Shamanism is often associated with ancient civilizations, their wonderful knowledge, and practices that were in harmony with their time and the places they lived. Yet this practice has crossed time since the birth of humanity, and it can—and must—evolve to adapt to our era. That’s what I call urban shamanism.
The essentials
- Shamanism helps you rediscover intuition and the connections we’ve lost in our fast-paced lives.
- It’s living with respect and gratitude for everything around us.
- No need to head off into the jungle: you can practice it every day, in the city.
- A drum audio track and a good pair of headphones are enough to travel.
Why shamanism has its place today
Shamanism helps us reconnect with what we’ve lost because of our frantic, materialistic lifestyles, where intuition no longer has a place. Even though it’s essential to our well-being, we neglect it more and more—until we lose it.
Shamanism is living in harmony and in gratitude with everything that exists and everything life offers us. It’s respecting life—your own and others’. Through an altered state of consciousness, it helps you reconnect with the spirits of nature, your intuition, and your healing abilities.
Practicing shamanism in the city
No need to go live in the jungle, the mountains, or the tundra. These places where nature reigns are wonderful for slowing down and connecting with Mother Earth, but it’s not possible for everyone. Shamanism can be practiced daily, even in the heart of a big city.
To practice is to enter an altered state of consciousness from anywhere to connect with the invisible worlds and the spirits that inhabit them. The spirit travels on other planes without consciousness leaving the body, so there’s no risk of not coming back from a shamanic journey. In fact, we travel the same way every night when we dream.
A drum in your headphones
Of course, nothing beats the real sound of the shamanic drum and its authentic vibrations. But with a phone, a good pair of headphones, and an audio track, it’s absolutely possible to travel lying down or sitting, in the dark or blindfolded. That’s how I do most of my journeys, for myself and in the healing work I do.
One path among others
This ancestral practice adapts really well to our modern lives and can truly help anyone reconnect with what matters most. I’m not saying it’s the only one or the best. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or tai chi can also help you find those connections again. Listen to your heart and your intuition, and find what makes you vibrate.
Frequently asked questions
Can you practice shamanism in the city?
Yes. You just need to enter an altered state of consciousness, which can be done anywhere—for example with a drum audio track and headphones.
Is a shamanic journey dangerous?
The spirit travels without consciousness leaving the body, so there’s no risk of not coming back. It’s comparable to what we experience every night when we dream.
The topic is vast and I’m passionate about it. To start with the basics, read my article on the origins of shamanism. I hope you find your path, just as I found mine.
If this topic resonates with you, discover the Soul Sanctuary retreat, a week blending handpan, shamanic practices, presence, and introspection.
We are One. One love.
