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Originally Posted by ChrisL  I'm not trying to invalidate anyone or their work as much as clarifying what blocks us. Thanks for asking and describing more of your work. Our souls are inviolate, they cannot be hurt, distorted, etc. |
Well, I agree... the shamanic idea of soul, though it uses the word "soul" is different from what you say here (and different from what most folks think of and mean when they use the word). In my experience (personal experience as well as work I've done for others), there are still ways an individual may allow part of their essence to leave them, generally through traumatic experiences. At the same time, I would say there is still an aspect of essence that is eternal, has integrity (in the sense of being whole), and is incapable of being separated or harmed. The aspect of self which may leave because of trauma is still more about the core self than the personality (though the personality ends up affected by it) but it may be part of a kind of "shell" that surrounds the soul you're speaking of, the essence which we both agree is always whole. I do not mean shell in the sense of fakeness or armor, just as a layer surrounding something.
I don't usually get opportunities to discuss the way these things fit together with someone who has plenty of experience, so I don't know if I am articulating it well.
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Originally Posted by ChrisL Listening to our pain is a great way to move into responding! Many times we struggle against it instead of embracing it with awareness and diving deeper. ... Imagine being so internally-validating, self-accepting, loving ourselves so enthusiastically, being so present and brand new that we allow Creation to express through us in each moment. What kind of life would that be?
It starts with really knowing ourselves, giving ourselves what we truly need in each moment, and then embodying what we want from others. We can start with mapping out all of our core beliefs - sex, money, power, creativity, love, will, vision, divinity, etc. Do we feel safe and welcome? Is it okay to ackowledge our needs and ask for what we want? Can we be ourselves and be in relationship? Then we can start witnessing what goes on in our bodies - breath, posture, movement, senses - and see how that affects our emotions and thoughts, and vice versa. Just bringing more awareness to anything is going to change it. |
Love this!