Rooted in ancient Hawaiian teachings, this book will provoke the reader into new ways of seeing themselves and the world.
To learn to think like a Shaman is to attune yourself to a magical spectrum of infinite possibilities, unseen truths, alternative realities, and spiritual support. When a Shaman likes what's happening, they know how to make it better, and when they don't, they know how to change it. The Shaman's Mind is a book that teaches the reader how to align and transform their own mind into one that sees the world through the lens of the indigenous healers of old. Based on the Omega workshop by the same name.
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Well-meaning
3.0 out of 5 stars Language manual
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2021
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Although there are some, and they're interesting, I'd have liked to read more anecdotes - examples of practical application of Hawaiian wisdom.
The first half of the book is about the author's life which was too long really for a book with this title. The middle is the 7 principles of Huna which was the most intriguing part. However, the message was obfuscated by constant references to the Hawaiian language, including entire sentences. An editor's pen should have deleted 99% of those; they add nothing to the book's message and just make reading a clunky experience (unless you're Hawaiian I suppose). The final section is a set of meditations. I couldn't find anything truly original in here, but that's probably because I've read too much spiritual literature over the years.
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Brian J Walsh
5.0 out of 5 stars Down to Earth and Practical Wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on 11 August 2020
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If you are looking for applicable and practical steps to take to improve the quality of your life, look no further. Jonathan transmits ancient Huna wisdom in easy to understand and, more importantly, easy to apply concepts. The book describes a spiritual practice that exists throughout our lives and empowers us to utilize this wisdom on a daily basis to create the experience we most desire.
Jonathan describes Hawaii and the wisdom of its land and people with a kind of mystical enchantment that transports the reader to the lush forest of their inner selves that mirrors those of the Hawaiian rain forests. The stories of waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and rich skies not only illuminate the Shamanistic wisdom featured in the book but reminds us that the same deeply connected wisdom is available to us all, at any time, in any place, if only we dare to look.
Both simple and deeply complex, as most spiritual paths tend to be, this book provides the reader with practices suitable for beginners and are capable of intense depth. After reading the book, I have already begun to think of the Huna principles regularly in my interactions and daily routines.
I suspect that future readings of the book will reveal ever deepening levels of wisdom. I can not wait to explore its depths just as one might explore the crater of an active volcano - and because the world is what I think it is - I know that I will be breathing with the Earth in that crater.
Reading this book felt like a breath of fresh air and I recommend it to anyone looking to connect more deeply to themselves, their planet, and their communities.
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Brette G.
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply amazing.
Reviewed in the United States on 26 November 2020
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I have never bought a book for so many people. This book is so incredible that I’ve sent it to at least 15 people.
Hawaiian Shamanism, who knew?
It has been over 25 years since I was in school, but I found myself studying this amazing book with a notebook and highlighter. It’s filled with incredible Huna wisdom: how to discern your purpose and direction and create the life that is aligned with your soul’s journey, how to forgive yourself and others, how to discover, develop, and stay in your power and intuition, and how to thrive in love and happiness.
Hammond also breaks down the Ku, Lono and Kane; the Hawaiian concepts of body, mind, and spirit. These chapters had a massive impact on me. I currently experience chronic pain and inflammation. After reading Hammond’s book I have a deeper insight into how to heal. The body remembers - especially what it felt the most intensely - and it has no concept of time and quite a long memory. It can also be at odds with your conscious mind, the Lono. The Ku is the child, and it needs to know it’s loved and safe. It needs to be guided, or it will continue to repeat patterns, something I’m sure we can all relate to. The Kane harnesses the spiritual and creative energies that manifest our inspired vision. It can help to create a life that is much bigger than we ever imagined. This incredible book teaches us how to parent our inner child; lovingly paying attention, empowering and showing the child how to create the life they want, as there are infinite possibilities available to it.
The final chapter of the book is about Ho’oponopono, a Hawaiian forgiveness practice. Ho’oponopono is all about “letting go or erasing the memory patters helps in our unconscious mind that are harmful and do not serve us.” Ho’oponopono consists of four simple phrases that communicate with the bodychild who unfortunately learned and currently believes mistaken things about themselves. These are the hurt parts. The addictive parts. The sick parts. Sometimes we don’t take very good care of ourselves. The Ku - the child - has had enough. It’s time to do right by it. Ho-oponopono - and this book - teaches us how to see, forgive, love, and practice compassion towards ourselves.
Jonathan Hammond has a big Harvard brain and a big Huna heart. I feel lucky and grateful to have read this book and shared it with others. Filled with modern wit and ancient wisdom, it is a must-read for those who want to discover, guide, and love themselves towards their wildest dreams.
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Emily
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Will Truly Change Your Life!
Reviewed in the United States on 12 August 2020
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The Shaman's Mind is a deeply healing and unbelievably empowering book. It inspires you to not just read the material but to live it.
The first line of the preface is, "This book is about becoming a finder and not a seeker." (No spoilers but) Jonathan Hammond more than delivers on that promise. I found SO much wisdom in this book and it's many practices. And call it a coincidence, but by applying the information and exercises to my own circumstances and beliefs, every single area of my life has improved. This work helped me to heal many old wounds and has changed the way I use my mind, which has allowed me to step fully into my power and move my life into alignment with my purpose. It rocks.
This book really is absolutely AMAZING. I have read other books on this subject and, while the teachings of Huna have always been incredible, they have never been explained in such a clear, relatable, and engaging way. The Shaman's Mind is beautifully written, delightfully personal, and makes major, mind-expanding, life-changing concepts completely accessible and practical. If everyone could read this book, I believe the world would be a better place. That's why I've already purchased multiple copies for friends (you know you love a book when you won't let anyone borrow yours)!
Long story short: Jonathan Hammond is a brilliant teacher and his book reflects that fact in every way. This work has changed my life and it will change yours, too.
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Rachel
5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't put this book down! A must read.
Reviewed in the United States on 19 August 2020
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If you are reading this review contemplating ordering Jonathan's book - it is calling you. This is your sign. I haven't read a book this quickly in ages, as I could barely put it down. This is one of the most important and significant books I have read to help ground me in my journey and reprogram my mind to the truth - which is Aloha! Jonathan's storytelling and framing kept me on the edge of my seat while simultaneously teaching priceless tools. The consistent interweaving and honoring of Hawaiian culture while teaching Huna was a wonderful way to learn. So beautifully written - and I am deeply moved. Thank you for bringing this into the world at a time that we need it the most.
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Tony Ortega
Jul 28, 2020Tony Ortega rated it it was amazing
The only thing I would say even remotely negative (and it has nothing to do with the book) is that I wish it had been around 7 years ago when I started my spiritual journey as I would have saved thousands of dollars in other books, courses, seminars, and master classes. This book has everything you need to lead a more enlightened life. The way it is presented is only vaguely woo woo and not love and light (which unfortunately we see too much of in the market today). For a spiritual book, it is so down to earth and accessible. I can't wait to god into it again and again. The only other book of this nature that marveled me as much was A Return to Love. Definitely one of my top 2 spiritual books I have ever read. Thank you Jonathan. (less)
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Grady
Jul 07, 2020Grady rated it it was amazing
‘Give yourself your own paradise.’
New York author Jonathan Hammond earned his degrees from Harvard University and the University of Michigan, worked successfully as an actor on Broadway and television, and now is committed to his work as an energy healer, shamanic practitioner, and spiritual counselor. He teaches classes and gives lectures in Shamanism, Energy Healing, Spirituality and Huna at One Spirit Learning Alliance and the Omega Institute in New York City and in other venues globally. He is committed to empowering and healing people by bringing indigenous Earth wisdom to the modern world in spiritual retreats through his company, The Living Project.
For clarity, a Shaman is a religious practitioner who is believed to interact with a spirit world through altered states of consciousness, electing to direct these spirits or spiritual energies into the physical world for healing. Jonathan Hammond is a Shaman and in this book focuses on Huna – the esoteric knowledge and philosophy of Hawaii. In his preface he states, ‘This book is about becoming a finder and no longer a seeker. It’s about truly healing. It’s about learning to love yourself; to think straight; to step into wellness, prosperity, and love; and to feel the inner satisfaction of these attainments to such a degree that the inevitable response is to give yourself back to the world…The wisdom contained in this book transcends the culture from which it came [Hawaii] because it points to universal truths that open us to love, and as we open, so does the world…’
After sharing his story of how he came to embrace Hawaii and Huna, Jonathan opens the windows of Huna in a manner that not only elucidates the Huna principles, but also encourages us to interact in the various aspects of that thinking that results in spiritual growth. ‘Where we place our focus and attention creates the energetic influence that manifests things into being.’
THE SHAMAN’S MIND is one of the more successful spiritual healing guides, not only because it is so well written and accessible, but also because of the very obvious true caring of the author that encourages our learning. Very highly recommended. (less)
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Julie
Jan 01, 2021Julie rated it really liked it
Shelves: nonfiction
I really enjoyed and got a lot out of this book. I love that the author gave concrete and practical steps for connecting with the material. I can’t wait to read more from this author because I connected to and understand his message in a way that I haven’t connected to with other books on the topic. I bought the book without even reading the description on the back and was rather surprised at the content when I began... that has to mean something. However, I’m not sure I agree with the author that it is ok for a white person to tell the story of ancient Hawaiian spirituality- especially after he says that this is not how they would have passed down this information. I’m still wrestling with how that all sits with me. To be clear, it’s not his practice of those spiritual beliefs but his sharing of them and the manner in which he shares them that I am not entirely comfortable with. (less)
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Antoinette
Oct 11, 2021Antoinette rated it liked it
It was fine. Didn’t wow me. I liked the author’s personality and appreciate his life experience. I think the most valuable part to me was the take on ho opono ono. I don’t think I’ll do all the other practices because they seem exhausting.
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