Rattling the Bones

I just got back from western Canada. We (G and I) gave a workshop out there, in Golden, B.C. It doesn’t matter how many times we travel through the Rockies in Spring, the mountains always share with us new experiences. For example, this June there were quite a few thunderstorms in comparison to last year’s week of hot, muggy, sunny weather. It’s amazing how the mountains actually box in the sounds of nature and accentuates them in clarity. Being in the mountains during a thunderstorm was like being in a cathedral during a concert of classical music. Beautiful! The dark clouds, piercing sun rays and rainbows denoted the valleys in different shades of light and shadow, and enhanced the power of the Rockies in ways that I would have never imagined. You can check my page on Facebook for pictures. They are well worth the time. I never saw and heard so many birds and even the coyotes, the wolves and the cougars were quite vocal especially in the middle of the night. Perha...

I received an e-mail from DLL before Christmas and she was asking me to consider writing a blog entry on “how to bring up children in Shamanism.” Her message spoke about her challenges as a mom. DLL suggested that I consider sharing on this topic and I thought it was a great idea. When I approached my children who are now adults with the question: “What do you think is the difference between a Shamanic family and a Western family?” -- they both looked at me as if it was a trick question. After I reassured them that I was serious about exploring the topic with them and even write a blog entry on the subject, they were both very forthcoming with their perspectives. My daughter explained that what she noticed the most was how Western parents often approach child rearing as if they have to program their children to believe in what they believe; see things the way they see things; and make appropriate choices which means choices with permission . My son agreed with his...