Last week, I spoke with Shaman Durek, the famous spiritual healer and author, on his podcast Ancient Wisdom Today. Since then, I’ve been thinking about how little people know about shamanism. It truly is a misunderstood practice – but one that many could benefit from if they just opened their minds.
According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, shamanism is a “religious phenomenon centered on the shaman, a person believed to achieve various powers through trance or ecstatic religious experience.” Shamanism has been around for thousands of years, taking on many different forms and practices over the years.
Shaman Durek takes a more modern approach to the practice than many other shamans, connecting with people through social media, TV shows, and his own online Shaman School. However, he still emphasizes the importance of spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being, which I personally resonate with very strongly.
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Although there is limited scientific confirmation, ample anecdotal evidence suggests shamanic healing can provide many benefits. People who have undergone spiritual healing with a shaman have reported the following:
- Healing from emotional trauma
- Changes in negative thoughts and beliefs
- Improved self-confidence
- Better relationships
- Increased energy
- Whole body connectedness (mind, soul, spirit)
- Easier decision-making ability
- Feelings of inner peace and happiness
- Improvements in physical ailments (e.g., endometriosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain”
- Weight control
- Lessened depression and anxiety
- Stronger immune system and ability to fight disease
- New motivation to achieve goals
- Ability to grieve
- Renewed gratitude
As I spoke with Shaman Durek, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between shamanism and some of the strategies I suggest in my book, “From Doctor to Patient: Healing through the Mind, Body, and Spirit.” I truly believe that spiritual healing has a place in health and medicine, and we could all benefit from being more in touch with our inner spirit.