Week 1 ~ Shamanism Course

[Neamhain Riona]

What is Shamanism?



Shamanism is a mix of magic, folklore, medicine and spirituality that evolved in tribal and gathering communities thousands of years ago. Shamanic faith presumes that everyone and everything has a spirit which is a part of a greater whole, and that spirits affect all events, including illness and disease. In the tradition of Shamanism it is believed that certain people named shamans exhibit particular magical specialties at birth; the most common specialization is that of a healer. A Shaman is believed to have the ability to communicate with the ethereal world through trance states. Traditional shamans developed techniques for lucid dreaming and what is today called out-of body experience. Entering trances through ritual drumming, chanting or hallucinogenic plants they journey to another reality; while retaining control over their own consciousness. The Shamans are believed to communicate with “spirit helpers” to heal and divine the future. There are a number of relatively common practices and experiences in traditional shamanism, which are being investigated by modern researches. http://www.herbweb.com/healing/index.html
What is ecstatic trance?
Believers of Shamanism submit themselves to the practices of spiritual leaders in hope of a cure for their illness; the rituals of the shaman supposedly manifest themselves into spiritual oneness. There are many terms used to describe development of therapeutic trances and spiritual interventions of the shamanic healers. Shamanic ecstasy, or spiritual oneness, relies on a connection between ones emotions and physical anatomy. Physiological response, emotional perception, and intuitive perception are three documented levels of ecstasy. First the physiological response is when the mind becomes absorbed in and focused on a dominant idea and the nervous system is cut off from physical sensory input. The body exhibits reflex inertia, involuntary nervous responses, and frenzy. Emotional perception, another form of ecstasy, refers to overwhelming feelings of awe, anxiety, joy, sadness, fear, astonishment, passion, or any combination of intense emotion. Finally, intuitive perception occurs when there is an understanding of the transpersonal experience and expanded states of awareness or consciousness are possible. While the physiological response is always present, the emotional response and intuitive perception may not be within reach for all those who venture into ecstatic trance. Opposed to general hypnosis, practicing shamanic techniques uses self-hypnotic states to fine-tune senses and observe the inner-workings of ones mind semi-consciously. Research findings suggest that the contents of shamanic trance are not solely influenced by psychopathology, biochemical effects, or cultural influences; there is a spiritual variable that must be accounted for.
http://www.lib.ox.ac.uk/internet/news/faq/archive/shamanism.overview.html

Variations of Shamanism
There are varied approaches that have developed all over the world under the designation of Shamanism, each having distinct practices that explore inter-relations. A common symbol used is the Medicine Wheel that represents wholeness, eternity, a sense of completeness, and totality. The Medicine Wheel is really a paradigm for one's inner and outer life; it is a map for transformation into the inner- self. On the wheel are four cardinal points or directions, each direction having explicit capabilities. Different sectors of one's physical and spiritual life can be controlled or altered by visiting points on this core wheel. It is believed that achieving harmony between the spirit, mind, and physiology can affect fertility, wellness and attitude. Ultimately, shamans envision a much more comprehensive state of wellness by awakening our awareness to the spiritual unity of all beings and things. Modern shamans believe it is possible to put humanity back in touch with nature, the Earth and the stars, healing not only individuals but also accomplishing global harmony. As a central feature of almost all traditional shamanic ceremonies, shamans publicly recite lengthy oral texts. Shamans meticulously memorize these texts that include passages that explain the origins of diseases and afflictions, and provide elaborate instructions for their alleviation. These shamanic etiologies identify precise sources and effects that cover a spectrum ranging from the purely physical to the purely metaphysical, intersecting the natural and supernatural worlds.
http://www.inspire.org/Bookfile/AuthIntvJMorse.html

Interface between Shamanism and psychiatry
Shamanic methods of working with dreams and being conscious and awake while dreaming open new doors in psychological research into the nature and history of consciousness.
Shamans are often compared to psychologists, searching the unconscious for hidden sources of suffering and lost fragments of self. The psychiatrist is often called upon to deal with psychological problems that may create medical emergencies. Interventions along a spectrum from shamanism to interpretation of unconscious conflict may spell the difference between comfort and distress, illness and cure, and even occasionally life and death. Psychotherapists can incorporate “soul journeys” with conventional techniques; a “spirit guide” can pinpoint the source of one's problem in the spirit realm. This journey of soul, sometimes referred to as Shamanic Flight, makes it possible to move beyond limitations of the physical body. Practitioners teaching individuals to soul journey on their own say this process does everything from renewing vitality to helping victims cope with cancer. Most doctors and shamans perform many identical functions; both validate the symptoms, name the disease and prescribe a cure. Shamanism may be one more alternative therapy for chronic illness or it may be an outlet for true healing. The big question is, can such an ancient tradition be transplanted into modern times.
http://www.arts.u-szeged.hu/journal/shaman/shaman.html

How Shamanism is used for healing
The ability to achieve and control a trance is the result of cumulative conditioning and mental training. There is a gradual progression from ordinary consciousness to deeper levels of fixation that must be learned, thus healing is only sucessful when a series of sessions is completed. Wide spectrums of trance levels exist ranging from slight detachment to a total removal of one's inhibitions. In deep hypnotic states, where most practical Shamanic journeying occurs, it is possible to control one's own body temperature, heart rate, blood flow, and digestion. People react differently to the sensations of shamanic flight; individuals may experience vivid imagery, events from their past, or utter relaxation. Physical, emotional, and spiritual crisis are parts of being terminally ill or having cancer that may be mitigated with shamanistic healing. There is evidence for the efficacy of therapies such as shamanism in improving the quality of life in the terminally ill and cancer patients. The active participation of the patient in the therapy promotes emotional healing and coping skills. Patients that suffer from hypertension or problems associated with stressful life styles can use shamanic methods to gain control over their physical and emotional wellness. Further, the mentally ill and sufferers of depression may find that shamanism is an ancient tradition that in modern times help them to live a normal lifestyle.

A spiritual side to medicine
With an incresed awarness of the connection between spiritual life and health, interest in Shamanism has also grown. The link between health care and religion is strongest at the point of confrontation with life-changing events. Pain is more than a physiological phenomenon, it is also an emotion. Therapist have been exploring additional avenues for pain management such as shamanism. The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders addressed the need for a consideration of cultural and religious issues and ethnic diversity of the patient population. The manual approved a new diagnostic category entitled religious or spiritual problem. Increasingly doctors are to realizing that total wellness encompasses the spiritual and emotional side of life.

Things to be careful about
There are few negative effects reported from Shamanic experiences, however it is described as a powerful adventure and for some the trance could be disorienting, traumatic or have other adverse effects. Practitioners warn that the ecstasy of the trance can become an escape from mundane problems that can become addictive. It is generally accepted that people regress to earlier levels of development with the stress of serious pain or illness. Regression may foster an increased dependence on any source of relief. The eventual efforts of shamanic followers to emerge from the "culture of embeddedness" with their shamans into more independent functioning can be problematic. Shamanism can be used wisely to determine the root of an addiction, yet taken to an extreme it can become an addiction itself. One should be cautious when seeking help from a shaman; shamanic healers can have a cult like draw, entering the spirit realm and making claims that are not supported. Shamanism sometimes ignores scientific methods of healing and so must be used only as supplemental therapy for serious disorders. Much thought and consideration, as well as research for each situation should be done before plunging into any method of shamanic treatment.
http://deoxy.org/vegeta.htm

The culture of Shamanism
Pure shamanism is considered to be a distinct culture immersed in shared symbols, myths and experience. For example, shamans claim to derive their healing skills, powers, and knowledge from their unique diet of plants and herbs. It is believed that the body has to be “purified” to communicate with the spirit realm. It is necessary that participants of Shamanistic healing be able to recognize the language of the shaman so their subconscious can react to the oral text of the healing ceremony. True believers of the shamanic faith consider it to be a total lifestyle, not just another option of alternative therapy. Someone buying into Shamanism occasionally or at his/her own convenience can’t expect to have the same results that a devoted shamanic follower would experience. Further, modern shamanism ignores the tradition’s sometimes-sketchy darker side. http://www.lib.ox.ac.uk/internet/news/faq/archive/shamanism.newsgroup-faq.html

Implications for research
Religious and spiritual problems in general need to be subjected to more research to better understand their prevalence, clinical presentation, intrapsychic and interpersonal factors, and ethnic roots. There have been few intensive studies done on the implications of shamanistic healing. To fully understand spiritual methods of healing like shamanism the investigator must enter and possibly participate within the world view of the host community. Participating in the world of the shamans its necessary to learn the faith's system of language, symbols, and rituals, thereby beginning to acquire the disposition of an insider. This investigative scenario has provoked intense controversy among researchers, the question being who has the authority to observe and describe and even presume "to speak for" the shaman people.
Some of the few experience-centered approaches have revealed empirical foundations for shamanic healing. Data derived from surveys of diverse populations and participation observation of over thirty Asian shamans report varied extrasensory and out-of -body experiences. The shamans lead ceremonies that change clients' perception of their illnesses. An additional study reported that on the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan shamanism, not psychiatry, is the accepted model used to treat mental illness effectively. Although the foundations supporting shamanism differ from those sustaining Western medicine, both traditions provide experiences that convince clients that specific procedural methods alleviate illness.

Conclusion
Increased numbers of experts believe that health is closely tied to mind, body, and soul, as well as relationships to nature. Shamanistic healing could be the connection for individuals between body and spirit that would provide total wellness. In hopeless situations, Shamanic traditions could be the only approach capable of altering someone's attitude and in turn improving their well being.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

The Path with Heart


To discover the Path of Heart, you have to be willing to surrender to Spirit, to allow Spirit to dictate your moves and decisions spontaneously. This way of being is challenging and difficult for most people of the modern world, because we are trained from birth to value what we call freedom and independence. We are taught not to surrender under any circumstances and to fight for what we believe in. While these concepts sound good and have merit, from a Shaman's point of view most people are obviously confused about what they believe in, and even if they are clear about it, their beliefs are often not worth fighting for. For a master Shaman what is worth fighting for is the freedom to pursue the real power that resides within -- the path with heart.

Shamans know that real power comes with a price and that price includes surrendering to what the “Toltec” Shamans call the Eagle. The Eagle is just another name for Spirit, the great power of creation that lies behind everything.

To have true power, a Shaman must let go of personal attachments and expectations, ego-oriented desires for comfort and success. The Path of Heart, while extremely satisfying and fulfilling, is not an easy path to follow because it is demanding, requiring sacrifice -- a word that Shamans don't use very much but allude to a great deal. Their idea of sacrifice is not the same as that described by some religions that teach that suffering is good and heaven the reward for sacrifice. For a Shaman, sacrificing for some future place in heaven makes no sense; rather, they sacrifice to gain freedom and the power to serve now, to make the highest contribution that they can. Sacrifice is the willingness to be uncomfortable to gain something valuable. Shamans are willing to endure unimaginable discomfort on their paths to real power.

Seven Signs of the Path with Heart
To recognize your Path with Heart, you must read the signs along the way. Seven signs will help you recognize the path with heart.

· Early signs: Signs early in life point to what you are here to do. They show up as certain daydreams or fantasies or in forms of child's play.

· Natural talent: As you grow up you may forget these early childhood dreams and try to conform to other social pressures about what you ought to do with your life. In a shaman's view, however, there is always a talent for that which spirit created you to do.


· Doing what you enjoy: Not only do you have talent for what you have been designed to do but you also clearly enjoy doing it when you have the opportunity.


· Allies: The path with heart always comes with allies to assist you in finding it when the terrain is roughest. These allies come in many forms, sometimes at the most unexpected times. Sometimes allies show up to guide you much later in life, even after a distinguished career in work that was adequate but not the true Path with Heart.


· Unexpected promptings: The path with heart comes with unexpected events and situations that steer you toward it -- All too often we resist the workings of spirit and sometimes even feel victimized by unforeseen changes in plans.


· Synchronistic events, magical moments: Synchronistic events, magical moments that have no rational explanation, accompany discovery of the path with heart. From a Shaman's point of view, they are among the foremost ways to discern the power path.

· Signs that confirm you are on the path: When you have arrived at the Path with Heart, signs will confirm that you are on the right path. You will discover unexpected success, allies, breakthroughs, and all manner of support for doing what you are designed by Spirit to do. Signs will be everywhere you are on the path of power.


Seven signs can help you recognize the path with heart:
1. Signs early in life point to what you are here to do.

2. You always have a natural talent for what Spirit created you to do.

3. You clearly enjoy doing it when you have the opportunity.

4. The Path with Heart always comes with allies to assist you.

5. The Path with Heart comes with unexpected events and situations that steer you toward it.

6. Synchronistic events accompany the discovery of the Path with Heart.

7. When you have arrived at the Path with Heart, signs will confirm that you are now on the right path, the path with power.






Summary: Important Concepts to Remember
• Shamans distinguish between ordinary life paths and what they call the Path with Heart.

• The Path with Heart has no set of predictable moves or routines that ensure success.

• In order to discover the Path with Heart, you have to be willing to surrender to spirit.

• To have true power, a Shaman must let go of personal attachments and expectations, ego-oriented desires for comfort and success.

Some of the information here is excerpted from The Power Path, ©2002, by José Stevens, Ph.D. with Lena Stevens. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, New World Library. http://www.newworldlibrary.com

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Evoking Optimal Experience



Even with all of the resources that are available to us, most people end up feeling that their lives have been wasted. That instead of being fulfilled, their lives were spent in anxiety and monotony. Christians believe it is the destiny of mankind to remain unfulfilled. Others believe it is the result of seeking satisfaction and pleasure in the wrong places.



When we are masters of our own fate we feel exhilarated; a deep sense of gratification and it is this that becomes imprinted in our memory. The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, and relaxed times. Our best moments occur when our body or mind is extended to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and lucrative.

These experiences are not necessarily pleasant at the time they are happening. Extreme mental and physical challenges can be painful. But in the long run, the sense of mastery achieved can evolve the experience into a lasting impression.



It is known that when people spend time doing those activities they prefer, they are invigorated. They enter a state in which they are so involved in the activity that nothing else seems to matter. The experience is so enjoyable that they will pursue it at great cost, just for the sake of doing it. Young, old, male, female, regardless of cultural background, the inner drive is the same.



Optimal experience depends on the ability to control whatever happens in consciousness from moment-to-moment, to be achieved on the basis of individual efforts and creativity. To overcome anxieties and obstacles of contemporary life, individuals must become independent of their social environment to the extent that they no longer respond exclusively in terms of its rewards and punishments. A person has to learn how to reward them self, to find enjoyment and purpose regardless of external circumstances.



Each person must use whatever tools are available to forge a meaningful, enjoyable existence. If we understand the way subjective states are shaped, we can learn to master them. Everything we experience – joy & pain, interest & boredom, is represented in the mind as information. If we control this information, we can decide what our life will be like.



Enter the Abyss



Use the following questionnaire to take a voyage through the realms of your mind and discover your core identity:



Check the statements in each group that apply to you, be honest.

(When you are finished with each set of groups, count them up separately. Circle the letter of the one with the most checks.)

These first groups pertain to how you interact in the world.



Group E



IF you …



Tend to talk first and think later. You don’t know what you’ll say until you hear yourself saying it.
You might even wonder if you will ever learn to keep your mouth shut
Know a lot of people and call many of them “friends”. You like to include a lot of people in your activities.
Don’t mind reading or having a conversation while the TV or radio is on. You may even be “oblivious” to this “distraction”.
Are easily approached by friends and strangers alike, even perhaps dominating the conversation.
Find telephone calls to be welcome interruptions; you don’t hesitate to answer the phone.
Like going to parties and prefer to talk to many people instead of just a few. You might even reveal personal things to strangers.
Prefer generating ideas with a group. You like to bounce your thoughts off others.
Get bored when you can’t participate actively in a conversation. You find listening more difficult than talking.
“Look” with your mouth instead of your eyes. --- “I’ve lost my keys. Has anyone seen my keys?”
Need affirmation from friends and associates about who you are, how you look, and what you do. Enjoy the “pat on the back”.


Group I
If you …


Rehearse things before saying them and often respond with, “I’ll have to get back to you on that”.
Enjoy having private time and often feel that your space is being invaded.
Are perceived as being a good listener, but feel that others take advantage of you.
Have been called “shy”, or others perceive you as reserved and reflective.
Like to share special occasions with just one other person or just a few close friends.
Wish that you could get your ideas out more forcefully. Often feel like you have missed out because you did not speak up.
Like stating your thoughts or feelings without interruptions.
Need time to “recharge” alone after you’ve spent time socializing with a group.
Were told to “go out and play with your friends”, by your parents as a child. Your parents worried because you rather be by yourself.
Believe that “Talk is Cheap”; you get suspicious if people are too complimentary or friendly.
E or I


The second set of groups deal with how we gather data:


Group S
If you …


Prefer specific answers to specific questions. When you ask someone for the time, you prefer, “Four forty-seven” instead of “almost Five”.
You like to concentrate on what you are doing at the moment and generally aren’t concerned about what’s next. You rather “do” something than “think” about it.
Like jobs that provide a tangible result. You want recognition now, not later.
Believe that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Would rather work with facts and figures than ideas and theories.
Think that “fantasy” is a dirty word. You don’t understand people who spend time indulging their imagination.
Read a magazine from front to back and never just jump in anywhere.
Get frustrated when people don’t give you clear instructions.
You subscribe to the notion “seeing is believing”.


Group N
If you …


Tend to think about several things at once. You are sometimes accused of being absent-minded.
Find the future and its possibilities more intriguing than frightening.
Believe that “boring details” is a redundancy.
Believe that time is relative; you aren’t late unless everything has started without you.
Like figuring out how things work just for the sheer pleasure of it.
You are prone to puns and word games. You might even do these things standing up.
You do not accept things a “face value”; you seek for connections and interrelations. You are always asking, “What does this mean?”
Tend to give general answers to questions and don’t like to be pressed for specifics.
Would rather fantasize about spending your next paycheck than balance your checkbook.


The third set of groups concern how we prefer to make decisions:

Group T
If you …
Are able to stay cool, calm and objective in bad situations.
Would rather settle a dispute based on fairness instead of what would make people happy.
Enjoy proving a point for clarities sake. It is beyond you to argue both sides in a discussion.
Are more firm-minded than gentle-hearted.
Pride yourself on objectivity despite the fact that some people accuse you of being cold and uncaring.
Don’t mind making difficult decisions and don’t understand why people get upset about things that aren’t relevant to the current situation.
Think that it’s more important to be right than liked.
Are impressed and give more credence to things that are logical and scientific.
Remember numbers and figures more readily than faces and names.
Group F
If you …
Consider a “good decision” one that takes others feelings into account.
Feel that “love cannot be defined and get irritated at those who try to.
Will overextend yourself meeting other peoples needs, even at your expense.
Ask, “How will this affect others?”
Enjoy providing needed services to others although some people take advantage of you.
Find yourself wondering, “Doesn’t anyone care about what I want?”
Won’t hesitate to take back something you have said that you perceive offended someone.
Prefer harmony over clarity.
Are often accused of taking things too personally.



T or F





Now for the last set of groups, which determine how we prefer to orient our lives:



If you …

Are always waiting for others who never seem to be on time
Have a place for everything and aren’t satisfied until everything is in its place.
“Know” that the world would be a better place if people would just do what they are supposed to.
Wake up and know exactly how your day is going to be
Don’t like surprises .
Keep lists and use them.
Thrive on order and have a system for keeping things that way.
Are accused of being angry when you are not; you are just stating your opinion.
Like to work things through to completion even if you know you may have to do them over again later to get them right


Group P

If you …

Are easily distracted; you might get “lost” between the car and the front door.
Love to explore the unknown.
Don’t plan a task but wait to see what it demands.
Have to depend on last minute bursts of energy to meet a deadline.
Believe that creativity, spontaneity, and responsiveness are what’s important.
Turn most work into play.
Change the subject often in conversation.
Don’t like to be pinned down on most things; you’d rather keep your opinions open.
Tend to make things less than definite, but not always.

J or P




Take the four letters that you have circled and enter them in the appropriate space below:

(E or I) ~ (S or N)~ (T or F) ~(J or P)

_____ _____ _____ _____

These letters represent your personality traits. It is considered that there is up to 16 basic personality types that fall within 8 categories, and are further separated into 4 groups. The preferences described in each group on the questionnaire are the tendencies of those individuals that fall into these categories.

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The meaning behind the letters

Each group has it’s own letter that is significant because each is associated with a preference category. Find yours in the list below:

E = Extrovert

Extroverts verbalize their observations and decisions. They are energized by people and action. If they spend too much time alone, they tend to become drained. People with this tendency rather talk than listen.
I = Introvert

Introverts rather keep their observations and decisions to themselves. They are energized by thoughts and ideas. After spending time with others, they have to take time to recharge. People with this tendency rather listen than talk.



S = Sensor

Sensors prefer to be practical and realistic and enjoy the tactile side of things. They are more interested in the experience, in the hands-on parts of a situation. Facts and details presented in a sequential manner is their means of gathering information. People with this tendency are only certain about things they can taste, touch, see, hear, and smell.



N = iNtuition

iNtuitives look for possibilities, meanings, and the relationships between and among various things. They try to put things into a theoretical framework. Words like random and approximate are to their liking. People with this tendency gather information from their five senses, but translate it through their intuition.



T = Thinking

Thinkers are logical, detached, analytical, and often called firm- minded. These individuals tend not to become personally involved in a decision. Whenever possible, they prefer that the consequences of action be the motivating factor. People with this tendency strive for clarity and are critical.



F = Feeling

Feelers are tenderhearted and concerned about the impact of the decisions they make on others. They believe in harmony and mercy. People with this tendency identify with and assume the emotional pain of others.



J = Judging

Judgers are controlled, decisive, and deliberate. They are able to make decisions without experiencing stress because they plan their work and work their plan. People with this tendency believe there is a right way and a wrong way to do things.



P = Perceiving

Perceivers create an environment that allows for flexibility and spontaneity. They find it difficult to make a decision and equally as hard to follow through. People with this tendency prefer to take a wait and see attitude on most things.



The idea is to discover those traits that pertain to you as an individual. This will help you understand yourself better. By applying this information, it will enable you to improve the quality of your life’s experiences.





(Questionnaire and Profiles are based on the Myers/Briggs Type Indicator)

Want to know more about yourself? Click on the Link below and find your 4 letter combination!

The 16 personality types

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Power of the Mind

In most Spiritual Traditions, one of the basic fundamentals is the training of the mind to create an enhanced reality. Many people understand the concept, but are at a loss of how to begin. Simply start by discovering the inner dynamics of the Brain and how it relates to you as an individual.



The Brain is the information center of the human body. It resembles the halves of a walnut, similar in appearance, convoluted, and rounded halves that are connected at the center. These halves are called the Left Hemisphere and the Right Hemisphere. The human nervous system connects to the Brain in a crossed-over fashion. Because of this crossing over of the nerve pathways, the Left Hemisphere controls the right side of the body; the Right Hemisphere controls the left. Each hemisphere has characteristics of its own:


Left Hemisphere - direct, forceful, sensible, and true.

Right Hemisphere - complex, diagonal, fanciful, and flexible.

The characteristics of the hemispheres correlate with those imbued to the Conscious and the Subconscious Mind. This is where the concept of the "duality of Nature" is originated. The key idea is that there are two parallel "ways of Knowing".

Conscious Mind - analytic, objective, rational, and successive.

Subconscious Mind - intuitive, relational, simultaneous, and subjective.

Both the Conscious and the Subconscious Mind gather in the same sensory information, but each half processes the information in a different way. The task may be divided between the two, with each handling the part, which is suited to its style. Or one hemisphere, usually the left, will take over and inhibit the other half. The Left Hemisphere analyzes, counts, keeps track of time, and uses "tried and true" methods to process information. Our schools are designed to educate the Conscious Mind by using Left Hemisphere techniques in the form of verbal sequences and numerical classes.



That leaves one half of the mind undeveloped. All thoughts and feelings, good and bad, reside within the Subconscious Mind. What we think, feel, and do, is the basis of our experience, and they are stored as subtle impressions in the Right Hemisphere. These impressions interact with each other and form tendencies. Being prone to act and react in a certain manner depends upon these tendencies. The product of these tendencies determines our Character. This is called our Second Nature.



The Subconscious Mind can be trained to radiate strength of Character and Personality. Train the Mind by cultivating the following qualities:

Mental Calmness - remain calm even under adverse conditions.

Control of Senses - awareness of the signals the 5 senses project.

Patience - do not expect instant results. Stay disciplined and persevere.

Forbearance - remain unaffected and endure even in adversities.

Knowledge - this comes through experiencing life.




By developing these qualities, a person can better direct the situations in their life. When certain External Factors come in contact, and necessary conditions are fulfilled, a particular behavior will follow. By understanding that concept, an individual can adjust the results for a desired outcome.



For example:
There are unknown tendencies to drink alcohol, smoke, or take drugs, in a persons Subconscious Mind. External conditions, a bar, a friend who smokes, or the availability of a drug, triggers the desire to do these things. Once the pattern is recognized, the individual can control the impulse by making the choices that will change the reaction.

Another important function of the Subconscious is to retrieve information.



For example:
You meet a person and cannot remember their name. The Conscious Mind desperately searches for the information. The Left Hemisphere has a short-term memory and often cannot locate the needed information, so the Conscious Mind gives up and goes on to other things. When the body succumbs to sleep, the Subconscious Mind continues to search for the needed information. Many times the answer will be there upon awakening.


Learn to look for the relationships the impulses make with the external factors.

The Mind is never fully trained. It changes with every experience and requires continuous refresher courses. Everyone has the ability to enhance their existence by training the Mind to manifest desires with calculated intent.





The Method



It is believed that a person can discover the areas of the Mind that need expanding by discovering whether they are Right Brained or Left Brained. The following is an easy method to discover this:



Extend your pointer finger approximately 4 inches directly in front of your nose. Close your eyes. Open only your left eye. Does the finger appear to move to the right or to the left? Close eyes again, this time open the right eye. Which direction does the finger appear to shift? While there will be a shift in the field of vision, one will be more extreme. If the shift is slight, you may have to concentrate and do this a few times to recognize the shift.



Finger moves to the Left - you see likenesses between things, and understand metaphoric relationships. You make leaps of insight, often based on incomplete data. You do not require facts or a basis of reason instead you rely on intuition.



This type of person learns best when images, smells, sounds, texture, or taste is involved. They tend to think in a Holistic point of view. Their Right Hemisphere is mostly dominant.


These people need to focus on training the mind to be more temporal, rational, logical, and linear. Right Brained people tend to be Loners because they view the world in a very individualistic manner. By developing the qualities of the Left Hemisphere, it will boost self-esteem and build confidence.



Right Brained people should avoid abusive relationships and situations involving drugs. These tendencies seem to be prone to Right Brain personality types.



Finger moves to the Right - you like to do things in sequence, figuring things out step-by-step and part-by-part. You use symbols (+, =, &, #) to stand for words. You draw conclusions based on reason and facts.



This type of person learns best when equations, deadlines, and set procedures are involved. They tend to think in an analytic way. Their Left Hemisphere is mostly dominant.



These people need to focus on training the Mind to view things in a non-verbal and non-temporal fashion. Left Brained people are Leaders, Mentors, and Counselors because they view things logically. By developing the Right Hemisphere, new spatial realities will be discovered.



Left Brained people are prone to be workaholics and can easily become addicted to stimulants and alcohol. Those of this personality type tend to be arrogant and can be verbally abusive.



It is possible for a person to exhibit personality traits from both Hemispheres, in fact, most people do. There is however, a dominant side and this is the one that people portray during the Conscious waking hours. By identifying the dominant Hemisphere and working with the characteristics of the opposing one, a person is able to explore the tendencies of their own personality on a deeper level. This helps a person to understand why they make the decisions that they make, and take the actions that they take. This allows for the adjustment and enhancement of those tendencies. When a person is consciously aware of their Second Nature, they can orchestrate how they approach the experiences in life.



The Mind is a powerful tool that can help us through conscious awareness, and can hinder us through our fears and weaknesses. Our Mind has only the information that we feed it, what we put into it, is what we get out of it. Expanding our experiences and directing our tendencies, raises our level of consciousness, which gives us an extra edge in life.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Are you doing life?
Or
Is life doing you?

If you had to stop and think about this, then chances are that at least part of the time...Life is doing you.

We know that we are creatures of habit and that many times we react unconsciously to the people and events that surround us. There are times when we become overwhelmed by situations in our mundane world, and without realizing it, we switch over to autopilot. When we do this, our tendencies take over.

Our Subconscious can act as a strong defensive network during those times that we take little pauses from life, especially for those who have explored their own tendencies. But for the untrained mind, the Subconscious can wreak havoc in every area of life.

Every one of us is born with the ability to dive deep into our self and tap into the sources of our Second Nature. We are able to learn and apply the specific skills from all four aspects of being: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. The more we know about our self, the more meaning and satisfaction we can gain from the experiences in life.

We have explored our tendencies and understand that the brain has two separate ways of Knowing. But what is next?

Developing your Higher Consciousness is a continuous and difficult journey. Everything we experience in our life, in some way or another affects how we perceive and react to things, it is a changing process. If you desire a more fulfilling and pleasurable life, an active role in creating and altering your reality must be taken.


Start a journal. This is one of the best tools to aid our conscious awareness. It can act as a reference and as a sounding board.


Begin by addressing the following questions. Look at each from several perspectives and expand upon them.

What talents or skills do you bring to this world, what makes you unique?
What specific issues represent your life challenges?
How much of your life is controlled by your personality?
What underlying semi-conscious motives run your life?
What activity gives you the most gratification?
Be honest with yourself and you will start to see how to improve your daily life.


It is believed that 80% of what we think, say, and do, derive from the Subconscious Mind. Become conscious of your latent tendencies and you will be able to transform them.

Discover and address unresolved issues, learn what to purge and what to heal.
Discover your aspirations, both short term and long.
Sharpen your awareness of how and when your Conscious and Subconscious interact.
Our fears and weaknesses can place blocks in-between us and the things that we should experience in life. These are self-made obstacles. By breaking through the blocks, change can begin.

Become aware of the things, situations, and people that act as disruptive triggers.
Identify and purge the deeper emotions and fears that hold you back.
Move past inner struggles of guilt and resentment.
Attain new levels of self-acceptance and responsibility.
Strive to become a more enhanced version of yourself.
We benefit by listening more closely to the channels of information available to us. When we discover how to be consciously aware, we can take charge of the changes that will strengthen our Will.


There are several techniques that can help alter consciousness. I have successfully worked with meditation, sigilization, and astral methods such as Lucid Dreaming.


When you push your limits and let go of expectations, you allow deeper experiences to happen. When you learn to direct your role in these experiences...You will be doing life!

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Meditation

Meditation derives from an Eastern philosophy based on silence, the silence of the mind. It has been disputed that meditation increases ones IQ and lowers the blood pressure. A real benefit of meditation is the experience of unity with ones own Divinity.

In true meditation, the subconscious speaks directly to the conscious mind. Our subconscious is linked to the wisdom of the universe. It speaks to us through symbols that can be difficult to understand. By following proven techniques, a person is able to gain an insight and knowledge that is more ancient than the spiritual beliefs of the common man.



The Basic Theory of Meditation

Try to rid your mind of all thought, to make it perfectly quiet. Unless meditation has already been practiced and mastered, it is inevitable that a little voice will run through your head. This voice will be saying things like, “Okay, I’m quiet now”, or “Am I doing this right?” Or even, “How long should I do this?” In true meditation, the goal is to silence the inner voice.

Meditation should be relaxed and comfortable, the same holds true with your posture. The Lotus position is not recommended for the beginner, as it can be quite uncomfortable. Laying flat on your back is also counseled against because you may become so relaxed that you fall asleep. Until you are more skilled, it is suggested that a straight-backed chair be used. It is essential to keep the spine straight to allow energy to flow without anything blocking its path. Another important factor is to keep the eyes lowered to lessen distractions.

The area chosen for meditation is purely individual, however, there is evidence that suggests a period close to the hour of your birth (NOT the day but the hour) is the best. There are definite advantages to being attuned to the influences of your own astrological forces. The most important thing is to be persistent and consistent.



The Method

1. Keeping the spine straight, allow the head to fall forward on the chest. Breathe deeply in and out 3x. Bring the head back upright.

2. Tip the head backwards. Breathe deeply in and out 3x. Return head upright.

3. Tip the head to the left. Breathe deeply in and out 3x. Return head upright.

4. Tip head to the right. Breathe deeply in and out 3x. Return head upright.

5. Allow the head to fall forwards and move it in a counter clockwise circle 3x.

6. Repeat, this time moving head clockwise 3x. Return head back upright

7. Using the nose, breathe short intakes until the lungs are full and then exhale through the mouth with a short “Hah” sound.

8. Hold the left nostril closed and breathe in through the right, filling the lungs. Hold this for a moment and slowly exhale, flatten the stomach as you do. This will expel all of the stale air out of the bottom of your lungs. Do this 3x, and then repeat with the left nostril 3x.

9. Relax your whole body and feel the flow of energy.

10. Now focus your attention on the muscles of your body. Command them to relax. Take each section of your body separately and feel the tension flow out of each one. Relax the entire body completely.

11. Silence your mind.

12. Let go of the conscious world and allow the cosmic energies of the universe to flow into your subconscious. Do not try to focus on and image or intent, the time for that comes in a different exercise. Just allow the energies to bring in random forces. Try to remain in this state as long as you can.

13. You will feel yourself slipping back into awareness, as you do, command the sections of your body to re-awaken.


By practicing this on a daily basis, your consciousness will become disciplined. You will soon begin to notice a deepening of intuition. You will also begin to have knowledge of things that you have not known before. This is proof that your meditation is working. Becoming skilled in meditation will prove to be a powerful aid in Ritual, Divination, and in Shamanic work. Remain persistent with meditation and you will discover a higher Nature of Self that has been previously unknown.