In society we tend to deify people of spirit. When we do this we strip them of their basic humanness . It then becomes very disappointing when they succumb to human feelings, emotions, insecurities and illness. The reality is that it is that which makes us human that also connects us to our divinity. The human spirit has within it a divine presence. To be human is to be divine so as a man of spirit i must be subject to the same emotions, struggles and obstacles as my fellow man.
In early january of this year i was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I took the news as a positive rather than a negative. I saw this not as illness but as inspiration. Knowledge is the nourishment our soul craves, it is empowering and enlightening. Our bodies speak to us and obviously i had not been listening. The awareness of truth can be profound and transformational. The diabetes is in addition to the attention deficit and obsessive compulsive disorders that i already had. As well i have suffered from severe clinical depression throughout my life.
To blossom fully as a human being we must listen to our bodies as well as the divine spiritual wisdom within us. Within me is a reservoir of beautiful energy which i use in my shamanic work to motivate others. It is now time to use the knowledge of higher worlds to help in my own healing process. I managed to convince my doctor to let me try and control my condition through diet and lifestyle change instead of medication. I immediately cut sugar out of my diet . I also began to take long walks three times a day . Walking meditation can reduce stress as well as reducing weight and strengthening spirit. I also cut out white bread , rice and pasta and replaced it with brown , rye and whole wheat products. The final pieces of the puzzle for me were eating three meals a day instead of one and drinking lots of water.
It is important that we are active participants in our own existence. The true self lies within and when we seek to let that part of us flow freely we open ourselves to the wonder and joy of life. When we elevate our spirit we elevate the human experience. In a matter of a couple of months i have returned my blood levels to normal . have lost twenty five pounds and for the first time in over a decade have a blood pressure that is normal. The potential of the human spirit is profound and enlightening. So through devotion to consciousness and human expansion i have used my diagnosis as a motivating tool to facilitate positive change.
I am on a path to contentment. My physical well being is but one step on the road to inner wakefulness, harmonic presence and majestic destiny. For me the diabetes has been easier to handle than the aforementioned disorders and depression. However i refuse to let those things define me. The essence of who i am embodies the joy of creation and celebrates the dance of life. I have walked many roads on my journey to the self. My parents were alcoholics and while i dont drink myself the effects of that upbringing is with me always. Their disease is a contributing factor to my disorders and depression. However as i age i experience expanding awareness and strive to cultivate wellness from within. My creative expressions and connection of self and soul have helped greatly with my recovery . Mine is a song yearning to be heard and i accept that i am an unique contribution to the world.
It is my illness, disorders and depression that make me a good shamanic practitioner , advisor , counselour and consultant. From my parents alcoholism to my living on the street , i have not only survived , i have sought a personal evolution where new dreams blossom in a nurturing environment where i can contribute to the whole of humanity. They say that which does not kill us only makes us stronger. You may have realized - i am not dead - i am in fact stronger.
While the struggles of the new year were going on i was reading Deepak Chopras " Life After Death " which i found inspiring and enlightening. I realized that many in the media and spiritual arts contribute regularly to my health and well being. Art, music,literature and film are all healing modalities that combined with traditional and alternative medicine can facilitate positive change and awaken greater consciousness. Within the soul of my friends, family and peers is authentic and loving communication that creates self empowering beliefs and inspires one to live to their highest capacity.
Some of those that have enriched and inspired me on my road to recovery are energy healer Loretta Mohl, ambient musician and mixed media artist Drea Smits, author and channeler Maureen Clifton and novelist Bettina Von Kampen. The wisdom and healing energy of Maureen and Loretta honour all beliefs and raise the consciousness of humanity. The authenticity, honesty and creativity of Drea and Bettina create new realities and inspire me to live a more contributory life.
You may have noticed that i have not focused on the particulars of diabetes , depression and my psychological disorders. That was intentional. The point of this article is that whether one has physical or mental disability they are still human. No matter your condition you need to liberate your soul and embrace your magnificence . Trust your own guidance and allow yourself the freedom to be who you really are. My struggles,conditions, trials and tribulations are all things that i incorporate into my shamanic teachings. I live with awareness and everyday i discover new potential . The spirit of the wolf is within me and the way of love and light leads me on a path to peace and happiness.
My wife is a testament to the power of love as a healing modality. Her support and understanding have kept me sane and structured. She allows me to be who i am and that is empowering. Also the wisdom and guidance of my spiritual mentor Buffalo Bear Walks With Wolves continues to educate , inspire and enlighten. Finally let me say that writing is an honour and a privilege. I have had the great pleasure of meeting the publisher of Psychic Tymes magazine Judy Farncombe and she resonates reverence and respect as well as radiating an essence that engages the heart and spirit. Writing is a healing modality and i thank Judy and her husband Martin for contributing to my health and well being.
I use my poetry in my shamanic endeavors and i will leave you with a poem as as a testament to the reality that what i have are not disease and disorder they are physical challenges and mental motivation. If i can elevate your spirit then i can facilitate enlightenment within you that you may go out and inspire others.
I AM HUMAN
I am Human
I am Spirit
I am Shaman
I am Healer
I am Human
I am Spirit
I am Shaman
I am Healer
Rainbow Blessings
Embrace my Soul
Sunshine Spirit
Enhances my Essence
Darkness
Envelopes
Yet does not Define me
Depression
Envelopes
Yet does not own me
I am Human
I am Spirit
I am Shaman
I am Healer
I am Human
I am Spirit
I am Shaman
I am Healer
My soul flourishes
I soar on the wings of angels
I am heaped with blessings
My spirit flows freely
I savour and celebrate life
I live in deep communion with divine energy
I am Human
I am Spirit
I am Shaman
I am Healer
I am Human
I am Spirit
I am Shaman
I am Healer
I am a source of light and beauty
on a path of soulful transformation.
I am Human
-------------------------------------------
The Ancient One with Heart of Buffalo Journeys with Spirit of White Wolf
Michael,
Very good article! Many great positive concepts. A pleasure to read your attitude toward life. The absolute best to you and those you touch. I have had much to overcome in other areas of life; so am empathetic to the goal of maintaining humaness.
Terry
I have taken pride in writing this novel as so many people have the wrong impression on bikers because they dress in leather clothing which is to protect themselves in case of an accident. The majority of bikers are known Policemen, Firemen, Doctors,
