Shamanic Journey: A Path to Cultivating Wisdom

The Sisters of Earth (SOE) recently published a “Shamanic Journey into Earth’s Wisdom-Reflections on the Cosmovision of Thomas Berry” edited by Sister Gail Worcelo with New Perennials publishing. This edited book shares chapters from the Sisters of Earth community with reflections inspired from a conference on shamanic journey. Each chapter presents an approach that fosters spontaneity, awaking the shamanic personality that Thomas Berry referred to in his teachings. Sister Gail co-founded the Green Mountain Monastery in Vermont and is keeping Thomas Berry’s teachings alive. This book continues Berry’s work, by sharing women’s perceptions of shamanic journey.
 
The book illustrates how wisdom can be cultivated through various practices like sacred art and activism. But we need guidance to tap into the mystical dimensions of life. Reconnecting to Earth-centered approaches to education is an essential part of the Great Work that Thomas Berry advocated for throughout his lifetime. Berry also underscored the important work of women who are revealing the disaster of androcentrism to our society. The prioritization of male perspectives, experiences, and values over those of women has contributed to the current ecological crisis.
 
“Shamanic Journey into Earth’s Wisdom,” amplifies the voices of women who share their practices and engagement. Their different approaches allow us to better understand the emerging areas of service that the Sisters of Earth are developing. Through their testimonies, we see how the shamanic journey awakens the Earth's dream. Together, the authors present a multifaceted vision of Earth’s wisdom.
 
Autoethnography is akin to spiritual journey. I am convinced that autoethnographic practice is a form of shamanic journey. Autoethnography can foster conflict wisdom, providing a pathway for transformation. Autoethnography is a method that develops directionality by activating the inner compass. We can use storytelling as a tool for future forming. The autoethnographic method allows us to go inward, reconnecting with our waking dreams. Our dreams help us to envision a new story. They provide quest orientation.
 
New Perennials publishes books that sow the seeds of change. Their publications can be downloaded without cost. They believe that thoughts matter. Both our thoughts and narrative matters are future forming. I have provided links to both the New Perennials website and to their publications so that you can learn about their community.

Here is a link to New Perennials.org that allows you to learn more about their work.
https://www.newperennials.org

Here is a link that gives you access to the book:
https://middlebury.figshare.com/articles/book/Shamanic_Journey_into_Earth_s_Wisdom_Reflections_on_the_Cosmovision_of_Thomas_Berry/26499484?file=48191035