An upsurge in western Shamanism
In recent years there has been increasing interest in shamanism, shamanic healing and Earth or nature based spirituality in the western world. Why is this?
There has definitely been an acknowledgement that nature helps us to feel well, that being outside in the ‘green’ is good for our mental health. Is our exploration of the Elements and ‘pure science’ of our life showing a need for something more, something deeper? We are certainly looking for something - happiness? the answer to life? the holy grail? Do we even know? Or are we just compelled forward?
In my experience, we seem to be searching for peace, that sense of calm within the body. The feeling that we have ticked all of our boxes, that we are safe, secure, and we can finally relax. Sometimes we have to leave our lives to find this - go on a ‘holiday’ to another country, to wear different clothes, and even take on a different persona - things we would ‘never do at home’.
Strange when you think of it like this - that we have needs that we feel must be met before we can relax and that we can’t do this in our ‘every day lives’. Yet, this is what I feel we are searching for - this sense of security, safety and peace. It can mean many things to each of us but we will all have our own boxes that need ticked - “I can’t relax until …”
And why don’t we have this in our own lives as they are now? Are we so removed from being part of nature that we have forgotten to bring it into our lives and work? Perhaps by integrating with the rhythms of nature we can live every day in a natural peace and flow, we can rewrite our business plans and forecasting to go with this flow. Thus removing the need for taking time away to reconnect - but by living in a consistent state of connection.
As more of us are learning about and reconnecting with the old ways, and embracing the natural intelligence of life, we are realising that security and peace are found through this connection, through appreciation of our planet and stepping forward with integrity.