The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a theologically based covenant community, dedicated to "recovery of the soul" and promoting competency in the clinical pastoral field.
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The drums were beating at a fast tempo. The Room was dark with the exception of the dimly lit candles surrounding her.
She was in her early twenties, feeling alone and helpless. She claimed that darkness surrounded her soul. The woman couldn’t sleep, eat, and could hardly walk. Her breath was shallow; she felt her life force was leaving her. She was asking for help.
The doctor said that she was depressed and gave her medication. The pills were not working. Her psychotherapy was not effective. She saw her therapist after the auto accident. She was driving the car, her boyfriend was killed. After the accident she was never the same. She was compelled to visit his grave sight everyday, she blamed herself.
One of her concerned friends told her about the concept of soul loss and the importance to see a shaman about this condition.
The aspect of soul loss can be found in various articles. I recommend Sandra Ingerman’s extensive work on this subject.
I would like to recommend some helpful hints that were helpful in dealing with soul loss and especially soul retrieval for this client. They are as follows:
• The person or group that is aiding in the soul retrieval need to have their body, mind and soul grounded. What do I mean by grounded? The need to be physically connected to the earth. Various physical exercises are excellent for this. For example, • Chi Kung, Tai Chi, and Yoga, etc.
• A good sense of humor. These situations are heavy, one needs to lighten up.
• A sense of divine kindness. God, the Holy Spirit, is good. Expect the best. Always be as positive as possible when communicating with the individual.
• Meditate before, during, and after the session. Release all negativity by controlled energetic breathing.
• Practice humility. Remember soul retrieval isn’t only a challenge for the client; it is a wake up call for us. God has given us this sacred work.
• Bathe the client in loving kindness, listen, breath, and be really present.
• Be willing to work with a client 24 hours a day until some progress is made. If no progress is occurring, seek referral.
• Work with a health care professional. And if one can, talk to indigenous shaman about the case.
•Take self-care very seriously. When doing this work, listen to music, dance, sing, and laugh.
• Stay in tune with nature. Watch the birds, the flow of the tides, feel the gentle breeze, be close to animals and plants.
By the way, this is a real story. The woman was helped by the grace of God, the Great Spirit; she is well living a life of a wife, mother, and doctor.
The message here is to love one another as I have loved you.
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Thomas Downes is a member of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and a certified shamanic practioner. He is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor with the State of New York and an active NGO member on the Committee of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations. He can be reached by email by clicking here.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at January 31, 2010 11:31 PM
