Shamanism

Essay for Doctor of Shamanism Course Requirement:

Guidance in any spiritual awareness for a group must first begin with the individual. Spiritual guidance is the most important of all paths a person may choose. If a person does not know him/herself then they cannot show others trails of discovery. All trails of discovery begin with introspection and exploration of the individual. For success in any endeavor, but especially in the realm of spirituality, honesty is the basic premise for realization.

For anyone to delve into retrospection they must first prepare themselves by looking within. For many, and especially for one with any life experience at all, this is a frightening prospect, and it should be. We go through life with a view of ourselves that comes from many opinions. Some are seen through the eyes and reactions of others, and some are view based on our preconceptions of ourselves. The easiest path to select is the one in which we deceive ourselves with showing only one side of the coin. But, the only way to achieve realization is through an honest approach that explores each facet of our existence. The importance of self-realization is based on a clear look at whom and what we are. One avenue to tread is to reach outside of ourselves and see us as others view our actions.

Viewing actions is the true way to analyze our behavior. Only through actions can we really judge our motivations, for one large aspect of self-deception is rationalization. The best intentions that end up hurting someone is still hurting someone, and thus we should not look at why something happened, but rather what did happen. When there is time our actions should result from analyzing our choices and selecting the one most appropriate. However, much in life does not allow us time for these retrospections. Thus, decisions should be based on prior thought and ethical guidelines.

How do others see our behavior and actions? This should be one of our guiding principles as we interact with others. Yes, there are times, and should be, when others may not understand why we do things and we must live with the consequences. But, in all things our actions should reflect an ethical and honest lifestyle.

Guiding others through a spiritual path is the most important endeavor we can attempt. To do this we must first know where we are going. This is true no matter the path we take or the way we journey. Thus, the honesty of self is first necessary before we can show others the honesty of themselves.

To guide necessitates trust, and trust is based on honest and integrity. Rules are necessary so that the guided will know what to expect and are a way to show that the guider can be trusted. Once trust is lost then it can never be regained the same way. Ethical guidelines are necessary and fundamental, along with a clear description and answering all the questions a person has, before the guidance can begin. Do not expect instant trust based on titles or who you are. Trust is earned, one small step at a time, and explaining what will occur, or may occur, is the only way to gain it. Sometimes rituals will seem disconcerting to a novice, and these are the times when patience, honesty, and clearly stating expectations are paramount to build trust and allow the individuals to learn of their self. Anytime a journey is taken both the guide and the guider will learn more of what they are, and who they are. This is the most exciting thing about spirituality and spiritual guidance, the constant discovery that accompanies it.

Many people get stuck on nouns, or names of things. This is especially true of spiritual journeys and discoveries. But, most of the time a little explanation will cure any reservations a person may have. Explaining both the ritual and expectations will take a lot of the fear and tension from the experience. And once a journey is made a person will also continue to journey, unless the experience was detrimental and then the person will be deprived of the most important lesson of their self. Thus, the first concern of a spirit guide is to educate the person they will be with. As with other journeys, once a teacher begins to teach they learn more also. This is the exciting aspect of our profession, and the reason most of us are here, to learn more and more about ourselves and others.

Shamanism is one way of discovering more of self. The rituals help focus the mind, show the way to enlightenment, and self awareness grows. Each person will find a path that works best for them, for as no two people are the same so are no two paths the same. Another important lesson to remember is that there is no one right way, only successful ways to learn right.

Thank you for the opportunity for this course. I have learned a lot and expect to continue to grow spiritually, and become a better person for others as I continue. I have enjoyed this experience and look forward to the future, learning of myself and helping others learn of their selves.

Prepared for the final requirement for the Doctor of Shamanism Course at ULCS:

Rev. David A Woods

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