David Kopacz

A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds is a collection of eighteen short stories / vignettes written by visionary healer, artist and founder of a global network of Sound Peace Chambers, Southern Ute elder Joseph Rael (Tiwa name, Tsluu-teh-koh-ay ‘Beautiful Painted Arrow’). The collection is curated by David R. Kopacz, MD and is designed to ‘stimulate inventiveness, creativity, and an appreciation for sacredness in everyday life’. Each story is centred on the four elements of life (earth, water, air, and fire), and the concept of the ‘bowl of life’. Mother Earth is a great big bowl, and all families live in little bowls. From early pioneers to the present day, people have settled in bowl-shaped landscapes to grow crops, graze cattle, and raise children. ‘The Creator made Earth, Water, Air, and Fire and put them in a bowl and the bowl was shaped like a wheel. The Medicine Wheel holds together Earth, Water, Air, and Fire so that we and all things may live. We are made of these four things: earth, water, air, and fire—energies awakening us to vibrations of life.’

A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds is a profound and deeply moving collection of traditional stories and teachings by Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow) and David R. Kopacz, with artwork by Rael. The book presents a series of tales that explore the concept of the ‘bowl of life’, a metaphor of balance, connectedness and respect for Mother Earth. This is a stunning collection of stories and art, offering an introduction to the spiritual teachings of Rael, and an insight into the values and beliefs and the Southern Ute people. The abstract illustrations are vibrant and expressive, fully capturing the narrative and Rael’s spiritual teachings.

The collection is perfect for readers of all ages who are interested in Native American art and storytelling, and a must read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery or spiritual growth.

Star rating: 5 stars 

Summary: A profound and beautiful bowlful of Native American spirituality, wisdom, and art.