To Become a Human Being

by Leon Shenandoah, Steve Wall

Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company Published: 2002-02 Category: Personal Empowerment

Journey into the heart of Native American wisdom and discover timeless teachings that speak directly to our modern hunger for meaning, connection, and authentic living. Through the profound insights of an Iroquois elder and faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation, readers are invited to explore what it truly means to become a fully realized human being in harmony with nature, community, and spirit.

At the core of these teachings lies a radical yet simple premise: we are not born fully human, but rather become human through conscious choice, spiritual practice, and alignment with natural law. This perspective challenges contemporary assumptions about human identity and personal development, offering instead an ancient pathway toward wholeness that has guided indigenous peoples for countless generations. The wisdom shared here emerged from decades of living according to traditional ways, maintaining sacred responsibilities, and witnessing the consequences of humanity's disconnection from fundamental truths.

Readers will encounter powerful reflections on the relationship between humans and the natural world, understanding that we are not separate from nature but rather integral threads in its magnificent tapestry. These teachings emphasize that true power comes not from dominating the earth but from recognizing our kinship with all living things. The perspective offered here provides practical guidance for developing what might be called ecological consciousness—a way of perceiving and interacting with the world that honors interdependence and sustainability rather than exploitation and consumption.

The wisdom traditions explored throughout these pages address fundamental questions that resonate across cultures and centuries: How do we live with integrity? What responsibilities do we carry toward future generations? How can we heal the rifts between people, communities, and nations? What practices cultivate peace, both inner and outer? Rather than abstract philosophy, these teachings offer concrete pathways for transformation, rooted in practices that have sustained indigenous communities through enormous challenges.

Particularly compelling are the insights into prophecy and vision, which reveal how traditional peoples understood cyclical time and recognized patterns that would shape humanity's future. These prophetic teachings, shared with careful consideration about timing and appropriateness, speak directly to contemporary crises—environmental destruction, social fragmentation, spiritual emptiness, and the loss of values that bind communities together. Yet alongside warnings come messages of hope and practical guidance for those willing to make different choices.

The conversational style creates an intimate atmosphere, as if sitting beside an elder's fire, listening to stories and teachings passed down through generations. This approach makes profound spiritual concepts accessible without diminishing their depth or power. The authenticity and directness of the voice cuts through contemporary spiritual jargon and marketing, offering instead the unvarnished truth as understood through indigenous eyes.

Throughout, readers will find themselves challenged to examine assumptions about progress, success, and the good life. What emerges is an alternative vision of human flourishing based not on accumulation and individual achievement but on right relationship, ceremonial practice, gratitude, and service to the collective good. These teachings invite reconsideration of what truly matters and what legacies we wish to leave.

The practical applications extend into every area of life—how we relate to family, how we make decisions, how we treat the earth, how we resolve conflicts, and how we understand our purpose. The emphasis on becoming rather than simply being human suggests that personal transformation is ongoing work, requiring dedication, humility, and constant return to fundamental principles.

For those feeling disconnected from deeper meaning or seeking alternatives to dominant cultural narratives, these teachings offer both solace and challenge. They provide frameworks for understanding current global crises while illuminating pathways toward healing and restoration. Most importantly, they remind us that ancient wisdom remains vitally relevant, offering guidance desperately needed as humanity navigates unprecedented challenges. This is essential reading for anyone committed to authentic personal growth and contributing to collective transformation.