Halloween: Entering the world of all possibilities

Halloween is many things. It is foremost a time of fun and frivolity. That can take many forms, the most common (in the U. S.) being kids in costumes asking for candy and other treats. It is also parties for them and “spook alleys”.

Adults have fun as well. Many find joy being amidst the costumed children and seeing that they have a safe, exciting time. Others go to their own activities to engage in more grown-up versions of costumed partying.

For the adults in costume, and perhaps to some degree for the children, Halloween is a time to release one of their alter egos. Or, it can be a time to try out a potential new one. This is a time when it is socially acceptable to express ourselves in a way that is very different and “out of character”. It is an opportunity to be bold, to experiment.

We do this naturally as children. It is part of establishing our identity that we will present to ourselves and to the world. In our young years it appears as role-playing. In our teen years, it manifests as rebellion. It parts the curtain slightly again as a “mid-life crisis”. This is when we realize that the identity that we clutched so fervently as a young adult may not have actually represented all we are, and we feel the angst.

For some, another major opportunity comes in the fall and winter of life. Our career has ended, the children are grown and we are alone or with our partner. At last, we seem to have finally reached the point where we can ask “what do I really want to do?”. If we are fortunate, the question is no longer bounded by economic needs, and social requirements are diminishing. We can now look at what is in our hearts.

The shaman, the warrior, takes a different approach. He or she will adopt different “costumes” to accomplish a purpose. This may sound insincere, but it is the opposite. It is being totally true to your heart, perhaps more so than the average person who zealously adheres to a particular philosophy or creed. But, that is a comparison you must resolve.

Consider this in the process: Would you wear the same clothes to work on your car or garden, to play with the kids, to attend a nice dinner with friends, to go to church, and to sleep? For most, the answer is no.

Every great master and spiritual leader that I’m aware of has used different “costumes”. At various times they may be a recluse, a disciplined devotee, a demanding leader, a gentle confident, a compassionate healer, a charismatic speaker, a quiet sufferer of abuse, an aggressive and fearless defender of truth, or any number of other roles.

For the person who is seeking to fulfill their life’s purpose, the requirements are similar. If you wish to be seated in your power, you must learn to step into different roles — to be able to change “costumes” freely and easily.

The keys are:
First, to be able to create and wear the “costume”. Actors learn to do this to some degree. This is an important aspect of shamanic training, and is much more extensive.
Second, to be able to remove it easily. You must create a structure that allows you to stay connected with your heart and truth. This is where most people fail. They adopt a “costume” in their youth because it serves them at the time, but without realizing it’s limitations. At that time they lack the maturity and understanding to be able to create an “exit strategy”, or a way to remove the “costume” when it is no longer viable for them.
Third, they use their “costumes” with integrity and honor, and always in harmony with their heart and truth. This is what separates the shaman, the warrior, the inspired spiritual leader, from the charlatan and the dictatorial tyrant.

Everything we do should be grounded in integrity, honor and truth, and practiced with consciousness.

So, what is your “costume” today?

What would a shaman think?

A shaman should be aware of their environment. A shaman is a force for managing their environment. they cannot do that if they are not aware of it. They need to be conscious!

So, take a look at these three articles and identify what they mean to you. You may, and should, add to your assessment whatever additional information you have. Let your shaman out! Please post your assessment and comments. I will post mine shortly.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7048600.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7061597.stm

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aloipJ1k0qLk&refer=us

Be wise… be Conscious… BE!

Welcome (back) to the Shaman’s Web

Shaman’s Web was an early entry on the internet, going on-line in the early 90′s. A few years later I reached a crucial decision with my family. We decided to leave the corporate world and begin a quest, an adventure, that lasted for nearly a decade. During this time I retained the domain, knowing I would return one day, but took the website down.

Internet marketers would say I made a bad business decision, but being a shaman is not about what the world thinks. It is about following YOUR path, about being true to your core identity. Sometimes that means you must withdraw from public view for a time while you grow. When you return, you are stronger and better able to serve and fulfill your purpose.

We are all on a journey, a sacred journey, we call “life”. The path each of us walks is unique and regardless of what that path is, it is sacred. It is the path we have individually chosen to give us the greatest lessons we can obtain in this life. This path, this journey, has been referred to as “The Hero’s Journey” and “The Warrior’s Quest”. The theme is the same in all mythology: you leave the peace and comfort of “home” to seek out a special “treasure”, meet and overcome extreme obstacles, and then return home with your treasure as a hero. During the process you develop great qualities: compassion, love, courage, strength of character, and others.

Regardless of what the journey is called, it is sacred, because you are connecting with something-higher-than-self. You are being shaped into the image of the Divine (whatever you call it: “God”, “Higher Self”, “Atman”, “archetype”, etc.).

Our sacred quest is often divided into smaller quests. Our family recently completed one of those. However, it was much larger than we realized when we began. It lasted nearly 10 years and took us into realms of experience we would not have imagined at the beginning. Such is the nature of the Warrior’s Quest. The knowledge, understanding, and, especially, the compassion I gained for certain segments of our population, I would not trade for anything. Perhaps, I will write about that at some future time.

This website has always always existed to provide access to tools to assist you on your sacred quest. It is based upon the premise that we are all very powerful and sacred beings. Our power and sacredness is hidden behind a gossamer veil of forgetfulness. As we begin to discover our true identity and power, our life changes. We are able to walk our path in grace and strength, learning what we came here to learn, and giving back to others in appropriate ways.

In order accomplish that, I would like your input. I am now rebuilding this website and have a great deal of information to put on it. The question is, “Where do I start?” Below, I have listed several categories and ideas. Will you share your ideas of what will be most meaningful and important to you at this time? Just leave a comment with your interests. You can pick one, or pick several and prioritize them.

Let the journey begin!

Ideas and offerings:
* Basic and Advanced (master’s level) Martial Arts Training
* Hypnosis and NLP
* Ki (Chi) development and Healing
* Life planning
* Shamanism, Meditation, Spiritual development
* Nature Studies
* Self-management and Self-development
* Energy work (healing, power, radionics)

And, the format:
* Ebooks
* Podcasts
* Video tutorials
* Live seminars
* Webinars
* Coaching
* Courses
* Other….