How I became a shamanic practitioner

 My Journey from Healing to Becoming a Shamanic Practitioner

The decision to seek healing from trauma was one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. I had carried the pain of that experience for years, burying it deep within me, hoping it would somehow dissolve on its own. But instead, it became a shadow—showing up in my relationships, my self-worth, and the way I navigated the world.

When I finally worked up the courage to seek help, I was guided to a shaman—a healer who promised to address not just my mind but the wounds of my soul. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I was ready for something deeper than conventional methods had been able to offer me.

Facing the Pain

In our first session, the shaman created a safe, sacred space where I felt seen, heard, and held. It was the first time I felt that my pain wasn’t being minimized or analyzed but honored as part of my story.

Through guided journeys and ceremonies, we began to peel back the layers of my trauma. The shaman explained that abuse often causes a fragmentation of the soul—pieces of our essence leave to protect us during moments of unbearable pain. While this is a survival mechanism, it can leave us feeling disconnected, incomplete, and stuck in cycles of self-doubt and fear.

One of the most transformative moments was a soul retrieval ceremony. During this ritual, I journeyed to the root of my trauma. I revisited the younger version of myself who had experienced the abuse, not as a victim, but as someone who had survived.

Through tears, I called back the parts of myself that had been lost in those moments of pain. I welcomed them home, holding them with love and compassion. For the first time, I began to feel whole again.

Releasing the Energetic Imprint

Trauma leaves an imprint—not just in our minds, but in our energy fields. Through various shamanic practices, including energy cleansing and ceremonial release work, we worked to clear the residue of the abuse from my body and spirit.

One particularly powerful ritual involved writing down everything I wanted to let go of—the shame, the anger, the fear—and offering it to the fire. As the paper burned, I felt a weight lift from my chest.

The shaman reminded me that this process was not about forgetting or erasing what happened but about transforming it. The abuse had shaped me, but it didn’t have to define me.

Discovering My Purpose

As I healed, I began to feel a deep pull toward the work itself. I realized that the same practices that had brought me so much healing could be a lifeline for others. My pain, as raw and heavy as it had been, was now a source of wisdom and compassion—a tool I could use to guide others on their journeys.

I started studying shamanism, apprenticing with mentors, and deepening my understanding of the spiritual and energetic realms. My journey was one of both learning and unlearning—stepping out of old patterns and stepping into the role of healer.

Becoming a Practitioner

Today, as a shamanic practitioner, I bring the lessons of my own healing journey into every session I offer. I know what it feels like to carry pain that seems impossible to release. I know the courage it takes to face those shadows. And I know the profound transformation that is possible when we honor our stories and call our spirits home.

The work I do is deeply personal because I’ve lived it. I’ve been the one sitting in ceremony, trembling with the weight of my past, and emerging with a lighter heart and a clearer sense of purpose.

The Gift of Healing

If you’re carrying pain from abuse or trauma, know that healing is possible. You don’t have to carry it alone, and you don’t have to let it define your future.

Shamanism taught me that even the deepest wounds can become sources of light and strength. It showed me that our souls are resilient and that healing is not just about surviving but thriving.

It’s my honor to guide others on this path, helping them reclaim their power, their light, and their lives. If you feel called to begin your own journey, I’m here to hold space for you—just as my shaman once did for me.

~Shanti Freedom Das