What gets you up in the morning?
Perspective. The way I look at life and our planet. I have this urge to see the power return to the people and like to see how many ways I can think against the system of control, looking beyond the veil of illusion. When you see a spark that is full of knowledge, you know it’s bright enough to cast the shadow of fear from the mind and body, and to return magic back to this world.
If you had to describe what you do in a sentence…
I delve into the uncomfortable places of the unknown to seek medicine that can heal and inspire the masses for interpersonal and global change.
“Just because you practice yoga doesn’t mean you’re not an a**-hole.”
What makes you an expert in your field?
Devotion of 32 years. That and my my sheer will and focus to see our species operate in a self-sustaining, thriving, conscious model that supports all workable systems and aims to create an awareness of preservation for life and balance on the earth. This needs to happen in all fields from art to medicine to industry and education and more.
When and how did you receive your calling?
When I was five, I was chosen by my great grandmother and family to hold the helm of our heritage in African tribal culture. I was picked to succeed as the next in line shaman to bring a wellspring of healing and knowledge to the western and eastern world, for global reform and adaptation.
What is the most misunderstood thing about your profession?
That shamanism is witchcraft and evil and that all shamans dole out ayahuasca and plant medicines. Which is so far from the truth of shamanism as a whole in old world culture. Also that because I’m a shaman I have it all figured out.
I’m in a biological space suit, I have things to learn, it’s called evolution.
I’m in a biological space suit, I have things to learn, it’s called evolution.
If there was one thing you could pass on to everyone, what would it be?
That long ago we did not need a book or workshops to teach us how to be human, to connect, to heal, and to know God. There was a time when we were so deeply in touch with the energy of life that we saw and knew the truth just through the act of living and breathing and honoring life. We have forgotten the value of life; that all discord, suffering, pain, war and hate, is instilled because we’ve forgotten this. We have diminished the value and purpose of women, which is the cornerstone of society. The intuitive qualities of women, that ability to sense imbalance and danger has been lost, and therefore our capacity to navigate our choices in society has been lost as well. We are so disconnected and impotent in our emotional intelligence that we isolate and destroy ourselves mentally and emotionally, not to mention the fact that our natural environment and animals are being destroyed because of our lack of feminine energy and spiritual awareness. The word “Shaman” has been popping up a lot today because shamans are being asked to help people remember the truth before the destruction of self is irreversible. We have the power and the knowledge to change life for the better. It starts with us all.
What one thing should we stop doing now?
The first thing you should stop doing is playing victim. That means complaining, fault-finding, projecting and talking about things you don’t like. This is the first self-abuse that needs to change right now.
What one thing should we start doing more of now?
See possibility in everything that shows up. Focus on possibility and change will emerge.
What is your “ikigai”?
Being an ambassador for the message of acceptance and love.
To learn more about Shaman Durek, visit: shamandurek.com