The teachings of a Shaman

 Lessons from an Algonquin Shaman: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

My time with an Algonquin shaman has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. When I first met him, I was searching for answers—hoping for healing, direction, and maybe even a little magic. But what I found went far beyond what I expected. Through years of practice, ceremony, and patient guidance, he helped me uncover parts of myself I didn’t know were there, and he showed me what it means to live with intention, presence, and respect for all that surrounds us.

Ceremony as a Pathway to Healing

One of the first things he taught us was that true healing begins with ceremony. It wasn’t about fixing or escaping from life’s pain, but about moving through it with grace, allowing it to transform us. Ceremony was a journey—a way of stepping into realms of the spirit, where I could meet with my own truth, unearth the wounds I’d buried, and finally begin to heal. In these spaces, I came face to face with old pain, but I also discovered strength and wisdom I didn’t know I possessed.

When I would feel myself getting impatient or fearful, he would remind me, “Gentle, gentle.” The work was slow, deliberate, and required full presence. Healing, he taught us, was not a one-time event, but an ongoing, unfolding process—a way of meeting ourselves again and again.

Patterns, Trauma, and Relationships

One of the most profound lessons he shared was how we’re drawn to people who carry the same wounds. “We choose partners with the same trauma,” he would say, “it gives us a chance to heal together.” This reshaped how I saw my relationships, allowing me to view them not as random connections, but as part of a deeper journey of growth and healing.

Rather than seeing these connections as something to fear or avoid, he encouraged us to use them as mirrors, to see where we could be more compassionate or where old patterns were crying out to be healed. Every relationship became an opportunity, a chance to face my own wounds with the support of another who was on a similar path.

Recognizing Our Habits as Acts of Love

Another teaching that resonated deeply was his perspective on bad habits. “Our bad habits are our unconscious attempting to soothe us; it’s from a place of love.” He didn’t view these habits with judgment but encouraged us to see them as part of our human need for comfort. Rather than demonizing the things we turn to in difficult times, he taught me to honor them as signs that my soul was seeking peace—even if it wasn’t always in the healthiest way.

This perspective shifted how I approached change. Instead of shaming myself, I learned to listen with compassion. Slowly, I began to replace these old habits with practices that truly nourished me, offering my spirit the comfort it sought without compromising my wellbeing.

The Importance of Balance and Reciprocity

One of his most powerful teachings was about balance. He’d often say, “Look to nature; it knows how to keep itself in harmony.” His idea of balance wasn’t about perfection but about learning to flow with both the light and dark, the pain and joy, that life brings. Through him, I began to see that true healing wasn’t about erasing struggle but about learning to dance with it.

Alongside balance came the principle of reciprocity. “Nothing we take is free,” he would remind us, “and every gift demands gratitude.” I learned that my connection to the world around me—whether people, nature, or spirit—required mutual respect. It was about honoring what I received and giving back, not just out of obligation, but out of love for the web of life that sustains us all.

A Journey of Transformation

Walking this path with an Algonquin shaman has shown me that healing is, ultimately, about transformation. It’s about uncovering our truest selves and moving through the world with authenticity, even as we face life’s many challenges. He never promised that the path would be easy or quick, but he showed me that it would be worth every step.

Each lesson, each ceremony, has left me with a deeper understanding of myself and the world. I carry his teachings with me, knowing that healing isn’t a destination, but a lifelong journey. Through his guidance, I’ve come to see that living with presence, compassion, and reverence is the greatest gift we can give ourselves—and the world. And so, I walk on, grateful for every moment of this journey, each step another chance to discover the beauty and mystery of this sacred life.

~Shanti Freedom Das