We often fail to listen or are not willing to let go.
But Nikki Hainstock’s “How to Be a Good Human” offers a profound exploration of listening and letting go—to help us nurture our lives and relationships.
Based on her shamanic experience, customs, hands-on activities, and introspective knowledge, Hainstock’s book presents a revolutionary method for enhancing individual and group well-being. Her work is complemented by the insights she shares through Spiritwalk Retreats, where ancient teachings and contemporary techniques converge to support emotional, spiritual, and relational growth.
As Hainstock explains, listening is about understanding the unspoken truths behind them. She likens listening to holding a sacred space where others can unfold without judgment. Her emphasis on “listening with clean ears” resonates deeply with shamanic practice. This practice encourages the presence and release of personal narratives. By silencing our inner stories, we create a space where others feel truly seen and valued.
Moreover, the act of listening also extends beyond interpersonal dynamics. Hainstock’s work highlights the importance of tuning into the energies of the natural world, as seen in her Medicine Wheel workshops. These practices train participants to listen to the subtle messages of life. Be it through elements, dreams, or emotions—each of these elements allows them to navigate relationships and personal challenges with greater awareness and interoception.
On the other hand, the practice of letting go, as described in the book, is about shedding the burdens of resentment and attachment. Forgiveness, one of Hainstock’s central themes, is not about condoning harm. Instead, it is to liberate yourself from its weight. It includes learning to see change, even in the face of grief, as an opportunity for growth and renewal. This perspective also takes root in the shamanic understanding of life as a circular journey, where energy transforms but never ceases.
In both her books “How to Be a Good Human,” “The Shaman Wears Lipstick,”
and her retreat teachings, Hainstock emphasizes that letting go and listening is a pathway to self-empowerment. It clears the way for joy, creativity, and deeper connections. For instance, Spiritwalk’s Medicine Wheel training focuses on mastering personal narratives and breaking free from inherited or self-imposed patterns, mirroring the book’s guidance on emotional liberation.
In the end, Hainstock’s combined work in How to Be a Good Human and Spiritwalk Retreats offers a compelling model for relational and personal healing. By integrating practices like listening and letting go and embracing shamanism’s deep spiritual insights, she provides a roadmap to healthier, more meaningful relationships and a happy and fulfilled life. Her retreats, filled with transformative workshops and rituals, offer a real-world application of the book’s teachings, making the journey from theory to practice accessible and impactful.
For more on her work, teachings, workshops, retreats, and consulting, please visit her website: https://www.spiritwalkretreats.com/.