by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
The shaman’s role in a tribal society is to act as a facilitator between the human realm and that of the "other" spirits that inhabit the environment. Through their interactions, shamans understand that all "beings" are interdependent and that state of interdependency is what is responsible for sustaining Life. The elements of Life are indeed so interconnected that we are in a constant dance of mutual impact with each other.
Photo by Zoe Calder
Since shamanism is a global phenomenon and these understandings about relationship and interdependency are part of that way of knowing the world, it’s clear that this way of seeing and understanding The Whole is a part of our collective human history.
The many spirit beings that are available for relationship are also potential power sources for the shaman. A shaman’s ability to heal is based upon the power-filled relationships they forge with the spirits. Since their abilities as effective healers are dependent upon these affiliations, shamans' understand the necessity for keeping these alliances healthy and strong. An attitude of harmonious give-and-take becomes the guiding principle in exchanges within those associations. This reflects the hunter/gatherer understanding of mutual interdependence and the necessity to work cooperatively. The Quechua-speaking shaman-healers of the high Andes refer to this idea of mutual, respectful interaction as ayni which is translated as sacred reciprocity. They believe that this way of living--which must be always monitored and lovingly attended to--is the basis for health and well-being. Since this mutually beneficial interchange is "sacred," there is a kind of holiness to being in "right relationship." In other words, the implication is that, when we interact in this manner, we are somehow more in alignment with the fundamental framework of existence.
Author's Photo
The Quechua-speaking people of the high Andes use offering bundles called despachos to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) for all that she gives us.
The World Health Organization states, “Environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychosocial factors in the environment.” Therefore, disruptions or disturbances in any of these areas may adversely impact our physical health.
If we desire to reshape our current human culture into one that’s more ecologically sound we can start by making Reverent Participatory Relationship our guiding principle. The word "reverent" implies feeling and expressing a profound respect or veneration as well as a willingness to show consideration or appreciation. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Law "participation" means, “the action or state of taking part in something: as in association with others in a relationship or an enterprise usually on a formal basis with specified rights and obligations.” In our context, the obligation may be seen, at least partially, as remaining considerate and respectful while interacting.
Maintaining a reverent attitude in all interactions is a challenge when we consider our current society. In the world today, an "other’s" needs and perspectives aren't universally honored. We've also forgotten that our survival relies upon our fundamental interdependencies with Nature and with each other. While we may try to deny it, we are engaged in a complex dance of relationship, simply by being alive! Cutting-edge quantum field theory reinforces this notion. This science theorizes that the universe is crisscrossed by a network of interactions that weave the cosmos into unity. We need to take a fresh view--becoming conscious, reverent participants in our interconnected relationships.
An experience I had a few years back, leads me to believe that we may actually be hard-wired for thoughtfulness toward another. I was in British Columbia, watching a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs making their way along the bank of the Atnarko river during the annual salmon run. Mother bear, in the lead was moving briskly along through the brush with her cubs straggling behind. The cubs were taking time to sniff everything along the way and the siblings were separated from each other by several yards. At a bend in the river, the mother bear made her way out of the vegetation and moved further down the graveled shore.
Author's Photo
A few moments later, the first cub arrived at that same bend in the river. In that moment I witnessed a remarkable act of conscious choice. The first cub looked down the river at his/her retreating mother and then back toward his/her sibling who was still in the thicket. The first cub looked back and forth several times and then did something amazing. While one can imagine that biologically it would have been more advantageous to run along and be the “only” cub for mom to feed and care for--instead, the first bear cub simply sat down and waited! When his/her sibling finally caught up, they--together--scampered down the bank after their mother.
It was clear to me at that moment that the act of considering another being is not unique but rather an intrinsic part of the beautifully elaborate dance of Life. In this dance, there are no outsiders. All of "us" are precious--whether we are human, dragonfly, salmon, or bear. And although the steps are ever changing, all we really need to remember is to “honor our partners!”
-Evelyn
(Elements of this article were previously published by Inner Tapestry Journal in 2006 as a part of Evelyn's Modern Shamanic Living column. www.innertapestry.org.)
Evelyn C. Rysdyk, author of Modern Shamanic Living is a nationally recognized presenter. Included in the book Traveling Between the Worlds she is among the world’s most influential writers and teachers of shamanism.
Originally trained in core shamanism, she has integrated practices taught to her by elders from North and South America, Central Asia, Nepal and Siberia. She is also a Medicine for the Earth Teacher--teaching ways that transfigured human energy can heal our planet.
With her partner C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, LCSW, DCSW she presentseco-spiritually focused training programs--which include advanced shamanism and shamanic healing---across the USA and Canada. In addition, as a founding member of True North, a unique, integrated medical center in Falmouth, Maine--she collaborates with physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist, a naturopath and several other complementary healthcare practitioners to provide a new model of health care that includes the spirit.
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