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One of the earliest forms of religion, an ancient culture that has preserved its traditions among some peoples to the present day, today, for some reason, has become more popular than ever. What is the reason for this and how to practice shamanism? Tell our French colleagues.
There are more and more books and seminars on shamanism in our civilized world. American and European psychotherapists are trained in this ancient method of healing the body and soul. We offer four exercises to help you connect with the world of the spirits of nature.
Get access to the resources of your unconscious
The essence of all shamanic practices is to change the state of consciousness in order to travel through the world of spirits for healing, strength and guidance. Among the Australian Aborigines, the American Indians, the inhabitants of the Amazon, the Mongols and the peoples of Siberia, the shaman is at the same time a spiritual mentor, a psychotherapist and a link between the communities of people and spirits. Entering a trance under the influence of dance, music, or the use of psychotropic plants, he enters into dialogue with friendly spirits in order to physically and mentally heal members of his community. Shamanic practices are not only the subject of anthropological research; they are attracting more and more Westerners. According to psychoanalyst Bernard-Élie Torgemen, this new rise in interest is due to the growing acceptance of holistic healing techniques.
Altered states of consciousness are the fastest way to access those of our resources that we are not yet aware of.
In the United States, two dozen hospitals have opened complementary medicine centers that use methods based on shamanic practices. In France, doctors working with an altered state of consciousness (for example, hypnosis) have been conducting research in this direction for ten years. Thus, Dr. Gerard Vigneron, who has been practicing hypnosis for more than thirty years, has already acquired a solid experience in shamanism and argues that altered states of consciousness will be increasingly used by Western medicine, because “they are a way to quickly access those of our resources, which we are not yet aware of.” In his opinion, shamanism significantly enriches the field of psychotherapy, bringing into it the spiritual vision of therapeutic assistance.
Reconnect with the forces of nature
Psychoanalyst Bernand-Elie Torgeman is convinced that Freud and spirit allies are not so incompatible: “Both of these paths give preference to knowledge received over knowledge bestowed. I work with memory, with ancestors. I light a candle whose light and hypnotic presence bring to the surface another speech, another consciousness. I have been in psychoanalytic practice for 30 years; since I allowed myself to use my experience as a shaman, my analysis courses have become shorter, like time is cut in half!”
A good shaman is a therapist who knows how to send his patient on a journey, but also knows how to bring him back to the right port.
Nevertheless, Bernard-Elie Torgement reminds of the need to be careful: “I have had too many patients in a state of decompensation after some seminar, so I repeat that a good shaman is a therapist who knows how to send his patient on a journey, but knows how to bring it back to the right port.”
We get sick when we are cut off from our environment. The techniques of shamanism help us find our true place in nature and the cosmos. That is why he seduces more and more townspeople. Shamanism also speaks to us about the time when man felt himself in symbiosis with nature.
It is this energy that Bernard-Elie Torgement seeks to find himself and pass on to his patients: “Through reconnecting with the earth, I reconnected with myself, beyond the ego and social masks.” He recalls that shamanism is first and foremost a tool to regain strength, as the shamans say. A force that no one has the right to take away or apply to another person. Otherwise, it will be a violation of the laws of the universe.
A few safe shamanistic exercises that provide an opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of the familiar world.
Exercises:
1. Praise Mother Earth and Father Sky
Purpose: establish a connection with the earth and sky in order to receive physical and mental recharging. This practice is recommended in cases of mental overheating; it allows you to sharpen the senses and open the spirit and heart.
Practice: Have a few stones ready, a candle, matches, and a bowl of earth or sand if you’re working out indoors. In a quiet place, pile up the stones to represent the Earth (your design should allow you to place a candle in the middle). Act slowly and solemnly. Imagine the globe, nature, feel their beauty. Place a candle in the center of the stones and light it. Fire represents Father Sky. Visualize it, its light, clouds, its immensity. Sit before this altar and address your sacred relatives. Start by thanking them for their gifts, and then speak to them openly, address them with all the requests you deem necessary, and thank them again in parting. Blow out the candle with the words: “In the name of all my relatives, of all mankind.” Lay your hands on the rocks and send thoughts of love and peace.
2. Know your spirit animal
Purpose: meet your spirit ally in the animal kingdom to build your self-confidence. Practice at times when you feel vulnerable, when you need to take on a challenge or overcome an ordeal.
Practice: prepare a candle, a handkerchief and, ideally, a CD with a recording of a shaman drum. In a dark room, light a candle and offer it as an offering in the seven directions (heaven, earth, east, south, north, west and center); then draw an invisible circle around you. Lie down, close your eyes with a handkerchief, relax, breathe deeply for a few minutes. Then visualize a cave (burrow) that you will slip into to enter the animal kingdom. Mentally go and ask your animal spirit to appear. As soon as he appears (accept him, whoever he is, even an ant, even a crocodile!), ask him a question about yourself (my shortcomings, my talents) or about a way to solve some problem and accept his answer. Thank him, then return to your body and to the room. Then thank the seven directions, erase your circle and extinguish the candle.
3. Drink a ray of sunshine
Purpose: restore your life energy by absorbing sunlight. Practice when you feel physically weak, emotionally drained, or discouraged. Regular performance of this exercise brings peace of mind and joy of life.
Practice: at sunset, in nature, or in front of a landscape that inspires and soothes you, turn your face to the sun. Standing position, legs slightly apart, arms lowered along the body, eyes half-closed; imagine a sunbeam touching your lips. Drink it, feeling it like a precious elixir that fills you with energy. Follow its path through your body (body parts, organs, blood, cells) and feel its life-giving effect. You may chant the mantra of your choice (for example, “I am at peace and full of vitality again”).
4. Walk to insight
Purpose: find answers and get advice by putting yourself in a state of receptivity while walking. This modern version of the American Indian’s search for insight can be practiced in nature, but it can also be done in the city and even in your apartment.
Practice: Get a piece of paper and a pencil ready. Be clear about your request and write it down. Relax and focus on your request, repeat it to feel it. Then bring it as a gift to the universe: imagine that you write it on a helium-filled balloon, then release the balloon and watch it rise. Then start walking, slowly, as if you are swimming. Let your step guide you. Entering this state of receptivity, “tune your antennas”: pay attention to what is happening around you while walking – to pictures, sounds, smells – and to what is inside you – thoughts, memories, words … The answer may be given to you through an outward sign (for example, the sign “Dead End” suddenly makes sense to you) or through a certainty that builds up in you and asserts itself as evidence (“You must refuse this offer!”). Then express your gratitude – thank both the universe and yourself.