Journeying

A couple months ago a family friend offered to host Shamanic Journeying at her house once a month.  I had heard and read about Shamanic Journeying before, but had never actually journeyed myself.  It always sounded very intriguing to me so I thought I should give it a try.

The name alone, SHAMANIC JOURNEYING, I'm sure conjures up quite the images for some people.  You might as well add this to the list of things that the people in our town think we do is weird.  Shamanic Journeying is basically meditation with a twist.  While in meditation you are clearing the mind, Shamanic Journeying is a tool to help you internally reach different worlds.  In the physical world things can be crazy, hectic, deceitful, confusing.  By allowing the mind and spirit to focus on something other than this world, I was able to connect with safer, calmer, more beautiful worlds.  This sounds too out there for many, but the way I see it is, if this allows me a safe haven to release, connect or find answers to things that typically cause stress, tension and negativity then why not do it?

I would rather find peace through Shamanic Journeying then do what too many people do, which is numb all their emotions through drugs and alcohol.  The odd thing is, most people find Shamanic Journeying scary or unnatural, but they find nothing wrong with drinking themselves into a stupor.  Seriously, think about all the things society deems to be normal and will turn around and view those that don't follow the norm as eccentric.  My favorite example being, we are the only species to consume another species milk and I'm weird because I think it's unnatural to drink something meant for a baby cow.  Oooookay, but I digress and will get back on topic.

Shamanic Journeying has given me an outlet to question things in a more pleasant environment.  The journeying process is an internal one that is a unique experience for each individual.   This doesn't mean you have to go full steam ahead and do every little thing suggested in journeying.  What it does mean is that you can start out slow, give it a try and use what works for you.  For anyone interested in learning more about it, check out Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide by Sandra Ingerman.  For me, I'll continue my journeying experience to create a happier and healthier me, while the rest of the "normal" world stresses out into their drug induced coma.

Getting Real

Everyone has their pet peeves, mine are the words hate and need.  I admit I fall into the trap sometimes and utter those words that elicit the shudder that runs down my spine as if nails were scraping across a chalkboard.  On those few occasions that I slip back into the narcissism that so many are afflicted with, I quickly remind myself that it's not necessary to use the words hate and need as the verbs in my sentences.  Instilling a better choice of words in my children is extremely important to me.  The girls have gotten good at correcting themselves when they say things like "I hate that color" or "I need that toy."  Doesn't anyone else find it extreme to use the word hate in regards to things you may not like or approve of?  Am I the only one that thinks we shouldn't attach the word need to every little thing we wish to possess?  

Society has gotten so self entitled that people use the words hate and need as easily as hello and goodbye.  Without being a creeper, listen as those around you have their conversations.  It's hard not to hear the words hate and need thrown out in every other sentence.  Hate and need are substantial words that should be used with more care and only in situations that may truly warrant their use.  For me, that would be using it in a sentence such as "I hate when people take another beings life" or "I need to get groceries."  As a family, we work towards using the words that are a better reflection of the issue.  Let's be honest, do you truly need a new phone or do you want a new phone?  Do you hate the color purple or would it be more accurate to say you dislike the color purple?  

Since I'm on the topic of pet peeve words, I think I should add that the word shut up is also right up there as an unnecessarily overused word.  A much kinder way to get your point across would be to say "please be quite" instead of "shut up!"  For some, using kinder, less self absorbed words may be too much effort and that is their choice.  For us, being mindful regarding our choice of words makes us feel better and puts everything in true perspective.  

As a challenge, try to get through the next 24 hours without using the words hate, need or shut up.  Good luck!