Why do shamanic journeys?

What are shamanic journeys? Where did journeying come from?

In the worldview of shamanism, every thing and every living being on our planet has a spirit. Shamanic journeying is a practice developed before recorded history for humans to connect with and learn from the spirit world.

Receiving accurate and valid information and acting on it meant survival in those harsh times. In turn humans learned to offer respect to the spirits who helped them by creating ceremonies, dances, works of art, rituals and offerings to honor them.

Why ask the spirits for help?

The compassionate helping spirits who work with humans have access to a much wider perspective on our lives and everything that has happened, is happening and will happen. They understand and witness the amazing and constantly shifting web of life and energy that connects all beings.

The spirits are always with us and they have always been with us, waiting for us to ask for their help. Journeys tap into this wellspring of compassionate spiritual information that is freely shared with us out of a wish to be of service. The well of spiritual information and guidance never run dry! There is constant revelation of new finely tuned information for those who ask.

Why learn to journey?

Journeys are still relevant to our lives now, many tens of thousands of years after the first person discovered they could connect to the spirit world.

We no longer fear as much for our physical safety and survival. Yet, even as we have access to medical care and miracle drugs, smart phones, comfortable and reliable heating and cooling of our homes, a stable food supply, easy transportation and communication, we face challenges in our individual lives and our collective societies undreamed of by the first shamans who painted on torch-lit cave walls.

We can use the time honored practice of shamanic journeying to ask the spirits for help with our current personal challenges; our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health, our relationships, families, children, our jobs, life decisions large and small…

We can also journey for practical information about how we can help in reweaving the web of life – healing the larger challenges of our planet – environmental problems, economic troubles, widespread poverty, epidemics, pollution, violence…

How can journeying help me? Several stories…

Practical advice

I was having a hard time deciding on how to organize one of my longer classes. Fresh new ideas and inspirations were needed to make my class more interesting. In a journey, I asked for a sign from nature. The next day on my walk in the woods there was an huge spider web lit by the morning sun. I knew in my body and heart that was my sign! It showed me how to organize my class in an effective way that had never occurred to me.

Shift in perspective on the everyday dilemmas of life:

When you can’t figure something out from your normal daily perspective, the spirits can show you another way to look at things. A client asked about her difficult relationship with her daughter-in-law. She was shown some information that helped her understand the younger woman better and allowed her to create a more fulfilling and peaceful connection with her.

Spiritual messages can that help shift your focus.

C had been diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer. She was having a hard time with her diagnosis and the treatments were making her sick. Then she received a message from spirit that came through in a journey– “Your soul is indestructible.” That message changed everything for her. She was able to carry on while maintaining a sense of peace and acceptance about the truth of her situation, knowing she was so much more than her body.

Healing Energy

When I journey with an intention of healing for others, my spirit helpers often fill the physical body and aura with divine light and beautiful rainbow colors. I see and feel this beautiful light and color filling every cell and energy particle of my client. There is no effort involved. I simply ask and the person on the table receives. This healing energy can shift a person’s mood and thinking to a more peaceful place, helping them feel calmer and more centered. The journeys end with thanks to those spirits and helpers who have worked with my client and me.

When you connect to the spirit world from the heart with sincerity and integrity and ask respectfully for help you will receive advice, guidance, insights, and healing. – It won’t necessarily be what you expect, but it will be finely tuned to your needs and your level of understanding right now.

Your first energy healing session – What to expect

Getting to know each other

So, you’ve decided to try energy healing…  Maybe you want to calm anxious thoughts, relieve stress, ease insomnia,  receive support for grief… Whatever your reason for coming, you are welcome here!

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Welcome to my healing room!

When you come for your first energy healing session, we get to know each other a bit, and discuss your intentions for health and healing.  We zero in on your goals for this first session in particular.   I ask about any concerns you have, any history you would like to share with me about your health- emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual.

Feel free to ask me anything about myself if you like.  If you’ve never had energy healing, I’ll describe the process in as much detail as you want.

Remember, its normal to feel nervous before receiving energy healing for the first time!

Your comfort is important!

When you feel ready to begin, I’ll have you take off your shoes and lay on your back on the massage table, fully clothed. If you feel chilly, there are plenty of warm blankets nearby, and you can have a bolster under your knees for comfort. You can choose to use the grounding pad if you like. Soft and peaceful music plays in the background.

Permission to touch

Before we begin, I ask for your permission to touch you. If you prefer not to be touched, I can do the energy healing work  off the body, in your energy field. Of course, distance or remote healing is always an option as well if that serves your needs better. (For this post, I’ll describe the session as though you are here in person)

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Photo courtesy of ABMP

To begin

The session begins with me gently holding your shoulders (if you have given permission to touch). In this way, I tune my awareness to your subtle energy.

While holding your shoulders, I also  ground myself and align with source energy, bringing myself fully into the present moment.

Energy assessment

Next, using my pendulum, I check your major chakras, from your root chakra at the base of the spine to your crown at the top of your head. The assessment lets me know which chakras are spinning properly and which seem sluggish or blocked. This is valuable information regarding your energetic health.

Then, using the palms of my hands, sometimes inches and sometimes more than a foot from your body, I scan your aura, also called your energy field, from head to toe. I may sense areas of heat or coolness, dense energy, a tingling, a prickliness, or lack of energy flow…an energy spike…

Communicating

During the session if you feel any discomfort, have a question or an insight, please let me know.  The healing techniques can be adjusted if needed. I may have a question for you as well..

Relaxing

It’s natural to feel yourself beginning to relax as the session gets underway.  If relaxation is difficult for you, don’t worry.  Its a skill you can learn over time as you continue to receive healing sessions.

As you relax, I gently balance and harmonize your chakras and clear your energy field with my hands.  My intuition guides me to the areas that need attention and the techniques that will be most helpful for you.

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Photo courtesy of ABMP

Your experience

Each person experiences energy healing differently. You may feel energy moving through your limbs and body, a tingling, a bubbliness, slight feelings of pressure.  You might see colors and even have a spiritual experience.

You might feel a need to make sounds or express a truth you’ve kept in for a long time. You may cough sneeze or yawn a few times. Your stomach may gurgle… It is all energy moving!

Emotional release

You may also experience an emotional release while on the table. This is a natural and vital part of the healing process!

This may be something you’ve been holding onto for a long time and the time is right for release. It’s important that you feel safe to experience and release emotions as part of your healing process.

Ending the session

After the energy healing, I check your chakras and aura again to make sure your energy is open and flowing.  Then I gently smooth your lower legs and feet, grounding you  and bringing you back into the here and now.  You hear a singing bowl chime to end the session.

You can slowly begin wiggling fingers and toes, gently stretching your body as you need to, and sitting up. If you like, I can smooth your back and shoulders before you step down from the table.

Now is a time for sharing our mutual experience.  If you want to talk about the session and what you felt and saw you can do that now.  I also let you know what I discovered during the session.  There may be some homework and guidance for self care.

What to expect after the session

Its normal to feel calmer and more relaxed after your session.  You may feel lighter and more energetic as well.

In the following days

One possible side effect of your first energy session may be what is called a “healing crisis”.  Energy work can release toxins into your blood stream to be cleared away.

If the bloodstream gets overloaded, you may feel a bit under the weather for a day or two as the toxins clear out.  Drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest will help. Once again, this is part of the healing process.

You may also experience further emotional release in the days to come. This is normal and healthy! Sitting in meditation and allowing the feelings to come up can be helpful.

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photo courtesy of ABMP

The healing continues

Be gentle and kind with yourself.  The healing continues long after your session ends.  If you need extra support and care, we can do further energy work.  If you’re in crisis, weekly or twice a month energy healing might be needed until you’re feeling stabilized again.

Also please consider seeing your therapist or counselor if you need help processing your emotions. Visiting with a trusted friend can also help as you heal in mind, body, emotions, and spirit.

Energy healing is an unfolding process.  The healing begins within your heart and mind as you set the intention to improve your health and well-being.

Sincerely,

Betty

What integrative healing topics would you like to hear more about?  I’d love to read your comments!