By MARY STOFFEL

We are living in challenging times; perhaps the most challenging in thousands of years. We can feel overwhelmed by life in general and problems can seem insurmountable. Many are seeking answers through exploration into various spiritual practices that traditionally have offered knowledge and healing from the realms of non-ordinary reality. This spirit realm can provide information not available through purely logical means.

Many people in our culture experience varying degrees of chronic depression and illness, addiction, dissociation, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or just plain chronic bad luck. However, few of us would attribute these symptoms to spiritual imbalance or disharmony caused by traumatic or painful events. Left unresolved, this wounding of our life-force or spirit may lead to mental, emotional, and/or physical illness. I know this from personal experience as my introduction to shamanic healing was literally a life-changing event. As my wounded spirit became whole and vibrant my life reflected a sense of increased harmony and general well-being. Life became worth living again – even better, it became fun and fulfilling, with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Shamanism has been practiced for thousands of years, and it can be used now to address the practical problems we all face in our daily lives. Problems like not having enough money to pay our bills, much less save for college or retirement. Problems like career decisions, moving or relocating, and personal relationship issues. Major life changes of marriage, starting a family, and dissolving a relationship can cause anyone to question their judgment and feel powerless. And then there are health conditions that can be challenging or incapacitating. These are the types of situations that all of us deal with constantly. With shamanism, we can know that we are not alone; that help and advice are available for the asking and that we can regain the confidence and the power to control our fortunes and our destinies.

Many of us are also confused about our purpose for being here at all. We feel that we are supposed to be doing something but don’t have a clue what that is. We may have questions about our spiritual path and can’t tell if we are on the right track. How do we know our mission? And how can this ancient spiritual practice really help us find our way?

Let me be clear: shamanism does not take the place of professional help. In fact, it often works best when used in conjunction with modern accepted therapies such as psychotherapy, counseling, hypnotherapy, and medical practice, to name a few. Shamanism adds the spiritual dimension of healing, restoring balance, harmony and a feeling of empowerment. It provides insight and guidance when making decisions or planning a course of action. It helps us see how we are connected and dispels our feelings of isolation.

Here are just a few life situations and issues that can be resolved using shamanic journeying techniques:

· Relationships

o Example: A new person has come into my life. How do I know if this relationship is one I want to pursue? You can journey to ask what you need to know about this relationship. Is there anything you need to be aware of? How can you proceed safely and confidently?

o Example: I am getting divorced after several years with the same partner. How can I cope with feelings of fear and insecurity? You can journey to ask a helping spirit such as a power animal or teacher to come to support you and guide you through the process.

o Example: I have recently dissolved a relationship/marriage and bear the emotional scars to prove it. I feel that I am ready to move on now but I cannot let go of the feelings of anger/bitterness/hate/regret, etc. Your helping spirits can help you heal and restore your sense of peace and serenity.

o Example: My child is experiencing behavioral issues in school and is having trouble with peer relationships. What can I do? I feel so helpless. The power of shamanic journeying can show you ways to help both your child and yourself.

o Example: I have aging parents and I’m trying to do what’s best for them, even when they resist my efforts. How can I respect their wishes, work within the social system, keep them safe and secure, and keep myself sane in the process? Your helping spirits are eager to support and guide you in every way. All you have to do is ask!

· Finances

o Example: I have lost my job and have been unable to find work. I’ve tried the traditional methods for getting a job but nothing is happening. Where do I go from here? You can journey to find a helping spirit, either a power animal or teacher, who will give you insights on new ways to market yourself. You can even keep journeying to ask “OK, now what is my next step?”

o Example: I have steady income at this time but it just doesn’t go far enough. How can I pay my bills, save for retirement or college, AND still manage to have a life? The spirits can help with resource allocation or by helping you find new sources of income. Journey to ask for information to determine what fits your situation the best.

o Example: My finances are in dire straits. There are many agencies, companies, and organizations that help people get out of debt and back on track. How do I know which is the best for me and my circumstances? How can I make the best decision on how to proceed? It is important to research each option through conventional means, but there is also an emotional/spiritual aspect to consider. Work with your helping spirits continually to ensure that you are on the right track.

o Example: I have lost the job I held for many years and that career path is now out-of-date. I must go back to school or get further training to be competitive in the job market. How do I know where to go and what new career to pursue? In addition to using the resources provided for unemployment career counseling, you can journey to your helping spirits to discover what work would make you feel happy, fulfilled and valued.

o Example: I am thinking of starting my own business. I’ve done a lot of research but still have fears and reservations about going out on my own. How do I know if this is the right thing to do? Journey, journey, and journey some more to ask for support, help and guidance.

· Health

o Example: I have had a health condition for years that never seems to get any better, no matter what protocol I follow. There may be an emotional or spiritual imbalance affecting this condition that needs to be addressed or brought into harmony. Journey to your helping spirits to ask what issue, memory, belief system or incident is affecting your ability to heal and how you need to resolve it.

o Example: I am carrying excess weight, which is affecting my health and self-esteem. I’ve tried many diets and eating programs but always seem to sabotage any progress I’ve made. What is causing this and what can I do about it? You can journey to your power animal or teacher to ask what the underlying cause is for the extra weight. What are the practical steps you can take to change your approach to reaching your health goals?

· Life Mission

o Example: I have a good family life, adequate income, and work that I enjoy, but something is missing and I don’t know what it is. I feel that I’m supposed to be doing something more, contributing in some way, but have no clue how to figure it out. You can journey to your helping spirits to ask for signs that you are on the right path. You can also ask that opportunities to learn about spirituality be made available to you.

These are just a few examples of how using the guiding and healing techniques of shamanism can restore balance and harmony to our lives, with peace, serenity and confidence. It re-affirms that we can determine what is best for us and helps us achieve it.

In ordinary reality, to empower someone is to give them the authority to do something. In shamanic terms, the concept of empowerment is giving an individual the means to access their own spiritual guidance with the aid of compassionate, helping spirits. Whatever it is you seek, whether information, healing, guidance or the development of your own spirituality, the practice of shamanism gives you the power to fulfill that need for yourself. You no longer require an intermediary to tell you what to do or how to interpret the answers you receive. When you are consistent in your shamanic practice and you have established a relationship with your power animal or teacher, you can rely on the guidance you are given. Empowerment also implies the responsibility to act on the information and guidance you are given from the spirits. They are here to help but only you can effect change in your life by taking back your power and applying it. Remember, when you tap into the realm of non-ordinary reality, all answers are available to you when you practice consistently and learn the language of that reality.

This information is excerpted from Mary Stoffel’s new book The Practical Power of Shamanism: Heal Your Life, Loves and Losses available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Mary’s website www.humanimal.com. For more information contact Mary at 763-444-8146 and  mlstoffel@innovatord.com