at drawing the reader in to the various topics and making you laugh along the way. I plan on reading this book over and over again, especially when I start a family of my own!

I have read many parenting books and I found this book very encouraging. I love Marla's writing style. You feel as though you are sitting and having a conversation with her. It is funny, encouraging, convicting and continually points us to our source of strength, Jesus Christ! Buy this book whether you are a new mom, old mom or NYM.

This is a wonderful, insightful, humorous look at the very real challenges and blessings of your baby's first year. For those beginning the journey, it is a great help and guide. For those of us for whom the journey is long over, it is a funny, Spirit-filled remembrance of days long ago but not forgotten. This is a WONDERFUL baby shower gift or addition to a church library.

Coyote has always been a special animal to me, so the title jumped out at me. The two feathers and physician's symbol on the cover present a beautiful balance. The physician's symbol has the twin serpents and the two wings of the one. In the background is the four, the Mystery.

Lewis' experiences are related in an interwoven manner. He rushes through life in the quest for medical expertise and validation. In doing so, he trips himself into bouts with infinity as his beautiful plans fall through, day-by-day, year-by-year. However, his rapidly depleted physical/mental being is slowly but surely filling from the inside out. The book is a wonderful, candid sharing of one human's journey to clarify his purpose, his vocation, and to realize such.

He seems like a powerless pawn at times. Have you felt that way? I have. It takes courage to choose the walk toward balance with a fellow being. Lewis had to learn the way of the warrior to survive his path as a healer.

The sweat lodge accounts are beautifully done. I felt it better than any other accounts I have read. Although I have not participated in a lodge, I have experienced years of "spirit stuff". He is talking from experience. Lewis tells us without violating the trust of his friends, manifested or otherwise.

The visions he describes are direct accounts, rather than attempts to relay deep knowings into a form the reader may understand. Visions come in dreams, in rituals, in waking, everyday consciousness, you name it. If we need it and are open to input, we will receive guidance. A vision is experiential, so there is no way to relay the richness and life of such an experience.

Ya gotta walk the walk--it's the only way.

I laughed pretty good at his experience learning to talk with the desert. I too learned this while out alone walking in the desert. At first I thought my spirit friends were nuts--and said so--but I did it and learned a lot. You'll have to read the book to find out.

There were tears of joy and tears of sorrow while reading this book, and a lot of laughter. Thank-you for making the great leap and taking the risk of sharing, Lewis!

This book is a well written merging of two subjects. The first is a personal sharing of Lewis Mehl-Madrona's upbringing and life experience as a half N.A. Native, his pursuit of a medical degree and specialty and his increasing disillusionment with the "science" of medicine as it is now widely practiced. The second is about Lewis' discovery of N.A. Native spirituality and shamani sm. He leads us on a winding path of discovery that introduces us to the intriguing characters who use shamanism to heal others, often while their own lives are in disarray, to those who sought healing and perhaps most importantly, to the spirits who assisted in the ceremonies. While pursuing this path of curing the individual, rather than the symptom, it seems that Lewis will lose site of his original goal to obtain his medical speciality. But, as so often occurs, as he helps others to heal, the path circles around to encompass his own needs and he completes his original path, a more well-rounded and enlightened human. More capable of understanding. More capable of giving what is really required. I found the writing to be powerful, the personal drama riveting and the glimpse into the ceremonies, symbolism and spiritualism of the N.A. shaman both moving and educational. After all these years of hearing the stories shared by N.A. natives, but not really understanding, I finally "got it". This book slaked a thirst I didn't know I had. Lewis not only shared his story but acted as a teacher and I know that I've grown as a result. I highly recommend it and hope that we'll hear more from this writer.

This book blew me away. I have reread much of it so many times and bought multiple copies for friends. I have filled the margins of my copy with notes and filled notebooks with essays and thoughts inspired by Dr. Mehl-Madrona's book. It is nothing short of miraculous itself, in addition to describing medical miracles and how they are brought about by spiritual intervention and Native American healing.

A child prodigy, Lewis Mehl-Madrona hitchhiked to a local college while still in high school, read philosophy science voraciously and was the youngest peacetime graduate of Stanford Medical School. The more impressive since his childhood was at times difficult.

At medical school, Dr. Mehl-Madrona became interested in shamanic traditions and attended some sweat lodge and tipi ceremonies. Here he encountered otherwordly phenomena such as blue light, sparks, sensorial stimulation and miracle cures in cases that were deemed too far gone by western doctors. Most importantly, Dr. Mehl-Madrona learned how shamans talked to patients, asked questions about their families and lives and spent long periods of time with them. The author learned that shamans tap into the inner healer of the patient, and consider themselves only partially responsible for any cure.

At the same time, Dr. Mehl-Madrona was encountering negligent and dehumanizing healing practices in his western medical pursuits. A few spine-chilling tales display the callousness and arrogance that exists in some hospitals and clinics. One example: two obstetricians made a bet concerning the fastest C-Section birth and the winner, very triumphant at seventeen minutes, accidentally tied something shut in the woman's internal organs. It was fixed and the woman even wrote a letter of thanks to the hospital! Such is the blind and sometimes unjustified trust the public has in the medical establishment.

The book is wonderfully woven with many colorful strands of storytelling. On one level, it is a memoir of Dr. Mehl-Madrona's journey to reconcile his western medical training with holistic and in particular Native American healing. He is part Native American, so this pursuit poignantly reflects his mixed heritage. Poignant because Dr. Mehl-Madrona often felt like an outsider in all areas of his life, as a Native American man, as an American man, as a western doctor and as an aspiring and ultimately successful shaman.

Another strand of his story is the Native American tradition of healing itself, which we discover in almost the same timeframe that he does. We are introduced to the traditional practice of storytelling as a healing technique at the same time that he is. Early in the book, when the doctor is a resident, he is tending a man whose medical condition is exacerbated (and perhaps caused) by his intensely critical nature. A wonderful passage in recounts Dr. Mehl-Madrona's tentative attempt at telling a story to the cynical patient, himself a psychologist, who groans with sarcasm as the story begins. As it continued, he was intrigued, however, and even hazards a guess at the meaning, to which guess the doctor gives an ambiguous confirmation. The great part of this passage is how Dr. Mehl-Madrona successfully enacts the role of enigmatic shaman even though he himself is still unsure of the story's meaning.

Coyote Medicine also discusses the role of the supernatural in shamanic healing, and the perception of magic and nature. For anyone who ever sat in the woods or even on his aparment steps late at night and felt a mystical connection to something unseen and bigger than himself, Coyote Medicine is a kindred spirit.

At one point the author goes on his vision quest and meets his power animals and is given shamanic healing tools. We as readers are present at many important moments in his life, including personal and family struggles (his first wife, according to the book, seemed to wrestle his children away from him and resented his shamanic efforts), professional travails (Dr. Mehl-Madrona's questioning intelligence, sense of dignity for the patient and also his holistic beliefs created friction with several different western medical institutions). When, at the end of the book, the author finds an accepting partner and on a professional level, a venue where he could combine holistic healing with Western, we feel as thought a close friend has triumphed in the face of great odds.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in healing, either for herself or others, and also about finding one's own individual path, as difficult as and untraveled as it might be, but that is true to the traveler.

Many blessings on this book and thank you Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona.

Robert Murray Diefendorf, Author of Release the Butterfly

"Coyote Medicine" is a tremendous source of insight and experience within the path of shamanism and health. Dr. Mehl-Madrona's story-telling is magnificent and at times very suspenseful hitting directly on our sensitive health and spiritual issues we face culturally. But, he doesn't give you easy answers, because his path to becoming a healer was very complex. For me, this book opened up parts of my consciousness and answered questions I was asking and some of those I hadn't yet asked. This book was truly a God-send and I am savoring every word I read.

I enjoyed this book very much! It is full of truths ! I believe as does this man. I look forward to reading any book he writes.It was a easy read and on a level that I understood completely.I laughed and cried with his stories.I just loved it!