Shamanism has been a huge component of my healing process. However, I've found so far that it is not enough to calm the torrent of thoughts that cloud my mind. I need mindfulness, meditation, and presence practices to do that.
I've been reading and re-reading Eckhart Tolle lately. A New Earth is my new bible. I credit his teachings on presence and dissolving the pain body for pulling me out of my whirlpool sadness.
Most days I meditate 30 minutes twice a day using the vipassana technique.
Despite the awesome experiences I've had over the past year, I've have little to no interest in the spirit world.
First of all, connecting with the invisible realms takes me out of working on myself. I can always connect with the spirits later in my life, after I'm in a good place.
Secondly, I realize now that having "special" experiences doesn't equate to being healed. In fact, such experiences easily engage the ego, keeping one from focusing on the serious work of cultivating inner peace and true healing.
Thirdly, my relationship with the spirit world has changed. I no longer put all my attention and energy on it. I know that I can't rely on the spirit world for everything. I need to be balanced as well.
Ultimately, my mind, body, and spirit is my responsibility.
