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By Kathryn Bikle, MA, MFT on October 12, 2013
The Shamanic Walk Ritual is a type of movement meditation that connects you to your deeper knowing. It can be an effective means of releasing old patterns of behavior and ushering in new intentions for personal growth and change. As you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature you will also be opening your awareness to messages from your unconscious and Higher Self.
Any walk in nature can become an opportunity for your Shamanic Walk Ritual. Follow the seven easy steps below:
1) Set your Intentions: Release, Receive
What attitudes or behaviors do you want to change? This is what you intend to Release.
What do you want to bring into your life? This is the wisdom you wish to Receive.
Select two small objects: one to represent each of these intentions. Be mindful to choose an item that will not disturb the natural environment for your Releasing Object (stone, stick, etc). The Receiving Object can be anything that represents your commitment to personal growth.
2) Entering Sacred Space
Choose a location that is suitable for your physical abilities. You do not have to go far from civilization or find a solitary place. You create sacred space with your thoughts and intentions. Other people can be present and completely unaware of your sacred ritual.
Select a specific boundary that marks your entrance/exit. A firm beginning/ending point allows your psyche to explore deeply without fear of getting lost in the experience.
Entrance into the spiritual realm is a privilege. Choose a gesture of purification to represent your entrance into sacred space. Any simple act, such as clapping your hands together, acknowledges your receptivity and openness to what you are about to experience.
Ask permission of the Ancestors, or, Wise Ones who inhabit and protect the sacred dominion. This prepares you to enter the realm of your own divine nature humbly, and in a spirit of awe and appreciation.
3) Open Your Awareness
Take in what you see, hear and smell around you. Consider them metaphorically. Relate these images to what you have come to explore. Interpret these “messages” as though they have personal meaning for you. Connect to the landscape as though you are one with Nature.
4) Release the Old Energy
At the furthest point of your journey, honor how what you want to let go of has served you in the past. Appreciate it for protecting you. In this spirit of gratitude, release your object to become one with nature.
5) Receive the New Energy
Open your heart and mind to what you want to bring into your life. Allow this energy to flow into your receiving object. On your return path, let your mind wander. Let the images percolate. Trust that the change you wish to make has already taken root in your unconscious.
6) Exiting Sacred Space
When you reach the entrance/exit, thank the Ancestors. Repeat your purifying gesture to indicate that you are exiting sacred space.
7) Returning to the Everyday World
Congratulations! You have just completed a Shamanic Ritual Walk! Appreciate yourself for the mystery you have just experienced. As for your re-entry into everyday life: Don’t be in a rush to get back to work, or drive on the freeway. You have been in an altered state. It takes a bit of time to come back to “normal.”
When you feel ready, record your experience in your journal, explore it with your therapist, or a trusted friend. As you process your experience with your rational mind you will further solidify your intention to create positive change in your life and psyche.
See Shamanic Walk Experience Described: A Meditation on Obstacles for an indepth account of how to work with and interpret images from Nature.
© 2013 Kathryn Bikle. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced or used on other websites without permission of the author.
Image credit: <a href=’http://www.123rf.com/photo_6831907_green-forest.html’>fesus / 123RF Stock Photo</a>