your health ...

[SilverClaw]

As with most things I have come across in my path, my health has been an issue and I know to pursue some of the paths laid before me I have need to be as balanced as possible with my health. It has been a hindrance at times and it is something I am always trying to work on.

So my question is, is your health important when you are exploring Shamanism and journeying? I recall being told that yes it is important so now I ask for your opinions. :)

[Simply Puzzled]

So my question is, is your health important when you are exploring Shamanism and journeying? I recall being told that yes it is important so now I ask for your opinions. :)

First of all, I have a new favorite book "The China Study". If you are interested at all in health, you should definitely check it out.

Secondly, a minimum level of physical health is necessary for shamanism as with all magical paths. If you can't do a little dancing for 10 minutes without getting winded or you can't lie still for a while without being uncomfortable, it's time to start a good exercise program. I think any effort you put into exercise and eating right is going to ultimately going pay off though. You'll feel better, which will allow you to continue the work, you'll have a sharper mind, and you'll add years to your practice.

Even more important than physical health to "traditional shamanism" though is mental health. When shamans are torn apart and put back together, the spirits leave out a piece. They leave out a piece that separates the person from the rest of the world. Most of us here, myself included, purposefully put up shields because it's the only way we can function in the world. I'll be honest: without my shields, I'm screwed. Yet shamans have to function in a world where spirits enter and leave them at will. Many shamans can't even go for a walk without spirit helpers ready to defend them against attacks that the average person can just shrug off. Shamans are at once madmen and the sanest person in the tribe. They have to have incredible egos to maintain a sense of selfhood, but be humble enough to serve every member of their community. They must live with the constant dangers of the otherworld, but they must also grow crops or build canoes. They don't just walk between the worlds: they live on the boundary line. They live in the world that just glimpsing through a little too much of a drug can drive a man insane. It's something that very, very few people can do.

Nice place to visit, but I know I wouldn't wanna live there.

[SilverClaw]

Secondly, a minimum level of physical health is necessary for shamanism as with all magical paths. If you can't do a little dancing for 10 minutes without getting winded or you can't lie still for a while without being uncomfortable, it's time to start a good exercise program Well my issues deal have little to do with being winded it has to deal with other issues :)


Even more important than physical health to "traditional shamanism" though is mental health. When shamans are torn apart and put back together, the spirits leave out a piece. They leave out a piece that separates the person from the rest of the world. Most of us here, myself included, purposefully put up shields because it's the only way we can function in the world. I'll be honest: without my shields, I'm screwed. . That is what I was also thinking about, my mental health has not been balanced in along time well actually if ever. I am at a point of healing right now and alot of transitions.... And when it comes to sheilding there were days I could not do it. When I traveled it was hard to stay grounded and such, that is why I stopped at the time journeying and pursuing learning about Shamanism .


Well hmmm I know what I must do now :)

[Shanti]

My health never mattered as I was born with my stuff and have never known anything else. :)

[ShamanFeather]

I've always had health problems. granted I can do every thing off and on. its respitory generally that gets me. and as far as mental goes, I try to use my psychology background and read more about that to help. I try to use behavior modification techniques when needed. herbals supplements to help me keep balanced. and other energetic measures to try to further balance myself. I think largely my obstacles are also teaching experiences to me. even if it doesn't always make it any easier.

[SilverClaw]

I think largely my obstacles are also teaching experiences to me. even if it doesn't always make it any easier. That is how I have felt about my own situation to :)

[Whitewolf]

Yes, my health is important. I learn from the obstacles I deal with in my life, even if they aren't accomplished easily.