Without Reservation
Awakening to Native American Spirituality and the Ways of Our Ancestors
by Randy Kritkausky
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Pub Date Sep 01 2020 | Archive Date Jul 30 2020
Inner Traditions | Bear & Company
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Description
• Details the author’s encounters with ancestral spirits and animal teachers, such as Coy-Wolf, and profound moments of direct connection with the natural world
• Shows how ancestral connections and intimate communications with Nature are not unique or restricted to those with indigenous cultural roots
• Reveals how reconnection with ancestors and the natural world offers insight and solutions for the complex problems we face
We are but a few generations removed from millennia spent living in intimate contact with the natural world and in close commune with ancestral spirits. Who we are and who we think we are is rooted in historical connections with those who came before us and in our relationships with the land and the sentient natural world. When we wander too far from our roots, our ancestors and kin in the natural world call us home, sometimes with gentle whispers and sometimes in loud voices sounding alarms.
In this powerful story of spiritual awakening, Randy Kritkausky shares his journey into the realm of ancestral Native American connections and intimate encounters with Mother Earth and shows how anyone can spiritually reconnect with their ancestors and Nature. Like 70 percent of those who identify as Native American, Kritkausky grew up off the reservation. As he explains, for such “off reservation” indigenous people rediscovering ancestral practices amounts to a reawakening and offers significant insights about living in a society that is struggling to mend a heavily damaged planet. The author reveals how the awakening process was triggered by his own self-questioning and the resumption of ties with his Potawatomi ancestors. He details his encounters with ancestral spirits and animal teachers, such as Coy-Wolf. He shares moments of direct connection with the natural world, moments when the consciousness of other living beings, flora and fauna, became accessible and open to communication.
Through his profound storytelling, Kritkausky shows how ancestral connections and intimate communications with Nature are not unique or restricted to those with indigenous cultural roots. Offering a bridge between cultures, a path that can be followed by Native and non-Native alike, the author shows that spiritual awakening can happen anywhere, for anyone, and can open the gateway to deeper understanding.
Advance Praise
“Without Reservation is a wonderful representation of the personal struggles Native American people often find themselves in. The conflicts between societal viewpoints and self-determination cause many to evaluate and re-evaluate themselves on a continuous basis. There are often internal power struggles between the European viewpoints of what an Indian should be while the mirror of our ancestors shows us who we are—by our mere existence. We are all subconsciously drawn to communications from the spirits of our ancestors, the environment, and the animal and plant relatives. We only have to open our ears, hearts, and minds to receive these messages from the great Web of Life.”
Chief Don Stevens, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk–Abenaki Nation
“Randy’s work and experience is at the right time for all of us to explore our inner and outer Medicine world for our true renewal. As Randy has seen and felt with his writing, all of us should truly learn to ‘live’ again in our own way and come together as one Universal Circle. The Old Ones called it ‘the way of right relationship with all things.’"
J.T. Garrett, Ed.D., member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee from North Carolina and coauthor of Medicine of the Cherokee and Meditations with the Cherokee
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781591433842 |
| PRICE | $20.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Links
Featured Reviews
Patrick C, Reviewer
I am in awe of this mans story. I read this book in 2 days. I literally could not stop until I learned where it would go. In my life I have known several First Nation Spiritual leaders. They were kind, intelligent and profound. When they spoke to me I listened. That said being of mixed blood as many of us modern peoples puts us in two worlds. So I looked for this book to be available and when the chance came asked to review it.
The story starts as all of our stories with our Mother. Both our literal Mother and Earth Mother. Randy tells of his Mother and the sadness which occurs with her loss. I too have known that feeling. It is fitting that this mans story centers around the loss of our Mother the Earth also. i do not want to ruin the story so you must read to understand .
Another part of this story is the factual history of the taking of Turtle Island in the 1600s. Specifically the East Coast of North America and its Northeastern Peoples. I never knew the story of Kateri. I read it with a new understanding , Hiw does all of this lead one to finding Spirit in Nature and the Animist beliefs of Our Ancestors ?
I have much to think about since reading this story. I also know so much more than I did just yesterday. Thank you Mr. Kritkausky for your story.
Paul V, Reviewer
This was interesting. I have very little knowledge of Indian culture and outlooks, and I learned a few things. The author writes well, and this is a nice mix of personal experiences and info about native culture.
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Reviewer 238609
I really enjoyed this book. It is a memoir about a Native American who grew up without his culture and his rediscovery of it. I enjoyed the insights he gave into their culture and spirituality. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in memoirs and spirituality.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
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