The prairie landscape invites contemplation and reflection, quietly urging us to look within for universal truths. As Hickman points out: only an inner wisdom can help us connect a world of incessant surface activity with a deeper awareness. But no matter where you live, the ideas here will help you discover your place within–returning to it time and time again. We need frequent, meaningful reminders that we are much more than current events, sensational headlines, drama, controversy and conflict, and interminable, often distracting, news bulletins.
On a spiritual level, we are the open space of the prairies, the artistic stretch of silvery blues overhead–in many ways, we are even the curious dance of time.
Our spirits, our hearts, point to a timeless wisdom. Always Returning is an insightful and essential guide.
(Image and synopsis via Goodreads)
My Thoughts:
When D.A. Hickman published Where the Heart Resides: Timeless Wisdom of the American Prairie in 1999,she likely did not expect another edition or similar book.
However, as Hickman writes on Goodreads, much had happened when she returned to South Dakota and the prairie in 2008. This return to roots, to culture and lifestyle on the prairie, evidently sparked a hunger to not only revisit her own inner wisdom but to invite and carry her readers along with her.
With this 15th Anniversary Edition, a new title, and a new preface, I decided to join Hickman and never looked back after the first page.
My copy of Hickman’s Always Returning had just arrived when a trip to the ER with my husband was necessary. I hadn’t started the book then and snatched it up as we went out the door. As I waited to learn what was wrong with my dear husband, I began reading. I cannot explain the sense of peace and comfort that washed over me. The writing style is lyrical and provides a seemingly endless look at the prairie, a place no doubt representative to even us city girls when we think of a simpler life.
The view of the prairie is for any reader–city dweller, in the Dakotas, Georgia, New York, New England, or Colorado. Perhaps in a foreign land, military installations, senior or retired living facilities. Or maybe you still live at home with your folks. Perhaps you are among our country’s homeless or unemployed and someone has handed you a copy. Hickman’s book is for all of you.
Wisdom, however, isn’t a surficial phenomenon it must be discovered within–always on a deeper and deeper level. (Preface)
The writer makes it clear that your prairie is found deep within your being by means of becoming deeply aware of our surroundings and all that is ours to behold and experience.
The more pages I turned the more pages I wanted to explore. What I most enjoyed is Hickman’s contrasting of the slower nature of the prairie with our tumultuous culture of social media, get it done faster, be everywhere pace in the 21st century.
… [P]rairie wisdom is about learning to look, really look, at life in a way that spotlights the inconsequential, peers under and below the shiny, glittery surface of things, delves into the dusty corners and invisible crevices in an effort to understand the truth of the matter, indeed, the heart of the matter. (At page 15)
Not once does Hickman imply that the prairie is preferable over any other place; she simply points to its differences. And in so doing, she highlights the inner wisdom and beauty of finding our place and within it our wisdom.
In the chapter titled “Borrow It, Don’t Buy It,” Hickman brings us to a crucial need in all our lives–mutual respect within community. Today we are a have it all, have it now society. Buy, buy, buy is shouted from every media source in the land. Hickman suggests a refocusing on a new direction toward the time once again when “less is more.”
Either way, borrowing, because it seems convenient, friendly, and fun, or borrowing out of necessity, can keep our need for material possessions in perspective. Regardless of where you reside, of where you have come to know the wisdom of place, develop close friendships that allow for a healthy give-and-take. The mutual respect, the warm feelings of cooperation that develop, will ensure a happier tomorrow for us all. (At page 187)
As I turned the last page, I experienced a mix of emotions–well-being, sadness, hope, and yes, my own place of wisdom. Always Returning is a book I will always keep close by to return to again and again.
My Recommendation:
Always Returning is truly a book providing a map to the heart, a map GoogleMaps, Bing Maps, and Mapquest cannot offer. Hickman shows us where to plant our hearts and nurture them so their growth extends beyond us on to others. If there is hope for peace on this earth, that hope may just be found in prairie wisdom.
This is a book for the enjoyment of readers of all ages (young adult and up), of all faiths and spiritualities, of all lifestyles, of all cultures. I highly recommend it as a gift book whose recipient will be blessed over and over again.
I rarely rate books on this blog. And when I’m forced to give a star rating on Amazon, Goodreads, or other book sites, I rarely give a 5-star review. The book must be exceptional to garner five stars.
Today I’m pleased to give D.A. Hickman’s book, Always Returning: The Wisdom of Place, a stellar work, a 5-star rating.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Meet D.A. (Daisy) Hickman:
I’m an author, a poet, and the 2010 founder of SunnyRoomStudio, a sunny, creative space for kindred spirits. If you visit my online writing studio, you’ll discover intriguing posts from my Studio Guests and my author blog, as well. Just go to SunnyRoomStudio.com. I’m also a spiritual thinker who believes in the journey itself. When we explore new terrain with each life experience, the adventure is profound.
From the cover of Always Returning: “Insights we call wisdom must be learned repeatedly: each time, at a deeper, more profound, level.” Some book details … the 15th Anniversary Edition of “Heart Resides” (William Morrow) was published as ALWAYS RETURNING: The Wisdom of Place in 2014. The second edition includes a new preface and other relevant updates, but by and large, the material in this book is increasingly relevant. I greatly enjoyed writing Where the Heart Resides: Timeless Wisdom of the American Prairie. I have always been a student of society. There is so much to be learned by simply being aware of our surroundings, our lifestyles, and our assumptions.
The wisdom in my book originated on the American prairie, specifically when I stepped back to look at the place and its people at the turn of the century from a sociological and spiritual perspective. Indeed, an organic and lasting wisdom has evolved over the ages in a place known for hardship, but great beauty, as well.
Contact Daisy via:
Email contact: sunwriter (at) sunnyroomstudio (dot) net Twitter @dhsunwriter Facebook @ SunnyRoomStudio
(Image and bio via Amazon)
Book Details:
Publisher: Capturing Morning Press
Available: October 14, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9908423-5-4
AVAILABLE on Amazon (paperback & Kindle) and via other online bookstores in various eBook formats and also in paperback.
Bookstores or libraries can order directly from IngramSpark.
978-0-9908423-5-4 (print)
978-0-9908423-7-8 (eBook)
Insights we call wisdom must be learned repeatedly: each time, at a deeper, more profound level. — From a NEW PREFACE by the author
Some of the links contained in this blog are affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase from the affiliate. I only recommend products and services that I know or trust to be of high quality, whether an affiliate relationship is in place or not.
Sherrey,Thanks for the review…the book sounds like something I would enjoy…once I first finish the ones on my nighstand 😉 Praying you continue to rest up and heal, my friend.
Dolly, I do believe you’d enjoy Always Returning very much. I had to giggle at the words, “finish the ones on my nightstand.” Have a similar pile. 🙂 Thank you for the continued prayers; they are definitely working.
I just ordered Daisey’s book and after reading your wonderful review, I’m looking forward to reading it! Thanks, Sherrey!
I know you are going to enjoy this read, Joan. Daisy’s writing is a beautiful example of how prose can paint a picture.
My copy of Always Returning arrived in yesterday’s mail. As a long-time lover of prairies, I was already looking forward to reading; your review causes me to be even more eager to open the cover.
Carol, I believe you will love Daisy’s book. I’m glad I’ve planted eagerness in your reading heart!
Thank you for this review, Sherrey. You’ve sparked my interest. The author seems to have discovered the value of living mindfully, as the Buddhists say, and cultivated presence–to be present and aware in each moment with all things. I love that her name is Daisy; I am reminded of a scene in that inspiring old cult classic film, Harold and Maude, when the oddly matched young man and old lady are sitting in a field of daisies and he says they look all the same to him, to which she responds by picking one and pointing out all the ways it is unique. I’ve put Daisy’s book on my to-read list!
Carol, thanks for reading the review and commenting. I’m happy my words have sparked an interest in reading Always Returning. I’ll enjoy hearing your thoughts when you have.
You provided an in-depth analysis and discussion of a book I met recently on Shirley Showalter’s website. She explored it from a different angle to fit her theme of what constitutes a good day: http://www.shirleyshowalter.com/2014/11/26/always-returning-prairie-wisdom-for-breathing-in-a-good-day-every-day/
I have always know your reviews to be fair and thorough. it’s good to see you picking up your pen again, Sherrey. Thank you!
Marian, thanks for your comments and the link to Shirley’s post. I’ll definitely read it. It feels good to be writing some again.
What a beautiful, detailed review, Sherrey. Daisy’s book is already on my TBR list but your review entices me to move it to the top of the pile. Thank you!
Kathy, I’m so glad you enjoyed my review. Daisy’s book is thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking. To the top of the list! 🙂
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