Our Inherited Wisdom: 54 Inspirations from Nature and Poetry
Adult; Spirituality/Inspirational; (Market)
Our Inherited Wisdom offers delightful insight into and nourishment for our individual and collective spirit. Author Kate Vogt inspires us to slow down, look, and listen in the midst of our busy lives. In 54 short reflections and practices, she reveals the brilliance of the divine intelligence woven into all aspects of our lives—in our attitudes, sensory experiences, and relationships. It exists as well as in our planetary kin, such as the rivers, oceans, flora and fauna. For the contemplative, Kate unveils the pathway of awareness from material reality to the subtlest experiences of infinite light and love. For the social and ecological activist, she suggests that the path to lasting change begins with practicing deep gratitude for life as the birthright of all beings. For the everyday person, she shows how wisdom is revealed in ordinary moments. She invites all to live with more respect and reverence every day.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 6 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 6 out of 10
Overall: 6.75 out of 10
Assessment:
Idea: Our Inherited Wisdom is a sweet, inspiring collection of quiet meditations, affirmations, and reflections designed to aid readers in becoming centered, better connected to nature, and at peace with themselves.
Prose: The author writes well, and she has chosen lovely, small poems to accompany each section of her book, including those by Rumi, Galway Kinnell, and Shakespeare.
Originality: While not entirely original, this hopeful book offers a valuable invitation to readers to reflect, be mindful, and revere the natural world.
Character/Execution: This book is well organized, uncluttered, and accessible to all readers.
Date Submitted: January 28, 2021
Reviews
Yoga instructor Vogt (Mala of the Heart) presents a collection of illuminating observations on the reverence and spirituality found in human interconnectedness and the natural world. A childhood on a Kansas farm and an adult life spent traveling the world instilled in Vogt, she writes, a deep love of nature and appreciation of its power. Focusing on themes of animals, rivers, senses, light, solitude, and love, she presents serene color photos, poems, commentary, and relaxation practices to increase one’s awareness and reverence for what she calls the sacredness of everyday moments. For instance, she describes the delight of toddlers scampering through the park (“a joyful exploration and atonement to the world”), the sight of deer in the pre-dawn, the “divine nature” of touch, and the cycles of life. Vogt also meditates movingly on the nature of turtles, the universal symbol of wisdom, patience, and persistence who “model the pathway to lasting truth as gradual and barely visible.” Poems from various cultures—including African, Catholic, Hindu, Navajo, and Tao selections—round out the volume. Readers of spiritual self-help will welcome these cheerful poems and soothing meditations on the grace of nature. (Self-published)
Christopher Key Chapple, PhD, Author, “In Praise of Mother Earth: The Pṛihiv
"With elegance, Kate Vogt interweaves the best of world poetry with images, personal reflection, and meditation instructions. This book will enhance every salon who embraces its wisdom as part of a weekly study group, every Yoga class that includes a segment as part of the final silence, every university classroom that uses this resource as a way of centering students. Sublime!"
