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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Natural Shamanism

by Janet StraightArrow

Shamanism is a path of service to the planet, her people and the community. Shamans are people who dedicate their lives in service, answering a spiritual calling of service. Their spiritual focus is inclusive of the mind, body, emotions and soul.

As the original holistic healers in traditions around the world, they are also known for their ability to heal themselves. Connecting with spirit and the spirit in all things awakens meaning to life and helps us to understand ourselves better. Today, people continue to practice shamanism in order to support healing and spiritual awareness and growth.

The main purpose to pursue shamanism is to learn and heal through a direct connection to the spirit, soul and spiritual guidance. The shamanic journey is a way to accomplish this. Nature, animals, seasonal and life cycles and all of life on earth and beyond are honored as an important part of shamanic practice. Learning with an experienced teacher allows a person to safely travel, learn, discern, heal and discover the truth on many levels. It is also a way to uncover one’s own path of service and purpose.

Shamanic traditions vary. Some use drums, rattles and gongs to move into the subtle shamanic realms. Natural products like sage, stones and feathers are also used for cleansing and healing. Some use breathwork in order to move into a deep connection. Each tradition offers its own unique perspectives.

There is no need to use drugs for a natural shamanic experience, as when we achieve a true spiritual connection, we awaken bliss, happiness, amazing visions and higher truth and love.

A natural shamanic practice should be used with an open mind and loving heart focused on being of service to all. Explored with pure intent, Shamans create a sacred space to connect, heal, learn and grow. Shamanism is a precious natural way to awaken, heal and be.

Janet StraightArrow discovered her shamanic calling in 1992. She has studied with Native American, Tibetan, Celtic, Toltec and Siberian Shamans as well as shamanic practitioners at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. For more information on shamanism and soul shamanism, and to view her upcoming training and retreat schedules, visit BeTheMedicine.com.

Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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