Embracing Inner Child Healing through Shamanic Journeying

Connecting with the Spiritual World

I have felt a connection to the spiritual world and the ethereal since I can remember. There was always a sense of knowing God and a feeling of wonder surrounding me. However, after experiencing dreadful events as a child, I went into denial about my abilities for decades. Various severe traumas as a child led me to hide my true self to keep my soul safe.

From a Shamanic perspective, illness often originates in the spirit. Shamanic journeying is a way to explore our inner landscape, gaining insight, wisdom, and those precious 'aha' moments. I resonate deeply with how John O'Donohue describes the spirit and ethereal world, as he too was close to Shamanic and Celtic spirituality.

John O' Donohue often spoke of our inner landscape. He believed that the visible and invisible worlds are connected, as well as the secular and sacred. This interconnectedness invites us to acknowledge their unity. When we connect spirit to the natural world, we begin to view landscapes as living entities, each with its own aliveness and wisdom. This perspective encourages reverence for nature and allows us to find spiritual insights through mindful engagement with our environment.

The Spirit's Journey

You may have heard the expression, "my spirit feels like it has died." This is something I have often encountered with therapy clients over the years. When we deny our gifts and abilities or make choices that prevent us from being our best selves, our spirit can feel as if it is dwindling or even dying. However, gaining hope, healing, and self-understanding can reignite our spirit, making us feel whole again.

John O'Donohue viewed the spirit as a source of creativity, healing, and transformation. He explained the concept of 'anam cara' (soul friend) as the importance of the connection between soul and spirit. Self-reflection is a tool we are encouraged to use daily.

The Path of Shamanism

Shamanism offers a path to reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the earth, creating a more harmonious world. (Sandra Ingerman). The ancients understood that healing begins in the invisible realms. Beyond the 'veil between worlds' lie these unseen places. Trauma, grief, and loss can cause parts of the soul to flee for safekeeping. When empty spaces are left, harmful or negative energies can enter, leading to spiritual intrusion. Healing brings wholeness to the soul, restoring it and clearing what does not belong. It is about reclaiming and restoring our essence.

I remember a conversation with my dad just days before he passed away, about 34 years ago. He said we should tune into our connection with God and spirit. We need to notice when we are prompted to pray or ask for healing and protection for someone when guided by the spirit. This is essential because we are given free will, and God/The Universe cannot respond until we ask. I often think that my dad and John O'Donohue would have had profound discussions if they had met. Their views align with mine: we should live with our gifts and abilities to the best of ourselves while looking out for others. Many of us never fully experience our gifts. The 'self-reflective journey less travelled' helps us recognize those abilities.

Exploring Our Inner Landscapes

Our inner landscapes are rich and beautiful. Shamanic journeying takes us safely into these landscapes, allowing us to experience insight, wisdom, and healing. This process helps restore the parts of our soul to wholeness.

You are so much more than you imagine!

Blessings,

Karen Curran

John O'Donohue was an Irish poet, author, priest, and philosopher, best known for his work exploring Celtic spirituality and the relationship between the visible and invisible realms. He delved into themes of beauty, friendship, and the human experience, often drawing on his background in both theology and philosophy.

My practice

There are many different types of Shamanic practices in the world. For me, journeying is a natural state that does not require any mind-altering substances. I choose not to work with anyone using such substances. Instead, I connect naturally with those in a clear state of mind, using rhythm or music to tap into the imagined. I remain aware of the presence of God, with the intention of the journey focused on encouragement, insight, or a return to wholeness.