I have studied shamanism for the past ten years and continue to do so under the guidance of a wise and empowering spiritual teacher. The more I explored shamanism, the more I realised that its principles were my compass for living a wholehearted lifestyle.
The shamanistic approach resonates with me on a deep level and empowers me to live authentically. It’s taken me a long time to reach this realization and to create a lifestyle that integrates everything that I believe about living an authentic life.
What is the Shamanistic Approach?
Shamanism is more of a spiritual practice than a formalized religion and reaches across a wide range of ancestral beliefs. Shamans are spiritual healers and are often referred to in their communities as medicine men or women.
Shamans use various methods to enhance healing and wholeness which can include plants, totem animals, rituals, and storytelling. Shamanism has been around for thousands of years and its roots are found in many religions including Christianity and Buddhism.
Individuals who seek to live a shamanistic lifestyle choose shamanic principles as their guiding tool for living an authentic life. Shamanic practices are practical and are used to create a spiritual connection with all living and non-living beings.
This connection empowers you to live the life you want to live depending on the intentions you set. Creating this kind of relationship lets you connect with a Higher Power you believe in which allows you to experience life as authentically as you choose.
How I Use the Shamanistic Approach to Support Wholehearted Living
The first time I heard of wholehearted living was from the well-known author, Brene Brown. She describes it as cultivating:
Authenticity
Self-compassion
A resilient spirit
Gratitude and joy
Intuition and faith
Creativity
Rest and play
Calm and stillness
Meaningful work
Laugh, song, and dance
The more I explored shamanism, the stronger my conviction became that the shamanic approach was the best way for me to integrate all of the above into my vision of a wholehearted life.
After much introspection on how I want to live my life, I came up with this statement for living a wholehearted life:
“Living an authentic life, nurturing self-compassion, building a resilient spirit, practising gratitude and joy, trusting your intuition, having faith, being creative, integrating playfulness and calmness, and doing meaningful work.”
I consider myself a shamanist (and you won’t find that word anywhere on Google or a dictionary!) and for me, it means:
“A person who embraces the principles of shamanism to live a wholehearted life.”
I use the shamanic principles to guide me on my life path. They ensure that I live in alignment with my Truth and that I live life as wholeheartedly as I possibly can. I work daily on my spiritual connection with all that is around me to support me in my quest to live a full and meaningful life.
The Shamanistic Toolkit: Practical Self-Discovery and Awareness Tools for Wholehearted Living
Connecting Shamanic Principles to Daily Living
My first lesson on shamanism was an introduction to the 7 principles of shamanism according to the esteemed spiritual teacher and healer, Serge Kahlil King. It’s these principles that I embrace daily as I continue my adventure with life:
The world is what you think it is
There are no limitations
Energy flows where attention goes
NOW is the moment of power
Love is to be in joy with something…
All power comes from within
Effectiveness is the measure of truth
When I trained as a New Insights Certified Life Coach in 2016, it didn’t take me long to realise that the life coaching principles also had their roots in shamanism! Through shamanism and life coaching principles, I have built a shamanistic toolkit that’s practical and supports my journey through life.
Interweaving Shamanic Practices and Life Coaching Tools
By interweaving the shamanic practices and life coaching tools, I’m empowered to grow and develop. I use tarot cards as a mirror of myself when journalling or seeking to understand why I react the way I do at times.
I meditate when seeking connection with my spiritual counsel for guidance and wisdom. I use goal setting to act today while acknowledging now is the moment of power. Smudging and moon rituals are my go-to for cleansing and releasing old stories, creating space for the new when I tackle my belief system.
I use gratitude and acts of kindness practices to grow my awareness while tapping into the power that sits within me. My totem animals send me signs as well as other beings of nature while hugging trees regularly restores my mind, body, and soul almost instantly!
Creating a Meaningful Life Through Spiritual Connection
The shamanistic toolkit includes connecting with a Higher Power be it through prayer, rituals, meditation, yoga, painting, or journaling. Having a strong spiritual foundation enables you to find the strength and faith to live a wholehearted life.
A spiritual connection empowers you to:
Have an open heart for loving and showing compassion to others
Think with an open mind and shift limitations that hold you back from living authentically.
Reconnect with your intuition to see the world as it is.
Discover your purpose for a meaningful life.
Flow with creativity that enhances your unique gifts and talents.
See life as an adventure and have fun while you're at it!
Whatever your spiritual belief is, having a connection with an energy or deity is important for wellness and total well-being. The shamanistic approach allowed me to explore my spirituality and to find a connection that supports my well-being daily.
What the Shamanistic Approach Has Done For Me
Many individuals associate with shamanism with evil practices or beliefs. It’s not unusual for someone to ask me if I’m going to bring out the voodoo dolls whenever I suggest doing a ritual!
However, the shamanistic approach has given me the practices and tools that allow me to grow and develop into a better person.
Shamanism reopened my mind to a whole new world of possibilities. It restored my faith in a Higher Power, gave me direction and focus on my life path, and helped me to find the courage to use my unique gifts.
I now offer self-discovery retreats that include The Shamanistic Toolkit workshop for individuals seeking a path to wholehearted living.
Final Thoughts
The shamanistic approach is the blueprint I needed to create, live, and maintain a wholehearted life. Most of all, it brought back the magic and awe of the world around me (seeing and non-seeing) that I had as a child.
The shamanistic approach is a powerful and empowering way to manage modern-day stressors and restore total well-being in an uncertain world. Read more about it here and discover how it can restore your mind, body, and soul wellness.
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