Shamanic Influence
Shamanism originated in a time when people lived close to nature. They allowed energies of nature and of emotions to flow through the body, creating transformation. Thus shamanism tends to deal with the energy “in the moment,” often in a physically expressive way such as the arts. The ultimate goal of shamanic work is helping the individual, human society, nature and the spirit realm to come back into a state of balance and increased wholeness.
Shamanism is an ancient form of spiritual healing that has been practiced by virtually every culture in the world throughout all of human history. Some people think of it as the origin of all other forms of spiritual expression and energy work. Many people think shamanism is exclusively a Native American tradition, but it is actually found all over the world. In fact, the word shaman comes from the Tungus tribe of Siberia. Shamanic practices are well known in India, Korea, Africa, Britain, and Australia, among many other places. Both men and women throughout the ages have been shamans.
The essential perspective of shamanism is:
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Everything is alive. Everything has spirit and awareness.
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Energy and matter are the same. Everything is vibration. Everything that exists is an energy system within a greater energy system.
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Everything that exists is connected to everything else in a web of energy or life.
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Unseen/inner/spiritual reality affects visible reality.
How my work is influenced by shamanism
And what you can expect in a healing session
While I have some basic training, I would not call myself a shaman or shamanic practitioner. I am, however, influenced by the concepts and practices found in Peruvian Andean shamanism - all of which focus on Love, Service, Wisdom.
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For example, the concept of ayni or sacred reciprocity, has taught me to give, not only take, and offer gratitude for Mother Earth's service to all beings.
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I also believe that everything is alive and has a consciousness and that we can therefore access the living knowledge library or "medicine" of all beings (animals, plants, stones, Mother Earth, etc.) to assist with the healing process.
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As you may know intention is key. Through shamanic (non-religious, spiritual) use of ritual and ceremony, I am able to make my intention more conscious by giving it a physical expression and thereby giving my intention greater power. So you may notice that I will use crystals, sound, smells, smoke, wood and other natural elements with an intention, for example to clear heavy energy and infuse lighter energy.