A Cherokee Man
Indigenous culture has been translated into “A New Psychology Based on Community, Equality, and Care of the Earth” by an award-winning, Amer-Indian psychologist, Arthur W. Blume, PhD. The book was published by Praeger in 2020.
Dr. Blume’s conceptualization of this New Psychology is brilliant and much needed at this time. Why?
- Internationally we are searching for a way of life that sustains life on earth–rather than degrades the quality of our air and earth, and decimates plant and animal species, clear cutting the very forests we need to support life.
- The so-called “developed” world is in a mental health crisis measured by increasing suicide rate as well as disabilities caused by mental disturbances. Our concept of psychology and our practices of psychotherapy and psychiatry rooted in those concepts have not substantially improved mental health in all our communties.
- The indigenous approach to psychology illustrates a way to live in interdependence with the earth and all life forms. It has cultivated supportive relationships in society which form the basis of physical, emotional, community and spiritual well-being. The earth and its creatures and plant life thrive in this approach. We have much to learn from it.
The American Psychological Association briefly reviewed the book and reflected:
…”This book will speak to your heart“
“We can alter course and create a beautiful new future together as a human community. But it will require a paradigm shift from what is believed today about human nature and human behavior. Fresh psychological principles will be needed to instill changes that will last for generations in order to protect our children, grandchildren, and the natural world. Readers will be introduced to an alternative way to view psychology that is meant to generate reflection, discussion, and perhaps a revolution in the way we think about human behavior. The book includes a new framework for addressing psychological problems and opportunities, especially those problems that cross the boundaries of space and time undefined the ones that may cause us to lose sleep at night. The content is oriented more toward processes rather than outcomes, reflecting its Indigenous perspective. The Indigenous framework that is proposed is meant to provide a blueprint toward seeking solutions rather than providing solutions. The book explains the Native American perspective on psychology, detailing why that needs to be incorporated as a new model for this field. ”
Indigenous Author’s Perspective
“Psychology is a relatively new discipline, with foundations formed narrowly and near-exclusively by white, European males. But in this increasingly diverse nation and world, those foundations filled with implicit bias are too narrow to best help our people and society”, says author Arthur Blume. The book contrasts the original culture of psychology’s creators—as it includes individualism, autonomy, independence, and hierarchal relationships—with that of Native Americans in the context of communalism, interdependence, earth-centeredness, and egalitarianism. As Blume explains, psychological happiness is redefined by the reality of our interdependence rather than materialism and individualism, and how we do things becomes as important as what we accomplish.
Indigenous Psychology Knows About Spiritual Emergence/y
For 20 years I studied with shamans from two indigenous cultures, a man from the Yurok and a woman who is Arikara-Hidatsa. Through their counsel I practiced ways to cultivate my spiritual awakening and had many spiritually-transformative experiences. I also came to perceive the reality of the “invisible” worlds, such as benevolent spirit guides and other spirits who are less evolved. Creating hundreds of prayer ties in preparation for purification ceremony helped strengthen my intentions to be in service to the world. Sitting in the west, the hottest area of the sweatlodge, strengthened my resolve to let go of what is not part of positive intention. All in all, I emerged from this training with deep respect for indigenous culture as reflected by these shamans and the culture they espoused.
Author: Emma Bragdon, PhD, Executive Director of IMHU.org
The Sculptures: During my recent vacation, summer 2023, I was awed by the sculptures by Jud Hartmann at his gallery in Blue Hill, Maine. Above are 2 of his sculptures. Jud has done vast research in literature on Northeastern Amer-Indian tribes dating back to the early 1600s when people like the man above as well as the masked ceremony were only depicted in words. Jud read that many of the Northeastern indigenous people stood 6’7″, were both fierce and kind, played lacrosse, dealt with the invisible world of spirits to maintain spiritual balance, all while maintaining a wholesome diet in tune with nature. My vacation read was “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Kimmerer, an indigenous woman who is also a botanist, poet, and university professor. She compares the scientific way of objectifying plant life with the indigenous way of honoring in some of the most beautiful, heartful prose ever written.
Photo Credit: W. Geisler