One of the healing rituals that is a part of advanced shamanizing is recapturing the soul of a patient experiencing soul loss. This typically involves a shaman entering a trance-like or ecstatic state and journeying on behalf of the client to find and bring back their soul from the underworld or lower world.
Among many indigenous peoples, the Huichol in Mexico and Afro-Brazilian groups, their cultural history - their travels and struggles - is periodically recreated in ceremony and ritual. Remembering who we are and where we come from seems important to staving off cultural soul loss.
What do our black and brown youth in low-income urban communities know about who they are and where the come from? Is there a way to tap into the knowledge and wisdom of the ancestors to restore harmony, balance and well-being in cities overwhelmed by violence and poverty?
In children's mental health, I hope that it is well established that families matter. Can we also establish that culture matters?
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My high school senior. When she was born and breastfeeding every two hours, 24-7, and I couldn’t shower or read the Sunday paper anymor...
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