Every culture on Earth has their version of the priest or healer. These wise men and women are ones who have undergone training in medicines, moralities, and traditions to understand themselves and gain deeper insight into the realms of spirit. Whether it is Yoga, Religion, Esoterisicm, or medicinal paths, they all teach the same things, discipline, love of self and others, and healing. From there, they all end up in the same place, knowing ourselves as sovereign Beings of Source.
I remember in high-school being introduced to Yoga for the first time in PE class. I thought it was a rather silly concept. Why move slowly and calmly focusing the breath for an hour? It all seemed rather boring. In my later years I have come to appreciate the time and dedication it takes to enter into such a practice. From it I have learned that we create an environment as it too forms us. When we take disciplined action daily, we tell the Universe to make room for us. Beyond the act of doing it. the inner work that goes on is incredible. The whole system begins to change to make room for the new you who is coming. It is a daily metamorphosis where we can all participate.
I have had an off and on relationship with religion. I do not wish to discredit the importance of belief and the power of tradition, however there are aspects that I found to be harmful to the psyches and spirits of many. I will focus on the positive lessons I learned. The power of ritual and tradition is ripe within religion. Every Sunday we would sing songs, bless and share the sacrament, and have opening and closing hymns and prayers. There is a mighty power to consistency and repetition. It provides comfort to the soul and a community to share with. As we are naturally habitual animals, it makes sense to create our own habits. Religion exemplifies what one can do when discipline and tradition are used effectively.
Because it is effective does not mean it is for the best use. A lot of the modes within religions all over the world have left scarred souls and damaged minds. This type of discipline and tradition must be combined with the love of others and unique and sovereign beings. We can learn a lot in this from our brothers and sisters in South America. For the Shaman there is no separation from the soul and the physical body. They treat the whole system. They are apothecaries, spirit teachers, and doctors, as well as fathers and mothers. They are community members who have gone through years of training to understand the system as a whole, and to treat the spirit, not just the symptoms of the body. It is from the love of the whole system and not just focusing on parts, that positive change occurs.
True and real healing comes from a holistic approach. Our western medicine has provided many wonders, but there is a great deal we can learn from holistic modes from South America and traditions in the East. Healing is something we all naturally do. One of the first steps of the healer is to find what the source of the wound is, and not just the symptoms of it. All physical symptoms, whether it be epilepsy, diabetes, jaundice, etc. have their roots within the psyche and soul. It is by diving into the deeper parts of ourselves that the true healing happens. This is how our Shamans can help us. They aid us in connecting the missing pieces that we may not be seeing.
The power and beauty of this is that we are our own Shamans. We of course should seek aid when we are unable, but all of the work is internal. This is something we can do. By asking ourselves simple questions of “why do I feel this way?” or, “What does my body need?” and listening for the response, we can find our own solutions. Sometimes this may appear in the form of a medicine, supplement, or practice. More often than not, it is letting go of a habit that does not work for us anymore and a reintroduction of childlike awe in our lives. This empowers us more fully and puts us in the commander’s chair of our lives. It reminds us constantly that we are our own gurus. We are our own shamans.
All the Love,
Ryan Orion
Fasting Notes:
After going out and about yesterday I am in need of a lot of rest. The float baths are full of salt and I naturally absorbed a great deal. Today my mouth tastes vaguely of Thanksgiving gravy.
I catch myself thinking of food often and redirect my thoughts. It has been a great opportunity for mental discipline. I still have dreams about food, but do not feel guilty when I eat in them 🙂
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