Product Description

The result of nearly twenty-five years of intensive study with two Native American dreaming societies, Dancing the Dream draws our attention to the four directions of the Medicine Wheel (East, South, West, and North) and the three unseen directions – Above, Below, and Within – and explains how each of these seven directions represents a specific path on the spiritual journey. In the East, we encounter the first stirrings of the spirit; in the South, the healing of relationships; in the West, we work to build self-esteem; in the North, we learn wisdom and the opening of the heart; Above represents the world of spirit; Below, the earth; Within, full awareness of the present moment. Most people will walk these paths in sequence. Some will never make it through all seven. Many will continue to move forward but continue to double back on earlier paths until they get things rights. But for those willing to walk all seven paths, there is the great reward of being able to see the world with the soaring vision of an eagle, fully aware and present to meet life’s challenges with vision, wisdom and purpose.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #54809 in Books
• Published on: 1999-06-01
• Released on: 1999-05-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780062515148
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Review
"A magnificent blueprint for transformation."

-- -- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words

"A magnificent blueprint for transformation." -- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words

"Sams draws upon sources of indigenous wisdom, the metaphoric world, and the depth of her own experience to become a guide for all who wish to grow wise themselves. Dancing the Dream illuminates paths of initiation through the difficulties and opportunities that life provides." -- Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., author of Crossing to Avalon and Close to the Bone

About the Author
Jamie Sams is a member of the Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge. She is the coauthor of Medicine Cards™:The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, author of The Sacred Paths Workbook, and (with Twylah Nitsch) Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours.

Customer Reviews

I Found the Magic Bullet
Not long ago, I spoke with a long time friend and asked her why it was that I seemed to go through disciplines so quickly when I was looking for something, usually an answer to a question. A well recognized professional, her response was direct. "You're looking for the magic bulllet, and you won't stop until you find it...if you find it." So, on that note, I discovered, Dancing The Dream, and I began to read. When I reached the midway point I put the book down and began again. This has to be one of the most interesting and thought inspiring pieces of Wisdom Literature I have ever read. Simply put, read the book. Jamie Sams does not lecture. She speaks. She isn't a guru. She teaches by example. She includes successes, failures, foibles and her personal experiences.She uses simple language to guide and direct. But she never talks down to the initiate. She emphasises personal responsibility and provides the tools to develop the needed strengths. If the way of our ancestors is your way, and particularly if you are unable to connect with a techer, or a teacher you trust, start here. I promise, you will find your way in direct proportion to your faithfulness on the path and Jamie will guide you all the way. Read the book, read the book, read the book!

exceptional:Native American view of spiritual development
Beautifully written, nonlinear depiction of spiritual development combining three Native American traditions. Wonderfully down-to-earth roadmap, eschewing duality in spiritual outlook. Deeply respectful of the myriad variety of spiritual traditions, and lacking the tiresome new age pressure to "ascend". This is one of three or four books I have ever read which I know I will reread many, many times. It is grounding, and spiritual, simultaneously. She has a gift for writing, a sense of humour. Although maturity is depicted as having "seven levels of 'initiation'", these are not 'levels' in the linear sense.

"I have endeavored to draw the map of consciousness that applies to every person on every path:" from the Author's note .
I believe this statement reflects Jamie's chief goal for this book: this statement is listed in the authors note, preceeding the text. I don't think it is possible to draw a universal map of consciousness applicable to all humans. The chief reason being is that some folks never get past the 1st commandment let alone rise to metaphysical heights described in the text. Further, unless the reader has more than a beginners background in the metaphysical - or enjoys flipping back and forth between the text and the glossary - the reading can be difficult.

I gave this book five stars for what it DOES do, and that is a whole lot more than 99% of the metaphysical works I have read:

It paints a picture of the onesness of all existence, even though most of existence sees itself as seperate from everything else;

It bashes the notion that only enlighted earthly masters can achieve spirituality;

It clearly describes the downfalls of anyone being overimpressed with their spiritual progress;

It provides healers with a strong dose of reality: not to forget that therapy patients come to you because they are sick...there is pressure in them staying sick so you can make money;

It confronts head on the notion that a healer can see oodles of people on end: a handful may be too many;

It rightfully makes warriors out of beings immersed in the waters of daily life and it's endless tortures and misfortunes;

It superbly raises these tribulations to the status of lessons, encouraging hope and joy in the struggle;

It clearly points out that transformation is not a linear process;

It describes this circular process as seven different paths: this description allows readers to compare, contrast, and analyze later;

It describes the first hand accounts of Jamie in her path of transformation;

Read the book for yourself: you can't put it down.