The Inner Shaman is part of our humanity. To encounter them and discover what they know is not reserved for some special brand of human being. They are as down to earth as you can get whilst remaining connected to the stars. They walk the bridge between how we imagine life to be and how it actually is. And discovering them is a matter of choice, practice, determination and often, humour.
‘Consciousness is only possible through change; change is only possible through movement.’
- Aldous Huxley
This first week will lay the ground for the 6 weeks ahead and introduce you to the Movement Medicine practices and key concepts that will keep your practice grounded and embodied. You will be asked to assess where you are in different areas of your life and make your commitment contract for the 6 week course.. You will meet your practice buddy and your support circle, and we will lay strong foundations for the journey ahead.
‘A ritual is the enactment of a myth. And since myth is a projection of the depth wisdom of the psyche, by participating in a ritual, your consciousness is being reminded of the wisdom of your own life.’
- Joseph Campbell
Week two focuses on the purpose and safe set up for ritual. We will learn about the imaginal realm and how powerful this can be, and we will learn about and practice the 9 steps of ritual. We will cover some of the history of shamanic practice and the effect this has had on the integrity and balance of our connection to the imaginal realm. Our purpose is to learn to trust ourselves alongside using doubt as a positive tool to further our studies.
‘All theory dear friend, is grey. But the golden Tree of Life springs evergreen.’
- Goethe
In week three, our focus shifts to the Tree of Life and the Universal shamanic principle of the three worlds. How do we relate to this story in the modern world and how can it help us to let our imagine fly with our feet firmly on the ground? We will study how the roots and the branches can only be connected through the trunk (the heart) and we will learn that as Gabrielle Roth said: ‘The only way out is through.’ Warning: if you enjoy a little spiritual bypassing, this is going to challenge you.
‘Power can be taken but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment itself.’
- Gloria Steinem
Week four brings us into connection with what we call the Unbroken. That part of nature, of universal intelligence, that part of us that doesn’t need fixing – only the grace of listening and learning from it. It appears in our elemental natures and reminds us what we are actually made from. Our focus then will be on resourcing and reciprocity. We don’t go to the elemental powers of nature on our knees but standing up in who we are, in our hearts, giving thanks alongside asking for guidance.
‘I have fallen in love with the imagination. And if you fall in love with the imagination, you understand that it is a free spirit. It will go anywhere and it can do anything.’
- Alice Walker
In week five, our focus is on meeting the archetypal force of the Inner Shaman. Built on the carefully constructed foundation of the previous 4 weeks, we will deepen our practice, and invoke this powerful archetypal ally and enter into an ever-evolving dialogue with them. This encounter is on the one hand a simple, everyday meeting. On the other hand, it may change your perception of who you are and what is possible in your life. The Inner Shaman is on fire with love for life. They are grounded, fluid and spacious. They recognise that things of value take time to create and they recognise that creation is destruction’s twin (i.e. to plant a garden, you’ve got to clear the weeds). And maybe most poignantly, they are in touch with the great teacher and guide known as ‘benevolent death.’
‘The Inner Shaman knows who you are and what that life force that’s beating your heart right now is capable of. And they know that the life of future generations is in all of our hands. They grieve for what we’ve lost, but they remain full of gratitude for the strong-hearted and courageous dreams of what we yet might create.’
- Ya’Acov Darling Khan – Shaman
Week six is where we bring all the elements of the course together, assess what we have learned, and turn our focus towards the road ahead. How might the Inner Shaman be an ally in all areas of your life: health, embodiment, ritual and dreaming, relationship and of course, your contribution to the world? What might be your next steps on the path?
In honour of your learning journey, you'll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the workshop.
Encounter is Part One of a Four Part Series.
