Reconnection
The Shaman I am apprenticed to often talks about the conversation that is happening around us. Trees interact with each other via the massive network of fungi that connects the forest. There is an interaction between plants and the soil type, seen by noticing what plants grow where. Red squirrels are always chattering at intruders, giving away the intruders location to the listening ear. There is so much information that can be gleaned from around us by just noticing the way that life and the elements are interacting.
We, as humans, are so dependent on conversation and interaction. The importance of relationship between us, our food, and our planet is often understated. We like to think of ourselves as beings outside of the feedback systems of the ecosystem we live in, but nothing could be further from the truth. When it comes down to it, we are a very cunning, social species on the planet earth who may just be in over their heads.
I’ve been thinking about relationship a lot recently. As my family and I were out doing errands, an interesting TED Talk came on the radio. It was an author named Johann Hari delivering a speech called “Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong.” Essentially, he speaks about the roots of addiction in disconnection. It was fascinating, although some see some errors in his train of thought. It struck me as something rather shamanic.
Part of the role of the Shaman is to help heal and build community. It is about finding, strengthening, and creating connection. Connecting to the world of Spirit is only part of this. As I mentioned, we are social creatures. We need connection to each other, to the world around us, and to some sort of purpose. When we lose that, we try to find connection in some other way. I’m not suggesting that this is the only reason for addiction, by the way. There are real chemical and biological components involved. There is language in shamanic practice to cover those aspects, too. What people might call a “family curse” could really be a genetic predisposition to a problem. The chemical hooks of a chemical are part of its “spirit.” We fall in danger of those hooks when we lose correct relationship with a plant or substance.
I’m a firm believer that everything has its use, its place in an ecosystem. Even illegal drugs have a medicinal side. When used correctly, we use opiates to deal with pain when it becomes too much. Cannabis has medical uses, just ask any medical marijuana enthusiast. Hallucinogens have their place in different indigenous spiritual traditions. Even cocaine is derived from Coca Leaf, a plant with a strong place in certain South American cultures for its benefits. Alcohol is a great extractor of herbal medicines, and can be used to open people up to themselves and others. It’s when we fall out of correct relationship with these things (or change the plant to become something that it was not meant to be) that it becomes a problem.
We as Americans aren’t that great with relationships, though. Maybe it has something to do with the loss of connection to Spirit, and the loss of connection in community. Maybe it’s the way that we structure society now. Maybe it’s the vapid nature of social media. Maybe we are experiencing a loneliness epidemic (though loneliness and connectivity are not synonymous). Maybe it’s just the way it is. I don’t know. I do believe that connectivity and community are important healers to the heart sickness that seems to be growing in our world.
I think that the world needs connectors and healers now. I’m still trying to figure out what my part is in helping to connect and heal the world about me. What do you think the world needs right now?
Until next week
-The Green Mountain Mage.