Book Review: Trailing Sky Six Feathers

www.ianprattis.com

I just finished this book late last night! With both the US and Canada facing issues of climate change ( and US Republican deniers), Loon Wolf violence, healthcare demands for more services and lower taxes (really), and world issues of refugees, I find the news dreary. It weighs heavily on the shoulders of those who cannot do anything about it.

The four colours of the
Medicine Wheel

This is a positive, uplifting book. I know that many of my blog pals would find it so.

With his education in various spiritual practices, and travels around the world, Prattis shares some of his meditation techniques. I have taken such training, but it truly failed to click. I may well order his Pine Gate Meditations CD. I've not heard of this man until they sent me a book for review, and I'm really glad they did. I lived 25 years in Ottawa and I know it has a strong spiritual community, despite Ottawa politics!

MedicineWheel

His travels and experiences are enthralling.  I did much research when I taught Native Studies to my gr. 6 students, but I learned much more about Aboriginal practices from the more southerly parts of the continent from this book. His Wolfie, a wild wolf he adopted from B.C. is a fascinating story.

Prattis has comforting words, as well as warnings. There are many who trod the earth, stepping on those of different cultures, and religions. There is much loathing out there, which diminishes us all. Aboriginal spirituality has always respected the earth, and the animals. This is where we must educate our ignorant humans about our Earth Mother.

"It will take mindfulness to wake people up from their amnesia, also smart discernment in order to step lightly on the planet. We have no alternative but to concentrate on sustainable living rather than greedily exploiting the spoils of perpetual economic growth. Profit cannot be the sole reason for commerce, there must be responsibility tied into the equation."

Indiana Jones meets The Buddha

“Our world has become an unpredictable beast that we fail to work with intelligently,” Prattis said. “We have to take back control of ourselves and this is a spiritual matter.”

About the Author

Smudging: feathers, sage, cedar,
gifts from our Native Elder friend

Dr. Ian Prattis is a poet, Professor Emeritus, founder of Friends For Peace and a spiritual warrior for planetary care and social justice. Ian now lives with his wife Carolyn in the west end of Ottawa where the  Pine Gate Mindfulness Community is located in the lower level of their home. Since retiring from Carleton University in 2007, he has authored four books on dharma, two on the environment, a novel and this legend/autobiographical combo and enjoys the freedom to create at his own pace. He has yet to discern the ordinary meaning of retirement.