Who Needs to Give You Permission?
An Inner World Exploration
I was doing it differently than I was taught. It was working, but because I was doing it my way I wondered if I was doing it right. Who needs to give you permission to do it the way that works for you?
Trust your own process
I’m working with my third shamanic teacher. And finally, finally, he said words that made me know that what I was doing was exactly right for me, and for the results I wanted and was getting.
Why didn’t I trust myself more?
Actually, I did trust myself because I kept doing it that way. But there was noticeable relief when this teacher said my way was one of the ways it worked too. And that’s when I stopped to ask myself: what else do I feel the need to get permission for and who do I think I need to get it from?
I was taught that drumming was a very important part of doing a shaman journey, which is an intriguing and powerful visit to your inner self. I’ve been talking to my inner self through my writing for years. For a while I pictured three Shakespeare-type men with quill pens offering me amazing words that couldn’t possibly come from me. Finally, I realized that was simply my inner me talking. Like a very loud voice telling me what to write.
Hearing an inner voice is actually called being “clairaudient.” So it’s no surprise that when I journey, rather than sitting and drumming I sit at my computer, do my inner prep work, open up to my inner insights and write what I receive. I love doing it that way. The messages I get are very clear and…why was I even doubting my method?
Yes, drumming is known to change brain waves to help release the mundane and move into a receptive state of consciousness. But when an idea strikes me, I sit down at the computer and immediately start capturing my thoughts. I’m instantly transported to my inner world where thoughts and ideas are like wisps floating around everywhere. Without any thought or any planning, words come pouring out as fast as I can type. It’s like opening a fire hydrant and standing back to let the insights flow out. No effort on my part. Just the act of being open.
That doesn’t mean I don’t edit what I write and strengthen it, but the core idea courses out in a steady stream with no pauses. Sometimes I type with my eyes closed. Just listening to the words that want to be shared.
That’s exactly the way my shamanic journeys unfold. I go within, look and listen – and type.
And yet, I was very grateful to have it affirmed by an authority figure that my way worked too. Weird how we need permission for something we know to be working for us.
Enjoy your uniqueness
I seldom do anything like the majority of people. I don’t try to fit in. I’m not trying to follow. I’m not trying to lead. I just freely and joyously explore and discover and share what I find.
Your way, too, is unique – just as you are.
Do you believe that? Do you accept that you are unique and your way of doing anything will be unique? Do you act freely because of it?
Enjoy the uniqueness of others
When you begin to appreciate how different we all are, you’ll find a plethora of new ideas to explore. My shamanic partner approaches her practice through her art. Perfect. Another healer friend is working with crystal skulls. Perfect. I unexpectedly found a new helping spirit while doing a group meditation in another class. Perfect.
You never know where the gifts will come from. But it’s fun to keep looking.
What do you see that you will adapt?
I’ve created a way to keep track of, absorb and reference all this course material I’m gathering. I shared my system with my shamanic partner and she’ll do whatever version that fits in with her time and her way of working. It’s hers to adapt and use whichever parts work for her. She has adopted and adapted a few of my systems, but as the way she absorbs and accesses information is different, our systems will be different. Perfect.
In some of the courses I’ve taken, there are small group conversations after the course. I joined the group in one course but not in others. Online courses offer Facebook communities. I’ve been very active in some and not so active in others. My choice. My needs. My timing. Whatever works for me at the time.
There’s no right or wrong way; there’s simply the way you choose to do it at that particular moment in your life.
Are you confident enough to make your own choices?
We’ll be flooded with choices until we begin to select only those that are aligned and relevant to us at the time. And if we don’t figure out what we need, want, and like, we’ll be unable to make the choices that’ll most effectively move us forward.
Know your own learning style. Know your own needs and wants. Understand your priorities. Follow your passion. Give yourself permission to make the choices that work best for you right now, in this moment.
You are unique and your choices are unique. Enjoy!
To Sing a Deeper Song Consider:
Does Your Work Stir Your Heart?
What Core Beliefs are Guiding You Today?
