Myths and Beliefs: Breaking Free from Our Personal Stories
Earlier this month, I was interviewed by Kim Jacques, a wellness entrepreneur. Our connection began when we discovered our similar paths to wellness. Kim was also interested in knowing about shamanism, and in particular, the myths commonly held about this ancient practice. Shamanism has become a huge buzzword in the last few decades. I find it most interesting that during this pandemic, there are many people around the world perking up their proverbial ears when hearing about it. It’s apparent to me that this interest is occurring because of the level of collective suffering right now.
In my own personal experience, it is disconnect that creates illness in all forms. When we are disconnected with Self, disconnected from others, and most importantly disconnected with the Earth and the spirits of Nature, we suffer deeply. We might intuitively know that there is another way to live out our lives with more authenticity, more joy and a slower rhythm than how we have been living, but we might not know how to find it. The practice of shamanism is a mode of reconnection to everything.
When I interviewed friends, family and clients regarding what they thought shamanism is, I found there were many misconceptions. One common myth I found is that many people think shamanism is a “religion” in North America, from the Native Peoples of this continent. Firstly, shamanism is not a religion, it is a practice. One can practice Christianity and also practice shamanism. Shamanism is a way of life, a way of perceiving and interacting with everything that exists. It is a way of recognizing that everything has consciousness and shows us how we are interconnected with that consciousness. There is no separation from that: We are part of that pulse of consciousness.
Although there are Native Americans indeed practicing shamanism, this ancient practice is thought to be 100,000 years old and is indigenous to every continent. The word shamanis derived from the language of the Tungus people of Siberia, and roughly translates to “one who sees in the dark” or “one who sees with a strong eye or strong heart.” There is archeological evidence that shamanic cultures existed in what is now the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, parts of Asia, parts of Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, and Australia as well as North and South America. Since shamanism is rooted in every culture, if you personally look back far enough in your ancestral line, you may find that your ancestry includes a shaman or a shamanic culture.
Another myth of shamanism is that one can wake up one day and simply decide to be a shaman. It is widely understood in shamanism that a woman or man who is being called to the shamanic path is chosen by the spirits to become what is called the Hollow Bone. This process of becoming the Hollow Bone is not something anyone would rationally choose, as the process of being “hollowed out” is rarely a pleasant one and is often filled with severe challenges, deep suffering and a figurative and sometimes literal death and rebirth. Although life is filled with challenges for everyone in this Earth School we share together, only well-trained shamanic practitioners can confirm whether a person is going through a shamanic initiation. And still, to be reborn, and then additionally to be an effective practitioner, the neophyte (shaman-to-be) must not only surrender to one’s Helping Spirits and the process of "becoming," but she or he must also train for years with a skilled teacher to be able to understand the framework in which to utilize their gifts of connecting to Spirit and the process in which to appropriately and effectively perform authentic shamanic work in serving community. The community, then, recognizes the trained practitioner’s work and in doing so, refers to that practitioner as a "shaman.”
In my training, shamanic practitioners do not refer to themselves as shamans, as it is seen as bragging. It is said that when we brag by referring to ourselves as shamans, we will lose the vital assistance of our Helping Spirits. Without them, the practitioner is useless and loses all of his or her power, guidance and effectiveness. It is the process of becoming the Hollow Bone, stepping aside and allowing one’s Helping Spirits’ divine energy to flow through the practitioner which then creates the healing effects that others seek. Our Helping Spirits have the ability to see way more than any human, and so, I always state to my clients that it is not me doing the work, it is just coming through me - a big difference.
In essence, if the ego gets in the way of doing this sacred work, the practitioner will no longer be effective. Referring to oneself as a shaman conveys a sense of "arrival." Since practitioners are in a continuous cycle of shamanic initiation, it is not possible to have arrived at the place of knowing everything in this infinite universe we find ourselves in.
Personally, I delve into my own inner work tirelessly in order to stay effective for the benefit of myself as well as others. It is a deep commitment. And yet, if one is truly called to the shamanic path, she or he will discover that unless one keeps walking the path and surrendering to the ongoing process of becoming, that same person will become severely ill, severely stuck and may even die. When the spirits call, it would behoove the neophyte to listen. However, it is pertinent that the decision not be taken lightly.
In doing deep inner work, one may run into his or her own personal blocks: myths, beliefs or stories that keep the person stuck in certain programming that only stifles his or her life essence. It is essential to be on the path of constant healing if one is a shamanic practitioner. Yet acknowledging and getting oneself “unstuck” from these old blocks is necessary for realignment even if that person is not a shamanic practitioner.
Last month, I wrote in my newsletter about going into Sacred Stillness and delving deep within to bring forth the new external growth of our own inner Spring. It’s so important that during that process of new growth, that you tend to that inner landscape. When we work from that place, it is necessary to also shift ourselves out of stuck-ness, much like weeding a garden. The act of plucking out the things in your internal and external life that are not adding to the feeling of personal alignment is essential.
If you know how to perform a shamanic journey, you might ask your Helping Spirits, “Please show me any personal myths or beliefs that do not serve me at this time.” You can also ask, “Please remove any energetic blocks that are in the way of my personal growth.” You can even ask to be shown a ceremony to perform with the intention of releasing anything that is blocking your growth, blocking the manifestation of certain goals or even releasing people or situations to create a more balanced life for yourself.
If you are curious about what shamanism is and how to perform a shamanic journey to connect with your own Helping Spirits, you might consider a Mentoring Session with me.
Today is Full Moon: Snow Moon. At this stage of her completion, it is the perfect time for letting go, releasing and connecting with the Divine within to intend for great shifting of your own personal myths and stories you have been telling yourself. When we do this, there is a great freedom waiting on the other side: your own Truth!
