BY MEN FOR MEN
What Is Shamanism And Why Do I Do It?
by BREMS
Shamanism is an ancient and time-tested method to connect a man or woman to their core self, and keep them walking their true path. It does this by shifting their normal waking awareness into a deeper consciousness where the effects of unhealthy thoughts and emotions becomes obvious, as well as the pain and suffering that those patterns cause. In that state, the soul can also clearly see a path to greater potential, opportunity, freedom, and love.
By definition, shamanism's primary tool is the shifting of consciousness, whether by chanting, drumming, dancing, or more traditionally with the use of medicinal plants. Just as the Men's Weekend reconnects us to ancient wisdom, shamanism can be traced historically as the first spiritual practice of indigenous people on every continent. In fact, "shamanism" is a term that has been adopted only recently by the academic world, to label a practice that is so imbedded in the life of indigenous people, it has no formal name. The word itself is derived from the Siberian term "saman," meaning "one who knows."
Shamanism's main purpose is to balance the mind, heart, body and spirit, and is widely accepted as the root of what we know today as modern medicine. It's no mistake that most of our present-day pharmaceuticals are derived from plants. The ancient symbol associated with medicine is the caduceus - two intertwined serpents spiraling around a staff - the perfect representation of the both the sacred ayahuasca vine and the DNA helix.
As an ancient spiritual practice, historians recognize that shamanism is also the root of all religion, defining a community's relationship to the land, sea, sky, and stars. But historians are only starting to accept that the use of mind-altering plants is responsible for the emergence of language and symbolic thought, which led to the birth of the visual arts, music, literature, toolmaking, and all that follows.
The roots of science are also in shamanism. The western scientific obsession with deconstructing reality doesn't concern shamanism too much. It sidesteps the whole materialistic trap by focusing on the relationship between things. Without "something" being in relation to "something" else, reality would not exist. Quantum physics has discovered there is no way to interact with a particle of matter without changing its behavior and identity. By reason, the quality of all things is defined by the nature of their relationships. So it's fair to say that shamanism long ago laid the foundation for quantum physics.
But aside from being central to the emergence of humankind's self-awareness, higher thought, culture and technology, what does shamanism mean to me personally? Over time, it's revealed everything I need to know about myself. But the lesson that shifted my core was this: I am nothing except in relation to others. When my only coach, cheerleader and fans are myself, then my context is very small and my growth is crippled. But when surrounded by a shamanic community that understands how to navigate true transformation together, my body dances, my mind opens, my heart sings, and my spirit soars.
Through shamanic ceremony I have explored psychic spaces that are as tangible as everyday reality. I have learned how to be aware of my presence in those spaces, and to practice respect for the journey of each individual I encounter there. I've learned to ask permission before involving myself in the process of any other, listening carefully for the answer, and not taking it personally if I am declined. I have been invited into the deepest journey of another, and discovered how to follow their lead as they forge a path through their own spiritual landscape. I've found that intimate dialog after the ceremony is dense with content and is crucial to integrating the lessons into my life. I've accepted that whether I like it or not, others can see my naked, vulnerable self, teaching me the beauty and perfection of humility. I have learned how to truly open my heart, and to navigate the breathtaking, delicate and vast ocean of love. I have stumbled into a bottomless well of compassion for the difficult journeys of others. I have learned that nothing of importance is ever created in a vacuum, and that all true value comes when experience is shared. I have deeper friendships than I everthought possible, and have laughed deeply at some of the wickedest inside jokes ever imagined. By absolute grace I have been blessed to share my life with a woman who is in her fullest glory in journey space, and who reveals her higher self to me and all her relations.
But the deepest lesson I have learned is this: All reality is a field of play that springs from pure imagination. I'm still integrating that one. And that's why I do shamanism.
By definition, shamanism's primary tool is the shifting of consciousness, whether by chanting, drumming, dancing, or more traditionally with the use of medicinal plants. Just as the Men's Weekend reconnects us to ancient wisdom, shamanism can be traced historically as the first spiritual practice of indigenous people on every continent. In fact, "shamanism" is a term that has been adopted only recently by the academic world, to label a practice that is so imbedded in the life of indigenous people, it has no formal name. The word itself is derived from the Siberian term "saman," meaning "one who knows."
Shamanism's main purpose is to balance the mind, heart, body and spirit, and is widely accepted as the root of what we know today as modern medicine. It's no mistake that most of our present-day pharmaceuticals are derived from plants. The ancient symbol associated with medicine is the caduceus - two intertwined serpents spiraling around a staff - the perfect representation of the both the sacred ayahuasca vine and the DNA helix.
As an ancient spiritual practice, historians recognize that shamanism is also the root of all religion, defining a community's relationship to the land, sea, sky, and stars. But historians are only starting to accept that the use of mind-altering plants is responsible for the emergence of language and symbolic thought, which led to the birth of the visual arts, music, literature, toolmaking, and all that follows.
The roots of science are also in shamanism. The western scientific obsession with deconstructing reality doesn't concern shamanism too much. It sidesteps the whole materialistic trap by focusing on the relationship between things. Without "something" being in relation to "something" else, reality would not exist. Quantum physics has discovered there is no way to interact with a particle of matter without changing its behavior and identity. By reason, the quality of all things is defined by the nature of their relationships. So it's fair to say that shamanism long ago laid the foundation for quantum physics.
But aside from being central to the emergence of humankind's self-awareness, higher thought, culture and technology, what does shamanism mean to me personally? Over time, it's revealed everything I need to know about myself. But the lesson that shifted my core was this: I am nothing except in relation to others. When my only coach, cheerleader and fans are myself, then my context is very small and my growth is crippled. But when surrounded by a shamanic community that understands how to navigate true transformation together, my body dances, my mind opens, my heart sings, and my spirit soars.
Through shamanic ceremony I have explored psychic spaces that are as tangible as everyday reality. I have learned how to be aware of my presence in those spaces, and to practice respect for the journey of each individual I encounter there. I've learned to ask permission before involving myself in the process of any other, listening carefully for the answer, and not taking it personally if I am declined. I have been invited into the deepest journey of another, and discovered how to follow their lead as they forge a path through their own spiritual landscape. I've found that intimate dialog after the ceremony is dense with content and is crucial to integrating the lessons into my life. I've accepted that whether I like it or not, others can see my naked, vulnerable self, teaching me the beauty and perfection of humility. I have learned how to truly open my heart, and to navigate the breathtaking, delicate and vast ocean of love. I have stumbled into a bottomless well of compassion for the difficult journeys of others. I have learned that nothing of importance is ever created in a vacuum, and that all true value comes when experience is shared. I have deeper friendships than I everthought possible, and have laughed deeply at some of the wickedest inside jokes ever imagined. By absolute grace I have been blessed to share my life with a woman who is in her fullest glory in journey space, and who reveals her higher self to me and all her relations.
But the deepest lesson I have learned is this: All reality is a field of play that springs from pure imagination. I'm still integrating that one. And that's why I do shamanism.
