I’m sharing an interview about shamanism that I really enjoyed from Sounds True.
Plant medicine is talked about in this interview, which in this context is referring to the use hallucinogenic plants to access the shamanic realms. I want to suggest that when Jose talks about it not being a wise thing to ingest such plants if one is ungrounded or emotionally unstable that for some significant number of folks who have psych diagnosis, a more accurate statement might be, that these substances are unnecessary as such people are already far closer to that inner shaman and with guidance simply do not need the help of a hallucinogen. See: What a Shaman Sees in A Mental Hospital
With that said I’d like to reiterate that, in general, it’s generally not a good idea to use hallucinogens if you are emotionally unstable in any way. If you are interested in shamanism, trust that you have everything you need just as you are. Many of us who’ve ever experienced anything that gets labeled psychotic are wide open to the world that Jose is speaking about here.
From Sounds True:
Tami Simon speaks with Dr. José Luis Stevens, a leading shamanic teacher who brings indigenous wisdom to personal and organizational challenges. José is the co-founder of the Power Path School of Shamanism and the author of 18 books and ebooks, including his latest book with Sounds True, Awaken the Inner Shaman: A Guide to the Power Path of the Heart
. In this episode, Tami speaks with José about what the Inner Shaman is and how we can access it through practice and surrender. He explores shamanic ways of seeing, relating to your body, and actualizing your potential. José also examines the questions of trust and faith for both the Inner Shaman and the unfolding of world events. (68 minutes)
Listen here:
More on Shamanism on Beyond Meds:
When it comes to understanding the psyche it’s often helpful to use many different models. These are posts that deal with the distressed psyche from a shamanic interpretation or similar.
● Psychosis or Spiritual Awakening: Phil Borges at TED
● The sacred science: shamanism, plant medicine and spiritual ceremonies
● Multiple Worlds Anusuya StarBear: Madness Radio
● What a Shaman Sees in A Mental Hospital
● Introduction to the Shamanic Journey
● Shaking Medicine with Bradford Keeney
● Psychiatric drug withdrawal, kundalini and shamanic initiatory illness
● Crash course in urban shamanism
● The descent experience: metaphor for serious illness
● Psychosis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Story as a Vehicle of Healing
● Soul in Crisis: why cultural healing must replace the “mental illness” fiction
● When we feel depressed, anxious, or distressed, are we mentally ill? Or are we spiritually confused?
● Compassion and the true meaning of empathy
● Why are the strengths and abilities of those who are sensitive called “mental illness?”
● Schizophrenic or shamanic experience?
● Spiritual aspects of psychosis and recovery
● We are all shamans in training
● An Intimate Walk through the Labyrinth of Madness and Mysticism
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