Life is a race, but not the kind measured by time or trophies. It is a journey through realms—some seen, others unseen—where we grapple with inner conflicts and external chaos. Shamanism teaches us that this race isn’t linear; it spirals through the interconnectedness of all things. Yet, for some, the idea of oneness feels heavy. We resist the notion that everything and everyone is part of us. We don’t like people. We don’t like the cacophony they bring. How, then, do we make peace with this race we’re unwillingly running?
Shamanic wisdom offers a path. It tells us to stop running away from the conflict and to instead run into it. The resistance we feel—toward people, their energy, or even the concept of interconnectedness—is a shadow calling for our attention. It’s not about embracing all with open arms but about facing the fragments of ourselves mirrored in the world around us.
Imagine the race as a shamanic journey. The path is a winding trail through the spirit world, and the obstacles are spirits embodying our resistance. Each one holds a piece of wisdom. A distorted face in the crowd might represent our fear of judgment. A loud, chaotic presence might reflect our inner disarray.
To make peace, we must pause and engage in a dialogue with these spirits. Through rituals, dreams, or visualization, we ask: What do you need from me? Often, their demands are not for more resistance but for acknowledgment. They want to be seen, honored, and released.
As we progress, the race becomes less about conflict and more about integration. We carry the teachings of each obstacle, transforming them into allies. In doing so, we find our own rhythm—a shamanic dance of peace within the chaos. The race continues, but we are no longer running blind.
-Justin Kalvoda
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