Do you ever have trouble sleeping because your brain won’t shut up?
Last night, I had a little trouble sleeping. There was so much running through my head. But some of it was good, as it was inspiration (or rather, direction) to take my Guide For the Budding Shaman book, and expand on what it is to be a “seasoned” practitioner. This book goes into the metaphysical, paranormal, and Extra Sensory Perception (ESP). As shaman, we walk with one foot in the realm of spirit, and one foot in the physical. This book also goes into applying this in the physical. Understanding of energy and the spirit realm help us to be response-able in the physical realm. I have written a LOT about this in previous blogs. And a seasoned practitioner (whether they call themselves a shaman, a masseuse, tarot reader, Reiki practitioner, etc) is one that has developed response-ability.
So, what makes a person “seasoned?” As I lay in bed, wishing I could sleep, I was shown those characteristics a seasoned practitioner has. Naturally, one expects them to “know their stuff.” To have experience practicing whatever it is their doing, be it an intuitive talent, an energy modality, or “craft” if you will. They are also teachable. As they master one level of their practice, they tend to deepen into the next.
A few other facets boil down to manners. I acknowledge that we are all human. We all have our communicational quirks from time to time. Some people are naturally more charismatic than others. As with many other things, practice makes perfect. Seasoned practitioners have a way of clearly and comfortably communicating with clients. In time (often through experience) they learn resolution skills, as well as ways to honor their own boundaries. They have a feel for what kinds of things are appropriate to say to whom and when. Good and consistent ethics (such as consent and client confidentiality) are generally valued by the seasoned practitioner. They recognize that there is a healer for everyone, but not all healers are for all people. It isn’t something to take personally.
Manners with a client aren’t the only important ones though. Seasoned practitioners have good manners regarding other practitioners as well. They are mindful in our observations of other practitioners, and even more mindful of when, where, and with whom they share them. They tend more to be excited for each other, than to be in competition. Everyone is on their own unique path, and has their own corner, lane, or piece of the puzzle (or however else you view it). Not one of us can do exactly what another one does. We each have their own unique voice, even though we are sharing very similar messages. And this is not something to perceive as a threat, or from a place of lack.
Why is this information important? For spiritual practitioners, sharing their craft with the world, this is something to strive for. This helps them to offer a more comfortable experience for their client, and to be in integrity.
This is good information for prospective clients as well. They have rights to confidentiality, consent, respect, and to back away from experiences that they are not comfortable with. Perhaps this information also helps prospective clients to be more empathetic or understanding towards some of the new practitioners who are in the process of becoming seasoned.
Being seasoned is certainly something that is learned (from experiences, courses, books, etc). I personally learned a great deal in my studies of anthropology and communication, my shaman studies, and also through the Hope Interfaith Center’s seminary. Still, there have been practical moments where my skills were honed. I continue to experience those moments. All seasoned practitioners do. But, we know how to respond to them in grace.
I hope that this blog has been helpful, and perhaps a wee bit entertaining. I invite you to explore my other resources, such as my YouTube channel, through my link tree. This blog was a sneak peak into the content of my book, A Guide For The Budding Shaman. Stay tuned through my newsletter for release updates.
