Everyone strives to be good, better, and sometimes perfect. To do that, we undergo many things.
More occasionally, we follow the rules that are guided by religions or cultural rules and laws.
But as we see people and world leaders wage wars against the truth, nations, or people, these laws and regulations have gradually eroded to the periphery.
In How to Be a Good Human, Nikki Hainstock thoughtfully explores what it means to be a good human and to live in harmony with oneself and others.
The book serves as a guide to embodying values like courage, kindness, and connection. This ethos is mirrored in her work at Spiritwalk Retreats, where her workshops, healing practices, and shamanic teachings provide a foundation to live an authentic and joyful life.
Hainstock begins with a simple yet profound premise: being human is an ongoing practice. This idea is deeply rooted in shamanic traditions, which aligns with Spiritwalk’s teachings on the importance of ritual and repetition in creating meaningful change. Whether through daily mindfulness exercises or the transformational Medicine Wheel, the focus is on mastering life’s challenges by cultivating consistent, intentional practices that will eventually contribute to our well-being.
One of the book’s standout principles is the CCC framework—Commit, Connect, Contribute. Hainstock emphasizes that by committing to personal growth, connecting with others, and contributing to the world around us, we can fulfill our potential as humans. This approach finds a practical outlet in Spiritwalk’s retreats, where participants are guided to align their inner and outer worlds through storytelling, visioning, and community practices.
As Hainstock outlines, practicing humanity is deeply relational. Listening, presence, and empathy are tools she urges us to cultivate. At Spiritwalk, these principles come to life in workshops that focus on emotional intelligence and communal healing. For example, the Four Chambered Heart series teaches participants to live in the “right relationship” with themselves and others—to help us foster a balanced exchange of energy and support.
Courage is also a recurring theme in the book. It is framed as the ability to face life’s uncertainties with an open heart. Spiritwalk’s Warrior Workshops delve into this concept and offer techniques to move beyond fear and resistance. Similarly, Hainstock’s focus on kindness as an active practice resonates with Spiritwalk’s teachings on service and compassion. Together, these values create a framework to help us live with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
In the end, Hainstock’s dual focus on spiritual depth and practical application makes her teachings accessible and impactful. Her books The Shaman Wears Lipstick and How to Be a Good Human and retreats offer complementary pathways for those seeking to improve their lives and relationships. By practicing humanity as a daily discipline, her books not only enrich our personal lives but contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.
Discover more about her retreats and teachings at Spiritwalk Retreats. Please visit her website at https://www.spiritwalkretreats.com/.
