What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seven Paths: Changing One's Way of Walking in the World
Discover the Healing Power of the Wilderness
People have moved away from Mother Earth, bringing heartache, pain, and other maladies of the modern age. The “self-help” movement claims to offer peace and fulfillment to individuals, but this solitary approach takes us only so far. Ultimately, it is in communion with our fellow beings and the natural world that we are made whole. We need to leave the path of Me and follow the path of We.
This poetic, evocative story presents the meditations of an ancient Anasazi tribesman who rejects his family and sets off on a journey through the desert. He walks seven paths, each teaching a lesson symbolized by an element of the natural world: light, wind, water, stone, plants, animals, and, finally, the unity of all beings with the Creator. The Seven Paths reveals a source of wisdom, restoration, and renewal familiar to native people but lost to the rest of us, seven elements among nature that combine to mend human hearts.
People have moved away from Mother Earth, bringing heartache, pain, and other maladies of the modern age. The “self-help” movement claims to offer peace and fulfillment to individuals, but this solitary approach takes us only so far. Ultimately, it is in communion with our fellow beings and the natural world that we are made whole. We need to leave the path of Me and follow the path of We.
This poetic, evocative story presents the meditations of an ancient Anasazi tribesman who rejects his family and sets off on a journey through the desert. He walks seven paths, each teaching a lesson symbolized by an element of the natural world: light, wind, water, stone, plants, animals, and, finally, the unity of all beings with the Creator. The Seven Paths reveals a source of wisdom, restoration, and renewal familiar to native people but lost to the rest of us, seven elements among nature that combine to mend human hearts.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 31, 2017
I loved this book. Every word is full of wisdom. This book is a companion to lead one to the right way of walking in life. There are paths that tell us about the ways of nature (light, wind, water, stone, plant, animal and we), and help us see both sides of our own nature. These paths ultimately lead to the One Creator.
The main character learns acceptance, forgiveness, humbleness and finds faith through nature's teachings. Written in an elegant poetic style, this is an enchanting read.
Its a book to be read over and over again.
The Anasazi are the elders of the Pueblo nation who lived in cave dwellings bw 1500-300 BC. They left beautiful cave wall art, pottery and architectural sites behind.
The main character learns acceptance, forgiveness, humbleness and finds faith through nature's teachings. Written in an elegant poetic style, this is an enchanting read.
Its a book to be read over and over again.
The Anasazi are the elders of the Pueblo nation who lived in cave dwellings bw 1500-300 BC. They left beautiful cave wall art, pottery and architectural sites behind.
January 29, 2019
This is the January 2019 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.
January 9, 2017
I guess overall I would say that I enjoyed this small autobiography, but if I can just dissect it a bit so you the potential reader, can have a better understanding of what you're getting yourself into. The seven path is much like any work of prose or philosophy, and requires for the reader to go beyond the basics of what is said and to connect spiritual knowledge to the 'totems' the Arthur has connected them to. I enjoyed that the tale of the authors 'walking' ie. life isn't in simple a.b.c. story format, that there is room for interpretation and that mystery lives in what isn't said. I would only suggest this for deeper thinkers who are comfortable without have a story handed to them in a little bow tied box.
February 5, 2014
I recommend this book for everyone, its great and very interesting, at first I thought it was going to be stupid, but is actually inspiring. Read it it won't take to long!
July 15, 2019
the point of lifes walk is not where or how far I move my feet but how I am moved in my heart. p10
This simple little book carries a strong message, presented as a parable for anyone to take as guidance, regardless of their faith system.
the space between elements of nature is not empty, it is occupied to the full-occupied by the air that joins us. To walk is to press your presence into all you walk among. p29
light*wind*water*stones*plants* animals*we
This may not be the familiar array of elements we are used to thinking of as the building blocks of the universe. but in fact everything is there for the foundation of a world.
Speak less and learn more, p63
This simple little book carries a strong message, presented as a parable for anyone to take as guidance, regardless of their faith system.
the space between elements of nature is not empty, it is occupied to the full-occupied by the air that joins us. To walk is to press your presence into all you walk among. p29
light*wind*water*stones*plants* animals*we
This may not be the familiar array of elements we are used to thinking of as the building blocks of the universe. but in fact everything is there for the foundation of a world.
Speak less and learn more, p63
February 24, 2017
I'm glad this was recommended to me. I needed to review the way I have been walking in the world. This is the book given to those who experience the ANASAZI wilderness primitive walking journey. The book is self-explanatory but the journey depicted in the book was revelatory to me; how my walk in this life has from time to time been diverted or has lost focus. It made me think and I would recommend it to anyone.
March 31, 2014
I have mixed thoughts about this book. I highlighted 31 passages which isn't too shabby for me in a book that is only 120 pages with tons of whitespace. Yet, I still felt disappointed by it in many ways I can't even put words too. I think that part of it stems from the way LDS theology is wrapped up in the myth narrative of the book. Being LDS I guess it made the book feel less novel as there was so much I was already familiar with. It's as if someone came to you and told you they were going to share a very personal story from their life about the lessons they've learned. Then as you listen to the story with great expectations, you feel a bit of a let down as it dawns on you that all this sounds familiar. The in hits you that you've listened to the same story your whole life! This guy is sharing the same stories you've been told and have told yourself on many occasions.
Still, it is full of lots of practical advice on prioritizing what is important in life: relationships.
"Whether we walk among our people or alone among the hills, happiness in life’s walking depends on how we feel about others in our hearts."
Still, it is full of lots of practical advice on prioritizing what is important in life: relationships.
"Whether we walk among our people or alone among the hills, happiness in life’s walking depends on how we feel about others in our hearts."
August 8, 2019
I don´t believe there are REAL Anasazi knowledge passed to anyone, as a historical fact...
But I tried to read with an open mind.
It is so far-away from the lifes we live nowadays that I can be related to its content only as "poetry".
Maybe I am just an idiot, greeking speaking :P
(And I think you can read everything within the book in other thousands of new age, self-help books... so, I am sorry to the foundation, I can always be totally wrong!)
But I tried to read with an open mind.
It is so far-away from the lifes we live nowadays that I can be related to its content only as "poetry".
Maybe I am just an idiot, greeking speaking :P
(And I think you can read everything within the book in other thousands of new age, self-help books... so, I am sorry to the foundation, I can always be totally wrong!)
April 28, 2022
True principles couched in a lovely prose format Native American tale. It has echoes of The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict, since that book was basically a modern recap of the Anasazi Foundation way. I LOVE that book too, and with its modern setting, but this was more like a summary of the foundational principles told from a Native American perspective, but easily understood by all of us. The "WE" of the Heart of Peace. That is what we should all seek after! I loved the references to The Great Creator in this story. Beautiful.
April 25, 2023
Part memoir, part spiritual guidance. It is like your grandfather has sat you down to impart some wisdom from his walk through life. I enjoyed considering how the elements of nature can connect to our own spiritual journey. It took a Christian turn at the end and that was unexpected. That part felt a little like testimony and while I wasn't a huge fan of that, I can appreciate the author sharing his truth.
February 23, 2018
I don't really care who you are, you should read this book. It's basically a philosophy book, but based on one man's "walking." The images are powerful. The lessons taught are timeless. I loved this book. If you liked The Alchemist, this book is similar in presentation but better for its content.
October 30, 2018
Love Love Love
I was introduced to this book by my daughter, a trail walker and wind for the Anasazi Wilderness Therapy Program. I thank the Creator for the the way these seven paths have enlightened my mind and soul.
I was introduced to this book by my daughter, a trail walker and wind for the Anasazi Wilderness Therapy Program. I thank the Creator for the the way these seven paths have enlightened my mind and soul.
December 31, 2020
This book is written in prose. It was a delightful book that reminded me how important it is to connect with the earth. It truly gives us life and perspective. This book was recommended to me by a student and a co-worker. I'm glad I read it.
October 23, 2022
Very short and wise. Talks about different lessons that the author/protagonist learned from nature, and gets you thinking about the deeper meanings of life and how we are interrelated with others and the world.
February 2, 2019
The words of this book gently awaken a yearning for a quieter more honest and grounded life. I love this book especially in the context of the Anasazi Foundation experience.
October 24, 2019
Unique . . . . filled with object lessons . . . could be read over and over . . . invites pondering life's most important issues and questions. I recommend it.
February 27, 2020
Such a delightful read... one of those books you read a page or two and then milk it over, journal, think. Was genuinely surprised.
Read
September 22, 2020Starts a little rough. But if you read and listen while you do: very rewarding. I should reread this periodically.
May 7, 2021
Mother Earth and her creations teach us lessons we need to learn.
July 8, 2022
For anyone who seeks God through nature this book is for you. Whenever I read a passage my heart craves the mountains. The are so many people I want to share this book with!
August 13, 2022
Read this review and others at https://www.readingforsanity.com/2022...
October 9, 2023
Great book.
January 30, 2024
Excellent reading!
June 11, 2024
I liked this. Very short and easy to read. Almost has the feel of a long poem. Beautidul thoughts on the importance of community, family, forgiveness and creation.
February 3, 2009
This is a BEAUTIFUL book, and I highly recommend it to ANYONE and EVERYONE! In this book there are principles pertaining to healing, and something called the path of 'WE'. The way of 'WE' is a beautiful concept and worth anyone's time. This book was very healing for me and very symbolic! There is also a concept called 'forward walking' and I won't spoil anything hopefully, because I want YOU to go and read it. The only way to get this book is through the ANASAZI FOUNDATION, I believe you can find them online, and if not just send me an e-mail and I'll get you there info! This book is SOOOOO ABSOLUTELY worth the 16$ it requires to get it! So PLEASE don't second think buying it!
March 19, 2014
This is a wonderful story about how to make your way through the world. Thank you to Anasazi for sharing this beautiful gift with all of us. I think it is perfect for all ages, from the teenagers you all work to heal in the wilderness up through us adults. This is a must read!
July 29, 2007
Excellent book for pondering that leads one to "walk" in the world with a new heart.
February 12, 2009
Beautiful, amazing book!
October 13, 2009
This is really a great book. Inspirational, religious-themed without being overtly religious. Very short read.
April 12, 2012
Simple writing, easy read... But every time I read through it, I learn more. GREAT for a book club or group discussion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews