Do you like being human?
Generational approaches to life and spirit, a Gnostic origin story, + guidance for being here now.
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Over the years, I’ve observed that a lot of folks are drawn to shamanism because they don’t want to be here.
Have you ever felt this way? Like this physical world is almost torture compared to the spirit realms you know you come from? Or perhaps even the star system that’s home to your soul?
Interestingly — and admittedly my sample is quite small — I’ve seen a bit of a generational division with this. My Gen X and Boomer clients seem more likely to want to be somewhere else than my younger clients.
I wonder if this is related to another generational observation I’ve made: It seems that while older generations really thrive with “traveling” journeys — those where you send your consciousness to other realms, Millennials and younger have a natural tendency to call the spirits to them right here, staying totally embodied for their spirit communication.
As a member of that micro-set often termed “The Oregon Trail Generation”, I find myself in the middle when it comes to journeys.
I love traveling the unseen realms and usually find my most insightful guidance and strongest healings come from this more traditional style of journeying (and it’s what I teach in my classes). Yet, I also feel connected to the spirit world throughout my everyday life, and my daily spiritual practices are completely embodied. (So, I bring this work into my classes too!)
I can imagine though, that if my spiritual practices were primarily rooted in traveling the other realms, I might not feel very comfortable hanging out in this wild world of ours.
But I’m not sure about these generational observations at all!
I’m probably totally talking out my ass here because I’ve also seen plenty of evidence to the opposite.
So I’m so curious — what do you think? Have you noticed any generational differences with wanting to be here vs retreating to spirit land? Please let me know in the comments!
Anyway, back to that question: Do you want to be here?
You, Nous, and the Origins of the Cosmos
In one Gnostic origin story*, it’s said that Nous — the all consciousness that we might think of as God — created the universe, with the Earth at the center (…it’s a reflection of the times, okay?).
Upon seeing this creation, Nous was filled with longing. Imagine gazing at the most beautiful painting you’ve ever seen, luscious landscapes, delectable foods, aromatic gardens, soul-stirring music…
In order to fully experience the beauty of this, you must enter the painting.
So that’s what Nous did. Sparks of Nous’s own divinity were sent from the stars through the planets and into the Earth.
You are one of those sparks.
You are divine and embodied, here to experience the beauty of the senses for a moment in cosmic time.
*Thank you to Merlin for introducing me to this story.
As messed up as this physical reality can seem, I find comfort in this origin story.
I’ve found that the more you can consciously embody your true spiritual nature in this reality, the more you will affect this reality.
Your own intentions remind the atoms and quarks that create our world that they are here to reflect the most beautiful visions of Nous.
This is the work I do — I help people connect with the beauty of who they really are in a world that sometimes seems intent on making us forget.
My first blog, back in the early 2000s, was called Living through the Senses (I still have the domain name, lol). I like remembering this because it’s such a reflection of my approach to life.
Sensory living has always been central to my spiritual practice. Creating beauty through perfume, art, and food. Receiving beauty through the miraculous gifts of the natural world.
Returning my attention to beauty, and experiencing this beauty through my senses, has gotten me through grief, illness, rage, and all the times I found myself not wanting to be here.
How to Enjoy this Place Called Earth
I think that just about all of us actually feel like the world is too messed up and we want to peace out once in a while, regardless of age. If you ever find yourself veering towards this darkness, here are a few recommendations that have worked for my and many of my students:
1. Find your own origin story.
Read tales from cultures around the world until you hit on one that just resonates. You’ll know you’ve found the right one when you feel the unconditional love and joy of spirit.
Alternatively, journey to receive a new origin story. Ask your spirit guides to tell you a tale that will resonate with your heart.
Remember, this story doesn’t need to have anything to do with the big bang or whatever else you believe about the scientific nature of reality. Your origin story is poetry, words for your soul.
2. Mindfully treat your senses.
Slow down and pay attention to all the beauty you receive through each sense. Play music you love, perhaps that reminds you of a favorite time in life. Make a point of watching a colorful sunset. Wear a special fragrance that speaks to your soul (obviously, a favorite of mine ).
Balance appreciating the beauty already within your life with treating yourself to a little something extra. This doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive, but it should feel a bit indulgent and outside of your norm.
3. Bring embodiment into your spiritual practice.
The simplest way to begin is to breathe into your heart and feel the seat of your spirit there. Notice how just placing your awareness on your inner light sparks it to grow. Then feel this light spread throughout every cell in your body and beyond, filling your entire aura with spiritual light — the spiritual light that is you.
Ways to Work Together
The Shamanic Path — 1:1 Personal Mentorship
A sacred, 3-month container to guide you into touch with your spirit team, deepen your shamanic practice, and clarify your soul’s medicine.
Wild Alchemy Sessions — Coaching & Creative Mentorship
Shed what no longer serves and find support for bringing your heartfelt visions to life with spirit-let coaching. Deep listening and guided journeys are the heart of this alchemical work.
Shamanic Healing — Traditional Spiritual Healing Sessions
Soul retrieval, power restoration, spirit guide connections, energy medicine, and more are possible with these intensive healing sessions.
Small Group Courses & Workshops
Join a live class, online or in-person. Soul Retrieval is scheduled for September and new classes will be added soon.
I really like your ideas on enjoying being human. Otherwise, I don’t see the point. There actually are rainbows, and stars, and funny movies, and hugs, and pets, and wild places! I just have to keep breathing and remember to appreciate.
I journey the Spirit Realms and teach others how to do the same for Spirit Communication, but never to get away from this world. It never entered my head. I guess I am too planted here. Although, I am a Boomer. That might have something to do with it. But as you mention it, I have recognized how the younger generations have extremely different views on it. Escapism is embraced with them. I first noticed the major divide years ago when cellphone texting made the scene. Even within the workplace. Communications between higherups and employees was by text! This, to me is when I noticed a generational difference in many things, including 'journeying' in other realms.