A Life in Service

Hermine Schuring was asked to write down what Mala Spotted Eagle, a Native American elder, son from the well known Medicine man Rolling Thunder, who was brought up according the traditional Native Way of Life, had shared in his numerous talks. Coming from an oral tradition Mala told stories about his life experiences, that made you think, laugh and go within. Nature and Spirit guide your decisions and make you go with the Flow of Life, so you'll do your part in the greater Circle where everything is connected. Spirituality is present in everyday life, whether it is in ceremonies or how you, for instance, approach the weather, your food, the people around you, or the challenges you are faced with. This book gives you insight and understanding in reconnecting to Mother Earth and finding your way back to a spiritual way of life. It also reflects Mala Spotted Eagle's extraordinary journey with many personal experiences that become general teachings, interesting to any willing reader. Mala was known for his capability to build bridges between the traditional indigenous world and modern western society. A great man with a loving and gentle heart and a radiating strong energy, he touched people deeply wherever he went. The book is his legacy for a transforming world in need for this information, a link from the past for the future.

In A Life in Service, Mala Spotted Eagle shares the knowledge of indigenous elders and his life experiences to help us see the Mother Earth in ways that can connect us to her. Open to the beauty in everything in his daily life, Mala speaks about the importance of embracing the lessons that came to him—whether easy or difficult—with loving energy. His insightful stories are told with humility and humor. Mala left us with essential wisdom to live in harmony with all life, become better caretakers of the planet, and gain a deeper sense of one's own purpose. Mala lived a life in service, which is at the core of the Native American Way of Life, the so-called Red Road. He was willing to sacrifice of himself for the greater good, helping where there was need and offering openly from his gentle heart and strong spirit. There are exciting stories of animal encounters and there are impressive stories about Medicine People. There are teachings about the importance to walk in balance on Mother Earth and teachings about how pollution in our minds creates pollution everywhere else, as all life on this planet is connected. Basic principles are shared on Native American spirituality and some of the Native ceremonies and practices are described in detail. Anyone interested in developing their own spirit and heart energy is invited to read this book to help become a better human being through raising their awareness and taking responsibility for their own actions, words and thoughts.

Hermine Schuring (1961), born in the Netherlands, has been living in Vienna, Austria for over 25 years. She runs her own physical therapy and energy work practice, and is a mother of two children. Traveling through the United States for two months in 1993, the harsh and troubled living conditions of Native Americans had a great impact on her. Fascinated by the people's unwavering resilience, she became drawn to their spiritual Way of Life. She met Mala Spotted Eagle in 1995 when he first came to Europe, and started supporting him on his speaking tours in Austria and the Netherlands, helping to spread his message by serving as an assistant and translator. A foundation was laid for a deep and special friendship that grew stronger over time –- regardless the geographic distance -- and has led to the writing of this book.