Reviews & Endorsements
2. “Called by many names in the world’s wisdom traditions, “Touching Spirit: The Letters of Minominike” is a powerful reminder that the Spirit within guides each of us in language unique to our individual heart and soul. This author is a conduit for the realization of our shared humanity and our shared desire to journey home and discover our Original Face. This book is accompanied with a warning: Your beliefs may shapeshift in such a way that causes your life to never again be the same.”
Michael Bernard Beckwith -
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International bestselling author; - “Life Visioning”, “Inspirations of the Heart”,
“The Answer is You”, “A Manifesto of Peace”; Founder of Agape International Spiritual Center;
Appearances on Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, Dr. Oz, The Secret
1. "Life is not so much about learning as it is about remembering what we already know. Through these stories the Teacher Within reminds us of this powerful truth and inspires us to note who we already are. The Teacher Within reconnects and reconciles our authentic selves; an experience reading this book will greatly enhance. I am honored to endorse your brilliant literary work.”
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Carlton Pearson -
Carlton Pearson -
Spiritual Director - New Dimensions, Chicago; Appearances on The Mo' Nique Show; Nightline, This American Life, Dateline;
Author of - “God is Not a Christian, Nor a Jew, Nor Muslim, Hindu . . .” ;
3. “Read, taste, enjoy this wisdom and be encouraged in the ways of love and faith. People often need a different language to understand and appreciate their own traditions and experience. That is exactly what Pep Washburn has done.”
Fr. Richard Rohr O.F.M. -
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Founder of Center for Action and Contemplation / The Rohr Institute;
Globally recognized teacher / best selling author of 25+ books including - “Falling Upward”, “Naked Now”, “Everything Belongs”, “Immortal Diamond”
4. “A beautiful inspiring story of life lived close to the Earth and in tune with the Spirit. I endorse this visionary work.”
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Winona LaDuke -
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MS. magazine - Woman of the Year / TIME magazine selection - Most Promising Leader / Reebok Human Rights Award / Green Party vice - presidential candidate ’96 and ’00 / Founder of Honor the Earth / National Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee ‘07
Helvetica Light is an easy to read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
5. “Touching Spirit" should be mandatory reading for all. I hardily endorse the message of this book.”
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Dennis Banks (Naawakamig) -
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Actor, “Last of the Mohicans”, “War Party”, “Thunderheart”;
Activist, Co-founder of AIM (American Indian Movement);
Author of - “Ojibwa Warrior”
8. “Become attuned to your true self. “Touching Spirit: The Letters of Minominike” takes you on a journey to look within in order to look beyond.”
J. E. Vokoun –
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Professor, Kendall College of Arts & Science - University of Tulsa
6. “This work reveals the spirit of the original free and independent peoples; the roots of our homeland. “Touching Spirit: The Letters of Minominike” accurately reflects our connection to Spirit and deep love of the land. Using values that transcend the separation and division we see in today’s world, this book inspires one to join the Original Peoples who lead in helping to unite humanity and bring us all closer to the land.”
Dave Courchene (Nii Ganni Aki Inini) –
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First Nations Messenger - Earth Summit, Rio / Human and Ecological Security, Manila / World Peace Summit, U.N. / G8 Summit, Winnipeg / “Bridgewalkers” (movie); Founder of “The Turtle Lodge” / Recipient of National Aboriginal Achievement Award / Twice co-speaker with the Dalai Lama, USA & Mexico
7. “The content of these letters are the manifestations of the path the author walks. Beautifully written as seen through the eyes of a beautiful human being. You’ll be wanting more!”
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Dan Hull (Songide Makwa) -
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Anishnabe Ceremonial Intercessor; Drum Chief; Spiritual Advisor for WI Dept of Social Services; Yearly Presenter Midwest Shamanic Gathering - Eagle/Condor Foundation
9. “When I need to put my heart at rest or center my thoughts on what is real and unchanging, I return to these books and peace surrounds me.”
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Jamasie Timut Awa Quamukaq -
Quviagijaujuq
10. “Reading, I was gently escorted on a journey to the Teacher Within, a place of beauty, where we are touched by the Spirit.”
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Jean Abreu (Wabaningosi Ikwe) –
Helvetica Light is an easy to read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
10. “Reading, I was gently escorted on a journey to the Teacher Within, a place of beauty, where we are touched by the Spirit.”
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Jean Abreu -
Wabaningosi Ikwe
11. “These works are a great service to the world’s seeking community. We are reminded, in spite of voices that would tell us otherwise, that we are forever loved, always have been, always will be.”
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LeRoy J. Bayerl –
12. “Never discount the power of a simple tongue revealing truth in down-to-earth ways. Read this book and hear Creation’s still small voice of love.”
Elizabeth Bye -
Giizis Winebasige Ikwe
The Good, the True, and the Beautiful - to capture, understand and hold onto these transcendent qualities of life is the quest of every human heart, recognized or not.
Life's privilege and adventure is most highly realized in states of enchantment when experiencing the mysteries of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. It is here that the reawakening of our inner life is birthed.
77 ultra short stories draw us to marvel at the wonders surrounding our lives. Wonders filled with teachings centered
on the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. Here are words intended to elevate consciousness to new heights and cause
us to marvel at the peace that lies within us all.
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Walk into states of mindfulness and contemplation through the pages of this book.
Read, "Beyond the Last Oak: 77 Ultra Short Stories of Mindfulness and Contemplation," and have conversation with the Teacher Within.
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Minominike Gissis Makwa, Ricing Moon Bear, is a spiritual name. During late summer and early fall, when the wild rice is ready for harvest, makwa (bear) has been eagerly eating his fill of all he can find. An unseen force calls him to prepare for the great winter rest.
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So it is with this man and his hunger for things of the Spirit. His letters speak of a life filled with trust in things beyond his understanding. Life, its joys as well as sorrows, were embraced in recognition that each day, whatever it carried, was a gift to experience in the unique weaving of his soul.
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Creation works in harmony and by this speaks of interdependence and ultimate oneness. Humanity yearns to be reunited to that oneness and the peace it brings. Not understanding that it is already a reality, we needlessly wrestle to reunite ourselves within and without. The truth is - our unity already exists and waits to be fallen into. Listen to his words and the wounds and deceptions of your mind will be healed. His letters express a relationship with the still small voice of Creator, the Teacher Within, calling us to the rest that is ours and which resides in all people.
Read the letters, walk into the embrace of a benevolent universe. He invites you to the journey in "Touching Spirit: The Letters of Minominike."​
The Books
A word from the author:
About the Author
Born in central Wisconsin and raised in a home with a father that worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a Conservation Warden, life was filled with contact to the world of our animal relations. This rich daily connection to Mother Earth nourished respect for the unity and intrinsic value of all things within the Temple of Creation.
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James C. Washburn, aka Pep, has traveled extensively through the wild regions of North America - from the Coast Mountains of British Columbia to Nova Scotia, from Mexico to Canada's Ellesmere Island, 500 miles from the north pole. Whether by canoe, hiking, single engine plane, snowshoes or pickup truck, North America's wild places and indigenous people are the essential ingredient underpinning an inclusive worldview.
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He spent 33 years in public education and was nominated for Wisconsin Teacher of the Year in 1983. He is published by
Kal-Ba Publishing of Arizona and internationally by Zahrada Publishing of Turkey.
Complexity and urbanization increasingly isolate humanity from our relationship to the earth. As technology accelerates and population increases we find ourselves imprisoned in an artificial world. Distracted by continual amusement our ability to muse decreases.
It is from the earth that we have come. As the speed of life increases and our time in connection to the earth reduced, the richness of existence can fade. Peace, balance, a sense of belonging and purpose naturally flow into our being when we are quiet in Creation. There is healing power to be found in going home and the unity of humankind is understood. Herein lies the uplifting message of -
"Beyond the Last Oak:
77 Ultra Short Stories of Mindfulness and Contemplation"
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"Touching Spirit:
The Letters of Minominike"
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THERE IS ONE WORLD, ONE FAMILY OF MAN, ONE CREATOR OF ALL.
Official Home of Internationally Published Author
Contact:
"A river of light for the thirsty spirit. A banquet of wisdom for the hungry soul." - Stanley A. Canfield -
"Beyond the Last Oak"
Embark on a quest to find the good, the true and the beautiful. Within the prose of ultra short stories we journey into the wonder and awe that is our world.
"Through these words, somewhere deep within myself, a knowing was awakened to my oneness with all Creation." - J. F. Murphy -
"Touching Spirit: The Letters of Minominike"
In the life story and simple voice of a native North American man we are brought the wisdom of the heart awakening new life within.
.... Genre: Visionary, Inspirational, Prose
.... 220 pages, illustrated
.... Purchase at Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kal-Ba / ask for it at your local bookstore or library
.... Genre: Visionary, Inspirational, Semi-autobiographical
.... 336 pages (Paperback / Hardcover) illustrated, also available in
audiobook and digital format
.... Purchase at Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kal-Ba / ask for it at your local bookstore or library
"Touching Spirit: The Letters of Minominike" available at all sites. "Beyond the Last Oak: 77 Ultra Short Stories of Mindfulness and Contemplation" available soon.
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