Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # WholeSpirit → Shamanic Counselor ∴ Intuitive Consultant ∴ Energy Healer Personal Evolution Through Nature-Based Shamanic Healing & Shamanic Training ## Posts ### [Blog](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** - ![eye contact polyphemus moth](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/eye-contact-Polyphemus-moth-150x150.jpeg) [Eye Contact: Snakes, Owls, Cats, Us, Yikes!](https://www.wholespirit.com/eye-contact-snakes-owls-cats-us-yikes/)by Mara August 13, 2026Eye Contact: Snakes, Owls, Cats, Us, Yikes! Snake Friends, I had a staring contest with a snake the other day. I loved it. I don’t think the snake did. Maybe not a contest so much as I enjoyed having eye contact with the snake until they decided to undulate gracefully away. Owls I’ve written before about the owl in my yard. Recently, I came upon an owl early one morning in my neighborhood park. Same species of owl, not sure if they were the same specific owl. We looked at one another intently. Like the snake, I assume with quite different […] - ![Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America! U.S. Flag with birthday candles at the top edge against a black background.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Happy-Birth-Death-Rebirth-Day-America-1-150x150.jpg) [Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America!](https://www.wholespirit.com/happy-birth-death-rebirth-day-america/)by Mara July 1, 2026Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America! Cycles appear everywhere in nature. Humans like to think we’re not affected by them, but we are. Our creations usually are too. Most things have a beginning, middle and end, or at least an ebb and flow, a rise and fall, a birth and death. But what about revival or regeneration, version 2.0, kintsugi personified: rebirth? I may be getting ahead of myself by wishing America a happy “rebirth” day. I don’t know precisely where we are in our cycle, although we’re clearly at an inflection point. Although much about our democracy feels like it’s […] - ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SPONSORED-by-CryptoBroMan-Freedom-Chips3-150x150.jpg) [Estivating & The Upside Down](https://www.wholespirit.com/estivating-the-upside-down/)by Mara June 15, 2026Estivating & The Upside Down We were in the desert last week in one of the biggest thunderstorms I’ve ever seen. Roads were washed out all over. Spectacular lightning. We came home to the hottest, driest weather ever recorded in Durham, NC. 106 degrees at the airport. Have we slipped sideways into a strange parallel universe? Selling Us Out of House and Home The White House was used as a UFC locker room. The sacred monuments of this country are being desecrated. Our government is bought by corporations and buddies of the president and shamelessly branded (in more ways than one). […] - ![WTF? magnolia flower](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/magnolia_2026-small-150x150.jpg) [WTF? Where’s The Flower? Who’s The Friend?](https://www.wholespirit.com/wtf-wheres-the-flowers-whos-the-friend/)by Mara May 18, 2026WTF? Where’s The Flower? Who’s The Friend? In 2018 when I wrote, an article called the Politics of Possession I thought maybe I was going out on a limb. While it received a lot of positive feedback, others shared they felt uncomfortable that I was talking about politics in this way as a spiritual person. We live in a very different world. If you are uncomfortable with the mixing of spirituality and politics, you must be outraged by what’s happening now. WTF? Our government, founded explicitly on the separation of church and state, is trying to gaslight us into believing we […] - ![Our Neighbor's Problem Child. Beech tree with squirrels. Does it Really Take a Village?](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/View-recent-photos-150x150.png) [Our Neighbor’s Problem Child. Does It Really Take a Village?](https://www.wholespirit.com/our-neighbors-problem-child-does-it-really-take-a-village/)by Mara April 27, 2026Our Neighbor’s Problem Child. Does It Really Take a Village? Our neighbor is a lovely lady. She’s been here for quite a number of years and we’ve enjoyed getting to know her over time. She comes to the door sometimes and we share a snack. Her daughter moved in next door to her and in a surprise bounty they both became pregnant this year and had babies. Our neighbor’s daughter had twins! We’ve enjoyed catching glimpses of the three generations and especially the three little ones. There was some drama last week. One of the twins turned out to be—I want […] --- ### [Durham County Library Panel on The Rhine Center](https://www.wholespirit.com/durham-county-library-panel-on-the-rhine-center/) **Published:** October 29, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ll be joining a panel from the Rhine Center for a discussion at the Durham Public Library called **Bullish on Durham: The Rhine Research Center** [Watch the video of the presentation.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg4mBdNIkHs "Video of Bullish on Durham: Rhine Center Panel Discussion") **Date/Time** Monday, December 2, 2013 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm **Location** Main Library 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham, NC *Since the 1930s, Durham has been involved in academic research into the field of parapsychology. This research continues today at the Rhine Research Center. Join John Kruth, the Center’s director; Dr. Sally Rhine Feather, executive director emeritus; Mara Bishop, an intuitive consultant; and author Dr. Larry Burk for a panel discussion of the history and current work of the center.* More information about this Durham County Library event and others in the Humanities Program. For information visit the [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Bullish on Durham: The Rhine Research Center, Dr. Larry Burk, Dr. Sally Rhine Feather, Durham, Durham County Library, Durham Public Library, Humanities Program, NC, Rhine Research Center, The Rhine Center --- ### [Eye Contact: Snakes, Owls, Cats, Us, Yikes!](https://www.wholespirit.com/eye-contact-snakes-owls-cats-us-yikes/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Eye Contact: Snakes, Owls, Cats, Us, Yikes! ###### **Snake** Friends, I had a staring contest with a snake the other day. I loved it. I don’t think the snake did. Maybe not a contest so much as I enjoyed having eye contact with the snake until they decided to undulate gracefully away. ###### **Owls** [I’ve written before about the owl in my yard.](https://www.wholespirit.com/owls-community-and-visibility-here-you-go-sister/) Recently, I came upon an owl early one morning in my neighborhood park. Same species of owl, not sure if they were the same specific owl. We looked at one another intently. Like the snake, I assume with quite different levels of enjoyment. ###### **Cats** Our cats and I make eye contact a lot. They communicate well with “meaningful eyes.” It’s quite clear when they need something, when they are enjoying whatever is happening (or not), if something is happening outside they want us to be aware of, if it is 2:00 on the dot and time for treats, and—in the case of one sweet girl—when I need to lower my voice. [Article about cats and smother love.](https://www.wholespirit.com/smother-love-how-to-adore-annoy-your-loved-ones/) ###### **People** The old cliché that eyes are the windows to the soul is a cliché because it has truth. Eye contact feels intimate; it conveys power and presence. How, when, where and for how long we hold it, and what the rest of our body is doing while we have eye contact matters. Some of that is a matter of choice. But what our eyes convey about us is often out of our control. I don’t need to have prolonged eye contact in sessions. But looking at each other while in conversation (whether in person or on a video call) can give us each a sense of who the other is. [A short time together can help you decide if you want to work with me. ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270)Being present in that way is informative. Eye contact gives us a glimpse into a person and how they affect us. ###### **Yikes** Some folk’s eyes are eerily vacant, even when you are making eye contact. Pay attention. Sometimes there is a disconnect between what the person says and what the eyes show. Pay close attention. ###### **More Animals!** I’m transfixed by the eyes of many animals, too many to list…but OK here’s a few. Have you looked a snapping turtle in the eyes lately? Adorable. Mother deer? Queenly. Wren? They dare you to call them “little.” Look at the “eyes” on this beautiful polymorphous moth. ![eye contact polyphemus moth](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/eye-contact-Polyphemus-moth.jpeg)Hope to “see” you soon! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal-human bond, Durham NC, energy ecosystem, eye contact, eyes are the windows to the soul, nature-based therapy, snake, spiritual counseling, vacant eyes --- ### [Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America!](https://www.wholespirit.com/happy-birth-death-rebirth-day-america/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America!** Cycles appear everywhere in nature. Humans like to think we’re not affected by them, but we are. Our creations usually are too. Most things have a beginning, middle and end, or at least an ebb and flow, a rise and fall, a birth and death. But what about revival or regeneration, version 2.0, [kintsugi](https://kintsugilabo.com/blogs/journal/origins) personified: rebirth? I may be getting ahead of myself by wishing America a happy “rebirth” day. I don’t know precisely where we are in our cycle, although we’re clearly at an inflection point. Although much about our democracy feels like it’s been moved from life support to hospice, I can’t quite bear to think of this 250th anniversary as a death knell. I am optimistic about rebirth, in the natural and spiritual senses. Not just for this country but generally. [I’ve witnessed the resurgence of seemingly dying things](https://www.wholespirit.com/hopeful-realism-spectrum-my-friend-daphne-very-careless-people/); new life infused into hopeless feeling situations. Persistent, complicated, tender organisms have experienced rebirth, both literal and symbolic. I’ve felt like one of those organisms at times. I’m optimistic, but we have inner and outer work to do. I hope we can acknowledge that this period is a kind of symbolic death for our country, a violation of our norms, traditions, and laws which resets assumptions about who we are as a nation. I hope we can honor this country’s founding while honoring the indigenous people who suffered at the hands of the founders. I hope we can recognize the achievements of the colonial settlers while simultaneously recognizing that those achievements were built in no small part on the backs of enslaved people. These things coexist. Just as within me, and likely within you, there are contradictions, things which inspire pride and shame. Our personal histories are complex too. We can be a strong nation while containing rich paradoxes and valuing diversity. We can be compassionate without losing our sense of self-preservation. Adapting to increased complexity, expanding to include new relationships, and learning from past experiences and current innovations are signs of an evolving system. That applies to people as well as countries. I’m betting on the USA. We’re scrappy. It’s easy to find politics distasteful and politicians suspect. The practicalities of governance affect us in more ways than many of us like to acknowledge; it can be overwhelming to think about. How we choose to govern ourselves as practical beings overlays how we choose to govern ourselves as spiritual beings. (Church and state should be separate of course, I’m making an analogy.) We are who we are in all the spheres of internal and external action; in our minds and hearts and with our words and actions. If we’re not interested in politics by extension that means that we’re not concerned with: having [clean water](https://futurism.com/science-energy/coal-waste-trump); the [right to speak freely](https://protectdemocracy.org/work/retaliatory-action-tracker/); [keeping newborns healthy](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/05/08/babies-vitamin-k-shots-parents-refuse-deaths/89994691007/); avoiding [discrimination](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hegseth-blocks-black-female-navy-officers-promotions_n_6a1de6a3e4b032392fa574d2); conserving [public lands](https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2026/05/trump-administration-moves-strip-conservation-america-s-public-lands); scammers getting away with [fraud](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trumps-pardons-fraudsters-white-collar-criminals/); [protecting children from predators](https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/as-doj-continues-to-withhold-epstein-files-about-accusations-against-trump-whitehouse-demands-that-doj-follow-the-law-and-preserve-all-related-documents/); and preserving our [c](https://campaignlegal.org/update/taking-action-against-presidential-abuses-power)[onstituti](https://campaignlegal.org/update/taking-action-against-presidential-abuses-power)[onal rights](https://campaignlegal.org/update/taking-action-against-presidential-abuses-power). This list could go on and on. Our government governs those things of course. It’s not politics, per se, it’s life. It’s who we are as a nation and as individuals. Choices big and small, add up and ripple out. With some people and places, you can feel the accumulation of those choices radiating off them. It becomes palpable, for better or worse. I don’t feel hopeless for our country. Like good scientists, we have the chance to learn and adjust based on what we’ve observed so far (individually and collectively). We have extraordinary foundations on which to build. [We are not special; we have been gifted](https://www.wholespirit.com/paying-attention-is-excruciating-we-are-not-special-we-have-been-gifted/). As everyone involved learned 250 years ago, birth is a messy business. Rebirth is perhaps even messier. I hope we’re up for it. Wishing you, our country, and all beings, safety, peace, and health, on this anniversary and always. ![Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America! U.S. Flag with birthday candles at the top edge against a black background.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Happy-Birth-Death-Rebirth-Day-America-1-600x583.jpg)Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America! ### Note About Sessions I don’t bring current events into our sessions, unless you specifically do. I don’t typically share opinions about world happenings unless you ask. I write about things I feel are meaningful, but in one-on-one sessions, we start with what you are seeking or looking for assistance with. I offer guidance on achieving your goals through different sources and modalities. Many of my clients are affected deeply by what’s going on around them. They benefit from support and personalized strategies for being who they are, as individuals and in relation to others, in the most healthy and effective ways. Where you want to focus is up to you. [Schedule a session or a complimentary 15 min info session.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) ©2026 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** clean water, conservation, constitutional rights, fraudsters, free speech, Happy Birthday America, Happy Rebirth Day America, July 4th, kintsugi, public lands, Team USA, version 2.0, vitamin K --- ### [Estivating & The Upside Down](https://www.wholespirit.com/estivating-the-upside-down/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Estivating & The Upside Down We were in the desert last week in one of the biggest thunderstorms I’ve ever seen. Roads were washed out all over. Spectacular lightning. We came home to the hottest, driest weather ever recorded in Durham, NC. 106 degrees at the airport. Have we slipped sideways into a strange parallel universe? ##### Selling Us Out of House and Home The White House was used as a UFC locker room. The sacred monuments of this country are being desecrated. Our government is bought by corporations and buddies of the president and shamelessly branded (in more ways than one). Our public health, education, and land agencies are run by people who openly despise public health, education, and land agencies, so they undermine them, shut them down, and/or sell off what they are supposed to be protecting. If you are paying attention to balanced news sources\* you know these things already. ##### The Upside Down It’s like an unholy mash up between the Upside Down of *Stranger Things* and the movie *Idiocracy* (which was supposed to be a parody not a plan). What does this have to do with estivating? I’m getting to that, I promise. I’m mentioning these things together because living in our current version of the Upside Down is disorientating and exhausting. Being gaslit and lied to wears us down. Grieving so many losses can lead us to shut down, burn out, and give up. Let’s not do those things. ##### Positive/Negative or Balanced/Imbalanced? Despite what appears to be “negative” turns of late I try to have perspective and recognize my own limitations. How might all of these events push us towards something unpredictably beneficial? As we are clearly in a time of dramatic change, I hold space for, and work toward, change that is in the aggregate “positive.” Maybe something as dramatic as we are experiencing now, but where the parallel universe we slip into feels just and kind, where people are generous and value nature (and you know, little things like maybe not soo racist/sexist/homophobic?) That would be something to celebrate! Using nature as a model, positive/negative may not be the right descriptive combination. Perhaps balanced/imbalanced may be more accurate. How can we work for more balanced systems and ways of being; in ourselves, our homes, our government, our land, our earth? (Without denying or bypassing the damaging and painful things we are witnessing.) ##### Estivating Estivating is like hibernating but when it’s hot. [Here is an article about it and how it might pertain to you.](https://www.wholespirit.com/can-we-afford-to-estivate-right-now-do-you-want-to/) In the extraordinary heat many of us are experiencing, perhaps the steps we need to take to stay safe (reduced activity, slower speeds, etc.) align with introspection about next steps to bring balance to our systems. In winter, when the year is turning, we often pause and reflect on the time that’s coming. Midsummer, for those lucky enough, is often time when we take a break and play. A useful form of estivation this year is likely a combination of those deliberate seasonal pauses, especially given the background of our surreal upside-down situation. Even in times that don’t feel inherently joyful, when things seem out of balance, or crumbling, when we are afraid or grieving, it’s good to have spaces for playfulness and gratitude and enjoyment. **In the heat of this summer (northern hemisphere folks) how can we be agents of change for equilibrium and balance in our upside-down world?** Wishing you a peaceful heart, and all of us a peaceful planet. Mara ##### *News Sources* The [Ground News](https://ground.news/) app is good. It gives a wide range of sources and lets you know if there is a left or right bias. [Heather Cox Richardson ](https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/)is a historian and links current events to their historical context in meaningful and understandable ways. Her daily free Substack, *Letters from an American,* is a gem. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SPONSORED-by-CryptoBroMan-Freedom-Chips3-600x573.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** drought, estivating, good news, idiocracy, making the best of a bad situation, sell out, the upside down, UFC --- ### [WTF? Where's The Flower? Who’s The Friend?](https://www.wholespirit.com/wtf-wheres-the-flowers-whos-the-friend/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** WTF? Where’s The Flower? Who’s The Friend? In 2018 when I wrote, an article called the [Politics of Possession](https://www.wholespirit.com/politics-of-possession-revisited-6-years-later/) I thought maybe I was going out on a limb. While it received a lot of positive feedback, others shared they felt uncomfortable that I was talking about politics in this way as a spiritual person. We live in a very different world. If you are uncomfortable with the mixing of spirituality and politics, you must be outraged by what’s happening now. ###### WTF? Our government, founded explicitly on the separation of church and state, is trying to gaslight us into believing we are not just a homogeneously Christian nation, but a Christian nationalist nation. In this nation, wives must submit to their husbands, and women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people count less than white men. This is not the nation most of us believe in and is not based in the facts of our creation. In their vision, some people (usually already wealthy white people and the corporations they own) are entitled to subsidies to enhance their riches while everyone else, including our land and prized institutions, pay a steep price. It’s awe inspiring in its hypocrisy, greed, misogyny, bigotry, homophobia, and malice. The “it” in this sentence refers to the specific words, policies, and actions of the people who currently lead and administer our government. They lead in full, as they control all branches plus the court. And yet they blame everyone but themselves for the state of things. ###### And Yet… And yet, with the paradox that always exists, the world has loveliness. In familiar and improbable places, we find grace and beauty, kindness and generosity. We find the counterpoints to the false promises of morality and righteousness. We find spirit and goodness in many forms. So yes. WTF? What The F\*ck!? But also, Where’s the Flowers? And Who’s The Friend? ###### Where’s the Flower? I started a plant calendar last year to track when things bloom. It’s a way of focusing on the beautiful and life-giving flora in my neighborhood, honoring the beauty and, as time goes on, looking forward to the flowering that happens luxuriously and deliciously here. It’s a balm. ###### Who’s The Friend? I am deeply appreciating friendship. These can be lonely times but also bonding times. Your friends may be human beings or non-human beings. Your friendships may be yet to unfold. Find and appreciate those who *see* you and who you feel safe being yourself with. This is treasure. If we are feeling anger or despair at times that probably means we are still breathing! Because WTF? Let’s also allow ourselves to relax and enjoy doing fun things if we are able, to admire the bravery of those standing up to tyranny and cruelty, and be in awe for our Mother Earth who, despite the disrespect being shown to her, will have the last laugh. With love, Mara ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/magnolia_2026-small-600x450.jpg) **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Christian nationalism, ecotherapy, gaslighting, gratitude, possession --- ### [Our Neighbor’s Problem Child. Does It Really Take a Village?](https://www.wholespirit.com/our-neighbors-problem-child-does-it-really-take-a-village/) **Published:** April 27, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Our Neighbor’s Problem Child. Does It Really Take a Village? Our neighbor is a lovely lady. She’s been here for quite a number of years and we’ve enjoyed getting to know her over time. She comes to the door sometimes and we share a snack. Her daughter moved in next door to her and in a surprise bounty they both became pregnant this year and had babies. Our neighbor’s daughter had twins! We’ve enjoyed catching glimpses of the three generations and especially the three little ones. There was some drama last week. One of the twins turned out to be—I want to be tactful— a bit of a problem child. Maybe precocious, time will tell. The daughter did her best but perhaps didn’t watch her kids well enough or who knows what and this baby kept wandering off. The daughter had a hard time catching her. I know it’s hard to believe. This happened several times. Finally, the daughter had enough. She ran next door to my long-term neighbor. She was at her wits end. What do I do with this kid?! My neighbor rushed out and seemed quite firm (and loud) in her assertion that her daughter needed to march herself back home and manage her own kids. Or at least that’s what I thought she said. (I was watching from my window when this went down. Wouldn’t you?) The next day, however, I saw one of the twins at Grandma’s house. And that baby stayed there. Grandma caved and took the kid! But being a problem/precocious child, they managed to get out of Grandma’s house. This baby was out of control. Here is where I gained a lot of respect for my neighbor. She spent almost all day trying to teach her grandchild how to get back in the house on her own. The kid was too small (they lived in a walk up) and Grandma is petite, so it was hard for her to carry such a big baby. To her credit, the kid really stuck with it and tried to learn what Grandma was showing her. They both got tired and would take rests together, get a little snack, then give it another shot. My neighbor was a kind and patient teacher. She eventually did get that baby safely back in the nest. Oh, was I not clear that my neighbors are squirrels? Dumb adorable baby squirrels and tired patient mother squirrels. Watching that baby fall out of *both* her nests and both mothers picking her up, tending her, and trying to teach her how to climb back in was a privileged view of animal family life. I’ve been lucky enough to watch my neighbor Mama Squirrel raise many families over the years. She fights ferociously when it’s called for. She is occasionally indulgent. (She let one baby stay in the nest way too long. A story for another time). I recognize her and she recognizes me. Many generations are living here in this neighborhood. This story is about squirrels. I have many others about wrens, [bluebirds](https://www.wholespirit.com/hope-bluebirds-dead-bunnies-enatured-here/), cats, raccoons, opossums, bees, moths, fish etc. More human babies are around now too. I love my neighborhood village and the variety of beings who live here. Who lives in your neighborhood? ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/View-recent-photos-340x600.png)©Mara Bishop 2026 If you’d like to be outside here for a session let me know when you [schedule](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270). If you’d like to learn how to connect with the environment where you live in personal and reciprocal ways, come and [learn Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/). **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** children, Enatured, families, it takes a village, neighborhood, squirrels --- ### [Spirituality of the Animal-Human Bond at Columbia Teachers College](https://www.wholespirit.com/spirituality-of-the-animal-human-bond-at-columbia-teachers-college/) **Published:** March 29, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Spirituality of the Animal-Human Bond Course Columbia University Teachers College Spirituality Mind Body Institute I’m excited to return as guest instructor for Dr. Lisa Miller’s Animal Human Bond course this year. I’ll share [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/), [Shining Bright Without Burning Out,](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) and other nature-based and ecospiritual methods with graduate students in the psychology program. We will be at an incredible animal sanctuary in upstate New York. This is a closed course. However, [let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you’re interested in sharing the practice of [Enatured™ ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/)or the boundary toolkit [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) with your group or organization. [Private sessions](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) are also available. --- ##### Comments from *Enatured™* participants *“I practice (in nature) on a daily basis, but the uniqueness is the structure. Having the structure of the steps really helped enrich the process. So much stuff happened I could write an entire book about the 20-30 minute experience. It was so profound. The structure really helped.*” M.G. “*Enatured is needed in the disconnected world that we live in these days. It provides an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and draw from its strength that’s always there to support us if we tap into it.*” M.A. *“It was amazing. When I started the practice the sun had not yet come up but by the end the sun had come over the trees and the sky and river were radiant with light. I have just recently moved to this area so the woods and river and I are getting to know each other. This practice is one that will help me deepen our relationship through time.” B.L.* ##### Comments from *Shining Bright Without Burning Out* participants “Shining Bright without Burning Out *is a skillfully crafted series of guided practices that can help natural empaths stay true to their nature without feeling depleted and overwhelmed. This integrative approach can help today’s helpers, healers, and the naturally empathic to achieve the delicate balance between honoring our sensitive nature while maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout.* “ Dr. Traci Stein, award winning author and professor “*Mara Bishop’s wisdom shines bright through her latest offering! If you are a sensitive person, have relationship challenges or are figuring out how best to re-engage socially coming out of the pandemic, this tool kit of practices and meditations is for you*. “ Jane Norton Nature Coach and teacher ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/enatured-logo-700x300-1-600x257.png)Spirituality of the Animal-Human Bond **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** animal behavior, animal communication, animal human bond, Animal Sanctuary, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Columbia University, Columbia University Teachers College, Dr. Lisa MIller, earth healing, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, ecotherapy, Enatured, Nature, nature therapy, nature-based healing, Shining Bright Without Burning Out --- ### [New One-Year Group Starts Soon - Interested?](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-one-year-group-starts-soon-interested/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** New One-Year Group Starts Soon – Interested? The intentions of this program are threefold: - Primarily, a respectful, inclusive, and grounded space, to explore a breadth and depth of content and direct experiences. - Time with Mara periodically for individual connection/mentoring (optional) - Community and relationship building/seeding inside and outside of group sessions. An in-depth program of ecospiritual exploration for developing ongoing personal spiritual practice with a small cohort of fellow journeyers. Methods used draw from shamanism, intuitive development, psychology, mindfulness, and nature-based practices for personal and collective evolution. For more information please visit the [Course Overview page](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/). From there, you can link to the more [Course Details page](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) with logistics about schedules, costs, the additional benefits, what’s asked of you, etc. And, importantly, the [link to apply.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270/appointment/37215325/calendar/2869597?appointmentTypeIds[]=37215325) This will be a small group. I encourage you to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions if you have them (after reading what’s on the web) and to apply as early as possible. Thank you! **Application deadline is April 17.** **Start date is June 3.** ![New One-Year Groups](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/One-Year-Group-v2-600x600.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** ecospiritual, mentoring, mindfulness, nature-based practices, shamanic, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, spiritual community, spiritual psychology --- ### [Hopeful Realism Spectrum, My Friend Daphne & Very Careless People](https://www.wholespirit.com/hopeful-realism-spectrum-my-friend-daphne-very-careless-people/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Hopeful Realism Spectrum, My Friend Daphne & Book Rec – Careless People ###### Rose-Colored Glasses or Blinders to Hope Friends, where do you fall on this hopeful realism spectrum? On one end, those wearing the proverbial rose-colored glasses, shutting out reality that feels too hard to face, and on the other, those wearing blinders to mystery and hopefulness in the name of realism, camouflaging apathy and pessimism. Each position along the range has its own assets and liabilities. Ideally, as in most things, we strike a balance. Those who overlook hard truths, stubbornly seeing every situation and person in the best possible light, are increasingly vulnerable to situations and people who prey on just such an attitude. Ignoring positive potentials and looking only for the downside in relationships and situations is exhausting, depressing, and makes us pretty unpleasant to be around. Being either oblivious or hypervigilant doesn’t change reality – or does it? Balancing our levels of realism and hopefulness is a survival skill. As we face extremes of all kinds—war, weather, inequality, the breakdown of societal norms —being aware of the world in informed and discerning ways is necessary. Staying attuned to the beauty and kindness that exists allows us to care for ourselves and our communities in ways that welcome compassion and evolution into times that feel dark. ###### Bluebirds, Bunnies, Goldfish As spring unfolds, I’m reminded of how this season gives me hope, despite some small heartbreaks. The creatures of nature are role models for finding our place on the spectrum that encompasses hope/despair, optimism/pessimism, action/apathy[. ](https://www.wholespirit.com/hope-bluebirds-dead-bunnies-enatured-here/)[I describe a few of these scenarios (bluebirds, bunnies, and goldfish) in this article.](https://www.wholespirit.com/hope-bluebirds-dead-bunnies-enatured-here/) Re the goldfish mentioned in the article: if you were the last one in the pond, what would you do? Give up? No! You’d swim around, protect the eggs, and repopulate your world. At least we hope you would. Your species would be counting on you. Animals press on despite loss, despite physical ailments, despite cataclysmic weather, despite loss of homes and food scarcity. Animals and plants do what they can with what they have. ###### My Friend Daphne I’ll add another story of hope, which may seem trivial in compared to the extreme suffering happening right now, but is a small reminder for me of not giving up. Our little daphne bush had a couple spindly branches and the same very few leaves for many years; she was not growing. I didn’t know if she was dead or alive. Those few leaves were green though, so I finally dug her up out of the yard and transplanted her into a pot on the patio. I talked to her encouragingly. For several years, she looked the same – spindly branches, leaves never changing. Then one year, she grew some tender little leaves. She was alive! The next year, a few more grew vibrant bright green. And a few more sprouted the year after that. This December she grew tiny flower buds. Daphnes are lovely, fragrant, winter-blooming plants, I was so excited. Then we got hit with an ice storm and the buds turned brownish. Oh well, maybe next year, I thought. But spring arrived, gently and emphatically as it does here, all at once, colorful and full of everything life giving. She bloomed pink blossoms all over. Daphne hung on and was finally thriving. Her sweet lemony fragrance blessed our patio. She’s still little, but she has many new leaves now and I’m so glad I didn’t toss her in a brush pile because she seemed like she wasn’t going to make it. (#comeondemocracyyoucandoit!) ###### Hopeful Realism How are our individual corners of the world counting on us now? Let’s not give up on what we hold dear, the big and small things. Let’s be practical and hopeful. Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones by looking as clearly as possible at what is, even if it’s painful. Let’s stay open to the best and highest possibilities without prematurely stomping out the potential for peace and beauty to fill our world. Hopeful realism puts us in an ideal position to bring about change. I wish you, and all beings, peace and the sweet fragrances of spring, ##### **Book Recommendation** [*Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed and Lost Idealism*](https://bookshop.org/p/books/careless-people-a-cautionary-tale-of-power-greed-and-lost-idealism-sarah-wynn-williams/804251bb5d4b06b3?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dsa_nonbrand&utm_content=%7badgroupname%7d&utm_term=dsa-19959388920&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12440232635) by Sarah Wynne Williams *[Careless People](https://bookshop.org/p/books/careless-people-a-cautionary-tale-of-power-greed-and-lost-idealism-sarah-wynn-williams/804251bb5d4b06b3?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dsa_nonbrand&utm_content=%7badgroupname%7d&utm_term=dsa-19959388920&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12440232635)* is a must read if you use Facebook, Instagram, or any Meta product. It reads like a novel, a scandalous, page-turning quick read. Horrifying. This author gives me hope with her courage in speaking up. She struggled when her idealism crashed into a brutal reality, and she did something about it. The reality may be grim, but we have some power to change it with our choices. “Careless People is darkly funny and genuinely shocking…Not only does \[Sarah Wynn-Williams\] have the storytelling chops to unspool a gripping narrative; she also delivers the goods.” -Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times “When one of the world’s most powerful media companies tries to snuff out a book — amid other alarming attacks on free speech in America like this — it’s time to pull out all the stops.” –Ron Charles, The Washington Post An explosive memoir charting one woman’s career at the heart of one of the most influential companies on the planet, Careless People gives you a front-row seat to Facebook, the decisions that have shaped world events in recent decades, and the people who made them. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/daphne-hopeful-realism-copy-1.jpg)Hopeful Realism **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** antisocial media, bluebirds, bunnies, Careless People, facebook, goldfish, herons, Hopeful realism, meta, optimism, pessimism, Sarah Wynne-Williams, social media, zuckerberg --- ### [No Kings No Tyrants No Ice - March 28](https://www.wholespirit.com/no-kings-no-tyrants-no-ice-march-28/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** No Kings No Tyrants No Ice No Kings March – March 28 By the people for the people. “The only thing more powerful than hate is love ” [Bad Bunny](https://time.com/7373250/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-immigrants-puerto-rico/). Maybe you’ve noticed the footer on all of my e-mail messages? Omnia Vincit Amor. Love Conquers All. Find a friend, find your courage, come out as we take steps to restore decency and law to our great country. You don’t have to yell or have a sign, you don’t have to be angry or confront anyone. Stand on the side of love over hate. If you know in your heart that what is happening in so many different ways right now is wrong, lend your presence. We are safer when we come together in numbers. We will be better able to face ourselves, regardless of the outcome, if we take action now. The future does not remember bystanders to atrocities kindly. How can we peacefully and powerfully stand up for our neighbors, ourselves, and our country? This is one simple way. No Kings No Tyrants Since 1776 [Find a March near you.](https://www.nokings.org/) ![No Kings Since 1776](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/No-Kings-188x300.png)No Kings Since 1776 **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** love is stronger than hate, no ice, no kings, No Tyrants, omnia vincit amor --- ### [Gunning Down the Poets](https://www.wholespirit.com/gunning-down-the-poets/) **Published:** January 8, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Gunning down the poets. I read an exquisite poem by a woman murdered by ICE. The title didn’t lead me to want to read this poem, but I did anyway. Renée Nicole Good won the 2020 Academy of American Poets prize for [On Learning To Dissect Fetal Pigs](https://poets.org/2020-on-learning-to-dissect-fetal-pigs). She was murdered by ICE in Minneapolis. One of the messages in the poem is “make room for wonder.” Rest in Peace Renée ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Renee-Macklin-Good-600x98.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ICE, poet, poetry, Renée NIcole Good --- ### [How Can I Help You? You're Extraordinary!](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-can-i-help-you-youre-extraordinary/) **Published:** February 6, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** How can I help you? I’d like a sesame bagel and a black coffee, please. Sometimes, the answer is simple. How can I help you? When I ask my clients, the answer rarely is. They want help with physical pain, relationships, making time-sensitive decisions, and breaking long-standing patterns. Some want a lot of input, some would like to be tended in silence, and some ask me to simply listen. I love that. It’s interesting and challenging. I love the distinctive people who choose to be my clients, and the way each person and each session requires something different. That is particularly true in this astonishing time when so many of us are on edge, overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about the future. When offering a service or product, traditional business wisdom says it’s ideal to be very specific, name your offering clearly, explain concisely how it solves a problem, and target a “niche market.” I understand that strategy, but mostly, it feels alien to me. I don’t want to target you as a demographic or distill all the possibilities of what might happen in a session down to a catchy sentence or two. I don’t especially enjoy talking about the work, but the odds are that I would enjoy actually working with you. Well, most of you. It’s not for everyone. ([loved this](https://www.experimental-history.com/p/two-stupid-facts-that-rule-the-world?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)) ##### In another time and place In another time and place, I might be an old (ish) crone who lives under tall trees in a house surrounded by a lot of moss. You might sit for a while, talk things over in a safe space, be seen in ways you haven’t been before, and leave with new ideas about how to deal with your problems. You might relax outside under those trees or inside with incense and soft music and receive spiritual help on a deeper level than talking allows. You’d leave feeling changed, the world looking crisper, the birds seeming more interested in you. Wait, maybe that’s this time and place? ##### This may not be for you This way of working may or may not be for you. I generally don’t like labels, but today we’ve got to call it something. ##### I am not I am not a traditional therapist or a licensed mental health counselor, so I will not diagnose you or walk you through a prescribed set of steps or questions. Although I have a graduate degree in psychology, I am not a psychologist. Although the future factors into sessions, I won’t predict yours. My goal is to help you prepare for the possibilities and create a future you can feel passionate about. ##### What I do I do intuitive counseling, psychospiritual counseling, ecotherapy, and shamanic healing (among other things). My own label for these things is Personal Evolution Counseling® because that’s what we are doing; individually and collectively, we are evolving. We all have different skills and attributes to bring to the table. I can show you how to meet your personal pantheon of spirits. I can teach you a method to commune with the nature around you in deeper and more powerful ways. We can help your spiritual body regain and retain its integrity and strength. We can fight burnout beyond overly simplistic suggestions to add more “self-care.” We can create a tailored spiritual practice that fits you and your lifestyle. I’ve created different resources to help with these goals: books, audio courses, monthly gatherings, in-depth mentoring, and apprenticeships. At the heart of it, though, are the [individual sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) in which you are my sole focus. We work together on your unique goals, intentions, and mission(s). “You’re extraordinary,” a client said recently. They then cataloged our sessions’ physical, emotional, and spiritual effects. How can I help you? ##### How can we help each other? How can we help each other? *You* are extraordinary. I am saying that *to you*. These are astonishing times. We each have specific talents, qualities, challenges, and opportunities in our lifetimes. I frequently ask myself how I can be most helpful with my specific combination of attributes and circumstances at this particular time on Earth. Many of you have been asking your version of this question. What is my purpose? How can I take care of the other beings I care about – humans, animals, plants, the land? How can I take care of myself? How can I be useful and not be overwhelmed? How can I make a difference? I don’t care about labels or niche markets. I won’t over-promise results or flatter you to keep your business. “You are greater than you know” (to quote a wise old family friend). [I will help you see what that “greater” looks like, be honest support through the ups and downs of this tumultuous time, and figure out how we can help–together.](https://www.wholespirit.com/people-say-personal-recommendations-for-wholespirit-sessions-classes-books-testimonials/) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara Join me [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/wholespirit.bsky.social) [SubStack](https://substack.com/@wholespirit) [Wholespirit blog](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/) ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/how-can-i-help-you-horses-wild-fabian-burghardt-600x400.jpg)Photo by Fabian Burghardt How can I help you? **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** crone, ecotherapy, Intuitive Counselor, niche market, psychospiritual counseling, shamanic counseling, target markers, target markets, Whole Spirit Center --- ### [Hidden Powers, Secret Missions, March Madness, and The Pollening](https://www.wholespirit.com/hidden-powers-secret-missions-march-madness-and-the-pollening/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Hidden Powers, Secret Missions, March Madness, and The Pollening. The Pollening happened in Durham this week. Each spring a fine coating of delicate yellow pollen coats everything overnight. It’s not great for allergy sufferers but thank goodness for this life-giving substance. The energy has been building, but the pollen’s arrival marks the official beginning of the fertile madness that overcomes this region at the end of March every year. Unlike many of my fellow North Carolinians, this is the only March Madness that interests me. ###### Bees Can Be Delightful Contributing to this fecund riot is a shocking eruption of digger bees from the expanse of moss in our backyard. When the ground warms, they emerge into the sun. I love these little golden bees. So many of them fly low, hovering and circling near the ground, it looks as if the moss is shimmering. Bluebirds swoop down, snapping them up. Each year, the bees expand their territory. They live only a few weeks, long enough to pollinate, and for the females to create nests filled with food for the eggs they lay below ground to survive the winter, hatch, and emerge the following year. For those few weeks, a big part of our yard is theirs. I walk slowly through when I must, careful not to step on them or the entrances to their subterranean homes. Digger bees are gentle and not inclined to sting. They are a pleasure to have around. ###### Bees Can Be Jerks Carpenter bees, on the other hand, are confrontational. Going innocently about my business, they fly their big round selves menacingly towards my face. ZZZZZ. Hey lady, I’m flying here! (they weren’t) Meanwhile, they bore holes in our stairs, fences, shed—any wooden structure that will be expensive to replace—with a sense of absolute entitlement. AITA? No bees, it’s you. But I love them anyway. I’ll play along and pretend I’m scared. Ruin it all, just stay alive, and keep spreading that gold dust around. We’re all depending on you! Literally. But no pressure bees. (A carpenter bee just banged on the window in front of my computer right now as I’m typing this. Oooh, so big and scary!) Clearly, I’m anthropomorphizing the bees that visit here most regularly, and with whom I’m most familiar, (and those who can take a joke and who have given permission for me to write about them.) We share this space with other bees, wasps, and all sorts of amazing and valuable insects. The number of bee species alone is mind boggling. They do their bee things which I don’t presume to comprehend fully. We let them alone as much as possible. People often label other species as nuisances or threats without really knowing them and their observable or hidden powers. Bees provide us all a service with their pollinating work. Who knows what else they do? ###### Pollinator Wolves [Scientists believe wolves are pollinators. ](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nectar-eating-wolves-may-be-pollinating-flowers/)Wolves! That’s a hidden power. Who would have guessed? Of all the valuable roles wolves play in our ecosystems, pollination would not have been on my bingo card. A wolf with their nose in a flower—what a delightful image. Humans are terrible stereotypers of the animal kingdom. I mean, everyone knows carpenter bees can be jerks, but who knows about their tender side? (I’m just kidding. No one knows either of those things.) But seriously, pollination is the wolves’ hidden power, a delicate compliment to their status as apex predators. ###### Hidden Powers, Secret Missions I want to learn the hidden powers of other animals. How often would they run counter to that animal’s public image or archetypal reputation? It makes sense. Nature is inherently balanced in the aggregate and the specific instance. Ecosystems are comprised of many different parts that create a balanced whole. Healthy individuals have balance within them. What hidden powers do you have? Perhaps it contradicts the more public image you have intentionally cultivated or developed because of your roles in family or work situations. You may have hidden powers you are not aware of. Now, *that’s* an intriguing quest! What if, right now, in these exceptionally chaotic, unpredictable, terrifying times, we are being called to unearth hidden powers we are unaware of? Perhaps in addition to the overt ways that we contribute to society we also have secret missions that call on us to use these powers. I feel like this may be the case. As I talk to people who are cycling between hopelessness, panic, detachment, and dedicated action over the destruction of our country, the shocking hypocrisy, greed, racism, and sexism, the perpetual lies and misinformation, it seems like we need to birth something different from deep within ourselves. Maybe we can put our hidden powers to use collectively. ###### Unexpected Cycles In [our circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) last month, we talked (metaphorically) about sowing seeds, harvesting, and how this feels like a period where the cycles are unusual. We may need to think longer term (like the wise adage about thinking seven generations ahead), or perhaps the time from planting to harvesting will be shorter. It’s tough to predict. I think of the digger bees in my yard. Their life is about maintaining life for the collective, and specifically for the next generation of digger bees. As a culture, we are accustomed to thinking about what we want and expecting our work towards our goals to pay off in our lifetimes, hopefully with some short-term gratification. Next-day shipping! 3 Steps to X! Results in 30 days or your money back! Maybe our hidden powers and secret missions will be about fulfillment (safety, happiness, health, whatever) in our lifetimes, and maybe they will be in service primarily to those who come next. We may never know how much our hard work matters. Animals who work collectively, like bees, focus on the hive. I want to know what your hidden powers are. I want to find some new ones of my own. Imagine if we used our powers for good. If, like the bees, we “pollinated” and made more sweet things to nourish the world. The real “madness” is that we aren’t paying more attention to what nature can teach us. ###### March Madness March Madness in North Carolina (the spring blooming and pollening and everyone making babies, not the basketball one) is glorious. Every year, it gets more complicated. The wisteria are blooming, and their sweetness is swoon-worthy, but they are an invasive species. ([More thoughts on this](https://wholespirit.substack.com/p/we-are-an-invasive-species)). I love our neighborhood, but which house will be bought by people who cut down the trees and the nests they hold? With so much at risk and tragedy seemingly everywhere, let’s take the moments of joy where we can: the fragrant spring bloom, the warm weight of a cat on your lap, a hot cup of coffee, a conversation with a true friend, a safe place to sleep. Come see me if you want to explore your hidden powers or sit outside and smell the flowers and watch the birds (bees, squirrels, frogs, hawks, wrens, etc.). Or both. [Make a time to come see me](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270). Learn about your ecosystem with [Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/)® ![Hidden Powers, Secret Missions](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bee-pollen-purple-flower-dennis-derringer-600x406.jpg)Photo by Dennis Derringer on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-bee-on-a-flower-with-water-droplets-on-it-xj2qsJJUmss?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) Hidden Powers, Secret Missions, March Madness, and The Pollening. **Categories:** Nature **Tags:** #resist, Bees, carpenter bees, chapel hill, digger bees, Durham, ecotherapy, Enatured, hidden powers, March Madness, natural cycles, NC, pollen, pollination, Raleigh, secret missions, Shamanism, Stress Management, The Pollening, wolves --- ### [If Biophilia is Radical, We Have a Very Big Problem](https://www.wholespirit.com/if-biophilia-is-radical-we-have-a-very-big-problem/) **Published:** July 1, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** If Biophilia is Radical, We Have a Very Big Problem What do you value, and what inspires you? One of my consistent answers to both of those questions is nature. I’m a *biophiliac*. *Biophilia* is an innate human tendency to connect with nature and other living things. Perhaps biophilia is a radical ideology now, given the state of our government and its treatment of nature and human beings. One of the many things I find so disturbing about the people running our government since January is their apparent lack of love and respect for living things (human, animal, plant) and nature itself. The constant “fires” set and stoked are a distraction, deflecting attention from the fact that our lands, waters, and physical bodies are under threat. The current administration seems committed to the fundamental destruction of life. They are *biophobic.* Nature and other living things are useful for providing more wealth for a handful of incredibly rich people. Nothing else seems important. Shame and conscience seem absent entirely. This is a perilous path that easily leads to the destruction of our health, our communities, and our beautiful planet. If you also have biophilia, I hope you will embrace it too. Even imperfectly, even when it feels futile, even when we feel like our actions won’t matter, even when we feel alone, even when we disagree, even when, even when. Let’s stand up for living things who do not have currency, who can’t sell their condos and move to another country. Let’s speak up for those whose voices can’t be heard directly through their purchasing power, or calls to elected officials, or in protests. Living things of all kinds are at our mercy. Let’s find new ways to act up, to speak up, to utilize whatever spiritual and practical resources we have and to stand on the side of living beings—human and non-human— with whom we share this world. If Biophilia is Radical, We Have a Very Big Problem [Contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) [Schedule time to talk](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) ##### Resources (work in progress) There are many people writing about our current extraordinary point in history. There are many organizations doing their best to put good people in office and to do good in the world. Here are a few. ###### News [Heather Cox Richardson.](https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/) Historian. My morning read for honest, straightforward analysis of daily news. The added benefit of a historian’s eye for what much of it means in context of the big picture through time. You can get a free daily newsletter via email or Substack or do paid. ###### Legal Organizations [Earth Justice ](https://earthjustice.org/)– “Because the Earth Needs a Good Lawyer” One of my favorites for standing up for nature in a practical way. ###### Organized Protests I am not vouching for any organization especially, but I heard recently that some people weren’t aware that there are active consistent protests happening. Here is a place to start if you want to become aware or involved. [50501](https://www.fiftyfifty.one/events) and [Indivisible](https://indivisible.org/). ###### Local Food Banks [Porch](https://porch-durham.org/) in Durham is awesome. Focused on kids. ###### Animal Rescues [Independent Animal Rescue in Durham](https://animalrescue.net/) is non-stop making a huge difference for the animals in this community. ![If Biophilia is Radical, We Have A Very Big Problem. Monarch Butterfly](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/monarch-butterfly-dietra-alyssa-semple-d-RqbXT3GkA-unsplash-copy-600x415.jpg)Photo by Dietra Alyssa Semple **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** biophilia, biophiliac, earth, Earth Justice, ecopsychology, ecotherapy, independent animal rescue, Indivisible, Nature, nature-based healing, Porch Durham --- ### [Rest is the New Busy: The Privilege of Doing Nothing, The Allure of Shabbatsana](https://www.wholespirit.com/rest-is-the-new-busy-the-privilege-of-doing-nothing-the-allure-of-shabbatsana/) **Published:** June 3, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** “Rest is the New Busy: The Privilege of Doing Nothing, The Allure of Shabbatsana” From 2022 Rest and I have taken our relationship to the next level. My friends want to be happy for me, but my wild-eyed excitement is perhaps a bit unsettling. I found *shabbatsana* (it’s not quite what you think) and changed my life. Let me explain: As a kid, I once fell asleep standing up and was known for happily putting myself down for naps. As an adult, I’m an A+ sleeper but a C+ rester. I meditate, I love being in nature, but I skew towards “do” rather than downtime. Perhaps you can relate. Working from home complicates this dynamic by blurring the boundaries between professional and personal worlds. Catching a glimpse of my computer while making dinner, I’m pulled into the orbit of work and something probably burns. Seeing dishes or a home project piled up when I’m working, I’m tugged back toward domesticity. My partner works from home too. Often, we’d work right through weekends, taking intermittent breaks but not stopping entirely. Part of leveling up my relationship with rest was committing to take clearly defined time off on the weekend. I realize this is not a novel concept. We committed to a change. From Friday night through Sunday morning we committed to not working, either professionally on or home-related tasks. We picked a shady spot in the yard, under an old gazebo covered in wisteria vines, and parked there all day on Saturdays. We could do anything that felt peaceful—read, do crosswords, listen to the birds, walk around aimlessly, talk about ideas. But we could not respond to work email…or vacuum. ###### What is Shabbatsana? Although not overtly religious, this time has become a spiritual ritual. *Shabbatsana* is our homage to the sacred pause embodied in *Shabbat* from Judaism, and *śavāsana*, the resting or corpse pose, from yoga. I am completely in love with *shabbatsana* and start looking forward to it as soon as I wake up on Monday. At first, these rest days were challenging. I caught myself creeping back into *doing* and struggled to sink into extended *being*. But once I found the groove, I was hooked. I got “yard high,” my shorthand for feeling ecstasy in the nature of the backyard (without ingesting mind-altering substances). Tuned into the visual and aural orchestra playing around me in nature, I come alive. I get excited about the smallest (and sometimes, weirdest) things, like [leopard slugs mating](https://theconversation.com/leopard-slugs-mate-in-the-most-beautifully-bizarre-way-and-nobody-knows-why-128284) on our doorstep—a remarkably elegant engagement involving a bright blue organ. Spending time in [nature improves our mental and physical health](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3) in striking ways: decreases in heart disease, obesity, and anxiety and increases in well-being, birth outcomes, and cognitive development. No wonder *shabbatsana* feels so good. But then, after doing shabbatsana for a while, I didn’t want to do anything else. This was unnerving. Had my usual reserve of energy and motivation dried up? I teach about [burnout prevention](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7), have good tools and love my work, but for the first time could envision myself stopping. My eyes were fixed on that vine-covered old gazebo in the yard, our accidental temple. I let myself take a slower pace for a while, even outside of *shabbatsana* days, and began to feel more like myself. In retrospect, the fallow period lasted only a short time. I know that being still in nature is my best burnout prevention tools but my understanding grew deeper. My relationship with my hyperlocal environment evolved, and I evolved in turn. *Shabbatsana* changed me. Our collective approach to downtime has changed too. But with this positive new focus on rest, we’ve dragged along some of our same old tendencies. Something is a little off. ###### Rest is the new busy! Not long ago, busyness had cachet. Our densely packed schedules and hectic paces reflected desirability in work and social spheres. Chronic sleep deprivation became a source of pride in this ethos of overdoing. We worked hard and played hard; we’d sleep when we were dead. [Busy as a status symbol](https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/03/busyness-status-symbol/518178/) persisted for generations in the U.S. Rest now has a shiny new appeal. Perhaps we’re joining Europeans in espousing a much older version of prestige, where the freedom to do nothing beyond caring for oneself is the ultimate status symbol. We moved though [*The Great Resignation*](https://www.ft.com/content/857bdeba-b61b-4012-ab82-3c9eb19506df) into “quiet quitting.” Wellness practitioners and consumers tout their downtime. Ironically, authors are writing prolifically about “[doing nothing](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=doing+nothing&ref=nb_sb_noss_1).” Instead of bragging about how much we work, we’re “[health signaling](https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/health-signalling),” flaunting our self-care routines, including time off, all over social media. The difference between acknowledging the value of rest (or any other experience) and speaking of its possession like a personal virtue is a fine line. Everything in nature (excluding perhaps human beings) has an instinctual understanding of the cycles of work and rest. No back pats needed. Let’s not brag about [self-care as a “badge of honor.”](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/addressing-busy-burnout-overwhelm-self-care-through-culture/) Sure, let’s talk about how important and enjoyable rest is. But at the same time, let’s discuss how hard it is for some of us to get it. Where there is no money to purchase the triumvirate of time, place, and product. Or where prejudice limits access. We know the health benefits of relaxing in nature, but there is great disparity in access to green spaces. People of color are three times more likely to live in “[nature deprived](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/how-nature-deprived-neighborhoods-impact-health-people-of-color)” areas. The consequences of privilege infuse everything, including how we restore ourselves. *Shabbatsana* is sacred time for me, idyllic with loving partner and dog, time to read in natural space. Money can’t provide the invaluable gift of a soul mate, but it sure helps when caring for an injured pet and having the option of taking time off in your private backyard. Many of us do not have the option to take a day off from work. I wouldn’t have when I had a child living at home. One of the reasons we chose to name our sacred time *shabbatsana* is because although it alludes to and draws from existing traditions the details of how we practice are up to us. If we decide that our *shabbatsana* time is going to be from 1-2 on Monday afternoons, so be it. If it is a week once a year, so be it. Whatever your life looks like, whatever moments you can take to rest, whatever your “backyard” is like—urban, rural, private, public, etc.—I hope you’re able to create your own version of *shabbatsana*. [Let me know how it goes](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/wisteria-gazebo-450x600.jpg)[Enatured®](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) is a perfect practice for Shabbatsana days. Upcoming retreat 7/19 **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** doing nothing, Enatured, great resignation, health signaling, leopard slugs, nature healing, savasana, virtue signaling --- ### [Inner and Outer Peace](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-and-outer-peace/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Mara **Content:** During this holiday season and for the coming year, may you have inner and outer peace in your world. And may you and all the beings we share this beautiful planet with be safe, healthy, nourished, and loved. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** christmas, Inner peace, new year, world peace --- ### [Winter is Here: Learning from the Dark](https://www.wholespirit.com/winter-is-here-learning-from-the-dark/) **Published:** December 7, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Winter is Here: Learning from the Dark Winter is here. Literally: if you live in the northern hemisphere, the glorious golden days of fall have spiraled to an end, and the cold, spare days of winter are here. Metaphorically: well…winter is here. It’s dark out there. You probably get my twisted Game of Thrones reference. “Winter is coming” the Stark family motto that essentially means be prepared; hard seasons last longer than anticipated, and existential threats loom large and close in when we aren’t vigilant. Preparation is wise. What to prepare *for* can be harder to pin down. These are slippery times. Events move quickly in unpredictable directions. It’s easy to lose footing and hard to reorient to paths that once felt clear and now do not. It’s natural to assume that slipperiness can only result in a fall or a slide into something unpleasant. Surprising beauty also happens quickly. Opportunities big and small can be delightful; turnarounds we didn’t imagine or think possible. This is one of those times: this moment, this season, this era. Winter is Here. Darkness teaches. What are we learning? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ###### ***Ideas for Working with the Dark*** ###### Take Nothing for Granted While I’m a generally hopeful person, I have deep veins of realism running through my optimistic bedrock. “It can always get worse” is something I remind myself of when life feels hard. It helps prevent wallowing. Things can get better, too, of course. The point is to appreciate what is now and not become overly attached to what is causing pain, or what we wish was different. Our intuition, research, helping spirits, and reason can’t keep us from experiencing all difficulty. Nor should they; an essential part of life is facing challenges. How we behave and how we are changed during the dark times becomes a defining part of who we will be going forward. Seasons come and go predictably; the lightness and darkness of nature are dependable. The world is changing less predictably. Our lives can change in an instant. Hope and perspective can both help keep us moving forward. ###### Sensing and Surviving Humans are naturally diurnal, rather than nocturnal, so our senses are less adapted to the dark. Fear often separates us from the extraordinary beauty of the dark and the important processes occurring during naturally dark times. The unknown and unseen can be unnerving. Perhaps now is a good time to sense more carefully. The cycle of darkness during winter, like the sleep cycle, is a phase where much happens below the surface. Animals and plants slow down, enter states of minimal functioning to survive. We rebuild our bodies during sleep. The important processes that happen in the dark (literally and symbolically) are harder for us to see and understand because they are harder for us to sense. Have you ever struggled to hear someone speaking softly? Did you close your eyes? Blocking out one sense can help us focus on another. The darkness helps us sense in new ways a little like that. It can help us home in on different senses than we are used to using in the light, to pick up subtleties in the natural and energetic worlds around us. We can sharpen our senses, prepare, and get ready to rebuild. We will have a lot of rebuilding to do soon. ###### Dark & Light. Good & Evil The dark of nature is not evil; vilifying and harming people because of the color of their skin is. At the least, it’s dangerously ignorant. We have some deep-seated confusion around light and dark. The language we use to describe lightness and darkness complicates this. The values placed on lightness and darkness complicate this. The beauty industry complicates this. Spiritual terminology complicates this. We are smart and compassionate enough to figure it out. And if we aren’t currently, increasing our discernment around light and dark and good and evil should be a high priority. Can we set things right, within ourselves and in our world? I hope so. ###### Sparks for the Future This season is marked by numerous traditions and celebrations. We honor the solstice, divine birth, faith , fellowship with friends and family, generosity of giving, sharing food, remembering our ancestors, light itself, miracles. In this potent time of year, can we reorient to find a sacred path forward together? I hope so. Can we see the spark of light and dark in each of us, the potential for good and evil in all of us? Can we learn the wisdom of the dark from nature and the lessons of dark times from our shared history? I hope so. Come spring, may we feel aligned with nature, welcoming in a new season, vibrant with new energy that affirms life, health, and safety for all beings. Wishing you and your family a peaceful season, Mara ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/winter-is-here-ice-globe-7azzquxycac-aaron-burden-600x450.jpg)J[oin me next week for the 365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) where we will explore more about Learning from the Dark. Winter is a hard time for many people. Seasonal affective disorder, post holiday (or mid holiday!) blues, and cold weather can combine for a less than ideal head space. If you’d like to connect online or in person for a conversation, [schedule time here](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270). Brief intro sessions are available to see if what I do is a good fit for what you are looking for. [More info on sessions.](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/logistics-for-shamanic-intuitive-energy-sessions/) Winter is Here: Learning from the Dark **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** 365 Journeys Circle, christmas, dark and light, darkness, determination, diurnal, festival of lights, Game of Thrones, good and evil, Hannukah, Hope, learning from the dark, menorah, nocturnal, peace, perseverance, racism, slippery times, solstice, Stark family motto, winter, winter is coming, winter is here --- ### [Thanksgiving Blessing - It's Complicated](https://www.wholespirit.com/thanksgiving-blessing-its-complicated/) **Published:** November 26, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Thanksgiving Blessing – It’s Complicated I wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you are alone or with a big group. Having a Friendsgiving or a traditional family gathering. If this holiday brings you joy and especially if it is painful. I offer you my wishes for peace, safety, health, and enough of everything you need now and always. This is one blessing we use at our Thanksgiving meal: *We are lucky to have this time to be together. This year and over many past years, we have shared abundant meals, celebrated the good fortune of being together with family and friends, and had safe, warm, and loving spaces to share.* *Let’s offer our thanks to all the people who contributed to this meal and to our meals every day, to the people who plant, harvest, pack, and transport our food. May everyone be safe and share the abundance of what they helped provide.* *As we feel the gratitude for all these things, this meal, this time, and these people in particular, let’s also note that this holiday of Thanksgiving has a complicated history (as many holidays and histories do). For many Native people, Thanksgiving is a time of mourning. It is a reminder of a period of great violence and loss, with repercussions that continue to be felt in indigenous communities today.* *As we enjoy our good fortune and our many blessings, let us hold both those truths in our hearts.* ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fall-leaves-jeremy-thomas-O6N9RV2rzX8-unsplash-rect-for-events.jpg)Thanksgiving Blessing – It’s Complicated. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Schedule time](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) [Native American Rights Fund](https://narf.org/) [Learn to manage your energy ecosystem during the holidays and always](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** blessings, family dynamics, farmers, food sources, Friendsgiving, gratitude, holiday stress, immigrants, indigenous people, Native American rights, Thanksgiving --- ### [Find Your Helping Spirits with Sandra Ingerman](https://www.wholespirit.com/find-your-helping-spirits-with-sandra-ingerman/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Find Your Helping Spirits At the heart of shamanic journeying lies the belief that the soul can traverse beyond the confines of the physical body, entering into realms where timeless wisdom and divine entities await from helping spirits. Join **renowned shamanism teacher Sandra Ingerman** for a free online event on Saturday, December 9, where she’ll share that these beings, often in the form of animals, ancestors, guides, guardians, and nature beings offer insights, healing, and guidance through the ceremonial practice of shamanic journeying… … a sacred path through the unseen landscapes where the Divine reveals itself in myriad forms. Register [here]() for ***Find Your Helping Spirits in Shamanic Ceremony: Empower Your Healing Journey With Wisdom Transmissions From Unseen Realm***s / Good experience for then joining [365 Journeys Circles](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) Saturday December 9th, 2023 ![Mara BIshop deerskin drum made from found deer](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mara-bishop-shamanic-drum-crop-copyright-whole-spirit-mara-bishop-600x419.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ceremony, Sandra Ingerman, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Shift Network --- ### [Animals Can Be Jerks! (Perhaps Time to Reflect?)](https://www.wholespirit.com/animals-can-be-jerks-perhaps-time-to-reflect/) **Published:** May 22, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Animals Can Be Jerks. Romantic visions of the animal world were dashed this week, as news of very bad behavior landed. I am a big fan of monkeys generally, so it pained me to read that some boy capuchins can be huge jerks. Some of these guys are [kidnapping howler monkey babies](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/science/monkey-kidnappings-jicaron-island-panama). Why should we care? Are there any parallels in human behavior? It gets worse than the kidnapping so fair warning. I had hoped to find some reason to empathize with this situation. There must be a rationale, as there usually is in nature. These monkeys had lost their own babies, or they were eating the babies which, although sad and gross, is the way things work sometimes in the wild. But no. Researchers don’t know why they are doing this, but it is neither of those things. They are grabbing those babies and just carrying them around for a while until they perish. One strong possibility scientists have landed on is these chaps might just be bored. “On an island without predators, ‘that makes it less risky to do stupid things,’” Huh. They mention the cruel things young children sometimes do to animals as a potential parallel and the idea of innovation and boredom having a link. Having some free time for creative thinking can allow us to explore new ideas at any point in our lives, whereas a life entirely devoted to survival often does not. But do innovation and oblivious cruelty to others have a link, even a tangential one? Do they need to? On an island without anyone keeping them in check, these guys are running amok in cruel ways. Maybe this piece of news from nature is something we human animals should pay attention to. ![Animals Can Be Jerks Capuchin Monkey kidnappers Capuchin in a tree](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Capuchin-nora-jane-long-02avBGdmlGI-unsplash-600x401.jpg)Photo by Nora Jane Long on Unsplash Paying attention to our own nature’s and learning from nature is a core of Enatured **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** capuchins, earth, ecopsychology, ecotherapy, Enatured, monkeys, Nature, nature-based healing --- ### [Are You Estivating? Do You Want To? It's Hot!](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-estivating-do-you-want-to-its-hot/) **Published:** July 25, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are You Estivating? Do You Want To? Estivating is like hibernating but in summer. Rather than hunkering down in a cozy den to sleep through the winter, animals who estivate go into dormancy to survive hot, dry summers. Can you relate to this instinct to shut down until the weather (of all kinds) is less intense? It’s environmentally scorching outside: [record temps](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/07/24/hottest-day-on-earth-planet-breaks-record-twice-this-week-amid-historic-heat-waves/), [wildfires](https://www.kjct8.com/2024/07/23/70-active-wildfires-cause-us-air-quality-concerns/), [hot oceans](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/ocean-temperature-hit-record-high-february-2024-eu-scientists-say-2024-03-07/). It’s also emotionally scorching. Are there things happening now that make “your blood boil”? Understanding our personal cycles and how we relate to the cycles of nature can help us weather inner and outer conditions that feel too intense to manage. Temperatures may be very hot or cold, there may be floods or droughts, periods of over excitement or stagnation. As we know from technology, a reboot can help us recalibrate and avoid malfunctioning. A rest and reset can help us adapt to current conditions and see new possibilities and solutions where none seemed possible before. ###### Ebb and Flow I tend toward hibernation AND estivation, not for all of winter or summer, but for a few months in each. I have a high heat tolerance, but something changes in my energy and outlook in the deep summer months. My creativity and optimism often diminish. I’m not a fan of the cold, but over time I appreciate it more and find it less oppressive, especially in the generally mild climate where I live. I remind myself every year that those are not steady states; they ebb and flow. When dazzling fall arrives and spring brings everything to life, I feel more vibrant too. Do you have seasonal changes like this? These shifts may not be that noticeable when life is going well. However, intensity or challenge can compound how we feel in the months when we are not feeling our best. ###### Self-Care and Collective Responsibility Most of us do not have the individual luxury to hunker down in cozy climate-controlled dens for weeks or months when the conditions (atmospheric, political, cultural, physiological, interpersonal, etc.) don’t suit us. As citizens with responsibilities to one another, to those who come next, and to those with little power, like animals, we can’t afford to hole up and ignore the outside world, especially now. I suggest as we are able, we each take time for mini estivations this season. A day, an hour, a few minutes if that’s all you have. Rest, reset, cool off. This season will pass and what we do now in the heat will make a big difference when winter comes. ©2024 Mara Bishop Are You Estivating? Enatured© Sessions can help you better align with your local environment and create reciprocal relationships for healing and guidance. [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [Schedule a private session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) to strategize on how to find your own best practices [Listen to Shining Bright Without Burning Out sample](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out) to discover ways to reset and avoid burnout ![Are You Estivating?Estivation Sun Heatwave](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sun-heatwave-estivation-572x600.jpg)Are You Estivating? Estivation is like hibernating but in summer. Can you relate to this instinct to shut down until the weather (of all kinds) is less intense? **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burnout, climate change, Enatured, estivate, estivation, heatwave, record temperatures, Self care, Shining Bright Without Burning Out --- ### [Antisocial Media: Social Media & New Platforms](https://www.wholespirit.com/antisocial-media-social-media-new-platforms/) **Published:** January 23, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Antisocial Media: Social Media and New Platforms “Social media” sounds great. Maybe, at one point, it was. Perhaps it can still be. Currently, however, a more accurate name is “antisocial media.” Many of us have used social media in reasonable and enjoyable ways, like connecting with new or old friends and communities, buying, selling, and sharing goods and services, and watching cats be jerks repeatedly. We’ve accepted the perpetual, personal curation and the relentless selling (overt and covert). We’ve witnessed a body of data grow, showing the damaging effects of social media on our [mental health](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10129173/), especially for [young girls](https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1149021) and [women](https://www.psichi.org/blogpost/987366/505432/From-Instagram-to-TikTok-Changes-in-Women-s-Self-Esteem-in-the-Social-Media-Age). But we are at an inflection point. What is on full display now is the degree to which the tech bros who own and manage dominant social media platforms are willing to sell users (and their safety) for personal gain in increasingly egregious ways. It should not surprise us at this point. Although, it is disturbing to watch [the fawning](https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/5098642-why-exactly-are-tech-billionaires-kissing-trumps-ring/), the [gaslighting](https://www.yahoo.com/news/mark-zuckerberg-gaslighting-t-hide-140737286.html), and the shameless greed. ###### Antisocial Media & Sycophants We cannot fool ourselves. We’ve always known they sell our personal information, privacy, and attention. At some point in the past, perhaps we could believe the illusion that with the power to moderate these powerful spaces they would feel a scrap of responsibility to us in return. In a flash, these men have made it clear that for more (more!?) money and power, they will stoop to any level. They can never have enough; the price others pay is irrelevant. We are relevant only as a commodity. They will lie, cheat, steal. Then, they will easily lie about the lying, cheating, and stealing. ###### Leaders Responsibility for Holding Space In spiritual circles, the leader is ultimately responsible for “holding space,” maintaining the integrity and safety of the spheres they steward. Although business (and government) are not spiritual enterprises, good leaders (of business, government, and society in general) feel a duty to their customers, their constituents, and their fellow human beings beyond generating cash and power. We are not seeing that from the “leaders” in charge right now. Certainly not from the leaders of the dominant social media platforms (or government, but that’s another article). ###### Social Media & New Platforms This is a long segue into saying I am leaving the platforms owned by the most egregious sycophants and moving to Bluesky for general posting and Substack (and the [Whole Spirit blog as usual](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/)) for my writing. I will be either closing or not using Meta platforms or anything owned by [the man who Nazi salutes](https://apnews.com/article/musk-gesture-salute-antisemitism-0070dae53c7a73397b104ae645877535), if I can help it. If you know me, you know I don’t post a lot anyway. That may not change, but who knows? I haven’t placed faith in any new person or platform per se, but I need to step away from those run by people who are participating so fervently in our collective diminishment. Some people are staying for reasons I understand. I respect your choices. As always, my preferred way of connecting is [one-on-one and directly](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). I would love to hear from you. Here are my new accounts for Whole Spirit, hope to see you there! [Bluesky: @wholespirit.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/wholespirit.bsky.social) [Substack: @wholespirit](https://substack.com/@wholespirit) Please do share this if you feel moved. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara As always I’m glad to see you in an individual session consultation. [Schedule time now.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) Take a look at some of the [possibilities for sessions and details](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/). ![Antisocial Media: Bloody Thumbs Down, Social Media and Alternative Platforms](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Antisocial-media-mara-bishop-600x310.png)©2025 Mara Bishop Whole Spirit **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** antisocial media, antisocial personality disorder, bluesky, facebook, greed, instagram, musk, narcissism, social media, sycophants, zuckerberg --- ### [Boundaries and Psychic Protection](https://www.wholespirit.com/boundaries-and-psychic-protection/) **Published:** July 22, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The idea of setting energetic (and practical) boundaries and creating safe psychic space is increasingly important, so I intend to write more about it. *(Update: I did! [See the Shining Bright Without Burning Out ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/)Audio and [Energy Ecosystem](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) classes.)* For now, here is an excerpt from my book *Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence*. We communicate with each other all the time, engaging each other’s bodies and energies. Setting boundaries on that energetic contact can be challenging; however, limiting the degree to which you allow others into your energetic space can be crucial for your mental health. People, especially sensitive or empathic people, often have difficulty separating themselves from others, once their energies have mingled. If you are sensitive and don’t make an effort to protect yourself from other peoples’ energy, you will pick up thoughts and emotions from everyone you are near—either physically or emotionally. There is a time and place for this type of connectedness. In an intimate relationship it can be bonding. In a therapeutic relationship it can yield positive results through deeper understanding. But allowing strangers or more casual acquaintances to have such an impact on your energetic system can be unhealthy. A clear sense of what it feels like to be you—alone, inside your body—is important. If you have this baseline conception of yourself, it can help you understand why you feel certain things at certain times. If you’re an easy going person when you’re alone, but after spending the afternoon with a friend who is more edgy and uptight you come away feeling nervous, you can separate that person’s feelings and characteristics from your own. This is one reason why spending time alone is important. Emotions are easier to pick up than a cold if you’re sensitive. Just being around others can become overwhelming for sensitive people who haven’t learned to set up boundaries. Half the battle is simply acknowledging that you are picking up other people’s energy. If you can identify that influence, you can choose who you want to let that close and when. It’s not always that easy, but once you have a clearer idea of who you are alone and are aware of the effect of other people on you, it is much easier to bring yourself back to your own center and release the energies from other people that attach to you. I once had lunch with a friend who was feeling very sad. I loved her dearly and wanted very much to help her. My empathy allowed a transference of emotions and for the rest of the day I was miserably sad. Even though I’m aware of this dynamic, it took me more than a day to shake an emotion that I’d clearly picked up from her. Our deep connection and my willingness to listen and be supportive were helpful, but it wasn’t helpful to either one of us for me to become sad too. The goal is to be able to consciously choose to experience another person’s energy and then to clear that energy away from your own. In a personal relationship, close connectedness can help you see a person’s perspective more easily. It can help you be sensitive to their needs. It can help create an atmosphere of understanding and empathy. In a professional capacity, you want to be able to connect closely to a person in order to give them a helpful counseling session, or to be able to understand what expectations they have in your business dealings. But you need to be able to return to your identity relatively clear of anyone else’s. This can be hard, but it gets easier with practice. Essentially, there are three phases of psychic protection. The first is preparation. The second is the time during an encounter. And the third is cleansing afterward. In the preparation phase, you work to consciously choose your boundaries. On an intellectual level, you increase your awareness of your interactions with others and make some decisions. If someone is difficult for you to be around, pushes your buttons, or engages you in power struggles, you know you need to prepare before being with them. It’s a good idea to think about how you will react if they say something hurtful or try to get you to do something you don’t want to. Have a strategy for keeping your center. On a spiritual level, you work on your “shield,” by developing a strong energy body. In a meditation, visualize yourself surrounded by a cocoon of white light. Pay attention to the quality of that light and see if there are any holes or gaps in the cocoon. If there are repairs needed, put your hands in that spot on your body and visualize white light flooding into the space and filling the gaps. Keep this visualization up until the cocoon feels strong and unbroken. Practice this periodically. Tune into your luminous egg of light briefly throughout the day to keep it strong and energized. It never goes away, because it is your energy field, but you can nourish it with attention in order to strengthen your ability to set boundaries. ©Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, empathy, Intuition, intuitive, psychic protection, relationships --- ### [Hope, Bluebirds, Tragic Bunnies & Others](https://www.wholespirit.com/hope-bluebirds-dead-bunnies-enatured-here/) **Published:** January 6, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Hope, Bluebirds, Tragic Bunnies & Others ###### Hope and Bluebirds The bluebirds are getting my hopes up again this year. Several pairs are touring the bluebird boxes in the backyard as I write this. All boxes are for “sale by owner.” These have been on the market for a while. They are “cozy.” The neighborhood is chick friendly and has all the amenities a bluebird family might want. One is a bit of a handybird’s special, but one has yet to be lived in. My hopes have been dashed repeatedly. I placed these boxes after researching [what bluebirds look for](https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/eastern-bluebird/) in nest location. And, of course, so I can see them from my office. Although they cluster around these houses in consideration this time of year and in early spring, when it comes time to settle down, they lay their eggs elsewhere. My neighbor down the street has some very spiffy houses and a much tidier yard. There are a lot of bluebirds down there year after year. I still hope for baby bluebirds, but I won’t count on it. ###### Bunnies in the Garden It’s not as bad as the bunnies, though. There are many bunnies in our neighborhood. I probably don’t need to tell you; I am a fan of bunnies. I see them occasionally in our yard, but not enough. The bunnies could eat anything they wanted if they would just move in. At least once a year, they get my hopes up. I see a single bunny emerging from under the shed. Gasp. Then, a pair! It’s happening! Tragedy ensues every time. One day, I’m excited by a baby bunny in the ivy; the next day, I’m startled by their carcass on the path. [(Maybe this lady has something to do with it)](https://www.wholespirit.com/owls-community-and-visibility-here-you-go-sister/). They can walk through it seems, but if they linger and contemplate making this space home, bad things happy to these good bunnies. Fortunately, there seem to be plenty of bunnies to go around in the neighborhood. ###### Goldfish and Herons One more hope story: we used to have beautiful goldfish in our little pond. Herons discovered them, too. I came home one day to find all the fish gone and an iridescent oil slick on the surface of the water from the heron’s feathers. I stared in despair into the still water. After a few moments, I saw movement. There was one tiny fish left. Somewhere, deeply hidden, there might have been another because soon the pond flashed gold with the synchronized movements of many baby fish. ###### Cultivating Hope Like many of you, I am trying to cultivate hope in a year and a time when finding hope feels particularly challenging. I will offer no trite advice about how you may find it because it’s different for each of us. I am happy to talk with you about it, strategize, empathize, and collaborate on new ideas. My friend Jill recently shared this quote from Rachel Carson, which seems fitting for now. *“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”* Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara Enatured® is a good tool for returning to your true self through communion with nature. More Info and to schedule. ![Hope, bluebirds ](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bluebird-hope-dead-bunnies-enatured-patti-black-600x404.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** bluebirds, Community, Enatured, Hope, nature based therapy, nature healing, nature spirits, Whole Nature Inc, Whole Spirit Center, winter --- ### [Jesus, Psychedelics, Tech Bros: The Surprising Forms Shamanism Takes](https://www.wholespirit.com/jesus-psychedelics-tech-bros-the-surprising-forms-shamanism-takes/) **Published:** August 12, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Jesus, Psychedelics, Tech Bros: The Surprising Forms Shamanism Takes and Why its Become so Popular. Shamanism and shamanic healing are having a very long moment. In the last decade or so, the number of people who report their religion as shamanism and who seek shamanic healing services have gone up dramatically. [A recent interview with anthropologist Manvir Singh](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2486715-the-anthropologist-who-says-shamanism-works-even-if-you-dont-believe/) explores some interesting and, not surprisingly, ancient aspects of shamanism in a fresh and engaging way. Mostly, you can read it for yourself if you’re interested. I won’t paraphrase much, but a few things were notable for me. ###### Jesus The author describes “three defining features of shamanism: engagement with unseen realities, services like healing and divination, and altered states.” He thinks Jesus fit two of the three, and probably all, of these categories. I agree that Jesus likely fit the definition of a “shaman.” Although “shaman” wouldn’t have been the word used in his part of the world at that time. ###### Psychedelics I appreciate that Singh points out that traditionally when using entheogens in spiritual healing ceremonies it was more often the practitioner who entered the altered state, not the client. Of course, there are many culturally specific words for the people highly trained to lead ceremonies with many different kinds of plant medicine around the world. “Practitioner” is a generic word we are using to get the point across. Today, in psychedelic-assisted therapy in clinical settings, and generally in other psychedelic ceremonies, it is often the client entering the altered state. Quite different. ###### Tech bros While not everything in this article aligns with my experience (and the tech bro part made me cringe a bit), it is an interesting perspective. [WholeSpirit on Shamanism](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-shamans-and-shamanism-history-practices-core/) [Try a session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) #### Should Women Be Allowed to Vote? Hard to imagine this is a topic floating around in the US in 2025, but here we are. Apparently, the leader of our military thinks it might be better for us [gals to sit the whole voting business out.](https://www.npr.org/2025/08/09/nx-s1-5497226/women-pastor-pete-hegseth-vote) As you are likely aware, our country is on the [precipice of becoming a dictatorship](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/science-tells-us-the-u-s-is-heading-toward-a-dictatorship/). The current administration is [supporting white supremacy](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-trump-filled-key-positions-with-people-who-spread-extremist-views), [misogyny](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-is-filling-his-white-house-with-men-accused-of-sexual-misconduct_n_673cb647e4b024dbac5b82c2), and [fascist principles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump_and_fascism). As I work in the areas I have for the last 30 years, appreciate and spend time with my family, and have gratitude for so many things, what is happening to our extraordinary country is ever-present. Hopefully, you are getting accurate news from the many, although dwindling, available sources. I may sometimes include resources that feel relevant for staying informed and making it through this perilous time together, as I did in [this post](https://www.wholespirit.com/if-biophilia-is-radical-we-have-a-very-big-problem/). [Contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) ![Jesus, Psychedelics, Tech Bros The Surprising Forms Shamanism Takes](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cave-water-alev-takil-45sDm4wCOWc-unsplash-copy-600x450.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** altered states, ceremony, divination, entheogens, jesus, Manvir Singh, psychedelic assisted therapy, psychedelics, shaman, shamanic healing, Shamanism, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Custom Ceremonies: Alone or Together are Powerful and Accessible](https://www.wholespirit.com/custom-ceremonies-alone-or-together-powerful-and-accessible/) **Published:** November 1, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Custom ceremonies, alone or together, are powerful and accessible. ###### Common and Uncommon Ceremonies Some occasions worth marking with a ceremony are familiar: births, marriages, deaths. Some are not given deliberate attention in a ritual way as frequently: more subtle life transitions, divorce, career change, new ventures, grieving, cutting ties or forging new ones. House blessings and clearings help start a fresh relationship with a new living space or shift the feel of an existing one. In addition to larger events, small ceremonies to send graduates into their new phase of life can be impactful, especially in the absence of many traditional initiation rituals for young people. Ceremonies and rituals can be about recognizing or initiating change in your own life, within a family or community, or in the larger sphere of global dynamics. It’s one way we can pair action and intention in times that feel especially pivotal, precarious, and potent. Custom ceremonies take many different forms. ###### Personal and Group Ceremonies Ceremonies can be for you alone, a select few, or large groups. On a new moon, I led a ceremony about [bees](https://www.wholespirit.com/society-for-shamanic-practice-new-moon-ceremony-the-bee-being-collective-bellwether/) for a big gathering for the Society for Shamanic Practice. With small groups, we’ve honored land and ancestors, drawn power into new beginnings, and broken ties. I have daily rituals with the human and feline loved ones in my home that have taken on the weight of ceremony. We all know the steps and feel the energy we create together. Some of us don’t have the support systems of family, friends, or a professional community to help us mark events that impact our lives, or to help us initiate change. Personal ceremonies can play a significant role here, and we can work together to hone your intention and the way the ceremony feels. I can handle the bulk of the design and planning for you, or we can work together in a collaborative process. I can lead you through the ceremony or design it for you to do on your own, in your own time and place. Local travel is simple; out-of-town travel is possible. ###### Planning for the Magic One of the things I enjoy about custom ceremonies is witnessing the balance of what’s planned and magical, unexpected things that often happen. During a recent celebration honoring a couple’s anniversary, a pair of ducks swam up and stayed by us for the entire time, bathing and napping a few feet away. This had special significance for the couple and was an added blessing to the day. [Schedule a brief me](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270)[eting to discuss options for custom ceremonies.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) [Reach out with questions](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). ###### What If Each Day Were A Ceremony? Like many of you, I do things every day that have become ritualized. These mini ceremonies help keep me anchored in what I love, value, am grateful for, and wish to protect. Some of them happen predictably every day, some at other intervals, and some more irregularly. Each day is an opportunity to create powerful ceremonies, particularly when life feels unpredictable and uncertain. Ceremonies don’t have to be all about love, light, and gratitude either. That’s not the whole picture of life. There are some wild and edgy ceremonies out there! Like anything we do in the world, we blend our intentions and our actions, and hopefully contribute for the good. Both our gratitude and our ferocity have space in ceremony. Celebration of living beings pairs naturally with outrage at unnecessary deaths. Appreciation for abundance pairs healthily with recognition that greed is a cancer on our culture. As we weave those complementary energies through the rituals of our days, might we pair actions to match each one? ###### Many Small Actions Add Up Some examples: Do you, like me, take great comfort and enjoyment in food? Donate or volunteer with [Porch Durham](https://porch-durham.org/) and help make sure school kids have enough to eat. Maybe as you pack a bag or two to leave on your porch for pick up, you take a moment and silently add some kind invisible intentions for those kids and their families. Ceremonies around eating and sharing food are part of all cultures. There are ample resources to feed all the children in this country, but many are going hungry. Prioritizing the rich over the poor is not Christian or patriotic. Do you, like me, love animals and enjoy them as part of your daily rituals? Donate or volunteer with an [animal rescue organization near you](https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/search) to help animals who do not have the benefit of your home, love, safety, and food. ([Independent Animal Rescue](https://animalrescue.net/) in Durham is wonderful). Do you, like me, value democracy? Do something quiet or bold to stand up to the corrupt administration that is destroying ours. [Contact your senators and representatives](https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials), join a [protest](https://indivisible.org/), fact-check, vote, and encourage those around you to vote. Don’t look away. ![custom ceremonies fire circle ritual pine trees](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/custom-ceremonies-fire-circle-600x450.jpg)[Custom Ceremonies and Other Types of Sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, ceremony, custom ceremonies, democracy, independent animal rescue, Inner Divinity, mindfulness, no kings, Porch Durham, rituals, Shamanic Journeying --- ### [This Really Bugs Me: Insects and Monsters](https://www.wholespirit.com/this-really-bugs-me-insects-and-monsters/) **Published:** September 11, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** This Really Bugs Me: Insects and Monsters. Highlights of insect encounters this summer: ###### Ants In Your Pants The expression “ants in your pants” doesn’t give the ants credit for what they can accomplish in a short period of time. It’s brave and bold work to dash up a pant leg and bite the hell out of someone who is simply watering the plants or perhaps sitting on a bench in contemplation. It’s uncalled for, though. ###### Yellow jackets The salvia that is now thriving here was hard-won. Thanks to the friend who offered to let me dig some up. Apologies to the yellow jackets. I didn’t mean to intrude upon your nest with that scoop of the shovel. I’ve got to hand it to you, though; you absolutely won that fight. If any of my friends’ neighbors were watching and wondering what was happening as I dramatically tried to fight off the swarm, they did indeed get in my socks. Shocking, but I’m fine. ###### Three Lunas In one week, I saw a gorgeous Luna moth that someone had removed from a tree and was toting around on her arm. I wished she hadn’t taken this newly emerged moth on that little trip, but I did enjoy seeing it. Luna moths are giant and luminous, pale green with faux eyes on their wings. A few days later, on a different trail, I saw a neon green caterpillar munching and scrunching its way along, wondrously plump. When I looked it up, I discovered that it was a Luna month caterpillar. One of my beloved cats is named Luna. She needed some extra care and attention that week. It was a Lunaful time. ###### The Beetles Walking with a friend, I saw a brown caterpillar crossing the path. We waited for it to get a little farther across, so it didn’t get stepped on. When I identified it, I realized it becomes one of those moths that looks like a mini hummingbird (*Nessus sphinx).* Then I spotted a large, shiny, black beetle. So lovely! But sadly, dead. “We’d better take this with us,” I said. Because what else would we do? My friend shook her head. While she was not in agreement, she supports my choices. Later that week, I was cleaning out my closet and reached into a purse and found a huge iridescent emerald June Beetle! Delightful. I must have stashed it there and forgotten. Its color is unearthly. Actually, no, it is quintessentially “Earthly.” ###### The Earth is Glorious This miraculous planet is filled with living things. Some of them are easy to relate to for most people, like cats and dogs. And some, like insects, many people find scary, repulsive, and hard to be around but bring joy to others. It is our duty and privilege to coexist with the extraordinary range of other living beings on Earth. To share space, appreciate, and learn from each other. Let each other be ourselves as much as possible without causing harm. We, as humans in this time and place, generally speaking, do a terrible job at this. This really bugs me. ###### The Current Administration is Monstrous The fascist behavior of our president and his stable of enablers is a travesty. Entrusted with the stewardship of this remarkable country, they are mostly showing utter disdain for it and for life. A pregnant woman, a rare and endangered ecosystem, an abused animal, a hardworking parent, a hungry child, a victim of sexual assault. Truly, nothing appears to matter but money for a handful of already extremely rich people, and enthusiastic ass-kissing of a brain-addled, malignant narcissist. This really bugs me. Many people are working tirelessly to protect our planet, our people, and living beings. May they have strength. I wish you, your loved ones, and all beings a safe and healthy world. If this article made you uncomfortable, definitely don’t read [“Arachnophobes, Don’t Read This”](https://www.wholespirit.com/arachnophobes-dont-read-this-halloween-samhain-spiders-denial/) ![Luna moth This Really bugs me](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Luna-moth-copy-600x540.jpg)[Schedule a time for a session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) [Shore up your boundaries for this challenging time](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [Develop deeper relationships with Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) This really bugs me. Do you have some interesting insect encounters to share? **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** bug, earth, ecospiritual, Enatured, fascism, insects, intuitive counseling, moths, nature-based healing --- ### [Arachnophobes, Don’t Read This! Halloween, Samhain, Spiders & Denial](https://www.wholespirit.com/arachnophobes-dont-read-this-halloween-samhain-spiders-denial/) **Published:** October 29, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Arachnophobes, Don’t Read This! Spiders, Halloween, Samhain & Denial. There are some extraordinary spider decorations up for Halloween this year. Most people find spiders a little spooky. Is it because they’re so different from humans? So many legs perhaps? The way they move? Have you seen any close-up photos of their faces, though? Some are adorable, like this guy. I’ve had a few close spider encounters over the years. Nothing especially dramatic. A black widow on my door. I didn’t realize she was one until I touched her, but she was chill. I’ve become better at identifying them. I am the designated spider remover in our home and have caught and released many spiders of varying shapes and sizes. This fall, I cleaned some windows that were quite webby, and my spider encounters leveled way up. Our house is old, and the windows and storms don’t line up well. Accessing the windows in question is awkward, and they don’t get washed as often as they should. I dove into the window-cleaning project with dual purposes: practical and symbolic. Practically, I love a clear view of the outside. Symbolically, I asked for this project to fuel my intention of clear vision. I don’t enjoy window washing, but I was determined. Friends, there were SO MANY SPIDERS! Tiny little guys, elegant ones with impossibly long legs, and big fat hairy ones. Different shapes, strategies for evading me, and levels of boldness. I was careful spritzing the cleaner and wiping the panes. Each window took longer because I kept hopping down with a spider I’d gently coaxed onto a cloth or leaf, delivering it to an area outside. I moved quickly because they moved quickly. ###### Arachnophobia Warning Arachnophobes, it only gets worse from here. I am not making light of fears or phobias but am giving fair warning. I found one curled up between my toes. This was a little too close for my comfort, and a reminder not to wear flip flops on a ladder or while cleaning spidery windows. I also realized they were just terrified and hiding. No harm done. We were both happy to say our goodbyes and part ways. One big fat one took an assertive approach and leaped for me. Face height. I almost fell off the ladder. Most of the spiders were small or spindly. They were trying to make a safe home for their babies or themselves in a sheltered space they found hospitable, where they could find food, out of the weather, safe from those wishing to do them harm. Aren’t we all trying to do some variant of that? For many people right now those basics are at risk. It’s a spooky time in more ways than one. ###### Otherworldly is Uncomfortable There is much about this season, when the veils between the worlds are thin, that feels eerie to us —otherworldly, a little uncomfortable. Maybe that’s partly why spiders make us uncomfortable; there is something otherworldly about them. Much of what we ascribe supernatural qualities to are natural things that we can’t or don’t want to explain. Just because we can’t see, label, or understand something doesn’t necessarily make it less real. During this particular week, we celebrate the thin separation between the worlds of the living and the dead ([Halloween, Samhain, Day of the Dead, All Saint’s Day](https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-holidays-samhain-dia-de-los-muertos-and-all-saints-day/)). Some do it by honoring ancestors and the natural cycles of life and death; some do it by making light of the things that scare us – if we laugh at ghosts and demons, they can’t harm us, right? Right? ###### Denial Denial is powerful, but it doesn’t change reality. Looking away is a coping mechanism, but it does not change what is. My daughter and I were on a nighttime jungle hike a few years ago. The ground was shimmering. After we had walked for a while, the guide told us that the seemingly infinite points of light we saw blanketing the ground were reflections from spiders’ eyes. An astonishing number of spiders. The reality is they were everywhere, we just didn’t know until the light illuminated them. When we learned the truth, we had the choice of where to focus our attention. Denial doesn’t change reality. ###### Sharing Spaces The reality is we share our intimate spaces and the world itself with many others. We share spaces with a huge variety of animals who also have a right to live. We coexist with other humans who embody everything from the best to the worst potentials for our species. We live with spirits whom we alternately honor and make light of during this season. Let’s try to distinguish between what makes us uncomfortable because it’s unfamiliar and what is truly threatening to our shared world. Let’s remember how much we have in common. All living things seek safety. Everyone needs to eat. Young creatures play. We depend on the same water and air to survive. We are all warmed by the sun and find solace in sleep. During this glorious season, I wish you and your family safety, health, and peace. [Come see me](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=post). [Read about insect encounters](https://www.wholespirit.com/this-really-bugs-me-insects-and-monsters/). ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/arachnophobes-spiders-erik-karits-bdHfhlThd_k-unsplash-small-600x400.jpg)Photo Credit: Eric Karits Arachnophobes Don’t Read This ©2025 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** arachnophobes, arachnophobia, day of the dead, Fall, halloween, jungle hike, seeing clearly, spiders, window cleaning --- ### [Jane Goodall Was A Queen. No Kings Please](https://www.wholespirit.com/jane-goodall-is-my-queen-no-kings-please/) **Published:** October 14, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Jane Goodall Was A Queen. No Kings Please When my daughter told me about Jane Goodall’s passing, I cried. I said, “She is who I want to be when I grow up.” She inspired and led, contributing profoundly to our understanding of the world. Jane Goodall was royalty – metaphorically. However, no queens or kings are allowed to rule this country *literally*. If you paid attention in history class, you know this. America was founded on the premise of [William Waterway](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:William_Waterway&action=edit&redlink=1) [Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)NO KINGS. (If this is unclear, and you prefer your history lessons with music and humor, there is a bit about this in Hamilton, which is now streaming. Jonathon Groff is hilarious as a devilish King George III.) ###### No Kings *No Kings* should be a unifying premise, regardless of how far we fall on either end of the political spectrum. One person and their loyalists should not be allowed trample the laws of our republic and erode the power of our democracy. That has happened and is happening more dramatically every day. *No Kings* is a simple concept patriotic Americans should be able to get behind. ###### The Power of Ceremony For good or evil, there is great power in deliberate ritual and ceremony. Some organizations and people understand this and use it. The current administration does. We all can use it too. Saturday, October 18th, is a ceremony to support the foundational premise of *No Kings*. America has *No Kings*. All over the country, people will gather in big and small groups, to make a statement in support of our democracy and against authoritarianism. You don’t have to yell or make a fuss. You don’t have to carry a sign or be angry. You can make a difference simply with your presence. [Find a *No Kings* event near you.](https://www.nokings.org/) ###### Let’s Take Jane Goodall’s Advice Jane Goodall left clear guidance for us to be shared only after she died. In some of her final words, she urged us to remember that collective action matters: “I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don’t lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing. And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world – if you want to save the planet for the future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren – then think about the actions you take each day. Because, multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change.” [Jane Goodall](https://janegoodall.ca/our-stories/dr-jane-goodall-leaves-behind-her-last-words/) She also had blunt thoughts about some current leaders. You can watch these in full on the [Famous Last Words interview on Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/82053197?trackId=259776131&trkId=259776131&src=tudum) if you subscribe, or on YouTube, where others have posted clips online. I wish you and everyone in our beautiful country, and on this exquisite planet, safety and health. Mara I do custom ceremonies and will share about this soon. Visit the [Sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) page for details. ![No Kings Since 1776](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/No-Kings.png)No Kings Since 1776 **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** authoritarianism, ceremony, fascism, Jane Goodall, make your grandmother proud, no kings, No Kings Day, October 18, protest, ritual, royals, stand up --- ### [Paying Attention is Excruciating: We Are Not Special. We Have Been Gifted](https://www.wholespirit.com/paying-attention-is-excruciating-we-are-not-special-we-have-been-gifted/) **Published:** October 21, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ###### Paying Attention is Excruciating: We Are Not Special. We Have Been Gifted. Paying attention is excruciating. Years ago, I wrote an article titled “[Electric Shocks or Sitting Quietly? Which would you choose?](https://www.wholespirit.com/electric-shocks-or-sitting-quietly-which-would-you-choose/)” In the study I referenced, more participants chose electric shocks over sitting quietly with their thoughts. Meditation is hard. Our inner landscape can be so thorny that we’d rather be jolted from the outside than spend time alone with ourselves. For me, and perhaps for you, sitting quietly in this particular time is especially challenging. Whether it is as a witness to my inner climate, or as a witness to what is happening around me (in my community, in my country, in the world), sitting quietly in a way that feels productive is hard right now. I know it’s necessary, and I do it. However, it raises conflicts about how I should spend my time. For example, at one time, I felt OK writing an article simply about how meditation helps us personally. It *is* good for us, that’s unchanged. Study after study shows that meditation is good for our bodies, minds, and spirits. However, right now for me (I make no judgment about other writers), it usually feels incongruent to concentrate exclusively on personally focused practices without pairing them with collectively focused practices. Our individual well-being is part of the collective well-being of course. But it’s an easy slide into a privileged mindset, a trickle-down economics type of thinking, where the pursuit of our personal peace is more a form of avoidant navel-gazing. Paying attention is excruciating. ###### One and All One To be more transparent, while I still believe that each of us can make a difference in the collective by being calm, peaceful, and loving in our internal states, I don’t think it’s enough. For me, it is not enough unless I pair that self-awareness and self-practice with something that speaks up against the absolute travesty that is happening in the world around us. The intentional brutality that is happening to our fellow beings. This is not a novel idea. I am not doing anywhere near as much as some people. As I work to align my skills, time, and resources in ways that feel congruent with my values, it can feel like a drop in the ocean, never quite enough. This is not a novel time in history. Other countries have fallen into authoritarianism. Other countries have shifted from relative freedom to fascism. Many people have justifiably feared being kidnapped by masked men and disappeared on their way to work or school. Or that their loved ones would be disappeared. Many parents have watched children starve or be gunned down. It is happening in the United States. ###### Americans are Not Special We have had the luxury —not all of us, but many of us— of thinking and acting like we are exceptional, immune from these types of experiences. In reality, we had something precious that we took for granted. I know this is a painful time for many of us. The news can feel like electric shocks. Sitting with our thoughts can feel like electric shocks. And while nature can be calming and soothing, that is not the point of nature. Nature is a living being with its own genius, a collective of living beings expressing their individual geniuses. We are all part of that family. When the family I love is threatened, my protective instincts kick in. I hope yours do too. I love this land. I love the natural world, from the wolves to the woods, the bees to beaches, the moss to the mountaintops. I also love people. All of us—our family of humans, animals, and plants and the home we live on— are threatened right now. ###### Call to Action When the beings I love are threatened it makes me angry. Anger serves a purpose; it lets us know when something feels wrong. Anger can be a call to action. My work has always been about determining and acting on these calls. Determining what calls to action are right for you is part of what we can work with in individual sessions. Staying present and compassionate, without absorbing everything energetically, can take practice and discipline for many of us. Paying attention is excruciating. For many years, I’ve written about nature, spiritual practices, and creativity. I’ve shared ideas that work for me on how to improve our lives and relationships by [understanding how our energy bodies and ecosystems function, so we can avoid burning out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/). I’ve opened up about my moments of communion with nature and spirits and witnessed as many of you had your own. So while these days I apparently can’t share a quick little “Three steps to inner peace” article suggesting how great it would be to tune out, take a breath, or do a single journey and make the problems of the world feel less pressing, I can share a long article that says yes let’s breathe deep, journey, meditate, spend time outside, make music, or do any of the other things that help keep us calm and sane if we have the luxury right now to do those things. And… Let’s summon our inner warrior monks and mama tigers, let’s emulate [John Lewis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lewis) and [Joan Carling,](https://news.mongabay.com/2024/10/treat-us-as-partners-central-actors-interview-with-indigenous-activist-joan-carling/) let’s be a champion for nature like [Jane Goodall](https://janegoodall.ca/our-stories/dr-jane-goodall-leaves-behind-her-last-words/). Let’s summon our inner Kali Ma. Let’s stand up for our family. Let’s fight for what we love. Feel free to [be in touch](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com), to [schedule a session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270), and to [join a circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/). I wish you and everyone in our beautiful country, and on this exquisite planet, safety and health. Mara Paying Attention is Excruciating: What’s Next? ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/paying-attention-is-excruciating-flag-joshua-hoehne-X4YSBIsSl9s-unsplash-600x401.jpg)@2025 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** authoritarianism, collective well being, earth, fascism, Joan Carling, John Lewis, Kali Ma, land conservation, mama tiger, Meditation, nature-based healing, paying attention is excruciating, personal practice, warrior monk, Whole Nature, whole spirit --- ### [Expanded Hours, Session Discount (+Request), Circle News (+Thanks)](https://www.wholespirit.com/expanded-hours-session-discount-request-circle-news-thanks/) **Published:** September 30, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Expanded Hours, Session Discount (+Request), Circle News (+Thanks) ###### Expanded Hours More in-person hours are now available. If you’re looking for a different day or time to come in, [look here](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270). ###### Session Discount (+Request) Would a session be useful right now? Perhaps some guidance in this tumultuous time, or a space where you can be heard, seen, and tended to intuitively, spiritually, and practically? Maybe you want to develop deeper, ongoing relationships within the family of nature. [Read more about session options here](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/). I’m offering a $30 discount on most sessions through the end of the year\* — with a request. If you can pay full price for the session without worry, take the discount, and then donate the $30 to an organization of your choice that works to protect animals and nature, provide food for kids, fund medical research that’s been cut, support a political campaign that values Democracy, or something along these lines that is in dire need right now. If you’re looking for ideas, I’m happy to offer some suggestions ([there are a few in this post](https://www.wholespirit.com/if-biophilia-is-radical-we-have-a-very-big-problem/)). You’re not obligated to do this, and I won’t ask you about it, but I think it would be awesome if you did. If the discount makes the session possible or if funds are very tight right now, use it and don’t worry about donating anything. Use the code 30$OFF when you [schedule](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270). ###### Circle News (+Thanks) We’re trying something new in the monthly [365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/). Recently, there has been an especially engaged mix of new people and people who have been coming regularly for a long time. The connection has been lovely. People asked for a way to connect more personally. Last Thursday, we had an optional expanded time after the official “close” of the circle. I held the circle open for those who wanted extra time to get to know one another, ask questions, and share more on related topics. We’ll do this again in November and December and then see what feels right in the New Year. The 5:30-6:30 time will focus on sharing about the journey. The added time will be more free-form and open. Thanks so much to those of you who donate to the circle! It means a lot to feel reciprocated when it’s possible. *\*not including Conversation with Cats sessions. Sessions must be purchased by Dec 31, 2025 and used by Feb 1, 2026.* ![Ecotherapy, Ecospiritual counseling, Personal evolution counseling, psychospiritual, shamanic counseling sessions office skylight view with fall leaves. Remote and in person sessions. Distance sessions are effective and available anywhere, whether you live in Durham North Carolina, somewhere else in the US or internationally.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sessions-whole-spirit-skylight-modalities-integrated-healing-600-600x600.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** 365 Journeys, democracy, Earth Justice, independent animal rescue, intuitive counseling, session discount, Shamanic Journeying --- ### [Nature Workshop for Columbia @ Menla Retreat Center](https://www.wholespirit.com/nature-workshop-for-columbia-menla-retreat-center/) **Published:** July 1, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Nature Workshop @ Menla Retreat Center for Columbia TC SMBI June 16-18 The Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College holds a summer intensive program annually to begin the graduate psychology program. I deliver nature-based, ecospiritual sessions for new graduate psychology students, as part of the program at the [Menla Retreat Center](https://menla.org/) Part of Tibet House US, Menla is blessed by the Dalai Lama. Its exquisite setting includes lush forest, mossy rocks in gentle rivers, animal visitations, and nature spirits. As instructor for the Spirituality of the Animal Human Bond course founded by Dr. Lisa MIller, I recently had the opportunity to join a wonderful group of students and staff at the [Catskill Animal Sanctuary. ](https://casanctuary.org/)As usual, the [Catskill Animal Sanctuary](https://casanctuary.org/) was incredibly inspiring. The SMB program chose another special place to hold transformative sessions. ###### Host your own Nature Workshop? Although this is a closed course, [let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you are interested in experiencing some of the ecospiritual options that these courses include. [Enatured®](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) can be part of new programming, as can the boundary toolkit [Shining Bright Without Burning Out.](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) Session can be delivered onsite or online, for individuals or groups. Private sessions are available in Durham, NC, at your organization, or online. [Book a session.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [Contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) ![Nature Workshop @ Menla field classroom Columbia Teachers College](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Menla-field-class-small.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Columbia University, Dalai Lama, ecospiritual, ecospiritual counseling, Menla, nature retreat, Nature Workshop, nature-based healing, SMBI, Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Teachers College, Tibet House US --- ### [Can We Afford to Estivate Right Now? Do You Want To?](https://www.wholespirit.com/can-we-afford-to-estivate-right-now-do-you-want-to/) **Published:** August 10, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** *Can We Afford to Estivate Right Now? Do you want to? This is a repost of an article from [last year](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-estivating-do-you-want-to-its-hot/). The content is still applicable, but I ask whether we can afford to estivate because as the climate (natural, political, etc) heats up to a level of intensity we rarely see, the question of prioritizing our time, attention, and care is increasingly urgent. Can we take time out?* Estivating is like hibernating but in summer. Rather than hunkering down in a cozy den to sleep through the winter, animals who estivate go into dormancy to survive hot, dry summers. Can you relate to this instinct to shut down until the weather (of all kinds) is less intense? It’s environmentally scorching outside: record temps, wildfires, hot oceans. It’s also emotionally scorching. Are there things happening now that make “your blood boil”? Understanding our personal cycles and how we relate to the cycles of nature can help us weather inner and outer conditions that feel too intense to manage. Temperatures may be very hot or cold, there may be floods or droughts, periods of over excitement or stagnation. As we know from technology, a reboot can help us recalibrate and avoid malfunctioning. A rest and reset can help us adapt to current conditions and see new possibilities and solutions where none seemed possible before. ###### Ebb and Flow I tend toward hibernation AND estivation, not for all of winter or summer, but for a few months in each. I have a high heat tolerance, but something changes in my energy and outlook in the deep summer months. My creativity and optimism often diminish. I’m not a fan of the cold, but over time I appreciate it more and find it less oppressive, especially in the generally mild climate where I live. I remind myself every year that those are not steady states; they ebb and flow. When dazzling fall arrives and spring brings everything to life, I feel more vibrant too. Do you have seasonal changes like this? These shifts may not be that noticeable when life is going well. However, intensity or challenge can compound how we feel in the months when we are not feeling our best. ###### Self-Care and Collective Responsibility Most of us do not have the individual luxury to hunker down in cozy climate-controlled dens for weeks or months when the conditions (atmospheric, political, cultural, physiological, interpersonal, etc.) don’t suit us. As citizens with responsibilities to one another, to those who come next, and to those with little power, like animals, we can’t afford to hole up and ignore the outside world, especially now. I suggest as we are able, we each take time for mini estivations this season. A day, an hour, a few minutes if that’s all you have. Rest, reset, cool off. This season will pass and what we do now in the heat will make a big difference when winter comes. ©2025 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burnout, climate change, DC takeover, Enatured, estivate, estivation, heatwave, political upheaval, record temperatures, Self care, Shining Bright Without Burning Out --- ### [What is Your Pain Trying to Tell You?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-is-your-pain-trying-to-tell-you/) **Published:** June 27, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** *My April article in Health & Healing…a little late!* We invest tremendous resources in pursuing the alleviation of emotional and physical pain. Of course no one should suffer needlessly; however, pain can be informative. Immediate relief from pain, without ascertaining its source, can be hazardous to the bigger picture of health. Pain of any kind can signal that something needs to change. If a physical or energetic imbalance is present it can help guide us to what is needed to restore health. The pain conveys, “This needs attention.” I had a client who was quite good at ignoring the messages her body was sending her in the form of pain. As her back sent her increasingly urgent messages of distress, instead of listening, she disconnected from her body, and therefore from the hurt. While she coped with the pain in the short term, she created a larger problem. She needed to make some changes, which involved adjusting the structure of her life to accommodate some basic self-care. Despite the messages that were trying to break through to her, she did not make those changes. Her back condition did not ease, and instead developed into an acute crisis, which landed her in bed and forced her to stop altogether. From the shamanic perspective, any kind of illness or imbalance—be it emotional, physical, or mental—has its origin in the spiritual or energetic system. Having a deeper understanding of our spiritual or energetic bodies is one way to understand how we relate to pain so we can learn from it more effectively. Pain can result from a clash between our innate energetic personalities and the way we interact with other people and our environment. The energetic aspect of individuals, relationships and environments is what I call the energy ecosystem. It can be physically painful for sensitive people to be in certain situations or around certain people. For example, one client described feeling nauseous whenever she went into a work environment that had become hostile, and another developed migraines whenever he was around a family member with whom he did not feel safe. Many of my clients are empathic and tend to take on the emotional pain of the people in their lives. Discordant energy is created when we are with people or in environments that our energetic body perceives as toxic. This can translate into physical pain, or emotional pain, such as depression and anxiety… **[READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2015-04-Understanding-Pain.pdf "What Is Your Pain Trying to Tell You?")** Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/)To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** alleviating pain, anxiety, back pain, Depression, empathic, empathy, Energy personality, pain, shamanic healing, Shamanism, toxins --- ### [Electric Shocks or Sitting Quietly? Which would you choose?](https://www.wholespirit.com/electric-shocks-or-sitting-quietly-which-would-you-choose/) **Published:** August 29, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Distraction has its merits. Life can be intense. Physical and emotional pain and the stress of daily life often hold our attention, making it hard to focus on anything else. When we distract ourselves in a balanced way, we can temporarily step outside of the confines of our routine thought patterns, set aside our worries, and perhaps be diverted from the sensation of chronic aches and pains. Shifting gears at the end of the day (or whenever we need it) and “distracting” ourselves with a conversation, exercise, a book, a walk in the woods, or even TV or a phone app, can be helpful ways to disengage from life’s stressors. However, when distraction becomes our way of being, the only way we feel comfortable existing, we have a problem. For many people simply sitting quietly has become deeply uncomfortable. As a society we are accustomed to constant distraction. Silence is rare. Screens are everywhere. The distractions they provide sometimes help us wind down, but often wind us even tighter. The blue light of many electronic screens has been linked to an increased rise in insomnia, especially for children and adolescents, who are even more likely than adults to keep their phone in the bedroom (with the sound turned on) while they sleep. A recent article in the Washington Post documents a study published in Science magazine that found most men would rather give themselves electric shocks than be alone with their thoughts. Participants were instructed to simply let their minds wander and think about whatever they wanted, essentially to do nothing but be in their own company without external distraction for between 6 and 15 minutes. This was so intolerable…[READ MORE.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2020-01-Meditation.pdf) As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** contemplation, electric shocks, Health & Healing Magazine, Health and Healing in the Triangle, insomnia, Meditation, Science Magazine, screen time, Washington Post --- ### [Retreat: Luxury or Necessity? We All Need a Reboot](https://www.wholespirit.com/retreat-luxury-or-necessity-we-all-need-a-reboot/) **Published:** June 2, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Retreat: Luxury or Necessity? We All Need a Reboot ###### Luxury Retreating can be an indulgence when it’s something luxurious like going to a spa, being pampered, and eating sumptuously prepared food. That sounds delightful, doesn’t it? ###### Necessity But “retreating” in a more basic sense of the word is also necessary for continued survival – for any system, not just for human beings. We retreat each night to sleep. Without sleep, our mental and physical health rapidly declines. The UN recognizes sleep deprivation as a form of torture. Has your phone or computer ever acted up in frustrating ways? What’s the first question an IT person asks you? Have you done a reboot? ###### We All Need A Reboot We all need a reboot. We all need to retreat to continue to function, whether that retreat is a couple of hours of broken sleep just to get by or, ideally, something more restorative and regular. The practice of retreating, regrouping, and refueling has long tradition in many spheres. Religious communities value retreat as time away from secular life to reflect on spiritual topics and experiences. Military groups retreat to analyze and reassess strategies when situations change and to prepare to reengage. Effective organizations provide meaningful times for employees to connect with one another outside of the constant grind of work or at least offer adequate vacation and personal time. Rest and reset are key. Reflection without distraction is important. The result is to return more effective, engaged, and creative. To reenter everyday life more committed to your current path, or equipped to make changes. At the least to have shored yourself up to face the challenges that await you. We are facing momentous collective challenges. If we burn out or tune out, we can’t do the necessary work. #### How Shabbatsana Changed My Life The article [Rest is the New Busy: The Privilege of Doing Nothing and the Allure of Shabbatsana](https://www.wholespirit.com/rest-is-the-new-busy-the-privilege-of-doing-nothing-the-allure-of-shabbatsana/) about how my partner and I created a regular retreat time years ago that changed my life profoundly is relevant to this discussion. #### Join Me in Retreat I invite you to join me for a retreat that is more structured than our free-form personal retreats, but that has the essence of retreat time we captured for ourselves. It’s not a luxury spa weekend, but it is in a beautiful, peaceful setting in nature infused with the energy of people committed to creating kind, just, and safe spaces for everyone. We will learn tools for being effective and energetically protected in our complex world. There will be space for you to connect to your sources of spiritual support in solitude. And you will have time to share as you feel comfortable in a small group setting. You can join here or [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you have questions. ![Retreat: Luxury or Necessity? Radiant sun through trees](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tree-radiant-copy-3-600x409.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 40 days, ecotherapy, luxury, military, Nature, nature retreat, refuel, religion, retreat, sleep deprivation, spa, spiritual support, spirituality, The Trees --- ### [Animal-Human Bond at Catskill Animal Sanctuary](https://www.wholespirit.com/animal-human-bond-at-catskill-animal-sanctuary/) **Published:** May 1, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Animal-Human Bond Course Columbia University Teachers College Spirituality Mind Body Institute I am excited and honored to return as instructor of the Spirituality and the Animal Human Bond course this year. In addition to looking at current research on animal assisted experiences and therapies, and animal welfare issues, we will explore the [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) method, [Shining Bright Without Burning Out,](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) and other nature based methods with graduate students in the psychology program. We will be at the ever inspiring [Catskill Animal Sanctuary ](https://casanctuary.org/)which provides safe haven for abused and neglected farm animals. If you are near, it is a very special place to visit. CAS is also feeling the effects of climate change in a challenging way. Although this is a closed course, [let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you are interested in sharing either the practice of [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) or the boundary toolkit [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) with your group or organization. [Private sessions](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) are also available. ![Catskill-Animal-Sanctuary-Scene](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Catskill-Animal-Sanctuary-Scene-600x338.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** animal assisted therapy, animal-human bond, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Columbia University, nature-based healing, Teachers College --- ### [Enatured at The Trees: Feel the Spirit of Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-at-the-trees-feel-the-spirit-of-nature/) **Published:** February 26, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Enatured at The Trees: Feel the Spirit of Nature Enatured® In-Person Gathering at The Trees retreat center, Durham NC 1:00 pm-4:00pm Eastern time Enatured is a simple but profound method to commune with land, and the beings of the land, wherever you are. It draws from mindfulness, shamanism, psychology, and scientific research about nature. Based on what you are seeking that day, you will have an opportunity to receive and give in a deeply personal way. Participants will learn the method, then have independent time to practice where you are drawn to connect on the land. The Trees retreat center (a sacred gift to St Philip’s Church), has 50 acres of woods, with streams, waterfall, mossy rocks, and a labyrinth. If for any reason being inside is more comfortable to you, the practice can be done from inside gazing out the expansive windows onto the landscape below. Enatured® recognizes, protects, and fosters the relationship between humans, animals, plants, elements, and land. - Find your true nature through nature. - Feel your spirit by feeling the spirits of nature. - Learn your genius by learning the genius of the land. The Enatured method helps us return to our true natures by experiencing interconnection with nature all around us. [LEARN MORE about Enatured®](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) [READ about one woman’s surprising experience with Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-one-womans-surprising-discoveries/) [REGISTER NOW](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=74926808) [Contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) about options for using Enatured with your private group, or [schedule a private session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) today. [Leave a Comment](https://www.wholespirit.com/find-your-genius-through-the-genius-loci-this-is-enatured/#respond) / [Classes and Events](https://www.wholespirit.com/category/classes-and-events/), [Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/category/nature/) / By [Mara](https://www.wholespirit.com/author/marabishop/) ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/enatured-680x230-final-web-600x203.png) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** Durham, ecospiritual, ecotherapy, Enatured, forest bathing, labyrinth, Meditation, mindfulness, moss, nature retreat, Shamanism, St Philip's, The Trees, woods --- ### [I Don't Love Valentine's Day, Wabi-sabi, Breaking Up America](https://www.wholespirit.com/i-dont-love-valentines-day-breaking-up-america/) **Published:** February 13, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I don’t love Valentine’s Day. I don’t have anything against it per se. I love expressions of many kinds of love: eros, philia, ludus, agape, pragma, philautia, felinophilia. [Here’s an article about different kinds of love](https://www.wholespirit.com/6-kinds-of-love-key-to-a-happy-life/). However, I generally don’t like to be told how and when I should express my affection. I didn’t force my child to give hugs. I don’t want my partner to feel obligated to give me flowers on a particular day. Valentine’s Day can be complicated. ###### St Valentine’s, Lupercalia, and The Bachelorette The history and origin of St. Valentine’s Day are unclear. It may commemorate several different people or honor a death or burial. One plausible theory is that it is the co-opting of the pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia. [\[i\]](#_edn1) Lupercalia would not be PETA-approved. If televised, it would give the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise intense competition as a bizarre romantic pairing reality show. I would not watch. For many people, Valentine’s Day highlights the absence of a loving partnership. We have romanticized and even fetishized what that partnership means to the point that it is virtually unattainable. We make lists of must-haves and no-gos like we are going to the grocery store. ###### Problematic People We set ourselves up for failure. Despite doing everything “right,” we occasionally meet, date, and/or marry highly problematic people. Sometimes, WE are highly problematic people. Most often, the combination of two people unleashes the dysfunction, rather than one person being fully to blame. Once we have a few decades under our belts, most of us have some relationship trauma. Valentine’s Day can be a communal and “fun” way to bring that to the surface. ###### Perfectionism When we believe perfection is an attainable ideal, and having less is a personal failure or the failure of (fill in the blank) our parents, society, or the “system,” we are primed for disappointment. If the bar for success is not only perfection but someone else’s definition of perfection, we will constantly strive, hungry and dissatisfied. Everything good about the present is minimized; it is only a step toward a better or worse future. Every relationship ended, wrinkle added, or mistake made is a failure, becomes an undoing, a fall from grace, a diminishment. ###### Wabi-sabi *Wabi-sabi* is a wise alternative path: the beauty of imperfection. Appreciating the time-worn, the impermanent, the aesthetic of the ancient. *Wabi-sabi* is not mass market and uniform, neither is it a constant striving for attention through uniqueness. It allows reality to be beautiful and imperfection to be interesting. *Wabi-sabi* teaches us to appreciate the differences that make us individuals: in nature, our bodies, how we express ourselves, and how we create and inhabit our surroundings. Seeing perfection in imperfection may allow us to stick with salvageable relationships by working harder together to recognize and appreciate that neither we nor our partners are perfect. It helps us to be more accepting of ourselves and less likely to contort for others in unhealthy ways. This path makes distinguishing between unreasonable perfectionism and holding ourselves and others accountable to reasonable standards easier. ###### Breaking Up America *I am overtly talking about relationships and perfectionism, but as we segue into things falling apart, the context of when and where I am writing is relevant. Democracy in the USA is falling spectacularly, swiftly, and tragically apart. For half the country, we feel like we are going through a terrible breakup. Our truly sinister exes are vastly richer and seem more powerful than we are. These people have bought up everything we care about and are selling it out from under us. We are in a state of shock, figuring out the best ways to fight back, move forward, and care for ourselves and those we love. Love, loss, and trauma is relevant on multiple levels. (Also a shout out to people who let their perfectionism and not getting everything they want ruin something good for everyone! Thanks a lot.)* We are breaking up. We didn’t ask for the breaking apart. We worked to prevent the breaking apart. We will hopefully have an opportunity to reconstruct. Perhaps some of us say, “Hey, the breaking apart is all good; just relax, it’s ushering in the new era.” But the breaking apart is excruciating, and for some people it is a life and death issue. If we skip over that pain, we are spiritually bypassing at the very least. These “opportunities” for putting our lives back together inevitably take an enormous amount of work and long periods of time. They cost us financially, emotionally, physically, and in ways that are hard to measure. This applies to intimately personal situations and, specifically, to the dismantling of the United States’ laws, agencies, and partnerships that have kept us all safer to varying degrees. ###### Kintsugi *We are in the breaking apart phase, but we will be putting things back together at some point in the future.* The Japanese art of *kintsugi* is a natural extension of the philosophy of *wabi-sabi*. The “15th-Century practice of *kintsugi*, meaning “to join with gold,” is a reminder to stay optimistic when things fall apart.”[\[i\]](#_edn1) Kintsugi involves putting broken ceramics back together using gold or other metals as the glue or adhesive. As an aesthetic and a metaphor for finding beauty in imperfection and strength after catastrophe, it does not try to hide the trauma of the cracks; it highlights them, transforms them, and elevates them without making everything about them. The teacup is still the teacup. The beauty of the gold now strengthens the weakness of the former cracks. It may not be better, but different and also lovely. I hope you will find perfection in the imperfections of your life this Valentine’s Day. I also hope that together we will create a luminous substance to fill in the cracks of what is shattering around us in America, to make something new. Optimism may be hard to come by right now. We are still in the breaking apart phase. There will be an after. It may not be better, but different and also lovely. --- Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Come see me](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [Stay updated](https://us19.list-manage.com/contact-form?u=623fde407189572b0061102f0&form_id=4423fb50daca2830ef7c0939020b3278) I don’t love Valentine’s Day, but I love America. --- ![I Don't Love Valentine's Day. Valentine postcard to America. Happy Valentine's Day America!](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Happy-Valentines-Day-America-copy-2-600x429.jpg)[\[i\]](#_ednref1) https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2 [\[i\]](#_ednref1) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** bachelorette, bad breakups, bluesky, coup, Death of democracy, falling apart, kintsugi, Lupercalia, perfectionism, resistance, St. Valentine's, the bachelor, valentine's day, wabi-sabi --- ### [Tending Heartbreak - Aftermath, Possibilities, Hope](https://www.wholespirit.com/tending-heartbreak-aftermath-possibilities-hope/) **Published:** January 14, 2025 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Tending Heartbreak Heartbreak, or the potential for it, is everywhere. While never minimizing tragic losses, or saying someone’s trauma is helpful because it makes them stronger (erg, no), how we tend heartbreaks (big and small) makes the difference in how we experience our lives in their aftermath. In preparing for the [365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) this week, I opened to a topic in the book, (47 Heartbreak). Damn it, I thought. I feel kind of heartbroken these days, do we have to do this one? Yes. Obviously. I start with a quote on each page of [*Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys*.](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) (This is not a plug for the book, I am trying to give some context) Finding the quotes to go with the journeys was one of my favorite parts of writing the book. The quote for the heartbreak journey is from Andrew Harvey: *“If you’re really listening, if you’re really awake to the poignant beauty of the world, your heart breaks regularly. In fact, your heart is meant to break; its purpose is to burst open again and again so it can hold ever more wonders.”* ###### Both Ends of the Spectrum If you have had a session with me, you may have experienced my hand gestures which often include the “on this end of the spectrum, on that end of the spectrum” gesticulation. I can’t help it; it’s in my heritage. About this Harvey quote: On one end of the spectrum, I honor the idea that heartbreak is not just tragedy. Big feelings on both ends of the spectrum can expand our capacity. Beautiful, tender things bring me to tears regularly. On the other end of the spectrum, I don’t think our “purpose” is to be broken and put back together. Learn, Heal, Evolve (have you heard that somewhere before? 🙂 Yes, we are here to learn, heal, and evolve, and that involves some form of *heartache.* If there is no resistance or challenge – if life is cushy – it’s easy to stagnate and stay the same. Learning and growth are hard. Having our hearts *break* is something else. Deep wounding is something else. ###### Hope I learned the term “nauseously optimistic” recently and paused to reflect. In fighting my natural realism, do I venture into false hope? Perhaps. I have ample evidence in my life of dark times turning into wonderful things. But, it does a disservice to put a hopeful, happy spin on the truly terrible in a way that bypasses the damage. It disrespects a victim or survivor of certain circumstances to talk about heartbreak and how we are made to expand and see beauty, etc. To be fair, I don’t think this is what Andrew Harvey is saying, and this is one quote isolated from context. It is certainly not my philosophy or approach to life. And, I do believe in miraculous turns of events and [amazing grace](https://www.wholespirit.com/amazing-grace/) in every day events. How we view and tend heartbreak and its aftermath is a delicate and important topic; I’m musing on how we might approach it together. ###### Tending Heartbreak If you are suffering from heartbreak or its aftermath, if grief and her sister emotions are spending time with you now, or seem to have moved in permanently, know you are not alone. Find yourself a kind ear, please. Come to circle if you feel inclined. Sit with me, a trusted counselor, or a friend. Curl up with a cat or dog. Find someone you trust. Be among the trees and the birds. Look at some art in a museum. You are not alone. Together, we can reweave ourselves. ![Tending Heartbreak red heart breaking into pieces on black background](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/heart-broken-buddha-elemental-unsplash-600x343.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, Andrew Harvey, heart, heartbreak, optimism, Shamanism for Every Day --- ### [Invisibility Cloak or Diva Spotlight ~ What's Your Energy Personality?](https://www.wholespirit.com/invisibility-cloak-or-diva-spotlight-whats-your-energy-personality/) **Published:** June 30, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** We each have an energetic personality, a way of interacting in the world and relating to others that is as distinct as our voice. You are born with your energetic personality; however, it also evolves and changes as you do. In many ways our energetic personalities mirror what we believe our character traits or outward personalities are. For example, shy people often hold their energy close to their bodies and suspicious people can be closed energetically to those around them. Extroverts send their energy outward quickly to connect with others, and aggressive people may emit overpowering energy. But your energetic personality is subtler than your physical actions. You may try to act a particular way even if it goes against your nature. For example, you may wish to appear more easy-going or spontaneous than you are naturally, trying to accept last minute changes in plans with a smile, but typically your energy is a more truthful representation of your true nature. For the more sensitive people around you, your “acting” may be undermined by what is sensed about you on the energetic level. Our personal energetics are the subtlest way we engage others in the world. We sense people with our energy bodies as quickly as we sense them with our eyes. We each have an energetic personality, a unique way of showing up in the world and interacting with others. As we can learn to understand our own energetic personalities, we can begin to sense those of other people. We are interacting on a spiritual or energetic level all the time, although most people are unaware of it. Have you noticed how some people fill up a room? We have various ways to describe that dynamic; we call them charismatic, dominant, or show-offs, maybe. People with that quality are often giving their energetic personalities free expression. That way of being in the world can be off-putting to those who hold their energy closer in. It can feel overwhelming. To the more energetically expansive person, the quieter one can appear cold, shy, or almost invisible. Just as we are responsible for our words and body language, it helps to understand our energetic personalities. When you come into a room, do you size it up quickly, place yourself in the most powerful position, and immediately start a conversation? Or do you hang back at the periphery and get a sense of the group before joining in? When you’re mad, do you fume at everyone around you or do you hold the energy inside you? Do you jump in and express yourself fully, but maybe without thought for how you affect those around you, or are you overly concerned with not imposing yourself on anyone? As a child of seven or eight, I was with my grandfather in a golf cart. Somebody hit a golf ball and it hit me hard in the chest. Grandpa was angry and tossed the ball back at him, saying, “You hit the kid!” As we drove away, I called after the golfer “Sorry!” I was actually apologizing for messing up his golf shot! I was startled by Grandpa’s unusual show of anger and felt embarrassed that I was the cause. From my perspective now, I was overly concerned with not being a nuisance to anyone. He hit me with a careless shot and I was apologizing. Become aware of how you naturally relate to others on that level and make adjustments as you see fit. We connect to one another through channels of energy, which often appear like cords or tendrils that join one body to another. These cords solidify relationships and can help bind us to one another psychically. They can also be burdensome when relationships are not entirely healthy, especially when one person is draining energy from another. These energetic connections manifest from the first moments of our lives. From birth, there is an “etheric umbilicus” that connects mother and child. As we make relationships, we form other connecting cords from our solar plexus region. When a relationship ends, these energy cords will often dissipate. In my early intuitive development work, my teacher had us take turns standing in front of the room in pairs. The rest of the class would watch and try to see how the two people engaged each other energetically. It was amazing. We could sense the distinct energetic personalities of our classmates in their relationship to each other. Just standing in close proximity incited a range of responses. Some people sent out many tendrils of energy right away, reaching out to the other person quickly and with their whole being. Others were more cautious, sending out an exploratory cord to see if they felt comfortable with the other person. If they did, they would send out more of their energy to mingle. Our energetic personalities often mirror how we interact with people in our everyday lives. Introverts may tend to be slower in opening energetically to a person they don’t know. Spunky, exuberant types may jump right in and send their energy out quickly. One way is not better than another, but they affect us differently. Our energetic personality affects the way we view the world and how we respond to other people who enter our lives. There are some people who just do not harmonize energetically, and will not be comfortable with each other no matter what they do. There are some people you’re going to like or dislike right away. You may be sensing them energetically and picking up aspects of their personality that feel comfortable or uncomfortable to you. Consider accepting this energetic explanation, rather than finding intellectual reasons to justify your instinctual like or dislike. As you pay attention to your own energetic personality, you can find balance with how you express your true self. Many misunderstandings begin at the energetic level. You meet someone for the first time and, because they are more reserved energetically than you are, you think they don’t like you. We take our interactions with other people very personally, even when their responses have nothing to do with us. We translate other people’s energetic personalities through our personal filters. When people have a very different style from our own, it tends to cause discomfort, at least initially. Instead of making quick assumptions about people, try to become sensitive to their energy. Once you are aware of these differences in energetic style, you can usually find ways to interact that feel safe and comfortable for both parties. When you look through shaman’s eyes at the people around you, you pick up on subtleties often missed with everyday vision. Try to become sensitive to how you express yourself nonverbally and to how other people’s energy personalities affect you. *——* *Since the writing of this article, I have more resources to help understand and work with energy personalities, energetic archetypes, energetic boundaries and burnout.* ***Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World*** from *Sounds True is the most consolidated toolkit I’ve created. Available from the Courses and/or Guides page.* **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, Energy personality, Intuition --- ### [Owls, Community, and Visibility - Here You Go Sister!](https://www.wholespirit.com/owls-community-and-visibility-here-you-go-sister/) **Published:** December 12, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Owls, Community and Visibility ###### Community The word “community” is used a lot. It means different things to each of us. What does it mean to you? When I contemplate my community, I include human beings and animals, like this gorgeous barred owl. ###### Barred Owl Visit Last week, this spectacular creature landed by our little pond (you may recognize this spot along the brick path). I’m not sure, but I will say “her” because female barred owls are bigger, and this one was huge. In addition to the delight of seeing her so close, it was remarkable because, although we hear them, we rarely see owls at all. She spent several days hunting from the fences and trees. Is she the same owl I greeted one night in the sideyard several years ago? We stood gazing at each other for such a long time. Or at least I was gazing at her. Does she remember? I hear her hooting in the front yard, calling to her mate. I have no idea if she notices me because her stealth abilities far surpass mine. (I would love to have the superpower of invisibility. See [previous article](https://www.wholespirit.com/invisibility-cloak-or-diva-spotlight-whats-your-energy-personality/).) She may not consider me at all, and I’ll probably never know. I may also never know her and other owls’ full impact on the community. How they’ve kept the voles from completely taking over the land, or the critters fleeing neighborhood construction projects from relocating here en masse. Are they the ones who have dashed my hopes, year after year, of long-term resident yard bunnies? I have no say in any of these things, of course. Nor should I. The owls (maybe not this particular owl) were here before I was. ###### Neighbors I hope we are getting along OK and they think I’m being a decent neighbor. I hope they don’t silently fume about my outside putterings and noises. Do they find me annoying? Do they tolerate me patiently? Is it possible to have a benevolent appreciation for one another? When this feathered member of my community drops in unexpectedly and hunts the frogs (whom I also LOVE!), it inspires hope and joy that can occasionally be elusive. I don’t have adequate words to explain why. It’s probably unnecessary to mention, but if any human member of my community did the same things it would definitely not elicit the same feelings?! ###### Visibility and Invisibility In communities of all kinds, some members are highly visible, and some are not. Some actions and events have visible impacts, and some are hard to see. In any community (family, business, government, school, ecosystem, etc.), some members are front and center, and some are in the background. Some of the most important work, the most important roles, are the ones we never see and, therefore, don’t understand until the systems start to break down. I love seeing wildlife in my city (ish) neighborhood because it gives me hope that these community members still exist. They feel like wise elders with other voices and ways of seeing and being in the world. We need *healthy* predators (look at that owl’s gaze) to show us humans what that dynamic looks like. It gives me hope we haven’t inadvertently sanitized this place of its precious diversity of life. And it gives me joy because the sighting of an owl going about her day is a beautiful gift. As if the genius loci of this place said, “Hey I know what will delight that lady! Here you go, sister!” It is a gift freely given, not for me really, but for all of us, a serendipitous combination of place, time, and attention. I hope that in your community, especially at this complicated time, in this complicated season, you are finding some glimmers of hope and joy in your spaces, in your communities, and within yourself. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Read more about Healing in the Backyard](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/article-Health-and-Healing-2021-04-Healing-Backyard.pdf) [Read more about Birds from CornellLab](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/) ![Owls, Community, and Visibility](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Owl-at-WholeSpirit-small-578x600.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal human bond, Barred Owl, Community, ecotherapy, nature based therapy, owls, Whole Nature, Whole Spirit Center --- ### [You Are Not Alone. What Comes Next?](https://www.wholespirit.com/you-are-not-alone-what-comes-next/) **Published:** November 13, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** You are not alone. This is hard. If you have reached out to me for support or to offer it, I am grateful for the connection and the recognition of each other in what feels like a dark time. ###### You are not alone. We need to process the spectrum of feelings in our own ways, and may not even know what we need to take care of ourselves right now. ###### You are not alone. I ask myself, What can I do to make a difference right now? Do you ask yourself the same thing? The answer to this question may have become more complex, but it’s something we can work on together. ###### You are not alone. If cost is a barrier to getting the support you need (for guidance, an ear, a safe space to vent, etc.), come for a session and pay what you can. **I am available on a donation basis until December.** See details below. ###### We are not alone. Remember people have faced similar periods in history, with uncertainty and feelings of dread and fear. Some stayed silent, turned on their neighbors, became hardened, and gave up. Others spoke up, gave comfort, and, despite their heartbreak, fought for the people, places, and ideals they held dear. ###### We are not alone. Think about those who are very young now, or who may come in future generations. How do we want them to remember us? ###### We are not alone. Our family is an enormous ecosystem. We are constantly surrounded and provided for by family members who can’t speak up for themselves: animals, plants, land, and water. They can’t vote, lobby, post on social media, or buy a news organization. Like in any family, we have certain responsibilities to one another. Nature is the foundation of our survival. She is the parent we take for granted when we are babies. She has vital work to do. At times, that work is subtle, the tiny fluffs of pollen gathered on a bee’s legs. At times, that work changes the landscape itself, storms raging fiery, watery, windy. Like babies, we don’t understand what a mother’s job entails. We love it when she cradles us in her fragrant magnolia arms, sings us to sleep with her beach breeze voice, or swaddles us in meadow softness. What a surprise to learn she is not passive, ever-patient, fully stocked. *Nature does not exist to be our balm.* Nature exists in all her radiant power because **she is**. She is whole and complete. In every glittering, tender, terrifying expression of creation, she is here because **she is**. As are we. We are not alone, but we are old enough to know better and appreciate what we have been given. We are family. What will we each do next? ##### To Schedule a Donation Based Session [Let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Schedule%20Session%20Please&body=I%20would%20like%20to%20schedule%20a%20donation-based%20session%20please.%0A%0A(Please%20add%20your%20best%20dates%20and%20times%20for%20the%20days%20below)%0A%0ATuesday%0AWednesday%0AThursday%0A) your preferred dates and times on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Donate via [Venmo](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3280183561814016833&created=1632412273.4556642&printed=1) or [PayPal](https://paypal.me/marabishop?locale.x=en_US) and [fill out the client form](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=28687667). Once these **three** things are done I will send your appointment confirmation and Zoom link. *Thank you for honoring my time. If you’re able to book at the usual rates,* [*schedule here.*](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) Try [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) ![You are not alone](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/You-are-not-alone-web.JPG) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Election anxiety, Enatured, energy ecosystem, Project 2025, Whole Nature --- ### [Vote wisely. The children are counting on us.](https://www.wholespirit.com/vote-wisely-the-children-are-counting-on-us/) **Published:** October 30, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Vote wisely. The children are counting on us.** Election Day Nov 5 Kamala Harris ’24 **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Kamala Harris, Vote Wisely --- ### [Managing Chaos, Intensity, and Change - Register Now](https://www.wholespirit.com/managing-chaos-intensity-and-change-register-now/) **Published:** October 18, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Managing Chaos, Intensity, and Change – Online Class The uncertainty and multifaceted stressors of this period are especially challenging. It can be hard to know when and how to respond. Dealing with our emotions, and those of the people around us, with compassion and reason can be difficult. Join me for a practical gathering. Be reminded of inner and outer tools for handling what your life requires of you right now. If you are facing hardship, particularly stress from recent weather events, you can use code WNC for 50% off or WNC0 to attend at no cost. On the other hand, If you have extra to give, you can add it at check out to sponsor someone else or roll over to donations for Western NC Hurricane relief. **[REGISTER NOW](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=69819358)** PS In addition to the tools of this class, being with the natural world in genuine, reciprocal, communion is very helpful with this work. [Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) is one of the best ways I’ve found for fostering that kind of whole being dialog. ![Fire](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/fire-small-600x236.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Asheville, Change, change management, chaos, Enatured, Hurricane Helene, intensity, Managing Change, nature healing, weather, Western NC relief --- ### [Look at These Gorgeous Fungi!](https://www.wholespirit.com/look-at-these-gorgeous-fungi/) **Published:** September 24, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Look at these gorgeous fungi! Finding beautiful (and weird) stuff outside is one of my favorite things. These delightful creatures sprung up in the yard this week. The one that looks like coral (*upright coral fungus* according to my Seek app) was tucked under a bush. The other (*bleeding fairy helmet*!) was inside the trunk of a tree that came down long before I lived here. Over the course of the next week or so, many more delightful creatures with interesting names emerged. I made myself late meeting Old Man of the Woods, Winter Russula and Blusher, admiring Turkey-Tail (and False Turkey-Tail) and Crowded Parchment. Indigo Milk Cap and Deceiver nestled in the moss. So much beauty pushing up from the dirt, peeking out from rotting leaves, camouflaged on the earth going about her business of fall’s decay. ![Look at these gorgeous fungi! Bleeding Fairy Helmet](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bleeding-fairy-helmet-mushrooms-small-450x600.jpg)![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Winter-Russula.JPG)![Look at these gorgeous fungi! Turkey Tail and Crowded Parchment](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Crowded-Parchment-and-turkey-tail.JPG "Crowded Parchment and turkey tail ∴ WholeSpirit")![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/upright-coral-fungus-small-600x450.jpg)![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Turkey-Tail.JPG)![Look at these gorgeous fungi! Turkey Tail on a branch](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Turkey-Tail-on-a-branch-600x450.jpg) **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** bleeding fairy helmet, deceiver, fungi, mushrooms, old man of the woods, turkey tail, upright coral, winter russula --- ### [Is Your Sensitivity a Strength or a Burden?](https://www.wholespirit.com/is-your-sensitivity-a-strength-or-a-burden/) **Published:** September 16, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Is Your Sensitivity a Strength or a Burden? ##### Interconnection v Overconnection Sensitivity is a burden when we are overly affected by others. With a few tools, it can be a great strength. Our world is interconnected (spiritually, ecologically, technically, logistically, etc.). Interconnection is powerful. Overconnection feels like a burden. That increasing sense of overconnection – in real life and through technology – can feel overwhelming and exhausting. This is especially true for sensitive people. The line between interconnection and overconnection can be blurry, especially when so many beings are experiencing and/or witnessing violence, suffering, and fear. Intense events and emotions are shared, often indiscriminately, online. ##### Empathic Absorption For many of us, it’s easy to be deeply affected by other people’s experiences, as well as our own. When our compassion turns to empathic absorption, we take those experiences into our bodies and psyches. It can be problematic. Care givers and people in healing and helping professions are particularly vulnerable to experiencing empathic overload. Compassion fatigue is another term for this, but it’s not really accurate. Compassion and empathy take two different forms in the way our bodies react. It’s crucial to strike a balance in what we absorb into our bodies. Is Your Sensitivity a Strength or a Burden? ##### It Will Never Change Many sensitive or empathic people think they can’t change how the world affects them; they’ll forever be reacting defensively, managing the results of their perpetual energetic openness. **That belief is not true!** ##### Where and How to Get Tools This is where the concepts of the [Energy Ecosystem™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) come in. This is where the tools in [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out*](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) help change the way we are affected by the world and can affect the world in turn. I’ve learned these tools from my own experiences of interconnection and overconnection and hear from others what an impact they can make. Sept 26 intro class on Energetic Boundaries: [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/energetic-boundaries-class-increase-your-stamina/) [REGISTER](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=67666841) [SCHEDULE INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981)for personalized guidance about strategies based on your own unique energetic temperament. ![Is Your Sensitivity a Strength Protea Flower with black background](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/protea-sensitivity-strength-boundaries-burnout-shining-bright-600x370.jpeg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, empathic overload, empathy, energetic boundaries, energy archetypes, energy boundaries, energy ecosystem, Intuition, psychic protection, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Therapy Cats? As Helpful As Therapy Dogs?](https://www.wholespirit.com/therapy-cats-as-helpful-as-therapy-dogs/) **Published:** August 29, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Therapy Cats? As Helpful As Therapy Dogs I loved this article: [Why Therapy Cats Are Just as Effective As Therapy Dogs](https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/why-therapy-cats-are-just-effective-therapy-dogs), by Vivien Fellegi for *Modern Cat* posted by UC Davis Vet School. While generally not as extroverted and willing to travel on a leash as dogs, cats’ role as therapy animals is increasing. There are so many benefits to the presence of cats in our lives, our homes, and our healing practices. The article describes the difference a relationship with a cat made to a young girl who was struggling at school. She worked with [Paws to Read](https://tpoc.ca/children-youth/) in Canada. Research shows that petting a cat increases a “sense of relief and relaxation” related to an increase in theta brain wave frequency. A decrease in the alpha brainwave state alleviated stress and depression and stimulated immune function. [ Cited article](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1230801316300613) **So isn’t it handy that you can come right here to Whole Spirit and get some of this feline goodness for yourself?!** [Conversation with Cats sessions ](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/conversation-with-cats-intuitive-sessions-at-whole-spirit/)are available. Read more about the cats here and what to expect from sessions. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cat-Counselor-Fiona-450x600.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal human bond, Conversation with Cats, ecotherapy, feline assisted therapy, nature-based healing, Paws to Read, therapy cats, UC Davis --- ### [Conversation with Cats: Come for an Intuitive Consultation](https://www.wholespirit.com/conversation-with-cats-come-for-an-intuitive-consultation/) **Published:** August 22, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Conversation With Cats! Conversation With Cats are in person sessions. **For a limited time at a special rate! [Book a Session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270)** *Intuitive consultations, nature-based, practical guidance, empathic listening, strategic coaching for spiritual realists, psychospiritual discussions in a relaxed feline-filled setting.* ###### How are Conversation with Cats sessions the same as my usual sessions? These sessions provide the same kinds of intuitive, practical, grounded consultation that you are used to receiving from Mara. In addition, they offer the mental, emotional, and spiritual support that can be part of the animal-human bond experience. They are individual sessions. One person at a time please. [Schedule in advance](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) like you do for all sessions. ###### How are Conversation with Cats sessions different from usual sessions? These sessions *do not* include initial consultations with assessments, energy or shamanic healing work, journeying instruction, or drumming. While the cats are welcome in the space, of course we don’t force them to be present or participate in any way. It is their choice. These sessions take place in a different space from the usual Whole Spirit office, where the cats spend more time. Because they are cats, they’ll do what they want. We will have our session regardless of their level of interaction, focusing on the issues you want to bring, looking out at the trees, and perhaps being visited by other wildlife too. ###### The Cats We’ll have bios for our cats (coming soon) if you want to get a sense of the team before arriving. ###### Schedule Now Space is limited for these sessions. **To schedule at the special rate:** **[Book a Session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270)** *Cats and the people who love them are having a moment!* [READ MORE ABOUT CONVERSATION WITH CATS SESSIONS](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/conversation-with-cats-intuitive-sessions-at-whole-spirit/ "READ MORE ABOUT CONVERSATION WITH CATS SESSIONS") *Conversation with Cats aka Chats and Cats. Animal human bond sessions at Whole Spirit. Intuitive consultations, nature-based, practical guidance, empathic listening, strategic coaching for spiritual realists, psychospiritual discussions in relaxed feline filled setting.* **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** burnout prevention, cat, cat-assisted therapy, cats, Chats and Cats, Conversation with Cats, empathic listening, feline, intuitive consultations, intuitive guidance, nature healing --- ### [Boundaries and Psychic Protection - Revisited](https://www.wholespirit.com/boundaries-and-psychic-protection-revisited/) **Published:** August 27, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Boundaries and Psychic Protection – Revisited This is a long post, I hope you will hang in. I revisited a post from a while ago titled “Boundaries and Psychic Protection” because it is a place where people frequently land on my site. It’s also a topic that is increasingly relevant, nuanced, and urgent. **At the end, I’ll tell you how my current views on energy boundaries have changed.** Since the writing of the original post I have many more resources about this topic, so if you want to jump right to those here are a few: ##### Current Resources: A[ class on Energy Boundaries](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/energetic-boundaries-class-increase-your-stamina/) and the Energy Ecosystem, with a longer group planned. An audio course you can download at any time from Sounds True: [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World*](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) Individual [guidance](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) to support you in determining the best methods, practices, and patterns to create healthy boundaries for yourself. Multiple levels of clearing and protection work for individuals and spaces. [Contact me directly](mailto:mare@wholespirit.com) to see what’s the best way to proceed. Or [set up a short info call](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270). ##### [Excerpt from the original Boundaries and Psychic Protection post](https://www.wholespirit.com/boundaries-and-psychic-protection/) : “The idea of setting energetic (and practical) boundaries and creating safe psychic space is increasingly important, so I intend to write more about it. For now, here is an excerpt from my book [*Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence*.](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) We communicate with each other all the time, engaging each other’s bodies and energies. Setting boundaries on that energetic contact can be challenging; however, limiting the degree to which you allow others into your energetic space can be crucial for your mental health. People, especially sensitive or empathic people, often have difficulty separating themselves from others, once their energies have mingled. If you are sensitive and don’t make an effort to protect yourself from other peoples’ energy, you will pick up thoughts and emotions from everyone you are near—either physically or emotionally. There is a time and place for this type of connectedness. In an intimate relationship it can be bonding. In a therapeutic relationship it can yield positive results through deeper understanding. But allowing strangers or more casual acquaintances to have such an impact on your energetic system can be unhealthy. A clear sense of what it feels like to be you—alone, inside your body—is important. If you have this baseline conception of yourself, it can help you understand why you feel certain things at certain times. If you’re an easy going person when you’re alone, but after spending the afternoon with a friend who is more edgy and uptight you come away feeling nervous, you can separate that person’s feelings and characteristics from your own. This is one reason why spending time alone is important. Emotions are easier to pick up than a cold if you’re sensitive. Just being around others can become overwhelming for sensitive people who haven’t learned to set up boundaries. Half the battle is simply acknowledging that you are picking up other people’s energy. If you can identify that influence, you can choose who you want to let that close and when. It’s not always that easy, but once you have a clearer idea of who you are alone and are aware of the effect of other people on you, it is much easier to bring yourself back to your own center and release the energies from other people that attach to you. I once had lunch with a friend who was feeling very sad. I loved her dearly and wanted very much to help her. My empathy allowed a transference of emotions and for the rest of the day I was miserably sad. Even though I’m aware of this dynamic, it took me more than a day to shake an emotion that I’d clearly picked up from her. Our deep connection and my willingness to listen and be supportive were helpful, but it wasn’t helpful to either one of us for me to become sad too. The goal is to be able to consciously choose to experience another person’s energy and then to clear that energy away from your own. In a personal relationship, close connectedness can help you see a person’s perspective more easily. It can help you be sensitive to their needs. It can help create an atmosphere of understanding and empathy. In a professional capacity, you want to be able to connect closely to a person in order to give them a helpful counseling session, or to be able to understand what expectations they have in your business dealings. But you need to be able to return to your identity relatively clear of anyone else’s. This can be hard, but it gets easier with practice.” ##### Boundaries and Psychic Protection Now – A More Complicated Ecosystem I don’t disagree with what I wrote in [*Inner Divinity*.](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) The dynamics I described above are all still relevant. What I didn’t understand at that time was the increase in kinds and intensity of the spheres of energy we would be dealing with over time. I wrote from a perspective of personal intensity (and even then I hadn’t developed the Energy Ecosystem because it was not as much a focus of my life and what I saw my clients needing). The intensity, speed, and volume of energy most of us need to process now takes a much greater toll on the system in a more consistent way. To be effective, how we work with boundaries and psychic protection needs to be more consistent too. I also did not focus as much then on the profound responsibility we have to be honest with ourselves about what we are putting out energetically rather than what is coming towards us. Everyone we come across who is challenging is not “toxic.” Sometimes we are the problem, or at least contribute to a problematic dynamic and are not aware of it. Understanding our native energetic temperaments better and being willing to be honest with ourselves is part of creating healthy energetic ecosystems. I could go on at length! But that’s enough for here and now. Natural ecosystems are wild. It is getting stormy and wild inside and out right now and there are no signs that it is going to let up. We need to up our games. As a sensitive, naturally introverted person, this work is constantly evolving for me. I’m challenged to practice what I share with you. It may be the time for you to rest, but it’s not the time to crawl under the proverbial covers and pretend things are not as they are. If I can help in any way – with concrete suggestions, with an ear for the things that are hard to share with friends or traditional providers, with groups, courses, or books – let me know or look around the website. I offer this work because I have needed these tools myself. Having them have made all the difference. Wishing you a peaceful heart. Mara ©Mara Bishop 2024 ![Energy Ecosystem Learn Shamanic Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/event-lotus-energy-ecosystem-class-healthy-energetic-boundaries.jpg)Energy Ecosystem training helps you learn to create healthy energetic boundaries, preventing burnout while staying compassionate and mindful.Boundaries and Psychic Protection – Revisited **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events **Tags:** boundaries, burnout, burnout prevention, empathic overload, empathy, energy boundaries, energy boundary, energy ecosystem, Intuition, intuitive, psychic protection, relationships, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Politics of Possession - Revisited 6 Years Later](https://www.wholespirit.com/politics-of-possession-revisited-6-years-later/) **Published:** July 10, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Politics of Possession – Revisited 6 Years Later I wrote the following article almost six years ago. I hoped rereading it would feel like a fever dream about a long-ago, precarious time in history. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Spending time with feet in two worlds, I see things through literal and symbolic lenses. I can accept the idea of possession in a spiritual sense, as many indigenous cultures and religions do. I can also think of it as the coalescing of humanity’s negative instincts and traits into something tangible: cause and effect, with no faith or spiritual beliefs required. Kindness doesn’t have to be divinely inspired; viciousness doesn’t have to come from anywhere but ourselves. I have enough experience with sociopaths and narcissists to not care all that much whether their ability to destroy what is good and true is sourced from malignant energy, mental illness, or a simple choice to be entirely self-serving. I care very much that we don’t give their destruction free rein. If you have been saying something along the lines of “both candidates are equally bad” or thinking about not voting for any reason, please reconsider. [Here is the original post that I wrote in October 2018.](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-politics-of-possession/) And it is copied it below. ##### Preface to article – It’s not politics *Although the title may imply that this post is a political one, it actually isn’t. It is a spiritual one. But here’s the thing, we are fooling ourselves if we think that “spiritual” reality and “reality” are two different things. We are fooling ourselves if we think that what we do while we sit and meditate is separate from what we do when we speak (or don’t speak) to our family and neighbors, or vote (or don’t vote) for people to represent us in government. We are creating our collective reality all the time. Together. With everything we do and don’t do. Every thought, word, gesture, action. Sometimes it’s easier to distract ourselves or turn away, especially when we are in pain ourselves or when things get intense, that is a natural response. But reality is being created nonetheless. The visible and invisible are always present. There is always more beneath the surface. We are in potent times — for us as individuals and collectively. It’s important to look beyond the surface, even if it’s confusing, even if it’s excruciating. It’s important that we keep looking and sensing, keep witnessing and naming what we see as best we can, keep standing for what we believe in, so that whatever needs to be illuminated can come into the light.* ##### Mental Illness and Spiritual Illness In general, an individual is responsible for his or her own thoughts, words and actions. In some situations mental illness increases the likelihood of aberrant behavior and is a mitigating factor in how we consider personal responsibility. Lack of empathy, violence against others, pathological lying, and detachment from reality can be signs of a personality disorder. Those suffering from mental illness may not be acting entirely within the spectrum of their own agency, but society does have some responsibility to protect the community at large from their behavior. Can humans—healthy or mentally ill—act as vessels for energy or spirit that comes from an external source? For many cultures around the world, the answer is a clear and unequivocal yes; we can and do act as vessels for spirit. This act of being inhabited by spirit can be engaged in intentionally for good purpose, but can also cause problems for unwitting hosts, and those around them. The belief that “spirits” (malevolent or otherwise) can possess a person and affect their thoughts, emotions and actions spans religious, cultural, and therapeutic belief systems. The Catholic Church employs fifty priests as exorcists in the United States alone— a 317% increase in the past decade. Ivy League trained psychologist Richard Gallagher has incorporated this dynamic into his practice. Part of his work is to sort out people with garden-variety mental illness from those who are genuinely possessed. [See this Washington Post article for more information.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/07/01/as-a-psychiatrist-i-diagnose-mental-illness-and-sometimes-demonic-possession/?utm_term=.85ecadd8296f) Spirit possession is much more commonplace than most Westerners are aware. When we’re compromised energetically, or not entirely grounded within ourselves, we are particularly vulnerable to the latching on of suffering spirits. We may have unfamiliar or painful bodily sensations, thoughts and emotions that are uncomfortable or not our own, or a general sense of uneasiness, anxiety or fear. Usually these suffering beings are misguided or confused on their way to their resting place after physical death. A skilled practitioner can correct this situation pretty quickly, with compassion for both parties. However, not all spirits are misguided or confused, some take pleasure in causing pain. Through their power over a living person, they translate that thirst for inflicting harm into the physical realm. When we combine a genuinely malicious spiritual presence with a human vessel inclined to cruelty, selfishness, and a lack of basic human decency the potential for a very dangerous situation evolves. ##### The Politics of Possession There are periods of time, cultural moments, populated with prominent and powerful figures who are particularly astute at coalescing the energy of their times. Putting this dynamic in a non-spiritual context, think of the power that charismatic leaders have over their followers. If used for good this can be a powerful motivator to create positive change. Think Mahatma Gandhi or Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. However, when that personal charisma is used for evil, unthinkable deeds come to pass. Think Jim Jones or Adolf Hitler. Perhaps they do this through their own personalities and will alone. Mental illness may be a factor in some cases. And is it possible that those powerful and charismatic leaders were not entirely solo agents in their thoughts and deeds? Was the power they wielded sourced at least in part externally or were they simply able to tap into collective convictions to unite people en masse. Again, for better or worse. In the case of some of the most destructive figures, perhaps through their own compromised spirits, they make it possible for possession to occur on a level that risks not just themselves but large numbers of their fellow citizens who are drawn to them. When a significant portion of the collective is dazzled by such a charismatic figure, and falls under the spell of their glamour, we are in precarious times indeed. ##### Absence of Soul When reporters talk about [crowds as “absent of soul,”](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/10/03/trump-mocks-christine-blasey-ford-crowd-laughs-baldwin-nr-vpx.cnn.) referencing people cheering as Donald Trump made fun of a sexual assault victim, I take note. Not because it is a criticism of any particular group of people, but because the spiritual dynamic has become apparent even to people who are not working in this realm every day, who don’t generally speak in terms of soul or energy. When people respond to cruelty with joy and cheering, we have a problem, regardless of your political party or beliefs. Whatever your thoughts on literal spiritual possession, we are collectively in a situation that strains our ability to hold together as a country and a planet. Our institutions and our environment as we know them are crumbling, literally melting around us at unprecedented speed. We need to work practically to create safety in the visible realms, but perhaps the more important work will be to “cast out” what is threatening us on the invisible level. Whatever that is, however we feel comfortable describing it or naming it —something is here and it will be addressed one way or the other. Perhaps a better way to think about it is what do we want to call in, who do we want to be? What do we want to embody as individuals and as a society? When we are filled with what is nourishing (literally and metaphorically) we can handle some toxicity and still thrive. When we are not paying attention to what we are made of, what we are feeding ourselves with, we are vulnerable. ##### We create the future from the present We create the future from the present. Whatever your spiritual beliefs are, now is a good time to call on sources of love and healing. Don’t let violence take away your peacefulness. Don’t let cruelty take away your kindness. Don’t let ugliness take away your beauty. Don’t let brutality take away your humanity. Feel free to contact me with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://us19.list-manage.com/contact-form?u=623fde407189572b0061102f0&form_id=4423fb50daca2830ef7c0939020b3278). To read more on the [blog](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/) or find a [book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/?preview_id=2766&preview_nonce=0f2ac8eb7b&preview=true) or [article](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara ©2024 Mara Bishop original article published 2018 ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chaos-possession-600x277.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** chaos, compassion, democracy, politics, possession, Presidential election, sociopathy --- ### [Nature at Menla Retreat Center with Spirituality Mind Body Institute](https://www.wholespirit.com/nature-at-menla-retreat-center-with-spirituality-mind-body-institute/) **Published:** May 29, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Nature at Menla Retreat Center for Columbia Teachers College (Spirituality Mind Body Institute) SMBI The Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College holds a summer intensive program annually to begin the graduate psychology program. I will join the program at the [Menla Retreat Center](https://menla.org/) to deliver nature-based, ecospiritual sessions for new graduate psychology students. As guest instructor for Dr. Lisa Miller’s Animal Human Bond course, I recently had the opportunity to join a wonderful group of students and staff at the [Catskill Animal Sanctuary. ](https://casanctuary.org/)As usual, the [Catskill Animal Sanctuary](https://casanctuary.org/) was incredibly inspiring. We will watch their journey as they navigate finding a new home. The summer session will introduce this work and expand into some other practices. Although this is a closed course, [let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you are interested in experiencing some of the ecospiritual options that these courses include. [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) can be part of new programming, as can the boundary toolkit [Shining Bright Without Burning Out.](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) Session can be delivered onsite or online, for individuals or groups. Private sessions are available in Durham, NC or online. [Book a session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [Contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) ![Columbia TC Spirituality Mind Body Institute Science of Spirituality](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Columbia-Teachers-College-SMBI-Science-of-Spirituality--600x235.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** Columbia Teachers College, ecopsychology, ecotherapy, Enatured, Menla Retreat Center, nature based therapy, nature healing, nature-based healing, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, SMBI, spirit of the land, Spirituality Mind Body Institute --- ### [Animal Human Bond Class: At Columbia with Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/animal-human-bond-class-at-columbia-with-enatured/) **Published:** April 26, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Animal Human Bond Course Columbia University Teachers College Spirituality Mind Body Institute I’m excited to return as guest instructor for Dr. Lisa Miller’s Animal Human Bond course this year. I’ll share [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/), [Shining Bright Without Burning Out,](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) and other nature-based and ecospiritual methods with graduate students in the psychology program. We will be at an incredible animal sanctuary in upstate New York. This is a closed course. However, [let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you’re interested in sharing the practice of [Enatured™ ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/)or the boundary toolkit [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) with your group or organization. [Private sessions](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) are also available. --- ##### Comments from Enatured™ participants *I practice (in nature) on a daily basis, but the uniqueness is the structure. Having the structure of the steps really helped enrich the process. So much stuff happened I could write an entire book about the 20-30 minute experience. It was so profound. The structure really helped.* M.G. *Enatured is needed in the disconnected world that we live in these days. It provides an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and draw from its strength that’s always there to support us if we tap into it.* M.A. *It was amazing. When I started the practice the sun had not yet come up but by the end the sun had come over the trees and the sky and river were radiant with light. I have just recently moved to this area so the woods and river and I are getting to know each other. This practice is one that will help me deepen our relationship through time. B.L.* ##### Comments from Shining Bright Without Burning Out participants Shining Bright without Burning Out *is a skillfully crafted series of guided practices that can help natural empaths stay true to their nature without feeling depleted and overwhelmed. This integrative approach can help today’s helpers, healers, and the naturally empathic to achieve the delicate balance between honoring our sensitive nature while maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout.* Dr. Traci Stein, award winning author and professor *Mara Bishop’s wisdom shines bright through her latest offering! If you are a sensitive person, have relationship challenges or are figuring out how best to re-engage socially coming out of the pandemic, this tool kit of practices and meditations is for you*. Jane Norton Nature Coach and teacher ![Columbia University Teachers College Graduate School of Education, Health and Psychology](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Columbia-University-Teachers-College-tccu_18_portrait_tag_301c_2000-600x140.png) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** animal behavior, animal communication, animal human bond, Animal Sanctuary, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Columbia University, Columbia University Teachers College, Dr. Lisa MIller, earth healing, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, ecotherapy, Enatured, Nature, nature therapy, nature-based healing, Shining Bright Without Burning Out --- ### [Springing to Life: Wildlife Happenings in Durham](https://www.wholespirit.com/springing-to-life-wildlife-happenings-in-durham/) **Published:** April 10, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Springing to Life: Wildlife Happenings in Durham Black snake leaving her elegant, sinuous mark in the pollen on the path Salamander under the wet leaves by the pond Pair of frogs leaping in, splashing Snails who shouldn’t be there but are such an exquisite blue-violet Red cardinals drinking from the emerald mossy waterfall Bluebirds swooping down to eat mild-mannered ground bees Yellow butterflies impossibly high in the treetops Raccoon sleeping camouflaged in the hollow of a tulip poplar Tiny tender leaves budding on massive old oaks Rabbit startling when I catch her watching me through the window Wisteria smelling like grape candy and draping joy over our little gazebo (and deadly beauty over so much else) Chickadee disappearing into her nest inside an improbably skinny tree by the kitchen window Fat carpenter bee boldly staring me down Crow couple talking loudly and strutting This season keeps me hopeful with Mama squirrel’s staying power and The poignant sweetness in the air ©2024 Mara Bishop [Thoughts on Invasive Species](https://www.wholespirit.com/we-are-an-invasive-species-is-there-another-way/) [Bearwise](https://bearwise.org/) [Ecotherapy Perspectives](https://www.wholespirit.com/therapy-in-nature-is-good-therapy-with-nature-is-better/) [Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) [Schedule a Session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/azalea-copy.jpg)Gorgeous azalea bush courtesy of my neighbor. **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** azalea, black snake, bluebirds, frogs, Spring, Springing to life, Whole Nature, wildlife, wisteria --- ### [Suffering from Empathic Distress? How to Reclaim Your Boundaries Compassionately](https://www.wholespirit.com/suffering-from-empathic-distress-how-to-reclaim-your-boundaries-compassionately/) **Published:** March 11, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Suffering from Empathic Distress? How to Reclaim Your Boundaries Compassionately. ##### **My recent article for Sounds True:** Are you exhausted, anxious, or overwhelmed? Maybe your life is challenging. Or perhaps the state of the world and others’ suffering feels unbearable. If your life is going well, but you still feel miserable, maybe you have some guilt or shame. You are not alone. You may be suffering from empathic distress. Most of us have been taught that empathy is wholly positive and should be fostered in children and revered in adults. This idea is partly correct. The *absence* of empathy is clearly problematic. When the ability to sense or care about others’ feelings or pain is missing, we edge into sociopathy. However, empathy is experiencing another person’s pain as our own. In small doses and for short periods, it allows us a deeper understanding of our fellow beings. But it can also make it harder to help, because the pain is spread around, not diminished. If your friend breaks their leg and you experience genuine empathy, it might feel like your leg is broken too. This makes it harder for you to function and definitely harder for you to help them. *Empathy can make us sick, overwhelmed, and burned out.* Many people feel helpless in the face of the magnitude of suffering in the world today. It can result in what appears to be apathy at first but is actually *empathic distress*, which means “hurting for others while feeling unable to help.” An op-ed in the New York Times titled “[That Numbness You’re Feeling? There’s a Word for It](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/opinion/israel-war-empathy-pain.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Yk0.7CkV.qBEJLzyhNWLm&smid=url-share)” described this phenomenon and cited some of the research I used to create the Sounds True audio course [*Shining Bright*](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) *Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World.* ###### **The Research** Neuroscientists Olga Klimecki and Tania Singer identified empathy as a contributing factor to burnout, primarily but not exclusively, among healthcare workers and therapists. The older term *compassion fatigue* is a “misnomer.” Compassion and empathy have distinctly different impacts on our bodies and psyches. Compassion is witnessing and being willing to help when possible and appropriate. Empathy is taking on others’ pain as our own and often creates “more distress.” *It is a huge distinction.* Empathy is overrated and fatiguing. Compassion is what we need. Unfortunately, we often confuse the two. This dynamic is one reason why developing healthy energetic boundaries is essential. ###### [READ THE FULL ARTICLE](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/are-you-suffering-from-empathic-distress-how-to-reclaim-your-boundaries-compassionately/) *Tools to help address empathic distress are in the self paced course* [***Shining Bright Without Burning Out***](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/)***.*** For personal consulting, [schedule here](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara ![Suffering from Empathic Distress? Rainbow blurred empathic distress](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Empathic-Distress-Rainbow-blur-craig-melville-iv-8WY0khgE-unsplash-600x401.jpg) **Categories:** Books **Tags:** burnout, compassion fatigue, empathic distress, empathy and burnout, Klimecki and Singer, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True --- ### [The Wild History of Valentine's Day: Hope Yours is About Love](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-wild-history-of-valentines-day-hope-yours-is-about-love/) **Published:** January 30, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The Wild History of Valentine’s Day Holidays can be complex. Valentine’s Day is. If we’re in romantic relationship it can be a time to honor our partnerships and enjoy special time together, and/or it can cause stress for emotional or financial reasons. If we’re not in romantic relationship and wish we were, it can be stressful for all the fuss about love. Or maybe we just ignore it and go about our business. I hope your day is about love: self love, romantic love, platonic love, divine love, whatever kind of uplifting embodiment of love works for you. ([More about different kinds of love.](https://www.wholespirit.com/6-kinds-of-love-key-to-a-happy-life/)) Let’s forget the expectations and focus on how we can be more loving to ourselves and those around us (with or without cards/flowers/gifts.) Feel free to use the offer below if you feel moved! **50% to Share** Book any session between now and Feb 14, and I’ll send you a code for 50% off a second session. You can use it yourself or share with someone else.\* [BOOK NOW](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [GET CODE](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Valentine%27s%20Code&body=I%27ve%20just%20booked%20a%20session%20and%20would%20like%20the%20code%20for%20a%20second%20session%20at%2050%25%20off%20please.) \*Session must be purchased by Feb 14, but can be scheduled for later. **And then there is the wild history…** Like many holidays, Valentine’s Day seems to have originated as a pagan festival and was co-opted by the Christians. There were real St. Valentines but before them there were some pretty wild rituals. “To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa… [READ MORE](https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2) ![Heart rainbow Valentine's Day](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/heart-rainbow-copy-smaller-600x400.jpg)\*Please use your coupon before May 14, 2024. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** cupid, eros, History Channel, kinds of love, St. Valentine, valentine's cards, valentine's day, Valentines, wild history --- ### [Therapy IN nature is good - Therapy WITH nature is better](https://www.wholespirit.com/therapy-in-nature-is-good-therapy-with-nature-is-better/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Therapy IN nature has become mainstream. Therapy WITH nature is a little different. More accurately: Therapy IN nature is good. Therapy WITH nature is better. I have a certificate in advanced ecotherapy. Having worked with ecospiritual practices like shamanism for so long, in some ways it feels redundant to name it. Ecotherapy has become increasing popular ([i.e. “Therapists Trade the Couch for the Great Outdoors”, NYTimes](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/05/well/mind/outdoor-therapy-depression-anxiety.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb)) so it may be helpful to explain some ways to incorporate working with nature in our sessions at WholeSpirit or together remotely. ###### Therapy IN Nature There are many different approaches to incorporating aspects of nature into a therapeutic or wellness setting. One big distinction is whether we think about nature as a resource or as a partner. For example, research tells us that being outside waling in the forest has health benefits to humans. Nature provides us with something that helps us feel better, maybe it’s the terpenes, or some other substance from the flora, maybe it’s our primal reaction to moving outside surrounded by the elements. We are getting something from nature, it is a resource for us. Therapy IN nature would fall into this category. ###### Therapy WITH Nature Another way to think about nature is as a partner, as a living being, as a community of living beings that coexist, support and relate to one another. This is not a new idea. See every indigenous culture’s relationship with the environment. Therapy WITH nature would approach an outdoor session a little differently. It might be subtle and mostly in the way the counselor has prepared or engaged the place or the [genius loci](https://www.wholespirit.com/find-your-genius-through-the-genius-loci-this-is-enatured/), it might be in working directly with other beings, like partnering with horses or other animals in mutually respectful and nurturing relationships, it might be in a direct and intentional honoring and connection with the spiritual as well as the physical aspects of the place you are in. Whatever the method is, the emphasis in this way of working is to shift from seeing the natural world as there to provide us with something in a one directional way, and rather to make sure that we are engaging in a way that is reciprocal, listening as much as we are asking, offering as much as we are receiving. Essentially being right sized. ###### Ways of Working Together *Here are some options you can explore with me:* ~ We can be together in person and sit outside while we have a session. Being outside allows us to listen to the sounds of nature and neighborhood, feel the elements, and focus on what’s around us in a different way than being inside does. We can plan for this in advance or decide spontaneously. If at any point you prefer to go back inside, that is an option. ~ Learn the **[Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/)**™ method. It takes one session to learn, and then you can come here or do it on your own thereafter. This is a step by step process to work in partnership with the place where you are. While there is a specific intention about what you are seeking to build power in the session, we are open to magic that happens spontaneously. ~ We can work remotely, where we are outside in our respective spaces (or you are in yours). This can be an intuitive focus, a healing session, or an **[Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/)**™ session. ~ More options can be customized to you, i.e creating ceremonies outdoors, healing and clearing especially for land and place, etc. [Feel free to ask me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you have any questions about how to work with ecotherapy, and ecospiritual practices. [Make an appointment here.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) As always I wish you a peaceful heart, Mara ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/turkey-tail-mushroom-small-450x600.jpg)Look at this gorgeous turkey tail mushroom! Found at one of my special places pilgrimage. More on this later, but creating personal pilgrimages can be very powerful! **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal human bond, ecospiritual, ecotherapy, Enatured, equine facilitated wellness, equine therapy, forest bathing, hiking therapy, indigenous practices, nature based therapy, nature healing, pilgrimage, shin rin yoku, Therapists trade the couch, turkey tail mushroom --- ### [New York Times: Energetic Boundaries Very Important](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-york-times-energetic-boundaries-very-important/) **Published:** January 3, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** --- New York Times: Energetic Boundaries Very Important. Well, that’s kind of what they said ##### The Issue A recent op-ed in the New York Times caught my attention because it dealt with an issue dear to my heart and work: healthy energetic boundaries. Well, sort of. Overtly, it dealt with how many people feel helpless in the face of the magnitude of suffering in the world. The author describes how this can result in what appears to be apathy at first but is really *empathic distress*. Empathic distress means “hurting for others while feeling unable to help.” And at the heart of this is how we are often tripped up by empathy and compassion and conflate the two. The [article](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/opinion/israel-war-empathy-pain.html) is titled “That Numbness You’re Feeling? There’s a Word for It” by Adam Grant.1 ##### The Research Notably, he cites the the research of neuroscientists Olga Klimecki and Tania Singer\* who identified that empathy can be part of the problem. The older term *compassion fatigue* is a “misnomer.” Compassion and empathy have hugely different impacts on our bodies and psyches. Empathy often creates “more distress.” Compassion is witnessing and (when possible/appropriate, etc.) being willing to help. Empathy is taking on others’ pain as our own. *It is a huge distinction.* This is some of the same research I used in creating [***Shining Bright Without Burning Out*: *Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World.***](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) ##### Decreasing Empathic Distress For those of you who have been in an Energy Ecosystem class with me sometime in the last decade or have downloaded the self-paced [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out*](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) course/audiobook, you know. The distinction between empathy and compassion is one of the first things we cover! Being unable to adjust between compassion and empathy is a big reason why so many of us feel drained and overwhelmed. (In addition to all the things that are actually happening, of course.) I know this article is behind a paywall, so apologies if you don’t have access to the [article](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/opinion/israel-war-empathy-pain.html) directly. The research\* (see below for a few citations from these researchers) is important inspiration to my work and perfectly aligns with the spiritual concepts of energetic boundaries I’d been taught and have been teaching for many years before knowing about Klimecki and Singer’s work. We have reached a tipping point with empathic distress. It is a crisis within the crises. --- ##### Personalized Help If you want manageable tools to implement what the research has shown, one option is to download the course. Meditation practices that focus on compassion help and some are included in [*Shining Bright*](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7)*.* The course also going deeper into individual archetypes, guided meditations, creating relationships with spiritual allies, and tools tailored to who you are uniquely in the world. Here is an article I wrote some years back related to this: [Healing Empathic Overload: Shamanism and Energetic Boundaries.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2016-02-Empathic-Overload.pdf) which can give you an idea of why I find this work so personally important and how it has played out with some clients. [Book a session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) if you want one-on-one guidance as you work through the material or navigate being yourself in our intense world. More information about [Mara](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop-teaching-healing-counseling/), [sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/), [guides](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/), [circles](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/), [interviews](https://www.wholespirit.com/mara-bishop-nature-media-podcasts-interviews-video/), other [articles](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/). Wishing You a Peaceful Heart, Mara --- @2024 Mara Bishop Whole Spirit LLC 1 Grant, A (2024). That Numbness You’re Feeling? There’s a Word for It. *New York Times*. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/01/opinion/israel-war-empathy-pain.html \*a few papers for reference Klimecki, O., & Singer, T. (2012). Empathic distress fatigue rather than compassion fatigue? Integrating findings from empathy research in psychology and social neuroscience. In B. Oakley, A. Knafo, G. Madhavan, & D. S. Wilson (Eds.), *Pathological altruism* (pp. 368–383). Oxford University Press. Klimecki, O., Leiberg, S., Lamm, C., & Singer, T. (2013). Functional neural plasticity and associated changes in positive affect after compassion training. *Cerebral Cortex*, *23(7),* 1552–1561. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhs142 ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/red-heart-hands-paint-tim-marshall-cAtzHUz7Z8g-unsplash-copy-600x400.jpg)New York Times: Energetic Boundaries Very Important **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** compasssion fatigue, empathic distress, energetic boundaries, healthy energetic boundaries, highly sensitive, New York Times, psychic protection, spiritual boundaries, Tania Singer, That Numbness You're Feeling? --- ### [When We Forest Bathe, Do We Leave A Ring? Walk Better](https://www.wholespirit.com/when-we-forest-bathe-do-we-leave-a-ring-walk-better/) **Published:** November 13, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** When We Forest Bathe, Do We Leave A Ring? It’s lovely that nature-based practices are becoming much more popular today. And it’s a little disappointing that we are often still so egocentric in how we approach them. There are some good suggestions in this article from CNN: [Forest bathing could be the key to feeling better – and you can even do it at work](https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/22/health/forest-bathing-wellness?cid=ios_app). There are some accessible, straightforward ways to connect to nature to help *us* feel better. Some echo how we engage in the [Enatured®](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) method, like seeing and appreciating nature anywhere, not only in the forest or wild places. But in substantive ecotherapy, as in relationships of all kinds, we want to go a little deeper, to move out of ourselves. That shift pays off. In many instances, especially in the self-help and wellness genre, we seemed to have become over-fixated on our own needs and practices. What is the thing that will help *me* feel better, heal, get calm, be organized, successful, peaceful, spiritual, etc. etc. I empathize. With nature especially, we have gotten into a lot of trouble with this focus. Taking what we want rather than seeing how we fit into a complex system of living beings is killing our world. Which, of course, is making us all more anxious! It is in our power to change that, even in small ways. When we become more *ecocentric* we all benefit. #### What are we bringing in? Every meaningful relationship involves a give and take, genuine connection, and engagement. When we think about using nature as we would a supplement or an exercise class, it is a one-way interaction, but nature is a living being comprised of many individual living beings. When we forest bathe, what are we bringing in, and what are we leaving? As part of nature, we add ourselves to the mix; we affect the environments we enter as they affect us. By all means, let’s take that bath! But maybe we can think of it as stepping into a communal tub, one where we would take a few preliminary steps not to muddy the water with our own literal or energetic grime, not to flail around and splash our fellow bathers, maybe to lower our voices and be aware of how we position our bodies and our gazes in relationship to those who are already soaking. #### Walking with the forest With a woods walk, it might look something like this: before stepping onto the trail, we pause and silently say hello rather than barging right in. If we are feeling very intense emotions, perhaps we take a few moments to breathe or gather ourselves before entering the peaceful forest space. While walking, maybe we turn off our podcasts and our music, lower our voices, and turn our attention to the animals, plants, and land around us in a way that acknowledges not only their existence but recognizes that we have something to contribute to this mixture. What can you give back today or later? When we leave, we say goodbye and thank you for the visit. Rather than taking a forest bath, maybe we have a forest conversation, or at least we don’t leave a “ring” of our grunge in the forest itself. Who knows, perhaps we will pick up a new language, feel less lonely, meet a new friend, or discover something new about ourselves or someone else? #### Enatured® [Learn ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/)[more about ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/ "more about ")[Enatured®](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) [One woman’s surprising discoveries during her Enatured®](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-one-womans-surprising-discoveries/) experience ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/fall-trees-woods-johannes-plenio-RwHv7LgeC7s-unsplash-small-600x400.jpg)When We Forest Bathe, Do We Leave A Ring? ©2023 **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ecology, ecospiritual counseling, ecotherapist, ecotherapy, Enatured, forest bathing, forest ecosystems, mushrooms, Nature, nature spirits, reciprocity, tree spirits, trees, woods --- ### [Are You Staring Into Space Lately? It's a Thing](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-staring-into-space-lately-its-a-thing/) **Published:** January 23, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are You Staring Into Space Lately? It’s a Thing If staring into space doesn’t do it for you, how about gazing into a fire, or at leaves shimmering on the trees (they will come back, I promise), or at your cat’s fur, glossy in the sun (guilty), or at a loved one’s face (also guilty), or at a sunset, the ocean, or whatever moves you? Turns out there is a name for that. Maybe you are familiar with the South Korean practice of *meong*? I love this **[article in the Guardian](http://theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/22/year-of-meong-wellbeing-trend-i-can-actually-master?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)** about it. What a great way to take the pressure off the idea of a daily “practice” relieve stress, enjoy nature, and prevent burnout. Being still without the pressure of a focused meditation or goal orientation. We often have a negative connotation with daydreaming or doing nothing and this idea dispels that. Some of my favorite times are sitting in front of a fire being mesmerized, or feeling my stress ease when I’m outside listening to the sounds of nature and letting my focus go a little soft. By allowing our attention and vision to wander, we can find inspiration and respite in both our inner and outer worlds. Here are some other [**resources**](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) and [**ideas**](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) of mine. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burnout prevention, cloud gazing, fire gazing, Meditation, meong, mindfulness, South Korea, staring into space, The Guardian --- ### [Spirit - Mind - Body + Nature in Session](https://www.wholespirit.com/spirit-mind-body-nature-in-session/) **Published:** December 11, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Spirit – Mind – Body + Nature** I offer a variety of ways to work one-on-one. We usually integrate several methods within sessions: intuitive guidance, spiritual healing, earth-based practices, etc. In 2024, I will still customize your sessions to what you need. As I am certified in ecotherapy, I often bring nature into the spirit-mind-body equation. ###### *Reciprocity* We are nature. We feel the stress of what’s happening in the natural world the way we feel what’s happening to ourselves, other humans, and beings of all kinds. We can’t really isolate ourselves from the world around us (although some of us try pretty hard!). Our environments affect our overall well-being and vice-versa. Healthy relationships are reciprocal. ###### *Names* Ecospiritual counseling, ecotherapy, and shamanic healing are practices with distinct qualities. There are many other ways to describe nature/spirit-based work. Specific language can clarify what we do and it can become an unnecessary barrier. *The intersection of spirit, mind, body, and nature is where our power lies.* ###### *Scheduling* If you want to explore this please let me know. [**Enatured****®**](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/)is all about it! Ecotherapy is helpful, especially if you are experiencing some big emotions around nature and climate. Ecospiritual practices blend the physical world with the spirit that infuses us all. If any of these ideas call to you, I look forward to seeing you soon! [**Schedule a Session**](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) ![ecotherapy-spirit-mind-body+nature-ecospiritual-psychospiritual-counseling](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ecotherapy-graphic-copy.jpg) **Categories:** Nature **Tags:** ecospiritual counseling, ecospirituality, ecotherapy, Enatured, forest bathing, nature healing, nature spirits, nature therapy, psychic protection, shamanic, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying --- ### [Fast Pivots, Unlearned Lessons, and New Beginnings](https://www.wholespirit.com/fast-pivots-unlearned-lessons-and-new-beginnings/) **Published:** December 27, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Fast Pivots, Unlearned Lessons, and New Beginnings. In a recent [interview for *CanvasRebel Magazine* ](https://canvasrebel.com/meet-mara-bishop/)I was asked some excellent questions. ###### Fast Pivots They asked for a time when I needed to pivot. A lot of us have experienced the need to pivot in different ways. I shared three examples in the article ([which you can read here](https://canvasrebel.com/meet-mara-bishop/)) and the following was a fast pivot to be sure! *“There was a specific time I had to pivot quickly which was a bit nerve-wracking. I was about to speak at a university medical center and was gathering myself outside the lecture hall a few minutes before going in. I was asking for some support and guidance: that what needed to happen in the session would, that it would be helpful, etc.* *I heard that I needed to do something very different from what I’d planned. It was the kind of presentation with a PowerPoint and a lot of time spent preparing, so this was not welcome guidance. More like, Are you kidding me?! I tried to do as I was advised. In this work, there is a fine line between being prepared and being willing to change those plans because something else is needed, so hopefully, I was somewhere near that line.*“ ###### Unlearned Lessons Another question was about lessons I needed to unlearn. This is a big one. The very short answer to this is about production and doing/being good. ([read more here](https://canvasrebel.com/meet-mara-bishop/)) ###### New Beginnings **As we enter this new year, let’s consider how we may want or need to pivot, what lessons are due to be unlearned, and what new beginnings we are ready to create.** If you would like guidance and/or assistance with developing a plan for creating a New Year that inspires you [book a initial consultation or a free 15 min intro session here](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981). More detail at [WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com), specifics on the [Sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) and [Guide](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) pages. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/light-orbs-holiday-rinck-content-studio-tZWwUBhVJag-unsplash-small-600x400.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ecotherapy, goal setting, Inner Divinity, New beginnings, New Year's resolutions, organizations, pivot, shamanic healing, Shining Bright, Sounds True, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Mindfulness and Drumming](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-mindfulness-and-drumming/) **Published:** July 3, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Mindfulness and Drumming. A great article about drumming and mindfulness by Gideon Waxman. https://drumhelper.com/guides/mindfulness-and-drumming/ **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** drum helper, drumming, Gideon Waxman, mindfulness, sonic driving --- ### [Preventive Energy Medicine: Three Phases](https://www.wholespirit.com/three-phases-of-preventive-energy-medicine/) **Published:** July 2, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Preventive Energy Medicine. My article about staying healthy energetically just came out in Health & Healing magazine. We often can prevent illness by understanding its causes, having good health maintenance routines, and seeking professional help early. Everything we come in contact with potentially affects our health: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the materials in our homes, the buildings in which we work, and the people with whom we interact. All of these contain substances that can help foster health or create illness. Some are physical and some are energetic; an energetic environment underlies the physical environment. We inhabit the Energy Ecosystem as fully as we inhabit our physical surroundings, and it can have as much impact on our health. Physical toxins contribute to illness. For example, exposure to some herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, or mercury) can cause nerve damage. Energetic toxins do something similar. They erode the integrity of our energy bodies, which then creates physical and emotional symptoms. For instance, if you are being emotionally attacked, verbally abused, or living with a rageful person, the toxic energy of anger and violence is likely permeating your energetic body. Depending on the state of your energetic boundaries, you may be able to fight off that energy for a while before you are deeply affected by it. But that energy is poisonous, not unlike the way lead is poisonous. READ MORE here: https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2014-06-Preventive-Energy-Medicine.pdf Update: Preventive energy medicine, energy Ecosystem and energy boundary content is included in the *[Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/)* audio course. [Listen to a sample of the course](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7). [Listen to Mara and Tami Simon from Sound’s True discuss *Shining Bright Without Burning Out* ](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/)and additional ways to working with nature and energetic boundaries to manage stress, anxiety and prevent burnout. As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) [![Shining Bright Without Burning Out course lotus flower in pond image. Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World, a Sounds True audio course](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-cover-600x462.jpg)](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** energetic immune system, energy clearing, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, energy medicine, environmental toxins, preventive energy medicine, preventive medicine, toxins --- ### [Energetic Skin Care: Are You Taking Care of Your Energetic "Skin"?](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-taking-care-of-your-energetic-skin/) **Published:** May 9, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Energetic Skin Care. A lack of energetic skin care can contribute to feelings of anxiety and low moods like depression. There are simple things you can do to take better care of this important part of your energetic body, just like you care for your physical skin. [READ MORE in my article from this month’s Health and Healing Magazine](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Skin-Care-Apr-2017.pdf). ![hands together on table](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/blog-hands.jpg)Are you taking care of your energetic skin as well as your physical skin? Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** anxiety, Depression, energetic skin care, energy cleansing, energy clearing, energy hygiene, shamanic healing, Shamanism, skin care --- ### [Balance Within, Balance Without. How to Live a Harmonious Life](https://www.wholespirit.com/balance-within-balance-without/) **Published:** December 14, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pink-flamingo-reflection-gaetano-cessati-bvpWQI8Xb0k-unsplash-small-600x400.jpg)Balance Within, Balance Without Without balance our systems deteriorate. When we are out of balance physically, we are more vulnerable to disease. When we are out of balance emotionally, “beside ourselves” with feeling, we lack the ability to respond wisely to the events of our lives. If we become spiritually imbalanced, we lose our internal compass, the guiding force that helps us navigate toward truth. #### Walk in Beauty Balance Within, Balance Without. The Diné or Navajo people have a saying: May you walk in beauty. Although I am not Navajo, my understanding is that it means: may you lead a harmonious life. May you have balance within yourself. May your relationships be agreeable. May you be at peace with your surroundings. As you walk through your day, moving within different environments, may you not be pulled too far to one extreme or another. May you create beauty with your words and your deeds, and may that beauty be reflected back to you. May you find peace within and without. The word hózho expresses the idea of balance, harmony, beauty, and order. It forms a basis for sustaining healing, as well as a philosophy about living well. #### Using all our Resources The practice of shamanic healing can help us achieve this balance, to find physical, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium. Shamanic healing is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. Shamanic practitioners, unless they are licensed in other healing modalities, do not diagnose or treat physical or mental health conditions. They do work in concert with other practitioners, providing spiritually based ways of viewing the self and creating wellness. We are best served by doing our own research, consulting with professionals in both conventional and complementary fields, and making use of the wide range of resources available to us today. A person may come into my office with a specific complaint, but we need to look at the bigger picture. What is underlying the manifestation of their issue on an energetic level? When we address where the imbalances lie, the results are often surprising. [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2019-12-Balance.pdf) As always, if you would like to connect please feel free to [email me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or to [set up a session.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara Balance Within, Balance Without. © 2019 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** balance, holiday stress, restoring balance, walking in beauty --- ### [Shamanism For Every Day: 365 Journeys Available now!](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) **Published:** October 5, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys. Excited to see this is available for pre-order! Support your local bookstore if possible. [See more here…](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1601854152&sr=8-1) #### A Huge Range of Topics With daily practices designed to enhance your sense of wellbeing and interconnectedness to the natural word, the self, and others, Mara Bishop introduces simple yet profound methods of shamanic journeying to live more fully. On this path you will: - *Connect to your innate knowing, for calm and confidence in intense times* - *Develop meaningful relationships with nature for healing and guidance* - *Explore spiritual realms with the aid of compassionate spirits* - *Learn to manifest your goals and visions through ceremony.* #### A Full Year of Journeys With 365 unique journey topics that can be used in any order, *Shamanism for Every Day* offers an invaluable guide to anyone searching for daily wisdom, spiritual insights and connection to the sacred. #### Not Only for Shamanists! The daily topics span spiritual practices, and can be used for: - Meditations - Journaling prompts - Prayer - Contemplation **Categories:** Books, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, shamanic, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism --- ### [UNC Shamanism Presentation for CAM Course](https://www.wholespirit.com/unc-shamanism-presentation/) **Published:** October 29, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** UNC Shamanism presentation. It will be a different experience talking about shamanism next week to the Complementary and Alternative medicine class at UNC. I’m grateful to Susan G for keeping this awesome course going and for inviting me back for the 10th year! And, if you haven’t already please vote! Update: [Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** shamanic healing, Shamanism, UNC Integrative Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, UNC School of Public Health --- ### [Year's end and progress? 2019, 2020, 2021 etc.](https://www.wholespirit.com/2019-2020-2021-etc/) **Published:** October 30, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Year’s end and progress? Will 2021 be about growing up? I’ve been thinking about the numbers we are steeped in, and about the parallels between this time in our collective and in our individual lifetimes. Last year was the last year of a teenage phase. We’ve been self-centered, maybe a little reckless, oblivious to the big picture and our impact on others. This year: 20. On the cusp of adulthood? 2020, a year to see things clearly? I’m reminded of a story an older woman once told me (a story I can relate to a little better now! :). She got new glasses and looked in the mirror; she was shocked to discover she had wrinkles. She was mad! She realllly needed those new glasses, but she’d been able to walk around without realizing where things stood vis-à-vis her face. The 20/20 vision reality was not appealing to her, but it was reality nonetheless. Similarly, the reality of 2020 is not appealing, but here we are. Maybe in 2021 we will enter a new phase, seeing more clearly and acting more responsibly, while still having the hopefulness, playfulness and creativity available to the young. I hope so. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 2021, awakening consciousness, collective evolution, evolving, growing up, maturing, new year --- ### [Energy Ecosystem© Jan 16 & 17, 2021](https://www.wholespirit.com/energy-ecosystem-jan-16-17-2021/) **Published:** December 22, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Energy Ecosystem – You can create strong, healthy, and flexible spiritual boundaries if you have the right toolkit. In this class we will focus on: - sensing your own energy body - avoiding compassion fatigue - understanding your energetic personality type - learning how energetic personality types affect relationships - creating a toolkit for adjusting the permeability of your energetic body - using methods for cleansing energy that isn’t yours - learning to stay connected to one another while staying true to yourself [Register now for this weekend. Saturday and Sunday 10-1, via Zoom. $150.](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KWXMUVZZSUVX6) Update: Energy Ecosystem content is included in the [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) audio course. [Listen to a sample of the course](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7). [Listen to Mara and Tami Simon from Sound’s True discuss *Shining Bright Without Burning Out* ](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/)and additional ways to working with the Energy Ecosystem, nature and energetic boundaries to manage stress, anxiety and prevent burnout. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, chameleon, chapel hill, empath, energy, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Energy Immune System, energy landscape, hermit, Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, psychic protection, psychic sponge, Sacred Space, shamanic healing, soul retrieval --- ### [Healing Powers of Nature: Is There Medicine In Your Backyard?](https://www.wholespirit.com/is-there-healing-in-your-backyard/) **Published:** April 1, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Excerpt:** The healing powers of nature are well documented. Backyard shamanism emphasizes that nature is where you are, in local space. Nature is you, it's everywhere. **Content:** Healing powers of nature. My most recent article for Health & Healing magazine: During the Coronavirus pandemic, about 30 percent of adults in the U.S. showed symptoms of anxiety, a dramatic increase compared to 2019. Working with qualified health care professionals is important to assure mental and physical health, especially during these times when all aspects of our health can feel particularly vulnerable. Preventative medicine practices can potentially lessen the need for medical intervention, pharmaceuticals, and other forms of treatment. One of those practices is available to you wherever you are, at any time; it is literally at your doorstep, and it is also within you. A growing body of evidence demonstrates positive psychological and physiological changes when people interact with nature. [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/article-Health-and-Healing-2021-04-Healing-Backyard.pdf "Healing powers of nature. Is there healing in your backyard?") Update: [Listen to Mara and Tami Simon from Sound’s True discuss *Shining Bright Without Burning Out* ](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/)and additional ways to working with nature and energetic boundaries to manage stress, anxiety and prevent burnout. **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** anxiety, backyard shamanism, coronavirus, healing in nature, healing power of nature, Health and Healing Magazine, moss, Nature, prefrontal cortex, Shamanism for Every Day, shinrin-yoku, stress --- ### [Girl at the Mall, Ancestors, Veil Between the Worlds](https://www.wholespirit.com/girl-at-the-mall-ancestors-veil-between-the-worlds/) **Published:** October 31, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Girl at the Mall, Ancestors, Veil Between the Worlds My partner and I were at the mall last week (it couldn’t be helped). We were sitting on a bench talking when a little girl walked toward us. She was looking down at something in her hand and not paying attention to where she was going. When she was a few feet in front of us and still not paying attention, her mother called her name gently and she looked up. Without hesitating, she burst into a radiant smile. She seemed as delighted as we were! She had been engrossed by a little purple flower cradled in her hand. I keep thinking of this brief interaction with the girl at the mall. There was something magical about it and that child. I’m thinking a lot about the ancestors, the descendants, and my place in the circle of life these days. Life is feeling precious and unpredictable. So much lost and so much at stake around the world. The innocence and delight embodied in those few moments of silent connection was a balm. These are complex, sacred and powerful days. Ancient traditions blend with modern ones. In many cultures this is a time to honor the dead. We do this in earnest with ceremony and ritual, and with play by dressing in costumes of ghosts and skeletons. However you choose to spend these days, remember that the veil between the worlds is thin. Much is not as it seems. Let’s take good care of our children and our elders. ![Fall leaves Halloween light and dark veils between the worlds](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/fall-leaves-42-1-600x450.jpg)©2023 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Ancestors, day of the dead, descendants, elders, halloween, magic, mall --- ### [Smother Love: How to Adore/Annoy Your Loved Ones](https://www.wholespirit.com/smother-love-how-to-adore-annoy-your-loved-ones/) **Published:** February 10, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Smother Love: How to Adore and Annoy Your Loved Ones There are many different kinds of love. The Greeks do an excellent job with this: agape, ludus, etc. [I write about their love categories here](https://www.wholespirit.com/6-kinds-of-love-key-to-a-happy-life/). This year I’m thinking about other forms, like unconditional, tough, and smother love. My favorite is smother. ##### Smother Love Smother love is the love I inflict upon my pets. It’s the smooch they don’t really want but tolerate. Smother love is a joke in our house because it’s such a mom trope. Many mothers really *do* inflict their children with smother love. It’s not great. For the record, I try *not* to smother love the human children. The animal kids are a little different. And, no, I do not have a goat (kid), but if you know me well, you probably know I have aspirations. ##### Examples of smother love at our place: - When we catch our cat Leo strutting on the counter or bullying his sister, “NO, LEO!” is probably immediately followed up with a big hug and a smoochy kiss. Smother Love. - For Luna kitty, the sweetest of all beings ever to have lived, it may be gently wrapping her in a blanket and cradling her while scratching her cheeks. For a long time. Smother love. - For Maisey pup, the sweetest of all beings ever to have lived—wait did I say that already? —it may be snuggling up next to her while she tries to nap and whispering, “You are precious.” into her soft ears. Smother love. To be fair to the mother in this instance, I do try to respect their boundaries. When ears go back, or tails lash, or there are any signs of stress, I will back off. But my adoration is demonstrative. And perhaps, on occasion, annoying. ##### Loving and Being Loved Extravagantly In a world that can be painful and lonely, I hope we can give ourselves grace when we love extravagantly, no matter how it is received (no stalking, of course). And I hope we can be patient with others who love us extravagantly, even if it is not *exactly* what we want at that moment (communication and boundaries are important too, of course). Loving and being loved by others is an extraordinary gift. It’s easy to take for granted. If you’re not feeling it right now, try sending some love to yourself. On Valentine’s Day and every day, I hope you have animals and humans to smother in affection. But, if they start to wheeze or squirm away, you know what to do. ©2023 Mara Bishop ![Luna cat in blanket. Smother love for Valentines Day](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Luna-smother-love-crop.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** agape, animal human bond, animal love, Enatured, Greeks, love, loving, self love, smother love, tough love, unconditional love, valentine's day --- ### [Avoiding Burnout Without Being a Jerk to Yourself or Others](https://www.wholespirit.com/avoiding-burnout-without-being-a-jerk-to-yourself-or-others/) **Published:** March 5, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Avoiding Burnout Without Being a Jerk to Yourself or Others. Burnout and boundaries: especially for sensitive people, managing the flow of energy into and out of the systems of our bodies is essential. In my [One-Year Groups](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) and in my audio course [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/), we explore this dynamic and how our natural state of energetic porousness affects us and our relationships. As you can imagine, it brings up a lot. ##### Not being a jerk to you Burnout risk decreases when we understand our energetic temperaments and the energetic dynamics in our relationships. When we can adjust our boundaries based on our situations, that risk goes down further. This learning and adjustment process can show our past and present in a new light. In the clarity of that light, we may face some harsh realizations. (You may also feel vindicated about some things, so take heart!) Part of this work is being decent to yourself: patient, kind, and compassionate. Take appropriate responsibility but don’t berate yourself over every perceived mistake or shortcoming. Whatever missteps or triumphs you’ve had in the past, pain or successes you are experiencing now, those things are not you; they are experiences. They are the weather in your ecosystem at a given time. Your spiritual self is whole, shining, and sacred, just as you are. Simultaneously, there are tools to help you experience life more enjoyably for yourself and in relationship to others. ##### Reciprocal Flow As we want to be respected, so we should be respectful. So often, we focus on what we need and think of boundaries as a way to protect ourselves from what’s coming toward us from the outside. But what is coming from us and moving toward others and the environment is equally important. And we have much more control of the flow in that direction. We should safeguard others from us as much as we safeguard ourselves from others, bringing integrity into our relationships and interactions wherever we go as much as we ask that of others. If we are fuming about something, how do we process our anger in a healthy way? Do we spew that rage all around, hold it in, or manage it responsibly? If someone we love is suffering, are we compassionate, or do we turn away? Do we overshare and overwhelm others or calibrate ourselves? The permeable membrane of our energetic boundaries always goes both ways. ##### Not being a jerk to others In boundary work, we often have examples of who or what affects us from the other side. That can be complicated. You may find yourself thinking about people who pushed your boundaries painfully or people you felt so comfortable with it was like you didn’t need a boundary at all. In my classes, we work with energetic archetypes, and it can be illuminating to see those archetypal traits in ourselves and the people we are close to. This can be part of a larger healing process, but it’s personal work. Like many other labels and categorizations, we shouldn’t apply it to others without permission. For example, it wouldn’t be cool to start telling people what you think their energetic archetypes are, even if it was helpful to you in trying to create healthier relationships with them, healthier boundaries, and ultimately avoid potential issues like burnout. It crosses a line to tell them who *you* think they are if they haven’t given permission or asked for input. Much can be taken out of context and can cause more harm than good. This applies to psychological diagnoses, of course. I’m amazed at how often I hear people casually diagnosing others outside of a therapeutic space, especially when people have not asked for input. It can be damaging, disrespectful, and unethical. The more we understand the nuances of energetic boundaries, the more impact we can have on our everyday lives. I’m consistently hearing about how working with the tools in this framework of the energy ecosystem and Shining Bright Without Burning Out makes a big impact. **Are you ready to explore more? Join me [here](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) or [here](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) or [schedule](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=40978941) a brief call to discuss the options.** ![Kangaroos - Article on Avoiding Burnout](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kangaroos-avoiding-burnout-boundaries-600x405.jpg)©2023 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, burnout, burnout prevention, diagnosing, diagnosis, energetic archetypes, energy dynamics, healthy relationships, psychic protection, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True --- ### [Empathy's Dark Side: A Link with Depression - How to Combat It](https://www.wholespirit.com/empathys-dark-side-a-link-with-depression-how-to-combat-it/) **Published:** July 11, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ###### Empathy’s Dark Side: A Link with Depression – How to Combat It Empathy’s Dark Side. Is empathy linked to depression? We’re used to thinking of empathy as a positive quality, but some kinds of empathy may also come with a cost. Different kinds of empathy can be more or less beneficial. Emotional or affective empathy is about feeling another person’s experience. Cognitive empathy is about understanding it intellectually. Both can help us feel closer to others, but which kinds of empathy are most helpful and which ones put us more at risk? ###### Data Shows Correlation – Sometimes So while it’s not clear that empathy in the aggregate and depression are linked, data does indicate that *how* we empathize makes the difference. Some kinds of empathy may be a risk factor for depression. Emotional empathy does have a positive correlation with depression, while cognitive empathy does not. [Read the abstract of a meta-analysis here](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pchj.482). Those of us who naturally tend toward emotional empathy feel what’s happening to others and around us. We may *know* it too, but the experience is what generally causes problems. This deep and broad scope of feelings can be a liability. It often comes from outside ourselves or from our reactions to something that is not our own. ###### Adjusting Energetic Boundaries is Key The results of the meta-analysis and other studies about depression and empathy align with studies I used in creating the audio program [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out*](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/). When we operate from healthy compassion rather than absorptive empathy, we are better able to stay present in our bodies, help our fellow beings, and avoid the overwhelm that can lead to feelings of depression, anxiousness, overwhelm, etc. To do that, *we need the ability to adjust our energetic boundaries.* With my clients, I see the results of people being wide open and porous without having some control and discernment over their energetic bodies and boundaries. I experience it myself. I feel so much better when I use the practices that help me retain the strengthening aspects of empathy without letting the draining ones dominate. ###### Unchecked Emotional Empathy=Problems This issue gets more complicated when burnout is involved. Naturally empathic and compassionate people can lose those qualities as a response to burnout. Learning how to adjust the permeability of our energetic boundaries may help in multiple areas where unchecked emotional empathy makes us vulnerable. If you can relate to this dynamic, [listen to a sample here](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out), or read more about how you can learn to adjust your boundaries with a little practice, shifting what kind of empathy you are using and creating healthier relationships to yourself and others. [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out*](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/)[*: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World*](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) ©2023 Mara Bishop ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/media-empathy-depression-link-shining-bright-without-burning-out-600x400.jpg)Photo by [Jr Korpa](https://unsplash.com/@jrkorpa?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-blurry-image-of-people-walking-down-a-street-LCUCWH1VBOw?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burning out, burnout, burnout prevention, cognitive empathy, compassion fatigue, Depression, emotional empathy, empathy, energetic boundaries, mental health, Shining Bright --- ### [We are an invasive species. Is there another way?](https://www.wholespirit.com/we-are-an-invasive-species-is-there-another-way/) **Published:** September 29, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** We are an invasive species. I love wisteria. Should I pull it all out? It’s invasive, grows maniacally fast, and strangles the trees. But have you smelled the flowers? They are heavenly. One of the first things I remember about moving to my new city is how magical everything looked, draped in purple wisteria blossoms. Spring was a gentle riot, and the wisteria got it started. Burmese pythons are hunted in competitions each year in Florida. Kept as pets, they escaped or were let loose especially after a major hurricane in 1992. Now, the pythons are eating their way through the swamps and threatening the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades. They are enormous and gorgeous. Since their population became a real problem, the stats are shocking. “In a 2012 study, populations of raccoons had dropped 99.3 percent, opossums 98.9 percent, and bobcats 87.5 percent since 1997. Marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and foxes effectively disappeared.” according to the [U.S. Geological Survey.](https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-have-invasive-pythons-impacted-florida-ecosystems)” Invasive species do a lot of damage. Birds, trees, and wildlife of all kinds struggle to compete with hardy, fast-growing, and ravenous outsiders. Organizations that promote conservation advise us to rip out all non-native plants. You can’t get their “certified” seal of approval unless you do. But we are the most invasive of species. Sometimes, invasive species are introduced accidentally, but humans also have a long history of marching into places, importing our livestock and unleashing our pets, planting whatever we want, and adding or subtracting substances to the environment to suit our needs. Too many rats or snakes? Import the mongooses! Too many weeds? Spray on some Round-Up! We killed the predators who kept the balance in the ecosystem. Through monoculture in agribusiness and the heavy use of pesticides, we destroyed species that keep the insect populations in check. We indulged our desire for pretty new plants and exotic pets. Climate change is also playing a role. The beautifully complex and highly functioning system we are part of is not about simple add and subtract equations. If we become better neighbors to the human and non-human beings around us, we may find our place within existing ecosystems without such brutal interventions. ©2023 Mara Bishop ![We are an invasive species. Burmese python species now invasive in the Florida Everglades](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/burmese-python-invasive-species-unsplash-402x600.jpg)Photo by [David Clode](https://unsplash.com/@davidclode?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/JzQ71rPqeJA?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) [Creating better relationships within the natural world.](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Burmese python, climate change, ecotherapist, ecotherapy, everglades, invasive species, mongoose, native species, Round Up, wisteria --- ### [50% Through the End of the Year](https://www.wholespirit.com/50-through-the-end-of-the-year/) **Published:** October 16, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** 50% through the end of the year. It’s easy to feel isolated in our struggles. We each have different things to offer to one another and our communities. In the face of difficult circumstances especially, it can be hard to figure out how to be useful. I hope this small gesture will be useful to you or someone you know. If a session to get some guidance or energetic support would be helpful right now, schedule using the **code 502023**. **Sessions are 50% through the end of the year.** Feel free to share this offer and code with anyone you think might find it useful. *(Please: One per person. Use before the end of the year. Schedule and pay online only.* [More about the range of spiritual counseling and healing sessions here](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) [More about ecospiritual and Enatured sessions here](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [SCHEDULE NOW](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** climate trauma, Distance healing, ecospiritual counseling, ecotherapy, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, Inner Divinity, intuitive guidance, mindfulness, Personal Evolution Counseling, psychospiritual counseling, reiki, shamanic counseling, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Enatured™ - One woman's surprising discoveries](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-one-womans-surprising-discoveries/) **Published:** August 14, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Enatured™ makes more sense after you try it! Here is what one lovely woman shared after doing it and being surprised by the effects it had, despite the other practices she did regularly. ##### Is this different from what I already do? *When Mara told me about her Enatured™ program I was intrigued. It seemed like something that could be meaningful to so many people, but, me? I journey, I meditate (well, sometimes), I do yoga, I walk in nature every day, multiple times; surely, I was not going to experience some big insights or flashes of knowledge. With great interest but not great expectations for myself, I signed up to be a test subject for her. Well, that of course, added the additional performance anxiety. I’m a huge Mara fan, what if I didn’t like it, what if her premises didn’t work, what if…what if..what if…? So, with a spinning mind and an open heart, one cool but beautiful winter day, Mara and I sat in her backyard and began the process.* *The more I engaged as Mara guided me through the steps of the process, the more my inner world and the outer natural environment seemed to merge. The trilling of the bird turned into an internal flute within me. The wind outside was buffeting my internal flute while also brushing up against the skin on my face (the rest of me was deeply ensconced in my warm blanket).* *It took a few minutes to settle in, it was a little chilly and ever solicitous, Mara offered a blanket or a sleeping bag, the dogs asked for a little attention, I made some adjustments to get comfortable and then I focused. As Mara guided me through the experience, I heard the birds, the rustling of the ivy, the scurrying of the squirrels. The knowledge that I could re-anchor myself in my current natural environment kept my monkey mind from going off in unhelpful directions.* ##### True Inner Backbone and Sense of Strength *As it continued my sense of self and self-awareness grew. I feel like I reengaged with my true inner backbone and sense of strength. I discovered that the external wind and the internal debris that was making a hurricane against my internal spine of steel (my flute) could come flying at me all it wanted, but I didn’t need to let it in. I was strong in my sense of self and my belief in my self.* *Maybe for some this is self-evident and maybe re-finding my inner strength and voice at the age of 58 is awfully late, but, for me, in that moment and at this time in my life, it was enlightening, empowering, and intense. And, I found that in the moments that were too intense, I could pause, recenter myself in nature and then re-enter this place I found.* *Now, three months later, not only does the imagery stay with me, but so does the strength. I find myself less quick to take on some of the drama that comes my way, more willing and able to speak my truth, and standing stronger and straighter within myself.* *There was a magic for me in that afternoon doing Enatured™* *with Mara in her backyard for which I am so grateful and also which I am amazed how with this season of growth upon as spring emerges, I can continue to grow and learn from the seed and the lessons of that winter day.* ~WK Hillsborough NC Enatured™ is an ecotherapy-ecospirituality practice experienced with your local environment. Practice outside or inside. It is accessible to anyone anywhere. [MORE INFORMATION](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) ![Enatured™ logo multicolored text with green branch](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/enatured-logo-700x300-1-600x257.png) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** earth, ecoanxiety, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, ecotherapist, ecotherapy, Enatured, mindfulness, natured based healing, squirrel --- ### [Presentation on Shamanism and Shamanic Healing Duke University OLLI](https://www.wholespirit.com/presentation-on-shamanism-and-shamanic-healing-for-dr-larry-burks-class/) **Published:** October 19, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Thanks to Dr. Larry Burk for inviting me to fill in for him at his Duke OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) class this week. The class is titled *Adventures in Healing with a Holistic Radiologist: The Top Ten Mind-Body-Spirit, Self-Healing Techniques.* This course is based on Dr. Burk’s book which details his journey from conventional radiology to holistic medicine. It will focus on a variety of mind-body-spirit techniques, including instruction on how to use them yourself for your own health and well-being. I covered the shamanic healing class and enjoyed working with this group of really nice people! For more information about Larry’s work visit www.letmagichappen.com. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit") [Contact me with questions or comments ](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "contact Mara") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, Duke OLLI, Larry Burk MD, Let Magic Happen, Let Magic Happen: Adventures in Healing with a Holistic Radioligist, Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, Self-Healing techniques, Shamanism, wholespirit --- ### [Animal Human Bond at Columbia University Features Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/animal-human-bond-at-columbia-university-features-enatured/) **Published:** April 14, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Animal Human Bond Course Columbia University Teachers College Spirituality Mind Body Institute I’m excited to return as guest instructor for Dr. Lisa Miller’s Animal Human Bond course this year. I’ll share [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/), [Shining Bright Without Burning Out,](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) and other nature-based methods with graduate students in the psychology program. We will be at an incredible animal sanctuary in upstate New York. This is a closed course. However, [let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you’re interested in sharing the practice of [Enatured™ ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/)or the boundary toolkit [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) with your group or organization. [Private sessions](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) are also available. --- ##### Comments from Enatured™ participants *I practice (in nature) on a daily basis, but the uniqueness is the structure. Having the structure of the steps really helped enrich the process. So much stuff happened I could write an entire book about the 20-30 minute experience. It was so profound. The structure really helped.* M.G. *Enatured is needed in the disconnected world that we live in these days. It provides an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and draw from its strength that’s always there to support us if we tap into it.* M.A. *It was amazing. When I started the practice the sun had not yet come up but by the end the sun had come over the trees and the sky and river were radiant with light. I have just recently moved to this area so the woods and river and I are getting to know each other. This practice is one that will help me deepen our relationship through time. B.L.* ##### Comments from Shining Bright Without Burning Out participants Shining Bright without Burning Out *is a skillfully crafted series of guided practices that can help natural empaths stay true to their nature without feeling depleted and overwhelmed. This integrative approach can help today’s helpers, healers, and the naturally empathic to achieve the delicate balance between honoring our sensitive nature while maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout.* Dr. Traci Stein, award winning author and professor *Mara Bishop’s wisdom shines bright through her latest offering! If you are a sensitive person, have relationship challenges or are figuring out how best to re-engage socially coming out of the pandemic, this tool kit of practices and meditations is for you*. Jane Norton Nature Coach and teacher ![Columbia University Teachers College Graduate School of Education, Health and Psychology](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Columbia-University-Teachers-College-tccu_18_portrait_tag_301c_2000-600x140.png) **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal behavior, animal communication, animal human bond, Animal Sanctuary, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Columbia University, Columbia University Teachers College, Dr. Lisa MIller, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, ecotherapy, Enatured, nature therapy, Shining Bright Without Burning Out --- ### [Sensitivity is a Strength: What Time Gets Right-What it Misses](https://www.wholespirit.com/sensitivity-is-a-strength-what-time-gets-right-what-it-misses/) **Published:** March 13, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Sensitivity is a Strength *“Sensitivity is largely genetic, and not something you can turn off. It is a trait linked to giftedness and something we ought to embrace. In fact, according to three decades of research, it’s not only a healthy trait, it also serves as a a powerful asset.”* – Andre Solo, [*Time*](https://time.com/6259002/why-sensitivity-is-a-strength/) Not surprisingly, I like this article. It acknowledges the general stigma applied to the word “sensitive” and outlines a body of research showing how high perception is a valuable skill. I’ve spent a lot of time observing the benefits of sensitivity and also how it can make us physically, emotionally, and energetically vulnerable. The article was excellent but missed an opportunity. Boosting the benefits of being sensitive while minimizing how it can cause significant challenges goes beyond just having a little more “quiet alone time” each day and proudly showing our sensitivity to the world. These may be good places to start, but there is much more to it. The concept of sensitivity as strength is a big part of [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/). It is one approach to this deeper work. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, and you feel highly sensitive, I hope you find another resource to navigate this potent and sometimes challenging trait. ###### Praise for Shining Bright “*Shining Bright without Burning Out is a skillfully crafted series of guided practices that can help natural empaths stay true to their nature without feeling depleted and overwhelmed. In this series, Mara offers energetic, imaginal and shamanistic tools that are grounded in modern psychology. This integrative approach can help today’s helpers, healers, and the naturally empathic to achieve the delicate balance between honoring our sensitive nature while maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout. Listeners will feel seen, understood, and supported by Mara as they navigate this all-important journey to inner and outer balance.*“ Dr. Traci Stein Award winning author of The Everything Guide to Integrative Pain Management, Host of Unpacking Possibility Podcast, Faculty Spirituality Mind Body Institute Columbia University Teachers College ![Time Magazine Why Sensitivity is a Strength article](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Screen-Shot-2023-03-13-at-33105-PM-594x600.png) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burnout, burnout prevention, energetic sensitivities, energy boundaries, healthy boundaries, highly sensitive, highly sensitive people, Sensitive, Shining Bright, Shining Bright Without Burning Out --- ### [Do You Undershare? People Complaining May Be a Good Sign](https://www.wholespirit.com/do-you-undershare-people-complaining-may-be-a-good-sign/) **Published:** February 3, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Do You Undershare? You know, the opposite of oversharing (which we are all well acquainted with). You’ll see why I ask this question if you read a little further. How and what you share can be a form of boundary setting. People complaining may be a sign you’re doing it right! ###### **Burnout Prevention=Healthy Boundaries** We hear about burnout constantly. Everything is too much. We’re on all the time. We’re collectively exhausted and overwhelmed. It’s different for each of us, but no one is immune. Even Jacinda, what a loss. One way to combat burnout is to set healthy energetic boundaries. [Learn how here. ](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7)When we do, there are many positive results. *However, one common side effect can be challenging: other people often get upset.* ###### **Why People Complaining May Be a Good Sign** In fairness, any time we change our way of relating to someone it can be anxiety-producing. Changing the rules of a relationship, especially without notice, can cause even reasonable people to react. However, it’s often boundary violators who criticize in twisty ways. Here are a few examples of what people who set healthy boundaries are called (and what’s often really happening): - **Selfish** — (when you stop giving yourself up to people who don’t appreciate you) - **Inflexible** —(when you stop accommodating others’ every wish) - **Withholding**— (when you don’t tell people whatever they want to know) - **Unforgiving**— (when you stop taking abuse from people you’ve forgiven repeatedly) - **Uncaring** —(when you stop tending people until you’re completely drained) To illustrate (in a benign and meta kind of way :), I stumbled across an [interview](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) I did a while back for my course [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out*](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) I read some comments. Many were positive, but one complained that I was difficult because I “struggled with being open.” Of course, if you publish something and agree to an interviewed, people get to comment, so there is no problem there. But a few things struck me about this: First, I wasn’t struggling with being open; I was setting a boundary around how I wanted to answer the questions honestly while honoring my work and privacy. The interviewer was excellent; she just pushed some. Had I not been through much more challenging situations I wouldn’t have been able to hold my ground when I wanted. ###### **Sharing as a Boundary** Whether others feel we overshare, undershare, or get it just right, it is our choice. Whether you agree to answer questions or not, to have a date or not, to spend time with family or not, to accommodate others preferences or not, you are allowed to decide how you want to share yourself. Not everyone will be happy about your choices (see the above list). Hopefully, we will all be decent, compassionate people, but being decent and compassionate does not mean being wide open or doing whatever other people want and expect. Second, this negative comment stuck with me more than the predominantly positive ones. I still have to work to keep criticism (my own and others’) from taking up more headspace than it should. I know I am not alone in that! By working so hard on the awareness around energetic boundaries and how to adapt them to different situations and people, I am much better able than earlier in my life to sort out what is mine and what isn’t. I generally don’t focus on the downside of setting boundaries because the upside is SO WORTH IT. Don’t be discouraged. [Let me kno](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com)[w](mailto://mara@wholespirit.com) if you need any help. Photo by [Gary Bendig](https://unsplash.com/@kris_ricepees?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/lpzcjbzsUmI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burnout, burnout prevention, complaints, energy body, energy boundaries, healthy boundaries, oversharing, sharing, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True Publishing, subtle energy, undersharing --- ### [Thank You for Asking. Yes, a New Group is Starting!](https://www.wholespirit.com/thank-you-for-asking-yes-a-new-group-is-starting/) **Published:** January 30, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Thank you for asking. Yes, a New Group is Starting! I’ve been getting questions about when the next One Year Mentoring Group is starting up. Thank you for asking and for your patience. I’m happy to say that the [new group information is now up](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) and the [application](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=40892930) is open! ###### Endings and Beginnings This is a poignant few weeks. I recently had the sweetest gathering with graduates of my apprenticeship. This is a long-standing group with deep bonds and trust. And one of the One Year groups is coming to a close. I look forward to these gatherings where people have shown up wholly and done deep work together in different ways over time. I’m heartened that sometimes the relationships we forge in those groups don’t end when the official meetings end. People become dear friends outside of “class” time. We may have opportunities to work together again or to connect periodically going forward. ###### Isolation and Community I often hear from clients that they feel like they’re different from other people. Some don’t have a safe place to talk about certain topics or spiritual experiences. Many of us have had, and continue to have, experiences that are integral parts of who we are, but aren’t necessarily well received or understood by people around us. This can be very isolating. I love sharing the topics we cover in this mentoring group, but maybe even more I love sharing a space that feels sacred and safe for us to learn and grow together through the remarkable times we live in. ###### One Year Group Info and Application If you’re interested in learning more about the One Year Mentoring Groups, please look at the [detailed information](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) about how and when we meet, what I ask from you, and the bonuses that are included. After looking at that, if you feel ready, you can [apply](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=40892930). If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. If you want to schedule a brief call to discuss whether applying for the next group feels right, you can do that [here](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=40978941). All my best, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Community, empathy, Enatured, energetic boundaries, intuitive development, one year group, safe spaces, sanctuary, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, spiritual community, spiritual groups --- ### [Heartstorming: You Know How to Brainstorm. Here's How to Heartstorm](https://www.wholespirit.com/heartstorming-you-know-how-to-brainstorm-heres-how-to-heartstorm/) **Published:** January 24, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Heartstorming. If you read my post [How to sync with the energy of winter](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-to-synch-with-the-energy-of-winter/)? you know that I’m working a little differently at the moment. Aligning with the seasons can make a big difference in how we feel. When we sense something shifting within ourselves it can also be part of a larger shift or pattern that is more personal. ##### Brainstorming We all know what brainstorming means. We do, right? I didn’t. I’ve been using an alternate practice—heartstorming—for a while, but I’ll get to that in a minute. I decided to make sure I actually did know the etymology of the term brainstorming and, as usual, I learned something. Before a “creative theorist” and businessman coined the term to mean a group problem solving exercise\[1\], it had a different meaning. Back in the mid 1800s it meant a “fit of acute delirious mania; sudden dethronement of reason and will under stress of strong emotion…” In the 1930s and 40s there are references to brainstorms as producing brilliant or spontaneous ideas to problems.\[2\] A merging of intuition and intellect with a dash of stress induced excitement? But what is heartstorming? ##### Heartstorming Heartstorming, as the name implies, is a gathering of ideas/expressions that come from the heart rather than the brain. Although I think this separation is mostly an illusion it’s helpful to distinguish them for the process. Although both brainstorming and heartstorming can be used at any time, I like to use brainstorming when I have something in mind to work on, maybe a new project or an area where I’m struggling, or ways to finish a commitment. Brainstorming is a great tool to gather ideas (yes you can brainstorm by yourself). I prefer heartstorming in times when many possibilities are open and new directions are simmering. Especially times when I need to dig deep down and review who I am and what I value, what makes me want to be part of this incredible world. I tend to narrow in on details quickly, so brainstorming can get operational fast. I’ll gladly spreadsheet just about anything! Heartstorming is about focusing on how a thing *feels* rather than on how it gets *done*. In a heartstorming session I’m focused on what my heart wants. How would I feel in a certain situation? What might bring a deep mature contentment, rather than checking something off a to do list, or pursuing something because I should. Like in a brainstorming session, we are non-judgmental and don’t censor ideas. The two approaches complement each other. They can give you insights into different sides of yourself, different ways to approach a challenge, or yield similar results when heart and mind are congruent. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! ![heartstorming rainbow heart](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/heart-rainbow-copy-600x400.jpg)\[1\] \[2\][ https://www.etymonline.com/word/brainstorm](https://www.etymonline.com/word/brainstorm) ©2023 Mara Bishop Photo by [Alexander Grey](https://unsplash.com/es/@sharonmccutcheon?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/images/feelings/heart?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** brainstorm, brainstorming, ecospirituality, ecotherapy, Enatured, heartstorm, heartstorming, nature healing, seasonal energy, Shamanic Journeying --- ### [How to sync with the energy of winter](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-to-synch-with-the-energy-of-winter/) **Published:** January 13, 2023 **Author:** Mara **Content:** How to sync with the energy of winter? Aligning with the seasons can make a big difference in whether we feel in or out of sync with ourselves and the world around us. We’re in the middle of winter. We’ve passed the complex and heightened energy of the solstice, various religious holidays and New Year celebrations. There is great focus on resolutions this time of year, with talk of new beginnings and fresh energy. Often these next few months feel a bit different for me. Not so much times of a lot of new or outwardly creative energy, but a slower, stiller, more contemplative time. What about you? ##### Plant teachers For the next while, we are in nature’s phase of preparation. It isn’t always visible. I was walking this week and noticed one of my neighbor’s gardens was mostly down to bare earth. In the other three seasons, the garden is tall with lots of foliage and blooms. There is so much that’s happening out of sight. Many plants live with much of their bodies underground, especially those plants that die all the way back above the surface but bloom up in the spring. What are tree roots doing now? What about the plants that reseed themselves annually? How are the bulbs and the fungi preparing in this season? ##### Finding your way to sync with winter How can we find ways to align ourselves with this energy right now? Do we need time to be restful or fallow in preparation for a next phase? Are we hibernating more in our own ways. Are we living off the spiritual resources we focused intentionally on in earlier seasons and are now shifting our attention to deeper more inward healing or reflection? What is happening below the surface for you? [Join me for a 365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) to explore ideas like these with like-minded people. Create a deliberate relationship with your natural environment with the [Enatured**™** method](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) (one on one or in a group). [Find a resource guide](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) to explore ways to take care of yourself and your relationships. [Read some Winter poems](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/144637/winter-poems) ©2023 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, aligning with seasons, earth healing, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, Enatured, spirit of nature, winter --- ### [Amazon Top 10! Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.wholespirit.com/amazon-top-10-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) **Published:** November 18, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Amazon Top 10! Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys makes Amazon Top 10 list in shamanism category on Kindle. Thank you! [Take a look inside here.](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys-ebook/dp/B08CBNWVM1/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) Reviews and ratings are very helpful. You are also welcome to come to the monthly online circle based on the journeys in the book. [More info here](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/). Please support local independent bookstores! **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events **Tags:** 365 Journeys, Amazon Top 10, Ayesha Pande Literary, Daily meditation, drumming circle, Inner Divinity, Kensington Publishing, Kindle, mindfulness, online circle, shamanic, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Shamanism for Every Day, Shining Bright, Sounds True, spiritual practice --- ### [Evolving Shamanism ~ Creation & Transformation ~ May 12 & 13](https://www.wholespirit.com/evolving-shamanism-creation-transformation-may-12-13-2012/) **Published:** February 4, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ***Evolving Shamanism: Creation & Transformation*** Date: Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: WholeSpirit Center, Durham NC Have you ever wondered how to tap your own ability to create more effectively? Wished you could put some power behind your visions of your future? In this gathering we will explore creation and transformation. I use the word “creativity” both in the classic sense of creating with words, color and sound, but especially in creating what you envision for yourself and your life. We’ll work with crafting your goals, dreams and visions and ways to bring them into reality. The “transformation” piece focuses on internal and external evolution – change, progress, transmuting what doesn’t serve us into something that does. Shamanism is an ancient system that guides us in relating to the world. It has evolved as its practitioners and the world have changed. We can use these traditional methods to help us evolve, transforming who we are as individuals, and how we live in relationship to others. We’ll explore how we can work with the process of transformation intentionally to help let go of what isn’t working in our lives and to welcome in what we need to thrive. ***Evolving Shamanism*** is a series of classes based on core shamanic journeying. Core shamanic journeying experience is required for this class. If you are interested in the class and do not have experience yet, let me know asap and we can discuss some options for learning journeying before the class. Additional workshops will follow, including topics such as shamanic healing and working with nature among others. Cost: $250 ($225 if registered before April 1st) To register for the class, please: 1. Make a payment via [PayPal, credit or debit card](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=PDY7SSEBC2JUQ "Shamanism Workshop Payment") or send a check made out to Mara Bishop to PO Box 51553, Durham NC 27717. 2. Complete the WholeSpirit class registration form. [Download the form here](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/WholeSpirit_Event_Registration_Form.docx). 3. Once your registration form is complete, mail to the address above or [email it](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) to Mara. [Email Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Questions about Evolving Shamanism") if you have questions. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Art, core shamanism, creation, creativity, Evolving shamanism, Mara Bishop, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, song, transformation, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center, writing --- ### [New Workshop - Accessing Intuition - March 17-18](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-workshop-accessing-intuition-march-17-18-2012/) **Published:** January 16, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ***Accessing Intuition*** Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 17 & 18 Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: WholeSpirit Center, Durham NC Did you ever “know” something that you couldn’t have known rationally? Are you curious about how this gut instinct can help you stay balanced and make good choices? Intuition is an innate sense, a way of knowing that can be developed and strengthened. It can help you in every aspect of your life. This class will outline how intuition works and show you different techniques to access your own intuition. You’ll learn (or refine) some basic meditation skills and take part in experiential exercises to sharpen your perceptions. You’ll get practice in finding things out intuitively about yourself and others while observing intuitive ethics. You’ll also learn ways to stay balanced as your intuition develops. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and share experiences. Cost: $250 ($225 if registered before February 15th) To register for the class, please: 1. Make a payment via [PayPal, credit or debit card](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NBZNVXRBV2J4A "Intuition Workshop Payment") or send a check made out to Mara Bishop to PO Box 51553, Durham NC 27717. 2. Complete the WholeSpirit class registration form. [Download the form here](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/WholeSpirit_Event_Registration_Form.docx). 3. Once your registration form is complete, mail to the address above or [email it to me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). [Email Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Questions about Evolving Shamanism") if you have questions. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** gut instincts, Intuition, intuitive, intuitive counseling, intuitive development, Personal Evolution, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [WholeSpirit Office is Open. Welcome!](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-office-is-open-welcome/) **Published:** November 14, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** WholeSpirit office is open. The office is opening for in person sessions. Please see details on the [scheduling page](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) for a few changes and requests for in person sessions. More details about [sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/), or about Mara You can [schedule a session here.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) I’m looking forward to seeing you! **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, intuitive guidance, reiki, shamanic counseling, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing, whole spirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Shamanic Wisdom Summit. Elders and teachers from around the world!](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-wisdom-summit-elders-and-teachers-from-around-the-world/) **Published:** August 30, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanic Wisdom Summit with the Shift Network I’m delighted to be joining Dr Marie Mbouni and the Shift Network for the 2022 Shamanic Wisdom Summit, featuring six days of events. September 12-16 [**JOIN for free!**](https://shiftnetwork.infusionsoft.com/go/sws22a25028/a25028) #### Finding Your Path When You Don’t Know Your People I will be speaking about *Finding Your Path When You Don’t Know Your People*. It’s essentially about creating authentic practice when you don’t know your lineage or ancestry, connecting to your own place and time within the natural world, and avoiding appropriation. Lots to discuss here! It airs from 6:30-7:15 ET on Thursday 9/15 (right after our [365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/)) #### Elders and Teachers There will be so many amazing elders and shamanic teachers at this event, including Euphrasia “Efu” Nyaki, Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, Dra Rocio Rosales Meza, Jaraneh Nova, Puma Fredy Quispe Singona, Sandra Ingerman, Grandmother Flordemayo, Jorge Luis Delgado, Ismana Carney, Alberto Villoldo, and many others. [**MORE INFO about the Summit and free registration links**](https://shiftnetwork.infusionsoft.com/go/sws22a25028/a25028) During these unsettling times of upheaval, turbulence, and profound cosmic change, are you longing to feel **divinely guided forward on a path of possibilit**y. You’ll experience sacred teachings and practices to guide you through a process of rediscovery, hearing the guidance of Spirit, and living an authentic, empowered life. Join more than 35 beloved elders and healers from around the world in the *Shamanic Wisdom Summit*, including Euphrasia “Efu” Nyaki, Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, Dra Rocio Rosales Meza, Jaraneh Nova, Puma Fredy Quispe Singona, Sandra Ingerman, Grandmother Flordemayo, Jorge Luis Delgado, Ismana Carney, Alberto Villoldo, and many others. The world-renowned guides who are speaking at this gathering represent many diverse traditions that can **help you connect with the spirit allies and resources you need to create healing and regeneration** at all levels of your life. The simple techniques you’ll receive can help you center and empower yourself, so you can process the sheer enormity of the global change that’s happening — **enabling you to** face the future feeling **more grounded, calm, and ready**. [**MORE INFO**](https://shiftnetwork.infusionsoft.com/go/sws22a25028/a25028) & [**JOIN for free!**](https://shiftnetwork.infusionsoft.com/go/sws22a25028/a25028) If you decide to upgrade for extended access to all the sessions, you will receive many bonuses, including my meditation *Finding Power and Guidance in Your Place and Time*, which is \*not available anywhere else.\* Other events and programs going on: [Enatured](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) [Monthly 365 Journeys Circles](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) [One-Year Groups](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Ancestors, cultural appropriation, Dr Marie Mbouni, earth healing, Enatured, Grandmother Flordemayo, Puma Fredy Quispe Singona, Sandra Ingerman, Shamanic Wisdom Summit, Shamanism, Shift Network, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Sanctuary Space with a Small Group – Join Us This Year](https://www.wholespirit.com/sanctuary-space-with-a-small-group-join-us-this-year/) **Published:** July 7, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Sanctuary Space with a Small Group – Join Us This Year This year has been extraordinary so far. In some ways it has drawn us together and in many ways it has left us feeling uncertain and isolated, even fearful. Whether you already have a large network or if you are looking for a safe spiritual community, perhaps you might want to join us. The One Year group that began in the spring has been such a gift, of support for one another, of learning together through some very intense ups and downs. We’ve covered a lot of ground and the depth of the community is growing. If you’re interested in working intentionally with a small group over the next year, taking your practice deeper, learning new skills and expanding your personal pantheon or working with an existing one to refine and execute what you want to bring into the world, consider joining us. **Application deadline September 20** First session October 4 [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) [APPLY NOW](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=30565274) (please read the detailed program info before applying) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** empathy, Enatured, energetic boundaries, intuitive development, one year group, safe spaces, sanctuary, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, spiritual community --- ### [Animal-Human Bond at Catskill Animal Sanctuary for Columbia SMBI](https://www.wholespirit.com/animal-human-bond-at-catskill-animal-sanctuary-for-columbia-smbi/) **Published:** May 5, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Animal-Human Bond at [Catskill Animal Sanctuary](https://casanctuary.org). [Enatured©](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) and [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) for Columbia University Teachers College SMBI I absolutely loved spending time at the [Catskill Animal Sanctuary](https://casanctuary.org)! What an amazing place filled with lovely people and extraordinary animals. When [Dr. Lisa Miller](https://www.lisamillerphd.com/) invited me to teach for the Animal-Human Bond course through Columbia University Teachers College, there were many literal and figurative ways it felt like coming home. Dr. Miller is the founder of [The Spiritual Mind Body Institute](https://spiritualitymindbody.tc.columbia.edu/), a resource within psychology to recognize the value of spirituality and nature. She is also a best selling author: [The Awakened Brain](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781984855626?aff=penguinrandom) and [The Spiritual Child](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781427262387). The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is the perfect setting to let the wisdom of place, the animals, and nature take center stage. We used the [Enatured©](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) method as our framework. We also included some of the energetic boundaries work from [Shining Bright Without Burning Out.](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) As lovers of animals, many of us are easily overwhelmed when hearing of their mistreatment and abuse. Seeing them living in this idyllic place offers hope. Learning how to work together to protect them and each other is big work. I was honored to spend time there, to work with Dr. Miller and the staff of the SMBI, and all the beings at The Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Do visit if you can. [Visit the farm on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/catskill_animal_sanctuary/). [Visit me as well!](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal human bond, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Columbia University Teachers College, Dr. Lisa MIller, Enatured, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, SMBI, Spirituality Mind Body Institute, The Awakened Brain, The Spiritual Child --- ### [Should You Be Still or Dance Like a Bird-of-Paradise?](https://www.wholespirit.com/should-you-be-still-or-dance-like-a-bird-of-paradise/) **Published:** June 2, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Excerpt:** The squirrels in my backyard teach me quite a lot about the balance between work, play, and rest. The rush of spring and the still of winter help me learn about letting myself have seasons too. Nature’s kaleidoscopic rhythms and motions play out in tiny cells and vast galaxies, and through plants, animals, landforms, and elements... **Content:** Healing with Nature’s Movements [Thrive Global recently published this article of mine on how we can heal by aligning ourselves with nature’s movements.](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/be-still-or-dance-like-a-bird-of-paradise-healing-with-natures-movements/) The squirrels in my backyard teach me quite a lot about the balance between work, play, and rest. The rush of spring and the still of winter help me learn about letting myself have seasons too. Nature’s kaleidoscopic rhythms and motions play out in tiny cells and vast galaxies, and through plants, animals, landforms, and elements. From a shamanic perspective, everything is interconnected. By modeling nature’s ancient patterns of movement, we can find harmonious ways of moving through our world today. Nature is a perfect guide for practically everything about finding our best and healthiest selves. When we pay attention to the movements of the natural world, we learn *about* ourselves by focusing *outside* ourselves. Movement is important to our health, but exercise trends come and go. How, and how often, we should move is a frequent topic of speculation and advice. Fortunately, nature offers free and readily available guidance, not only for the physical movement of exercise, but for the more complex symbolic levels of how movement affects our total health….[READ MORE](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/be-still-or-dance-like-a-bird-of-paradise-healing-with-natures-movements/) If this topic interests you, you may want to check out the journeys in [Shamanism for Every Day.](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) This is the kind of topic we explore from many different perspectives. **Categories:** Books, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, bird-of-paradise, healing movement, healing with nature, Shamanism, Thrive Global --- ### [Shining Bright (Even When It Feels Dark)—Adding to Your Spiritual Toolkit](https://www.wholespirit.com/shining-bright-even-when-it-feels-dark-adding-to-your-spiritual-toolkit/) **Published:** March 1, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shining Bright (Even When It Feels Dark)—Adding To Your Spiritual Toolkit Like many of you, I’ve been tracking the news of our friends in Ukraine, considering how to help, and anticipating how the situation may unfold for the region and our world. As I see the faces and hear the words of people who are experiencing this crisis first hand, it’s easy to get emotional. Especially as a sensitive person, times like these, even at a distance, can be hard to witness. And nothing compared to those who are in the middle of intense conflicts of all kinds. If we want to help—even simply as a compassionate witness—we need to be able to tolerate the discomfort without shutting down and tuning out. You may know that for many years I’ve worked on a toolkit for building resilience by developing the ability to adjust our energetic boundaries. Many of you have taken my Energy Ecosytem© classes and learned some of those tools. Last summer I had the good fortune to record an audio program for Sounds True called *Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World.* It is a continuation of this work. Given current circumstances, I debated about posting a message to let you know that it is available as of today. The idea of promoting or celebrating at this moment feels out of place. But I decided to go ahead and let you know, because it is in times of prolonged intensity that we are most at risk of burning out, most in need of tools to help us stay strong. While I don’t know the details of how this year will evolve, the time we live in is likely to get more intense rather than less so, at least for a while. I’ve spoken to many of you who are feeling exhausted, on edge, and anxious. Sometimes disconnected, alone, or pessimistic. I’ve felt those things too. And while there are no quick fixes for burnout or depression, tools that have worked for me and others are likely worth sharing. Since the crises keep coming fast and furious, I’m sharing this now and hope you get benefit from it. **Learn more or download the 8 session audio course (or go old school and get the disks) from Sounds True here:** [SHINING BRIGHT WITHOUT BURNING OUT INFO](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) Join an online, live class [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) [Listen to my conversation](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) about Shining Bright with Sounds True Founder Tami Simon on her podcast *Insights at the Edge* ![Mara Bishop and Sounds True Founder Tami Simon talk about Shining Bright without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected world on the podcast Insights at the Edge](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD06653W-bishop-podcast-mobile-600x405.png) **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burn out, burnout prevention, compassion, compassion fatigue, empath, empathic distress syndrome, empathic overload, Energy personality, energy personality archetype, Insights at the Edge, psychic boundaries, psychic protection, psychic sponge, self-compassion, Shining Bright, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True, Tami Simon --- ### [Podcast with Tami Simon 10K, Good Questions, Thank you!](https://www.wholespirit.com/podcast-with-tami-simon-10k-good-questions-thank-you/) **Published:** March 22, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** [Podcast with Tami Simon](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) This was one of the most challenging interviews I’ve done. Tami means business. As founder of Sounds True, she has been in the world of spiritual practice for a long time. She’s worked with many people I respect and you could tell right away that she wasn’t going to waste her audience’s time with lots of chit chat or superficial answers. I didn’t listen to the interview for a long time because I was worried that I hadn’t done a very good job at answering her pressing questions. Ultimately, I think it was one of the best interviews I’ve done *because* she pushed a bit. She came up to the edges of some of my boundaries (always respectfully) and I had to choose where to go with my answers. Some of those answers became a microcosm of the boundary work itself. And I’m thrilled at how many people have listened in just a couple weeks! Over 10K and counting. And I’m grateful for so many of you who have reached out to say that you connected with what we talked about and with the *[Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/)* course topics that we shared. I’d love to [hear more from you](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). I hope you’ll share your experiences after doing the audio course on your own ([if you decide to get it – you can also also listen to a sample here.](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7)) I hope you’ll [join a live online class on this topic](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) with me if that appeals to you. Feel free to [add your name](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) to my list to stay up to date about events, free gatherings, etc. [Listen to my conversation](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) about Shining Bright with Sounds True Founder Tami Simon on her podcast *Insights at the Edge* [![Mara Bishop and Sounds True Founder Tami Simon talk about Shining Bright without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected world on the podcast Insights at the Edge](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD06653W-bishop-podcast-mobile-600x405.png.webp "PD06653W-bishop-podcast-mobile ∴ WholeSpirit")](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burn out, burnout prevention, compassion, compassion fatigue, empath, empathic distress syndrome, empathic overload, Energy personality, energy personality archetype, Insights at the Edge, psychic boundaries, psychic protection, psychic sponge, self-compassion, Shining Bright, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True, Tami Simon --- ### [Find Your Genius through the Genius Loci. This is Enatured!](https://www.wholespirit.com/find-your-genius-through-the-genius-loci-this-is-enatured/) **Published:** February 23, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Find Your Genius Through the Genius Loci. What on earth? Genius who, genius where? Wait, this is Enatured™!! I learned something recently—which maybe you already know—that excited me, especially because it fits perfectly with Enatured™. It’s a little bit of a nature-language geek out, but here it is. (People have had some questions about Enatured™ and I’m happy to answer yours individually. My excitement about this parallel is mirrored by my excitement about this work. [Join me on March 12](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/enatured-online-class-join-from-any-place/) and find what you are seeking.) Genius loci is the spirit of place. This part I knew. It’s a term that goes way back to the ancient Romans at least, probably farther. If you’re familiar with shamanism you are probably familiar with this concept: place has spirit/spirits reside in places. We can think of it as a guardian, or the essence of a place, or the fundamental qualities or nature of a place. You know this instinctively even if the term is new. What I didn’t really stop to think about until recently is the literal translation of “genius” (you may be rolling your eyes at me at this point) Loci is place, sure, but genius is loosely *spirit*. Wait, that’s not how we use spirit today. Our current use of genius is more about aptitude and skill. But the original meaning appears to be more about the “spirit of a person or place” or a “distinctive character or spirit.” The intellectual or creative genius definition is like the fifth option according to [Merriam Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genius). (Also, genies, jinns – these spirits probably come from the same Latin root. But this is an etymological discussion better had over wine around my family dinner table.) Find Your Genius Through the Genius Loci = Find Your Spirit Through the Spirit of Place = Find Your True Nature Through Nature. **This is Enatured**™**!** Or at least a part of it. The essential spirit, or genius, of who we are is what we long to connect to. To know and be known. The essential spirit of the place we are (wherever we are) can help us find that genius. ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature-1-600x212.png)##### The Enatured™ method is for anyone. It is repeatable on your own after training. It moves the power from a practitioner to you. If you already spend hours outside talking to the animals and plants, this process will be a gentle scaffold to build your relationships stronger, like a trellis. It can help you gain clarity through honing focus to receive guidance and improve the two-way flow in existing relationships creating reciprocity. If you have some issues with the elements or insects, fears, or past traumas you can do Enatured™ from the comfort of inside. This process honors your ability, mobility, and accessibility, as well as your preferences and comfort zones, for interaction. You use the method to receive guidance, support, and rejuvenation as you listen to your inner genius/spirit as it relates to the genius/spirit that resides around you. There is a more to it, but it’s quite manageable. For the online version of the course you will find your own space outside or inside to work. We will have cameras off while doing the method itself to give you more freedom to move and focus. I’d love to see you in the next group[ ](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/enatured-online-class-join-from-any-place/)or in an individual session. [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) is available as individual sessions, and group classes. [MORE INFO, BOOK & REGISTER](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) --- **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** earth, ecotherapy, Enatured, genius loci, mindfulness, Nature, nature healing, Shamanism, true nature --- ### [One-Year Mentoring Group List](https://www.wholespirit.com/one-year-mentoring-group-list/) **Published:** January 31, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** One-Year mentoring groups It took me a while to start a one-year group. I previously worked only one-on-one in mentoring and apprenticeships in multiyear, in-depth relationships. Those usually kind of just happened, rather than being posted as an offering. This new program is different in several ways. I am so grateful for the response! However, there were more people who were interested in joining than could be a part of this round. If you applied and didn’t get in, if you thought about it and decided you couldn’t do it yet, if you were on the fence, the next group might work for you. Dates TBD. [PROGRAM DETAILS](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/ "PROGRAM DETAILS") If you think you might want to join the next group, [please let me know](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=One-Year%20Mentoring%20interest), and I’ll send you advance notice. If you are considering it and haven’t worked with me previously, please come to some [365 Journeys Circles](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/), one of the [weekend classes](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/ "weekend classes"), or [schedule a private session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981). This helps both of us know if working together for a year feels right. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** authentic practice, avoiding cultural appropriation, mentoring, one-year program, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, spiritual community --- ### [Love Nests, Mama Squirrels, and Beech Trees](https://www.wholespirit.com/love-nests-mama-squirrels-and-beech-trees/) **Published:** January 24, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Love nests is a phrase with several meanings. Nests are powerful things, literally and symbolically. If you know me you know I’m inspired by them in their many forms. Maybe I even gifted you a homemade one? I am re-posting this earlier ode to beech trees and mama squirrels, because, it’s happening again now. My relationship with these squirrels and these beeches just gets sweeter… If this post speaks to you, you might be interested in [my new work Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/ "my new work Enatured™"). You can schedule a [private session ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=28571529 "private session ")or [join a class](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=category:Class%2FGroup "join a class"). The squirrels have had some things to say to people! ##### Earlier post I had a moving experience this morning, working with a client and setting an intention and request for loving, supportive energy to surround her. I was looking out the window through the branches of the mostly bare beech trees. A squirrel ran out along one of the finest, grey branches and gathered some of the leaves that still clung there. She stuffed them into her mouth. She reached out as far as she could stand without losing her balance, grabbed some more, tucked them in with the others in her mouth, and scampered purposefully up the main trunk of the beech. Each year, unlike their neighbors, the beech trees hold on to some of their leaves until spring. The squirrel repeated this process many times. Of course, mama squirrel is creating her nest! I assume mama, forgive me if it was papa squirrel, I mean no disrespect. Her nest. She was making her nest from the very leaves left oddly all winter on the beech branches. I had this moment of profound appreciation for nature. Bless you beech tree for saving the perfect bedding for mama squirrel to craft a love nest for her babies! Bless you mama squirrel for your tireless trips up and down the tree and back and forth across the yard all morning carrying those lovingly chosen baby blankets picked from the slimmest of branches to craft your love nest. Bless you Mother Nature for creating such elegant balance. I felt a little ashamed for all these years of mild irritation at my lovely beeches for not dropping their leaves in a timely manner like everyone else so I could maintain order in the yard. I also felt inspired to love our world and pay better attention. I remember creating a love nest for my daughter before she was born, preparing soft welcoming spaces for her to inhabit. I can relate to mama squirrel’s determined focus as she gathered supplies. I love nests of all kinds. Maybe part of this attraction is about what they symbolize. The nurturing and safe spaces we lovingly create for our offspring (physically, emotionally, energetically) are one way that we can honor and reflect the way earth has created nurturing and safe spaces for us. With love, Mara Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions). To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List.](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Join my Private List.") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** beech trees, Enatured, healing intention, love nest, Nature, squirrels --- ### [How To Bloom in the Dark: Self-Compassion, Compost & Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-to-bloom-in-the-dark-self-compassion-compost-nature/) **Published:** December 7, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** How to bloom in the dark? Sounds like a strange question, right? My latest article for [Sounds True](https://www.soundstrue.com/store/#5ecff76fad3c7) is inspired by something beautiful I found in the darkness. I think back on it often when I need a reminder that the dark times fuel some of the brightest times, even if they don’t feel like it at the time. In dark times—both literal and symbolic—we can be hardest on ourselves and others. Here is where self-compassion becomes such a powerful transformer. *Compassion is the magic ingredient that turns our personal “compost” into personal evolution.* And if you know me at all, you’ll know who my ultimate role model is, but if there is question, read on to find out. “Some time ago, I found a strange bloom in the kitchen. It was elegantly twisted, like a dragon at a Chinese New Year celebration. It was frilled, purple, and pungent. This exquisite thing grew out of a chunk of purple cabbage that I’d put under the sink to go out for compost. Instead of fading quietly however, it burst into new life in the dark grotto of my cabinetry. It blossomed into something unexpected, unusual, and fiercely beautiful. Reflecting on the discovery of this “flower” in the shadows, I’m reminded of, and heartened by, the fertility of dark times. Many people are feeling a collective spiritual darkness now, exhausted and frustrated, maybe also angry and scared. Having compassion for ourselves and others is especially important in times of literal and metaphorical darkness. How can we do this if we already feel overloaded?… [READ MORE](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-to-bloom-in-the-dark-self-compassion-compost-and-nature/) on the Sounds True Blog Understanding how to work with the cycles of nature is part *[Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/)*. **Categories:** Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** compassion, compost, core shamanism, self-compassion, Shamanism, Shining Bright, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True, Sounds True Publishing, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Shamanism, Nature, and Psychology: Tools for Weathering Crisis @ the Rhine](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanism-nature-and-psychology-tools-for-weathering-crisis-the-rhine/) **Published:** November 22, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanism, Nature, and Psychology: Tools for Weathering Crisis, Practices for Coming Home On December 3, 2021 Mara will give an online presentation at the Rhine Research Center. She will explore how to strengthen our relationship to home spaces (both physical and spiritual), creating resilience and relationships that help us weather crises and challenging times. Through the lens of shamanism and supported by research in psychology and nature-based healing, this experiential session leads us to deeper understanding of our spiritual selves, our local environment, and the other beings we share our space with. [For more information and to register, visit the Rhine here.](https://www.rhineonline.org/events) [An article related to this theme, and the COVID 19 pandemic is here.](https://www.academia.edu/50949593/Shamanism_Positive_Psychology_and_Pandemics_Building_Resilience_at_Home) Mara’s current book is [*Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys*.](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) Looking for a group to discuss similar issues? Join Mara’s next 365 Journeys Circle. [View Calendar.](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** COVID, crisis management, ESP, events, Nature, pandemic, PSI, psychology, resilience, Rhine Research Center, Shamanism, stay at home, VIA Character strengths --- ### [Energetic Inflammation and Your Energetic Immune System](https://www.wholespirit.com/energetic-inflammation-and-your-energetic-immune-system/) **Published:** November 17, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Energetic Inflammation has some parallels with physical inflammation. What causes it and what can we do about it? This is from my latest article in *Health & Healing Magazine*: Most of us have experienced physical inflammation. If you’ve had a cold, your nasal passages have swelled. If you’ve sprained an ankle, the soft tissue there has become inflamed. Whether in reaction to an accident, a virus, or an aggravating substance, the body says, “This feels threatening, and I’m going to try to correct the situation.” The effects of that defensive reaction are often pain, swelling, and irritation. Energetic inflammation is similar. If you find yourself in a situation that feels threatening to your well-being, your energetic body reacts to protect you. The body’s instinctual systems respond to situations (or substances) that are irritating and get inflamed. Rather than physical swelling and redness, energetic inflammation may present as angst or cognitive overload, among other things. As a protective mechanism, the inflammatory response in both our physical and energetic bodies is trying to do one of three things: [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WholeSpirit-Mara-Bishop-Health-Healing-Inflammation-Nov-2021.pdf) Preventive energy medicine is helpful in proactively addressing energetic inflammation. Managing our spiritual boundaries can help significantly. This is the toolkit provided in [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/), available from Sounds True. This [article](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) may also be of interest. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** energetic immune system, energy ecosystem, preventive energy medicine, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Sounds True Publishing --- ### [365 Journeys Circle begins. Will you be there?](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys-circle-begins-will-you-be-there/) **Published:** October 20, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** 365 Journeys Circle begins. On September 10, 2001 I co-founded a journeying circle with a dear friend. I’ll never forget the date that circle began because when we woke up the next morning our lives changed. It was 9/11. Those two days were quite a contrast. That circle lasted over 17 years. Some things changed. People joined, people left, we met in different places, we grew older and more comfortable with each other. Some things stayed the same. We had remarkable experiences connecting with spirit in our individual journeys, and as a grou when the synchronicities blew our minds a little (or a lot). I’ve started or belonged to quite a few groups over the years. It’s always fascinating to watch what happens. The [new 365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/365-journeys-circle-online/2021-10-21/) starts tomorrow Thursday 10/21/21 and I’m getting excited. Some wonderful people are coming. All the preparation that goes into gatherings like this is important, but one of the mysterious ingredients is, Who will come. Human, animal (one of my favorite parts about working on line is getting to see people’s pets ), and spirit. Who will come? Another is, What will be sparked? Of course I’ve got something planned. But that’s a jumping off point to help us get going. We’ll be helped to get what we need when we are together. From each other, from spirit. Whether we connect once or for the next 20 years, I’m looking forward to seeing who will be there and what will happen that is beyond my planning. Will you join us and see for yourself? [RSVP now to join](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). The 365 Journeys Circle is based on *[Shamanism for Every Day](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067)*. Having a copy is helpful, but not required. We will meet monthly on the third Thursdays at 5:30 pm Eastern time. See the [Calendar](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) for upcoming dates. **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events **Tags:** 365 Journeys, Ayesha Pande Literary, Daily meditation, drumming circle, Inner Divinity, Kensington Publishing, mindfulness, online circle, shamanic, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism for Every Day, Shining Bright, Sounds True, spiritual practice --- ### [Stagnating or Cocooning? 3 Ways to Support Your Transformation](https://www.wholespirit.com/stagnating-or-cocooning-3-ways-to-support-your-transformation/) **Published:** October 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are you stagnating or cocooning? Sometimes it’s hard to tell during intense times of transformation. In the Oct/Nov issue of Aspire Magazine I share a few ways to move through this time with grace and discernment. Spoiler alert – nature is involved! The article is also available to non-subscribers on the blog. [Read the full article here.](https://aspiremag.net/are-you-stagnating-or-cocooning-3-ways-to-support-your-transformation/) Need guidance from someone other than your own wise self? [Contact me to set up an individual session](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** developing intuition, ecotherapy, energy boundaries, spiritual counseling, spiritual guidance, transformation --- ### [Sounds True Blog: How Do You Shine Bright? Managing Your Energy Ecosystem™](https://www.wholespirit.com/sounds-true-blog-how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) **Published:** September 28, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Sounds true just published this essay: When you hear the phrase “shining bright,” what does it evoke for you? Does it mean being yourself? Is it radiance, openness, or casting your energy outward toward others? Is it being the center of attention? For me, shining bright is about sustainable personal energy, understanding your unique spiritual makeup or energetic personality archetype. It’s about managing your energy ecosystem. It’s also about keeping the balance of what’s “coming in” and what’s “going out,” as all healthy systems do. One of the ways I feel my “brightest” is when I’m in nature, especially in the little jungle of my backyard. As I write this, a rabbit is relentlessly distracting me by flashing its ears in my line of sight… [READ MORE HERE](https://resources.soundstrue.com/blog/) Tools for creating healthy energetic boundaries are part of the [Energy Ecosystem class](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) and the upcoming [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out) audio course (available for preorder). **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** burn out, burn out prevention, ecotherapy, energy ecosystem, Energy personality, energy personality archetype, nature healing, Navigating the Energy Ecosystem, shamanic healing, Shamanism, Shining Bright, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Are You Porous? Spiritual Boundary Toolkit @ Energy Ecosystem Weekend](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-porous-spiritual-boundary-toolkit-energy-ecosystem-weekend/) **Published:** July 23, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are you porous? Do you want to absorb less of what’s around you? I’ve learned a lot about creating healthy energetic boundaries over many years and share my best tools with you in this class. Create healthy, adjustable energetic boundaries based on where you are and who you’re with. Explore your unique ecosystem and your energetic personality archetypes. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of managing our boundaries of self and other – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you are sensitive or empathic, being able to adjust the porousness of your energetic boundaries can bring remarkable changes in how you feel. Join me on October 9 & 10 10-1 via Zoom and create your own energy boundary toolkit. [MORE INFO (and to register)](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/"). [REGISTER NOW via Paypal: $150](https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=63f7eb8ce91c0&mfid=1626985612088_63f7eb8ce91c0#/checkout/openButton) [Read more – Your Energy Ecosystem, shamanism and empathic overload](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2016-02-Empathic-Overload.pdf). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** energetic boundaries, energetic personality archetypes, energy boundaries, energy ecosystem, Shamanism, Shining Bright, Shining Bright Without Burning Out, spiritual boundaries --- ### [Shamanism, Positive Psychology & Pandemics. How to Build Resilience at Home](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanism-positive-psychology-pandemics-how-to-build-resilience-at-home/) **Published:** September 24, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanism, Positive Psychology, and evidence based practices like meditation, offer valuable tools for helping us weather times of crises. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to stay at home and reorient personally and professionally. Ideally we develop a relationship with these practices before things are so intense that it’s hard to focus. [Here’s a paper of mine that was recently published ](https://www.academia.edu/50949593/Shamanism_Positive_Psychology_and_Pandemics_Building_Resilience_at_Home)about how we can build resilience, especially by centering on our home spaces. We will explore some of these practices in the Backyard Shamanism course. [More information and next dates here.](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** academia, Ancestors, backyard shamanism, building resilence, ceremony, coming home, coronavirus, pandemic, pandemics, peer review, positive psychology, power at home, resilience, Shamanism --- ### [365 Journeys Journal Giveaway: Follow @marabishopwholespirit to Win!](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys-journal-giveaway-follow-marabishopwholespirit-to-win/) **Published:** September 20, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** 365 Journeys Journal Instagram giveaway runs Sept 20 – Oct 20, 2021. [Follow @marabishopwholespirit](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) and tag a friend in the giveaway post to enter. The journal is a perfect companion to save your journeys or meditations from *[Shamanism for Every Day](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/)*, or from any other practice. The 365 pages are blank so you can use it as you wish, as a planner, for bullet journaling, etc. [More information about the journal](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094TCWK81). **Categories:** Books **Tags:** 365 journal, 365 Journeys, bullet journaling, direct revelation, Kensington Publishing, nature spirits, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism for Every Day, Spiritual Healing, spiritual practice --- ### [Aspire Magazine Top 10 Inspiring Books: Shamanism for Every Day!](https://www.wholespirit.com/aspire-magazine-top-10-inspiring-books-shamanism-for-every-day/) **Published:** August 31, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Aspire Magazine chose *Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys* as a Top 10 Inspiring Book. Other books on the list look so interesting! Here are a few: Medical Reiki by Raven Keyes, Trust Your Animal Instincts by Tabitha A. Scott, The Menopause Manifesto, by Dr. Jen Gunter, Creatrix Rising: Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women, by Stephanie Raffelock [Read more in Aspire Magazine](https://aspiremag.net/) [Read more about Shamanism for Every Day](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) **Categories:** Books **Tags:** Aspire Magazine, core shamanism, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Top 10 --- ### [Sandra Ingerman's Guest Leader: Join me in a wildflower meadow!](https://www.wholespirit.com/sandra-ingermans-guest-leader-join-me-in-a-wildflower-meadow/) **Published:** July 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Sandra Ingerman invited me to fill in for her during the Shamans are Gardeners of Energy ceremony this month. I picked a topic that makes me happy, which is Working with the Natural World. I hope you enjoy it too. Come with me to a fragrant wildflower meadow. We will loosen our grip on who we think we are, so we can grow naturally into who we are meant to be. Working with the natural world is the foundation of everything. We are nature. Nature is us. We deepen our connection to the beings and elements around us by using all our senses. In doing that we come home to ourselves. [Listen and watch here. ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piQ6E8eXoco) [More about Shamanism and ](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-shamans-and-shamanism-history-practices-core/)[Shamanic](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-shamans-and-shamanism-history-practices-core/)[ journeying.](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-shamans-and-shamanism-history-practices-core/) [Next Shamanic journeying class.](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** clairolfaction, flower, healing wiht spiritual light, Sandra Ingerman, sense of smell, shamanic counseling, shamanic healing, Shamans are Gardeners of Energy, wildflowers, workign with the natural world --- ### [Shamanic Journeying Weekend: Your Personal Pantheon is Open!](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-journeying-weekend-your-personal-pantheon-is-open/) **Published:** July 9, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanic Journeying expands your world! Personal pantheons of spiritual allies and teachers are profound sources of wisdom, support, and healing. If we make the effort to develop relationships with them, they show up for us. This class is an introduction to shamanism and shamanic journeying. We work in both the upper and lower worlds, and connect with different kinds of compassionate helping spirits. Spiritual work is most effective when it has a grounded foundation. I have great reverence for this work. There is magic and mystery here. I also teach with a strong focus on healthy groundedness and practical application. If you are interested in more in-depth shamanic training, mentoring, the Backyard Shamanism course, or participating in Shamanism Without Borders tending, this is a good opportunity to get basic journeying skills. More experienced journeyers are welcome to join for a refresher, or to enjoy the power of being in a group. **September 18 & 19, 2021** Zoom from anywhere. No experience necessary. [For more information and to register](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Nature **Tags:** personal pantheon, power animal, shamanic drumming, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, shamanism basic, Shamanism for Every Day, shamanism training, shamanism weekend --- ### [Join me at the Alternative Healing Summit June 25-28-Free Registration Now](https://www.wholespirit.com/join-me-at-the-alternative-healing-summit-july-6-10-free-registration-now/) **Published:** June 22, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The Alternative Healing Summit starts soon. I’m looking forward to the airing of this summit hosted by Purvi Tantia. I appreciated the interesting questions she asked and the thoughtful responses of the other speakers. [Register here for free](https://www.purvitantia.com/ahs). This summit is especially focused on women, as most of her summits are, and on helping people connect to their inner healing capabilities. This is a big part of my work and I love hearing how others thought about it, especially through the lens of shamanism. Hope you can make it! [Shamanism for Every Day](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) is all about finding your own path and inner resources. The [fall course line up ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/)helps with this as well. #### “150+ Healers Come Together To Share How To Ignite The Healer Within Us” **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** alternative healing, Igniting Your Inner Healer, Purvi Tantia, shamanic healing, TED Talk, Women entrepreneurs --- ### [Claiming Our Spiritual Homestead the Melancholy of Hiraeth](https://www.wholespirit.com/claiming-our-spiritual-homestead-the-melancholy-of-hiraeth/) **Published:** June 3, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Spiritual Homestead. Place speaks to me, land speaks to me. It probably does to you too. The Welsh concept of Hiraeth, which doesn’t have an exact English counterpart, means something like homesickness or longing, especially for place, and with a bit of sorrow for something unattainable or lost. For those of us with deep connection through time to places on the earth, it can be a powerful way to explain both a kind of vague longing for home and a sense of familiarity with many places that are somewhat out of reach. In this article for *[Elephant Journal](https://www.elephantjournal.com/2021/06/claiming-your-spiritual-homestead-what-you-seek-is-closer-than-you-think/),* I explore how we can find some remedy for this longing through developing deeper relationships with the spirit of place wherever we are. Shamanic wisdom has been really important in helping me with this. I hope it can be for you too. #### *Excerpt* *“Home” resonates differently for each of us. We have a primal longing for places and people that feel like ours. Some of us are blessed with this; we feel comfortable, known, and accepted. Many of us do not. Coming home is a powerful thing. Ultimately it is within your power to define what it means for you. Intellectually we may understand that home is not simply a building, a group of people, or a location on the globe. Still, we have such strong associations with home being a combination of those things, blended across time with memories and emotions, that it takes determination to redefine it.* *When we reorient around our definition of home, we reclaim our power to be at home, in our skin, and in our environment. While nature is not the only part of a spiritual homestead, it is a large part and an excellent place to begin.* [READ the full article here.](https://www.elephantjournal.com/2021/06/claiming-your-spiritual-homestead-what-you-seek-is-closer-than-you-think/) #### *You might be interested in…* Developing relationships with the natural and spiritual world around us is a frequent topic in *[Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/)*. If this calls to you, here’s more information about the book and the journey delivery program. If you prefer a guided course, [check the course list here.](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) **Categories:** Books, Classes and Events, Nature, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** hiraeth, Medicine for the Earth, nature spirits, shamanic journey, Shamanism, spirit of place, spiritual homestead --- ### [365 Journeys Journal to Capture Your Spiritual Explorations](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys-journal-to-capture-your-spiritual-explorations/) **Published:** May 20, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Journal cover – The [365 Journeys Journal ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094TCWK81)has 365 pages plain lined page giving you a page each day for a year of journeys. This is a thick journal and holds a lot of writing. See more about the companion book, *Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys* [here](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/). Purchase **Categories:** Books **Tags:** 365 journal, 365 Journeys, bullet journaling, dream journal, Inner Divinity, Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence, journal, journals, meditation journal, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism for Every Day --- ### [New Journals! Inner Divinity & 365 Journeys Journals are Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-journals-are-out-inner-divinity-and-365-journeys-journals/) **Published:** May 17, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![Journal - 365 Journeys Journal cover, companion for Shamanism for Every Day book](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/journal-365-journeys-shamanism-for-every-day-blue-butterfly.png)Journals are helpful places to document your meditations, journeys, and insights. Meditative states can be like dreams—crystal clear when we’re in them and fast to wisp away beyond reach. It’s good to write our experiences down! These journals have blank lined pages. The [365 Journeys Journal ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094TCWK81 "https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094TCWK81")has (surprise!) 365 pages. You have a page for each daily journey from the book. This is a thick journal and holds a lot of writing. See more about the companion book, *Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys* [here](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/"). The [Inner Divinity Journal ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094T5BY3W "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094T5BY3W")has 184 pages. It’s enough to work through the exercises in the seven sections of that book. It’s slimmer and lighter to carry around. See more about the companion book, *Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence* [here](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/"). Used each journal for whatever you want, they don’t have to go along with the books. **Categories:** Books, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 journal, 365 Journeys, bullet journaling, dream journal, Inner Divinity, Inner Divinity journal, Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence, journal, journals, meditation journal, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism for Every Day --- ### [Do You Shine in the Morning or at Night?](https://www.wholespirit.com/do-you-shine-in-the-morning-or-at-night/) **Published:** May 14, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Do you shine in the morning or at night? The journey I picked for myself today from *[Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067)* was about natural rhythms and pacing, and how we can be quite different from our loved ones. This fits my household. Some of us are pretty chipper most mornings, others could stay up and play all night! Here’s journey 104: **Natural Rhythms** Have you ever tried to get a loved one jazzed up about something in the morning—to go out, take a walk, do something fun, go to work, whatever—if they are really not a “morning person”? Not a fun experience for either party, right? That same person at 11:00 p.m. may be filled with energy and enthusiasm, while you are drooping and cranky, ready to hit the bed. When we work with our natural rhythms, rather than against them, everything flows more easily; however, we can lose sight of what our own natural rhythms are and get out of sync. When we notice and attune to our natural cycles, life generally functions better. **Journey** Journey and ask, “How can I work with my natural cycles most effectively?” [What will *your* journey be today?](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/") Find out in the [book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/"), or with the [email delivery program](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/"). Write down your insights in the [365 Journeys Journal.](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/ "https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/") © 2021 Mara Bishop Citadel Press **Categories:** Books, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, circadian rhythms, morning person, natural cycles, natural rhythms, night owls, Shamanism for Every Day, sleep patterns, what will your journey be today --- ### [Clearing Inside and Out: Are Your Energetic Spaces Clean?](https://www.wholespirit.com/clearing-inside-and-out-are-your-energetic-spaces-clean/) **Published:** April 25, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Clearing inside and out…what does that even mean? We inhabit internal and external spaces and both can become burdened with stuff that don’t belong. Sometimes that stuff is physical and sometimes it’s energetic. I enjoyed talking with Julie Coraccio from Clear Your Clutter Inside and Out about creating healthy energetic spaces and having clear and adjustable energetic boundaries. [Learn more about Julie and listen to our conversation here.](https://reawakenyourbrilliance.com/mara-bishop-interview-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries/) I describe this concept of our spiritual space as being our “energy ecosystem.” [Read more about it here](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2013-10-Your-Energy-Ecosystem.pdf). Join the next [Energy Ecosystem course](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) to learn how to understand your own energetic personalty archetype and create a toolkit for adjusting your spiritual boundaries depending on what situations you are in. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, empath, energetic boundaries, energy, energy clearing, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Energy Immune System, energy landscape, hermit, Julie Coraccio, Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, psychic protection, psychic sponge, Reawaken Your Brilliance, Sacred Space, shamanic healing, soul retrieval --- ### [Riding the Beat of the Drum, Shamans' Drums, Sonic Driving](https://www.wholespirit.com/riding-the-beat-of-the-drum-shamans-drums-sonic-driving/) **Published:** April 12, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Excerpt:** Drumming is part of healing ceremonies across the world, studies show benefits for immune system response, depression, chronic pain and PTSD. **Content:** #### Shamanic drumming My drums are precious, more like friends than objects really. Different drums have different sounds of course, but they also have different energies. Drums play an important role in shamanic practice. Shamanists alter their states of consciousness in order to perceive with a full range of senses. Drumming is one of the most common ways to make this shift. Rattles and other forms of percussion serve a similar role. Shamans and shamanic practitioners have used drums across the globe for many thousands of years. The drum is referred to as the shaman’s “horse” or “canoe,” as it is the vehicle that brings the shaman to the spiritual worlds. Drumming, dancing, singing a power song, or being still are different ways to shift our attention from the ordinary aspects of life to what’s happening on the energetic or spiritual levels. Monotonous percussion sound, sometimes called *auditory* or *sonic driving*, includes a range of beats that is fairly consistent across cultures. #### Healing Drums Drums can be used in groups, i.e. ceremonies and drumming circles, as direct healing vibration, and to embark on a shamanic journey. Drumming of different kinds has also been shown to improve mental, physical and emotional health. Studies show drumming [boosting the immune system boost](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11191041/ "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11191041/"), [reducing anxiety and depression](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4790847/), [helping soldiers with PTSD](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223730423_Drumming_through_trauma_Music_therapy_with_post-traumatic_soldiers) and [healing after neurological injury](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464962/). Drumming is a subject in some of the daily journeys in [*Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys*.](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) This daily resource guide also includes instructions for how to use drumming to take a shamanic journey. Each of the daily journeys can be used for meditation or contemplation. They are designed as a simple, no pressure way to support a daily mindful practice to help you connect to the things you are passionate about. For a free shamanic drum track, and more information about the book, shamanism or Mara, visit [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** auditory driving, chronic pain, Depression, drum, drum helper, drumming, drumming circle, drumming circles, healing drums, immune system, PTSD, shamanic drumming circle, shamanic healing drums, sonic driving --- ### [Backyard Shamanism Ceremony](https://www.wholespirit.com/backyard-shamanism-ceremony/) **Published:** October 8, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve been working with the concept of backyard shamanism in many ways for a long time. Technically, “backyard” isn’t really a necessary qualifier, as all shamanism really does have this local focus, but it emphasizes where our attention is. We are reminded of the need for this paradoxical inward shift to spark outward change over and over. We’ve all heard the expression “Think Globally, Act Locally.” With backyard shamanism we are going hyperlocal! And those of you familiar with isomorphism know that patterns repeat in nature. The issues we wrestle with inside are mirrored in what plays out externally. As within so without, as above so below. This is far from a new concept, but it’s one that while seeming obvious, is so easy to forget in practice. The Backyard Shamanism course was online this spring and I’m currently preparing a new version for launch. If you want to know when that happens, here you go… [Notify me about Backyard Shamanism](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php). Next Tuesday October 13th at 2:00 Eastern I’ll lead a ceremony around this work for the Society for Shamanic Practice. [Join Here.](https://shamanicpractice.org/events/community-call-to-action/) And if you want to read more about Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home…[read here](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home/)! Stay safe and for the love of all that is holy…VOTE. Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** backyard shamanism, Call to Action, coming home, power at home, shaman, shaman nc, SHamanic Apprenticeship, shamanic counselor nc, shamanic healing, shamanic healing nc, shamanic practitioner, Shamanism for Every Day, Shamanism Without Borders, Society for Shamanic Practice, spiritual practices for pandemic, Tending Your Own Backyard --- ### [Eating as a Daily Practice: Raspberries Make Me Happy!](https://www.wholespirit.com/eating-as-a-daily-practice-raspberries-make-me-happy/) **Published:** March 9, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Eating as a daily practice. Since eating is already part of our lives, it’s an opportunity for enjoyable spiritual practice. How we do it, what we eat, and with whom varies. I share some ideas in my latest article in Health & Healing. [**READ**](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2021-01-Eating-Daily-Practice.pdf "Eating as a Daily Practice") Our bodies, minds, and spirits are involved when we eat; choosing how we engage with our food can impact all three. For those of us with specific health issues related to food—such as allergies, weight issues, and eating disorders—attention to eating is less a choice than a necessity. Some of us don’t have enough food for our families or ourselves, or lack access to healthy choices. If we are lucky enough to be free of significant health constraints and to have the luxury of food security, it’s easier to focus on ways of eating that weave body, mind, and spirit into powerful daily practices.In my 365 Journeys program (now a book, Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys), I provide daily ideas for connecting with our innate knowledge about “feeding” ourselves. Some days that information is literally about food…[“](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2021-1-eating-daily-practice.pdf) [**READ MORE**](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2021-1-eating-daily-practice.pdf) For more about my new book *Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys* and other books I love [visit my Bookshop page. ](https://bookshop.org/shop/marabishop) I’ve just joined this site which supports independent bookstores. I love the Regulator and Golden Fig in Durham, where I live. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Bookshop.com, cooking with love, Durham NC, eating, eating as a daily practice, eating with gratitude, food, Golden Fig book store, Regulator book store, spiritual eating, spiritual practice --- ### [Want a free copy of Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys?](https://www.wholespirit.com/want-a-free-copy-of-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) **Published:** March 20, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Enter the Goodreads drawing to win a Kindle copy of *Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys* until March 28th! *Shamanism for Every Day* includes a full year of shamanic journeying ideas. Use the topics for meditation or contemplation, as a resource for your daily spiritual practice. The powers within the web of life, and the keys to your personal evolution, are available to you where ever you are. These simple, yet profound, practices help you deepen your relationship to the natural and spiritual worlds around you. Some sample topics include: - finding calm and confidence in intense times - developing meaningful relationships in your local environment - exploring spiritual realms with compassionate spirits - working with ceremony - staying still Read more about the book and other resources on [WholeSpirit.com](htttps://www.wholespirit.com) [Read more about shamanic healing](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2018-4-evolving-shamanism.pdf) **Categories:** Books **Tags:** 365 Journeys, CItadel Press, Kensington Publishing, Meditation, shamanic, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Shamanism for Every Day --- ### [Find Your Power at Backyard Shamanism in March](https://www.wholespirit.com/find-your-power-at-backyard-shamanism-in-march/) **Published:** January 26, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanic journeying and engaging nature are two of my greatest joys. I love sharing the Backyard Shamanism course where we will explore both! The more I connect to nature from the “nest” of my home, the more I feel connected to the “forest” of all that is. [**More info and registration links are here.**](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home-2/) Connecting with spirit and nature, as shamans do, often conjures images of wild, remote places, maybe traveling to the Amazon, or going on a vision quest in the high desert. While there can be great value in the spiritual experiences people have in those places, however… [READ MORE](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home/) *about the concept of Backyard Shamanism and Finding Your Power at Home in this article from Thrive Global.* ![Backyard Shamanism: Find Your Power at Home](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/butterfly-small-450x600.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** backyard shamanism, Call to Action, coming home, power at home, shaman, shaman nc, SHamanic Apprenticeship, shamanic counselor nc, shamanic healing, shamanic healing nc, shamanic practitioner, Shamanism for Every Day, Shamanism Without Borders, Society for Shamanic Practice, spiritual practices for pandemic, Tending Your Own Backyard --- ### [Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home](https://www.wholespirit.com/backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) **Published:** April 30, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Recent article from Thrive Global In this time of global crisis, two truths have risen to the surface like never before: coming home is powerful, and everything is connected. These are also essential aspects of shamanism, which provides us with effective, time-tested practices for personal and collective transformation. We have reoriented our lives around our home spaces, alone and in groups. Keeping balance in close quarters takes consistent effort. Our relationships with nature, spirit, and ourselves dwell in this core space too. In this time of coming home, nourishing theses relationships feels like a powerful prescription and a soothing balm. Connecting with spirit and nature, as shamans do, often conjures images of wild, remote places, maybe traveling to the Amazon, or going on a vision quest in the high desert. While there can be great value in the spiritual experiences people have in those places… [READ MORE](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home/) ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/butterfly-small-450x600.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** backyard shamanism, coming home, power at home, shaman, shaman nc, SHamanic Apprenticeship, shamanic counselor nc, shamanic healing, shamanic healing nc, shamanic practitioner, Shamanism for Every Day, Shamanism Without Borders, spiritual practices for pandemic, stay at home order --- ### [Energetic Immune System](https://www.wholespirit.com/energetic-immune-system/) **Published:** March 22, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/pink-sunset-yellowstone-teton-600x450.jpg)Spiritual and physical immune systems are interrelated, but not the same. Each can affect the other, but (especially during a pandemic), it’s important to take practical, physical steps to ensure our personal and collective health. The spiritual underpinnings of our systems have their own patterns of health and balance. When we work in energetic ways we support greater health, but we must combine them with our actions in the physical world. [Here is an article I wrote a few years back on strengthening the energetic immune system.](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2018-8-preventing-toxic-buildup.pdf) Wishing you a peaceful heart and a healthy body, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** COVI-19, energetic immune system, pandemic, pandemic meditations, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing, spiritual immune system --- ### [Blooming in Darkness](https://www.wholespirit.com/blooming-in-darkness/) **Published:** September 26, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** A special reader reminded me of this post today. It’s from a few years back now, but it feels like a perfect message to myself right now. Maybe for you too? From a recent newsletter – A strange bloom appeared in my kitchen today: elegantly twisted like a dragon on Chinese New Year, purple, and pungent. The aged chunk of purple cabbage that I had put under the sink for the compost bin, refused to wilt quietly into the darkness. It burst through the bag that was containing it, and found new life somehow in the dim recesses of my cabinetry. It flowered into something unexpected, and unusually, fiercely beautiful. At least to me. I try to see the messages of the natural world, and this was a like an air horn getting my attention. You see where this is going, right? What makes up compost? The rejected bits, the stuff we let sit too long, maybe even things we’ve bought by mistake, or over purchased. It’s also the extras left over from all the delicious things we’ve been lucky enough to eat and drink. The dark coffee grounds, the silky mango skins, the few remaining red raspberries gone soft. If we’re patient it all turns into a rich sloop that will nourish the soil of some future plants. The compost metaphor is a little overused, but solid. Often the cycles of the natural world take time to come to fruition, and it’s a challenge to be patient. But sometimes, things turn around fast! Faster than we think possible. It feels like we are in one of those times when there is the possibility for fast movement. At least it can be powerful to remember that possibility, and keep energy focused there. It’s one of the messages I heard loud and clear when I saw the beautiful cabbage bloom. Sometimes when things dissolve, fly apart, or seemingly go wrong (fill in the blank to suit your situation), the beauty that can potentially emerge, is seen quickly and surprisingly if we don’t hang on to the trauma too tightly. Many people are trying really hard to hold themselves together right now. Things feel chaotic and overwhelming personally, environmentally, and culturally. Otherwise grounded folks are having some cognition issues. Compassion fatigue is setting in. Our patience is running thin. It’s a complex time. For me, connecting with nature always helps. When something delightful and unexpected happens, it’s like a shot of joy encouraging me. I understand I am probably in the minority as a person whose mood turns giddy and optimistic upon finding a blooming semi-moldy cabbage flower under the kitchen sink. But be open to finding your unexpected joy wherever it lies. Even if you feel overwhelmed and alone and despairing today. You are not alone. And, come on, look at this thing. It’s gorgeous, right? ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cabbage-crop-600x516.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara ©2018 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** blooming in darkness, cabbage flower, Change, chaos, compost, making the best of things, optimism, resilience, Shamanism, signs in nature, When Things Fall Apart --- ### [Here and Now: 3 Steps for Thriving in Chaos](https://www.wholespirit.com/here-and-now-3-steps-for-thriving-in-chaos/) **Published:** March 17, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/water-patterns-joshua-k-jackson-261210-400x600.jpg) We are in unprecedented times. I sent the following message to my group the other day: **Positive Connection** We are always connected to each other, and to all other beings. We are experiencing some very visible proof of that connection with the spread of COVID-19. Although it may feel negative and scary, it demonstrates the potential for the positive too. We can maintain compassionate connection whether or not we are physically together. We need to listen to the experts who have devoted their lives to understanding the science and the medicine involved. We also have the opportunity to stretch our ways of thinking and being in the world, strengthen our connections to one another, and use our spiritual toolkits. Especially for those of us who are healthy, perhaps this is a good time to think about what we want to add to the collective, to connect with our spiritual wisdom and allies. Maybe we can go deeper to take care of ourselves and refuel, doing what we can to strengthen our [immune systems](https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=&msgid=1034147&act=111111&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2020%2F03%2F10%2Fwell%2Flive%2Fcan-i-boost-my-immune-system.html%3Falgo%3Didentity%26fellback%3Dfalse%26imp_id%3D743641506%26imp_id%3D753509403%26action%3Dclick%26module%3DSmarter%2520Living%26pgtype%3DHomepage) for our personal well-being and the benefit of the entire community. How do we balance our personal and collective priorities? This is a signature strength of indigenous cultures around the world… [Read full version here and see more info about upcoming virtual ceremonies](http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=166598&f=7295&s=8131&m=1034147&t=f81c3dd063b53c142b4a54f2c90727725b8eb3c795f67e4561a1523c66cac1c1) [Join my group](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** COVID 19, crisis management, immune system, pandemic, shamanic community, shamanic healing, Shamanism, social distancing, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Black Girls' Guide to Surviving Menopause with Barbara Jessie-Black](https://www.wholespirit.com/black-girls-guide-to-surviving-menopause-with-barbara-jessie-black/) **Published:** June 10, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **When Saturn Returns, Again…** Listen to this awesome podcast from my friend Barbara! Filled with wisdom, insight and personal reflection, she provides powerful and timely guidance for women entering this potent phase of life. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Barbara Jessie Black, black girls guide to surviving menopause, menopause, saturn return --- ### [Coming Home and Resources](https://www.wholespirit.com/coming-home-and-resources/) **Published:** March 24, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Literally – we are nesting in unprecedented ways. Spiritually – we are facing our fears, our beliefs, our faith. Collectively – we are acutely aware of our interconnection with each other. **[Here is my most recent newsletter](http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=166598&f=7295&s=8131&m=1034274&t=f81c3dd063b53c142b4a54f2c90727725b8eb3c795f67e4561a1523c66cac1c1)**, with links to a variety of personal and group resources and articles. Wishing you a peaceful heart and a healthy body, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, coming home, healing with spiritual light, Shamanism, Shamanism for Every Day, Shamanism Without Borders, Society for Shamanic Practice, spiritual practices for pandemic --- ### [How Hard Is It To Be In Your Head?](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-hard-is-it-to-be-in-your-head/) **Published:** January 29, 2020 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/abstract-lights-timo-volz-l4JW7XWa9Ys-unsplash-copy-600x400.jpg)Distraction has its merits. Life can be intense; physical and emotional pain and the stress of daily life often hold our attention, making it hard to focus on anything else. When we distract ourselves in a balanced way, we can temporarily step outside of the confines of our routine thought patterns, set aside our worries, and perhaps be diverted from the sensation of chronic aches and pains. Shifting gears at the end of the day (or whenever we need it) and “distracting” ourselves with a conversation, exercise, a book, a walk in the woods, or even watching a show or playing a game on a phone, can be helpful ways to disengage from life’s stressors. However, when distraction becomes our way of being, the only way we feel comfortable existing, we have a problem. For many people simply sitting quietly has become deeply uncomfortable. As a society we are accustomed to constant distraction. Silence is rare. Screens are everywhere. The distractions they provide sometimes help us wind down, but often wind us even tighter. [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2020-1-meditation.pdf) about the extreme measures people will take to avoid being alone with their thoughts and how meditation can help. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Meditation, meditation benefits --- ### [The Ripples of Ritual](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-ripples-of-ritual/) **Published:** June 11, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/maui-water-600x450.jpg)The effects of ritual ripple out. We perform rituals every day, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally. We generate specific vibrations with the things we do, the thoughts we have, and the power we carry into the world. For example, if every morning you get up read the news and visualize in great detail the horrible state of the world and reinforce your belief that we are headed for personal and collective catastrophe, generating that energy becomes a daily ritual. The power of that vision ripples throughout your day. If every morning as you walk through the halls at work you pass your coworkers and silently critique and criticize them, you ritualize that vibration and it ripples off you. You may be able to argue that you haven’t said a word out loud, but you have “spoken” volumes into your workplace, and those words echo. Usually we don’t mean to create these kind of rituals. And we can change them. If you create more intentional, and positive rituals, the effects ripple out with the same impact. My small example from this morning is from a daily meditation. The goal is not lofty, but simply to sit for a period of time (what I do with that time varies) and make space for my animals to join me. Someone else has copyrighted the word “petitation” but this is what we call it. This pattern has become ritualized in our household. If I take too long getting myself situated one cat will paw my calves letting me know it’s time! But today, as sometimes happens, the cats were wild, one was attacking the other, there was running, chasing, growling. It didn’t bode well for my peaceful meditation. But I settled in anyway. Within a moment or two, both cats had gotten a grip on themselves and were curled up on either side of me peacefully. I hadn’t done anything, but they responded to the pattern that we had set up together. This was our special time. And the meditation today was extra special. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal communication, animal meditation, petitation, power of ritual, power of words, ritual, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, shamanic practitioner, shamanic retreat, Shamanism, shamanism nc --- ### [Raising Spiritually Healthy Children: Cultivating Resilience and Honoring Sensitivity](https://www.wholespirit.com/raising-spiritually-healthy-children-cultivating-resilience-and-honoring-sensitivity/) **Published:** September 21, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** We are all born with a blueprint of core energy characteristics. This energy personality affects how we interact with others and our environment. We may be able to influence the way a child behaves (for better or worse) because children often model our actions and repeat our words. However, we are not able to change their natural temperaments. Their energetic personalities are their own. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lions-and-cubs-Masai-Mara-leonard-von-bibra-L4-BDd01wmM-unsplash-copy-600x400.jpg)By allowing children to be who they are, we help them stay connected to their inner divinity, an enduring source of spiritual direction not reliant on any institution or specific religion. Current research shows that the more children are connected spiritually, the more resilient they become and the less they suffer from depression and addiction as they get older. According to Dr. Lisa Miller, author of *The Spiritual Child*, children with a spiritual connection of some sort are 40 percent less likely to abuse substances and 60 percent less likely to become depressed as they move into their teenage and adult years. A young child’s energetic personality is often easier to identify than an adult’s because they haven’t learned to hide it yet. As children are immersed in the environment of their homes, and surrounded by the energy of other people and the culture of their families, they start receiving explicit and implicit messages about themselves. They soon pick up on whether the way they are naturally is valued and approved, or believed to be deficient and in need of changing. When adults are kind, respect a child’s reasonable assertion of boundaries, and communicate love and appreciation, children are enabled to grow into themselves safely. They learn to navigate the world and their relationships from a place of appropriate power. When adults do not create this kind of supportive environment, the repercussions can cause serious emotional and physical issues. This is true for all children, and especially so for empathic children. [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2019-9-spiritually-healthy-children.pdf) © 2019 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** childhood, Children's health, spiritual children --- ### [Society for Shamanic Practice New Moon Ceremony ~ The Bee: Being, Collective, Bellwether](https://www.wholespirit.com/society-for-shamanic-practice-new-moon-ceremony-the-bee-being-collective-bellwether/) **Published:** October 12, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** On October 26th I’ll be hosting a New Moon live call in ceremony for the Society for Shamanic Practice. Tiny, mighty, sweet and sharp. In today’s ceremony we will talk briefly about the bee as a being in form and spirit, about some mythology of the bee, and especially about what we know is a crisis situation for bees on the planet today. Our very lives depend upon the bee. We will apply the Shamanism Without Borders process to supporting our kindred bees, and perhaps helping to create a better environment for the hive that we all share. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/the-bee.jpg) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [What is Shamanism?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-is-shamanism/) **Published:** July 30, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/starry-sky-reflection-photo-1436891620584-47fd0e565afb-copy.jpeg) I’ve recently been in dialogue with an excellent editor. She asked me to address the idea of cultural appropriation and sent me an article where the author was making a case for ceasing the use of the word shaman. I’m sharing my response to her (edited a bit) because first, the issue is important and I think about it often in regard to practicing and teaching; second, it clarifies my position for those who are considering working or studying with me; and third, this conversation has been circulating rather unproductively in many circles for years, and I hope that we can shift our focus, respectfully, to one of unity rather than division. It is important to note, and I open all my classes and training sessions by mentioning, that “shaman” is a Tuvan or Evenki word that originated in Siberia. Each culture has its own word for the person that fulfills that role. Anthropologists use it as an umbrella term. The history of cultural suppression and domination the author brings up — yes, we know, it’s not news. It’s horrific. But that is not going to be addressed at all satisfactorily by arguing over terminology. The bigger issues are around WHAT are you practicing, WHY is it meaningful (or not), and HOW are you being in integrity while you are doing it. Animism is being floated by some as an alternative word, but it doesn’t encompass enough, in my opinion, to describe what shamanism is. The word “animism” was also coined by anthropologists and applied to a wide array of cultures with some shared beliefs, so it shares some of the imperfections of the term “shamanism.” My training, motivation and ethos around what we are calling “shamanism” focus on the concept of direct revelation. I share this perspective with many other practitioners from current and past times. Direct revelation is not about the customs of a particular people or a particular time. It is about your *own* experience in your *own* place and time. It can’t be appropriated. It is about your relationship with helping spirits, with the spirits of the place you are in, and with your relationship to your own inner divinity, right here, right now. All of those direct spiritual relationships (and more that I haven’t listed) can be nurtured to serve self, others and community. We can be guided on our path by learning from other people (teachers, mentors, ancestors, etc.), but shamanic teaching comes from the spirit world, not the human world. If we take something from someone else inappropriately (especially from another culture to which we do not belong) it doesn’t have the same power and is not really practicing “shamanism.” Shamanism survives (with whatever inadequate naming) because it evolves and adapts to its place and time. It stays relevant because it is always happening now, it does not need to shed outdated bureaucracies or power structures. We ALL come from “shamanic” cultures. I acknowledge that the word can’t mean all things and do it perfectly. But I wonder what this author proposes for a practice involving someone who does not know what their cultural background is, or a person brought up cut off from their ancestors’ deep spiritual power and traditions, either because they are not from a culture that we think of as shamanic, or some other reason. Their practice can be as powerful as a person born into an indigenous community. The issues that need to be addressed are different. Some examples are: taking the ceremony of a specific group to which you do not belong without permission and selling them as your own, not realizing the difference between the rituals and trappings of a thing and the deep work itself, and not understanding that living life in congruence is part of living “shamanically.” These are problems. Banging a drum and going to a workshop is not enough to make you a shaman, or a shamanic practitioner. Westerners need to stop perpetuating the atrocious behavior that has gone on for ages in many realms. We need to stop stealing. Period. But you can’t steal what is your direct spiritual experience. We all share ancestry. As human beings, we all have a right to bring the wisdom of those collective ancestors, and the compassionate spirits who choose to work with us, to bear to our present time. Urgently. Our problems at this point are global problems. I’m not particularly interested in arguing over a word, and certainly not interested in creating divisiveness between practitioners. I am interested in respectfully engaging with the earth, the spirits, the Divine/universe (call it what you will) in a way that will help us survive and be healthy and joyful…together. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara ©2019 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ancestral healing, animist, cultural appropriation, shaman, shaman nc, shamanic, shamanic counselor durham, shamanic healer, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanism, shamanist, wholespirit --- ### [Reiki for the Earth (and You!)](https://www.wholespirit.com/reiki-for-the-earth-and-you/) **Published:** April 30, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](http://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/166598/7c44a87f9c86b80e99d90eb9ff68c3da.jpeg)I am getting excited for Saturday May 4th when, for the first time, WholeSpirit will host a Reiki Special event! Proceeds will benefit EarthJustice, students will get practice, and clients will get really inexpensive (and awesome) Reiki treatments. Hope you can make it next time! Email me if you are interested in case there are any last minute cancelations. [Here is the event listing with the details.](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/reiki-for-the-earth-special-event/) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** reiki, Reiki classes NC, Reiki clinic, Reiki durham, Reiki energy healing, Reiki healing, Reiki healing durham, Reiki Master, reiki master teacher, reiki training, Spiritual Healing, Usui Shiki Ryoho, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Your Center of Power](https://www.wholespirit.com/your-center-of-power/) **Published:** May 10, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** These are potent times. Hold your center. What is unfurling? What is blooming? What do you need to look at head on? When you look very close, into the depths, it is often a different reality. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/white-flower-gold-center-mara-1-337x600.png) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** energy body, energy boundaries, personal power, shaman nc, shamanic healing, Shamanism --- ### [Shamanic Healing: When All Else Failed For Chronic Pain](https://www.wholespirit.com/__trashed/) **Published:** March 30, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** My latest article in Health and Healing magazine is about a case of chronic pain, and last resorts. “As a shamanic practitioner since the mid 1990s, I’ve seen many difficult cases and instances of remarkable healing. One of my clients had an experience with chronic pain that illustrates the power of the work, and is an example of why I’m grateful to be in this field. Ernie Schoenfeld has a doctorate in public health. He has worked at the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for over 30 years in various positions, including Senior Associate Dean and Lecturer in the Department of Health Policy and Administration, and as Senior Advisor to Dr. William Roper, then dean of UNC School of Medicine, who is now serving as interim head of the UNC System. About eleven years ago, Dr. Schoenfeld got up from a rowing machine with “unbelievable pain” in his left leg. He could barely stand up. Over the counter medication didn’t help, so he went to his doctor who gave him some other medications. He said, “I took those for a short time and there was no effect whatsoever. The pain was so bad that I could neither lie down comfortably, nor walk without extreme agony.” Over the next several weeks, Ernie methodically sought relief from medical professionals. He was sent to several physicians including an orthopedist, who ordered an MRI that showed severe stenosis and scoliosis. The doctor suggested surgery would be difficult to perform, and was unlikely to bring lasting relief. Dr. Schoenfeld recalls the doctor saying: “You are just going to have to learn to live with this.” So, he reports, “at the recommendation of the orthopaedic surgeon, I went to an anesthesiologist, who said a steroid shot would relieve the pain. It didn’t, so I went to another physician who is licensed both in traditional western medicine and eastern medicine. He did several sessions of acupuncture. None of those helped.” [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2019-3-chronic-challenging.pdf) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara ![mesa verde ladder](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ladder-mesa-verde-450x600.jpg)©2019 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** acupuncture, chronic pain, energy clearing, extraction, Health and Healing Magazine, Inner Divinity, Personal Evolution, shaman, shamanic counselor durham, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanism, Spiritual Healing, UNC, UNC Medical Center, whole spirit --- ### [When Healing is Right In Front of You (and Free) – An “Aha” Moment](https://www.wholespirit.com/when-healing-is-right-in-front-of-you-and-free-an-aha-moment/) **Published:** February 19, 2019 **Author:** Mara **Content:** [![Luna2](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Luna2.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Luna2.jpg) The nature of the cells, thoughts, and faiths that comprise our unique identities have all been demonstrated to affect our health. A study by the NIH titled *Negative and Positive Beliefs Related to Mood and Health* demonstrated that an optimistic approach to one’s health has a ripple effect; beliefs affect emotion, emotion affects action. I’ve spent over 20 years in the world of “mind-body-spirit” healing and have seen remarkable transformations. Sometimes it’s through deliberate work—research, disciplined practice, healing interventions—that we make changes to the health of our bodies, minds and spirits. Sometimes it’s through serendipity, or surrender. From my work with clients and my personal experience, I’ve observed that often a simple shift in perspective or habit can be a catalyst for big change. “Aha” moments are frequently light, feeling less like work than a gift. I had an “Aha” moment some time ago. It improved my well-being on all levels. It’s very simple. You don’t have to come into my office to experience it, and the odds are you already have access to it in your own home. I have pets and I adore them. If you live with animals, I expect you feel the same way. I had an epiphany that not only deepened my relationship with them, but also strengthened my daily spiritual practice, which in turn improved my state of mental and spiritual health. Previously, when I wanted to do meditative practices I went into my bedroom, or upstairs to the office where I see clients for shamanic work. I shouldn’t be disturbed in either of those places — in theory. However, after I settled in and started a journey or meditation, I would frequently hear one cat’s distinctive deep yowl, announcing the gift of a mouse (stuffed, thankfully). It was sweet, but distracting. Or perhaps a doorknob would begin to turn. That would be the other cat, using his spookily dexterous paws trying to get in. If, once allowed in, the cats would settle down while I did my thing, that would be fine, but they wouldn’t. They would want to explore these otherwise off-limits spaces. A while back I decided to stop fighting it. I love spending time with my pets, and connecting spiritually happens most easily for me through nature and living beings. I had several of nature’s most adorable creatures trying *really* hard to get my attention during these moments when I was shifting consciousness. Had I been missing an opportunity? I’ve spent much of my career helping others see and interpret their worlds to craft more fulfilling lives; to pay attention. Perhaps I needed to reinvigorate my own practice of being mindful each day, paying better attention to what was happening around me. I started meditating with my pets each morning. Admittedly, it was a little more distracting at first. It’s a bit harder to focus on your breathing, your posture, or your mantra when there’s an adorable little beast on your lap purring with gusto; but how glorious is that? It is incredibly healing to give and receive love in this pure way. They gaze up at me, or let me hold their sweet faces or paws while they sleep. I close my eyes and sink into meditation, beginning my days in a connected and calm way. My body relaxes and stress falls away. Several things happened after practicing like this for a while. By sharing this deeply loving state with these creatures each morning, my relationship with my pets expanded, and our level of communication heightened. And increasingly, I wanted to meditate more. I looked forward to it every morning more than I had in the past. It was one of the most restorative and meaningful parts of my day. Creative ideas flowed easily, I felt peaceful. I could journey, or just be still. My work became more joyful and my spiritual practice expanded. I felt the healing benefits to my mind and spirit right away. And we know that a cat’s purring is healing to the body and improves bone density, so I’m actually getting my pets to do body work on me for free! If you have pets, try it for yourself. If you don’t, perhaps a rescue cat or dog could become a good companion for your daily practice too. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ©2019 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal communication, animal relationships, animal therapy, animal visitations, cat spirit, free therapy, Meditation, mid-body-spirit, NIH, pet therapy, petitation --- ### [The Politics of Possession](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-politics-of-possession/) **Published:** October 12, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Preface to article** *Although the title may imply that this post is a political one, it actually isn’t. It is a spiritual one. But here’s the thing, we are fooling ourselves if we think that “spiritual” reality and “reality” are two different things. We are fooling ourselves if we think that what we do while we sit and meditate is separate from what we do when we speak (or don’t speak) to our family and neighbors, or vote (or don’t vote) for people to represent us in government. We are creating our collective reality all the time. Together. With everything we do and don’t do. Every thought, word, gesture, action. Sometimes it’s easier to distract ourselves or turn away, especially when we are in pain ourselves or when things get intense, that is a natural response. But reality is being created nonetheless. The visible and invisible are always present. There is always more beneath the surface. We are in potent times — for us as individuals and collectively. It’s important to look beyond the surface, even if it’s confusing, even if it’s excruciating. It’s important that we keep looking and sensing, keep witnessing and naming what we see as best we can, keep standing for what we believe in, so that whatever needs to be illuminated can come into the light.* In general, an individual is responsible for his or her own thoughts, words and actions. In some situations mental illness increases the likelihood of aberrant behavior and is a mitigating factor in how we consider personal responsibility. Lack of empathy, violence against others, pathological lying, and detachment from reality can be signs of a personality disorder. Those suffering from mental illness may not be acting entirely within the spectrum of their own agency, but society does have some responsibility to protect the community at large from their behavior. Can humans—healthy or mentally ill—act as vessels for energy or spirit that comes from an external source? For many cultures around the world, the answer is a clear and unequivocal yes; we can and do act as vessels for spirit. This act of being inhabited by spirit can be engaged in intentionally for good purpose, but can also cause problems for unwitting hosts, and those around them. The belief that “spirits” (malevolent or otherwise) can possess a person and affect their thoughts, emotions and actions spans religious, cultural, and therapeutic belief systems. The Catholic Church employs fifty priests as exorcists in the United States alone— *a 317% increase in the past decade*. Ivy League trained psychologist Richard Gallagher has incorporated this dynamic into his practice. Part of his work is to sort out people with garden-variety mental illness from those who are genuinely possessed. [See this Washington Post article for more information.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/07/01/as-a-psychiatrist-i-diagnose-mental-illness-and-sometimes-demonic-possession/?utm_term=.85ecadd8296f) Spirit possession is much more commonplace than most Westerners are aware. When we’re compromised energetically, or not entirely grounded within ourselves, we are particularly vulnerable to the latching on of suffering spirits. We may have unfamiliar or painful bodily sensations, thoughts and emotions that are uncomfortable or not our own, or a general sense of uneasiness, anxiety or fear. Usually these suffering beings are misguided or confused on their way to their resting place after physical death. A skilled practitioner can correct this situation pretty quickly, with compassion for both parties. However, not all spirits are misguided or confused, some take pleasure in causing pain. Through their power over a living person, they translate that thirst for inflicting harm into the physical realm. When we combine a genuinely malicious spiritual presence with a human vessel inclined to cruelty, selfishness, and a lack of basic human decency the potential for a very dangerous situation evolves. There are periods of time, cultural moments, populated with prominent and powerful figures who are particularly astute at coalescing the energy of their times. Putting this dynamic in a non-spiritual context, think of the power that charismatic leaders have over their followers. If used for good this can be a powerful motivator to create positive change. Think Mahatma Gandhi or Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. However, when that personal charisma is used for evil, unthinkable deeds come to pass. Think Jim Jones or Adolf Hitler. Perhaps they do this through their own personalities and will alone. Mental illness may be a factor in some cases. And is it possible that those powerful and charismatic leaders were not entirely solo agents in their thoughts and deeds? Was the power they wielded sourced at least in part externally or were they simply able to tap into collective convictions to unite people en masse. Again, for better or worse. In the case of some of the most destructive figures, perhaps through their own compromised spirits, they make it possible for possession to occur on a level that risks not just themselves but large numbers of their fellow citizens who are drawn to them. When a significant portion of the collective is dazzled by such a charismatic figure, and falls under the spell of their glamour, we are in precarious times indeed. When reporters talk about [crowds as “absent of soul,”](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/10/03/trump-mocks-christine-blasey-ford-crowd-laughs-baldwin-nr-vpx.cnn.) referencing people cheering as Donald Trump made fun of a sexual assault victim, I take note. Not because it is a criticism of any particular group of people, but because the spiritual dynamic has become apparent even to people who are not working in this realm every day, who don’t generally speak in terms of soul or energy. When people respond to cruelty with joy and cheering, we have a problem, regardless of your political party or beliefs. Whatever your thoughts on literal spiritual possession, we are collectively in a situation that strains our ability to hold together as a country and a planet. Our institutions and our environment as we know them are crumbling, literally melting around us at unprecedented speed. We need to work practically to create safety in the visible realms, but perhaps the more important work will be to “cast out” what is threatening us on the invisible level. Whatever that is, however we feel comfortable describing it or naming it —something is here and it will be addressed one way or the other. Perhaps a better way to think about it is what do we want to call in, who do we want to be? What do we want to embody as individuals and as a society? When we are filled with what is nourishing (literally and metaphorically) we can handle some toxicity and still thrive. When we are not paying attention to what we are made of, what we are feeding ourselves with, we are vulnerable. We create the future from the present. Whatever your spiritual beliefs are, now is a good time to call on sources of love and healing. Don’t let violence take away your peacefulness. Don’t let cruelty take away your kindness. Don’t let ugliness take away your beauty. Don’t let brutality take away your humanity. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ©2018 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** absent of soul, catholic church, exorcism, martin luther king jr, possession, richard gallagher, the politics of possession --- ### [Amazing Grace and Gratitude](https://www.wholespirit.com/amazing-grace-and-gratitude/) **Published:** November 21, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Amazing Grace and Gratitude I’m thankful for many things. Some seen and understood, many not. I’m sharing, as I have done in the past, an experience I had at Thanksgiving that reminded me of the “amazing grace” with which we operate. I hope you feel it in your life, even in times of stress and pain, and certainly in times of abundance and love. I wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving, Mara > [Amazing Grace](https://www.wholespirit.com/amazing-grace/) [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ©2018 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Amazing Grace, Blind Boys of Alabama, Deborah Cayer, divine, ERUUF, Grace, Inner Divinity, iPod, John Newton, Merriam-Webster, minister, regeneration, sanctification, Shazam, synchronicity, Unitarian Universalist, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Halloween Blessings](https://www.wholespirit.com/halloween-blessings/) **Published:** October 31, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Today is a complex, sacred and powerful day. Ancient traditions blend with modern ones. In many cultures this is a time to honor the dead. We do this in earnest with ceremony and ritual, and with play and with much meaning lost by dressing children in costumes of ghosts and skeletons. However you choose to spend your day and evening tonight, remember that today is perhaps the time when the veil between the worlds is thinnest. Much is not as it seems. *Today’s Journey* What should I be aware of on this powerful day? Each day I send out a journey idea, a blessing, a topic for meditation through *365 Journeys: Shamanism for Everyday*. For more information and [to begin receiving your daily journeys click here](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys.php). What will your journey be today? Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ©2018 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** all souls, day of the dead, halloween, sacred, samhain, skeletons, veils between the worlds --- ### [Making the Most of Uncertainty](https://www.wholespirit.com/making-the-most-of-uncertainty/) **Published:** June 23, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Uncertainty is a prevalent theme right now. Many people are experiencing a sense of impending shifts or surprising changes. This can be an uncomfortable state of anticipation, often for something that is unclear. If this situation describes where you are, know you’re not alone. Call on your best techniques for staying peaceful and connected. Here are some quick fixes: - Step outside and be in nature, breathe the air (yes even if it is humid), watch the birds, find a flower to smell. The cycles of nature continue even when our lives feel shaky. This is grounding. - Move away from your devices and move your body. Stretch, run, dance, jump up and down, whatever helps you dislodge some of the stagnant energy that accumulates uncomfortably. - Break your situation down into smaller pieces and only deal with one at a time, revisit others at a later date that you decide on. - Do something distracting that you love. Visit a friend, see a movie, read, paint, play with the dog. Get out of your head space and mulling over your situation for the umpteenth time. - Take care of someone else (if this is not already your job) and really sink into it. If care-taking is a big part of your day already, take some time to tend to yourself. If you need some more specific guidance for your situation, let me know. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/water-patterns-joshua-k-jackson-261210-200x300.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ©2018 Mara Bishop **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Change, Durham, intuitive counseling, shamanic healing, Shamanism, uncertainty, wholespirit --- ### [Magical Places](https://www.wholespirit.com/magical-places/) **Published:** September 3, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_1769-600x450.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ireland, magic, magical places, stone circles --- ### [Art & Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/art-nature/) **Published:** August 31, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Nature is a balm and inspiration to me always. I know it is for so many of you too. Rather than putting too many words to my thoughts on this, I’m just going to share a picture of something beautiful I found in my yard today. I love it for what it is, but also for how it evokes something else. It reminds me of Tibetan paintings. How about you? ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/tibetan-cloud-mushroom-450x600.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [WildHeart Yoga Events ~ Olynda Smith, Devi Day and Free Yoga!](https://www.wholespirit.com/wildheart-yoga-events-olynda-smith-devi-day-and-free-yoga/) **Published:** January 3, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I wanted to post this information from my friend Olynda Smith. Some of you may know that I’ve been a guest presenter for one of these lovely Devi Days (although I won’t be at this one) and also at Durham Yoga. She’s the real deal. Yoga with integrity and heart. Join us for a luxurious women’s retreat in Chapel Hill NC on February 1st. We’ll use yogic postures, breath work, meditation and chanting to explore and ignite our inner fire. Come enjoy a beautiful location, a fantastic community of women, and the inspiration of the Fire Devis. More information coming soon- write Olynda to find out more! $40-$100 suggested donation. Pay what you can, no one turned away! to register The intro class: http://durhamyoga.com/intro-to-yoga/ Wed Date: Jan 15, 2014 to Feb 26, 2014 From: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM Are you ready to start a yoga practice? Curious what yoga is all about? Interested in delving back into the basics and refining your alignment? This class is for you! This seven-week series is taught sequentially, so each class builds on the previous class. This way, you will get a full introduction to the basic postures, the breath work, the meditation practices, and the philosophy of yoga. Yoga can increase flexibility, strength, and comfort in your body; it can bring a sense of peace to mind and heart and serve as a way to connect more deeply with ourselves and with our communities. Come discover the benefits of yoga for yourself. Make sure to come with an empty stomach, be prepared to take shoes and socks off, and wear clothes that are comfortable and not too loose. If you miss a class, you can make up in Patty’s series, Mondays at 5:30 p.m. $70 for all 7 sessions; $65 early bird through January 10, or drop in for $15 a session Free class January 8th. More information about Olynda and Wild Heart Yoga For more details about [Mara](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "About Mara") and [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** alignment, devi day, durham yoga, flexibility, integrity, Olynda Smith, strength, wild heart yoga, yoga --- ### [Federal Government OKs Killing of Remaining Wild Red Wolves](https://www.wholespirit.com/federal-government-oks-killing-of-remaining-wild-red-wolves/) **Published:** July 24, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Forgive the long post please – action items in ordinary and non-ordinary reality are at the end. I know we are saturated with tragic stories and emergent crises. There are many calls for help. Today I write about one of the many, but ask for help in perhaps a less common way. This may be a hard headline to read, but if there isn’t a change of course it’s likely to become reality in a short while. You may already know about what’s happening in eastern North Carolina with the endangered wild red wolf population. It’s an issue that I care deeply about. My daughter and I were lucky enough to hear these wolves howl at night years ago. When I think about how to make a difference in the world I have different approaches, some are in the visible realms and some are in the invisible realms. Because I am very attached to the earth and her creatures, it’s hard for me to imagine that allowing red wolves to be shot to extinction is for the highest good. I also am aware that despite “right” and “wrong” appearing to be very clear in some instances, I don’t always know what may be happening in the bigger picture. So in the visible realms, I am acting, even as I feel relatively powerless, to speak up about it. See below for more information. July 30th is the deadline for input to the federal government. In the invisible realms, the bigger picture is formed. It germinates in the void where many possibilites exist. In these realms it’s perhaps more helpful to ask for help without having a pre-formed idea of what the outcome should be. This is the approach of Shamanism Without Borders. Offering help—to situations, beings, places—but without our own agendas and biases. So I am doing this as well. I invite you to join me in working shamanically on behalf of the red wolves of eastern NC. Shamanism Without Borders has a protocol which I’m happy to share. But I encourage you to simply journey to ask for permission to support the wolves and their situation in whatever way is needed right now…even if it is not what you think. Ask what you can do to be an agent of healing. Read more In eastern North Carolina, we have the last remaining population of wild red wolves. Those wolves have been protected to varying degrees over the years. The federal government via the USFWS has decided to remove those protections, which will likely result in the extinction of red wolves (largely by hunting) unless this course is altered. I’m condensing the situation – for more accurate and complete information about the extinction of wild red wolves see a few posts below, each with links to the USFW Service’s comment page open until July 30. Post from the NY Wolf Center [https://nywolf.org/feds-proposed-plan-will-result-in-the-e…/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnywolf.org%2Ffeds-proposed-plan-will-result-in-the-extinction-of-wild-red-wolves%2F&h=AT10dtFfMvUXi1pXjixObkCiB4Ci61CUBxWiPiV1IuXNK10jHxqqx20l6Zr6-AV5unVkfVur6OFDFoR4Pye8KRsmyKH9tG1jIVdkfmwMvMnHvD-vEkzLfGNISKXdCSEanWydqgYb3IFreiDnmi6yTgZ9xshmynnWlnIUO-xI) WRAL article New Federal Regulations Could Mean the End of Red Wolves – [https://www.wral.com/new-federal-plan-could-mean-the-end…/…/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wral.com%2Fnew-federal-plan-could-mean-the-end-of-red-wolves-in-nc%2F17675674%2F&h=AT16E31pHzsv7eEYgNdzpL_RAgD74QIKYoWttHPoQc8pC3hPHOSF1AMK1wJ13EpCcBFcVrJGkaAuDiSJwtEs5PEUrBU6ORsXtHTInTJInlnQfs2J59VM6s15xXa-zygzwLb25iz1EeKDsFDuF4gqea-OV44MO5SRVt-h8zab) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Alligator River Wildlife Sanctuary, endangered wolves, extinction, nc red wolf, NY Wolf Center, red wolf, red wolves, wolf --- ### [Sacred Hoop article and 100th issue offer](https://www.wholespirit.com/sacred-hoop-article-and-100th-issue-offer/) **Published:** June 21, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The excellent UK based shamanic magazine Sacred Hoop is celebrating the publication of its 100th issue with a [subscription special ](http://www.sacredhoop.org/offer.html)(and an article by me on extra sensory overload and addiction). [![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Sacred-Hoop-cover-6-18-231x300.png)](http://www.sacredhoop.org/offer.html)[![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Sacred-Hoop-sensory-oerload-addiction-article-237x300.png)](http://www.sacredhoop.org/offer.html) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** addiction, empathy, energetic boundaries, energy clearing, extra sensory overload, Mara Bishop, Sacred Hoop, shaman, shamanic healing, Shamanism, soul retrieval, Spiritual Healing, whole spirit --- ### [Evolving Shamanism: A Piece of the Puzzle](https://www.wholespirit.com/evolving-shamanism-a-piece-of-the-puzzle/) **Published:** May 3, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** In my latest article for Health & Healing I write about how shamanic healing can play a role in working collaboratively with allopathic medicine. I also discuss an experiment I conducted to see if we can affect body temperature through shamanic journeying. The results were interesting! **[READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2018-4-evolving-shamanism.pdf)** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/fern-300x225.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** body temperature, complementary medicine, Energy Healing, Evolving shamanism, Health and Healing Magazine, Mara Bishop, shaman, shamanic healing, Shamanism, Whole Spirit Center, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Two Aspects of Addiction; Two Shamanic Remedies](https://www.wholespirit.com/two-aspects-of-addiction-two-shamanic-remedies/) **Published:** March 8, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** How can shamanic work help with the struggle with addictions? My latest article for Health & Healing addresses two patterns that I see frequently: extrasensory overload and spiritual detachment. [Read More](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2018-2-addictions.pdf) ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mara-Bishop-crop2-290x300.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** addiction, extrasensory overload, healthy and healing, shamanic healing, Shamanism, soul retrieval, spiritual detachment, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Shamanic Energy Medicine Intro @ Wellville](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-energy-medicine-intro-wellville/) **Published:** February 13, 2018 **Author:** John **Content:** Are you wondering what shamanic healing is about? Would you like to hear more without having to commit to an appointment? Do you like specific tips for what you can do on your own, in addition to guidance about what practitioners may be able to do for you? Consider joining me next week at the beautiful Wellville Massage and Healing Arts for *Energy Medicine: Simple Shamanic Practices for Staying Safe, Healthy and at Peace.* Wednesday 2/21 6:00-7:30 PM [More info](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/energy-medicine-simple-shamanic-practices-for-staying-safe-healthy-and-at-peace/) ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/lotus-ahmed-saffu-208364-slice-300x129.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** core shamanism, Durham, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, energy medicine, Energy personality, Evolving shamanism, Healing, healing with spiritual light, Inner Divinity, Mara Bishop, Meditation, Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, Shamanic Energy Medicine, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing, Wellville, wholespirit --- ### [Making the Most of the Unexpected](https://www.wholespirit.com/making-the-most-of-the-unexpected/) **Published:** January 20, 2018 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I live in Durham NC and we had a snowstorm this week. We were supposed to get an inch or two. Despite best efforts and good intentions, the predictions were wrong. We got 8-12 inches in some areas. Here in NC that basically means everything that is not absolutely essential stops. Coming from a colder climate originally, I found this a little surprising when I moved here 20 years ago. Since then, I’ve come to love it. Yes, it can be disrupting and chaotic and disappointing for all sorts of reasons. But…SNOW DAY! ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/snowyday-600x168.jpg) It’s been so beautiful. The first day was still and quiet, shades of black and white. The next was brilliant blue skies with snow like glitter falling from the tree branches catching the sunlight. Everything is white and gleaming. The quiet was punctuated occasionally by happy shouts from someone sledding nearby. We made a snow woman, encouraged the dog to pull us on a sled, and enjoyed fires and hot biscuits. Unexpected family time, additional rest, and the beauty of nature feel especially precious to me right now. I hope you were able to take advantage of this somewhat unexpected act of nature. If you are someone who helped keep us safe through these times and worked through it, thank you. If you live elsewhere and this was just a regular week, your unexpected snow day (or whatever other kind of extraordinary day) will come and I hope it brings you joy. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [Reiki - Deep Relaxation Promotes Deep Healing](https://www.wholespirit.com/reiki-deep-relaxation-promotes-deep-healing/) **Published:** December 28, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** An excerpt from my recent article in Health & Healing magazine about Reiki, relaxation, and creating a safe energetic environment for clients, practitioners, and students: My clients report many benefits from receiving Reiki treatments, from physical pain relief to easing of anxiety, but perhaps the most consistent experience is a profound level of relaxation. For many, this is not simply a restful pause but an intense releasing, a shift in consciousness that differs from many other kinds of therapeutic sessions. Reiki is a form of energy medicine that originated in Japan in the end of the 19th century. The kanji, or characters, for Reiki can be interpreted to mean “healing energy flowing from the divine into the hands of the shaman, who combines that energy with the life giving power of the elements to balance body and spirit.” More simply, a client is held in a safe and grounded way in universal healing energy. This is deeply soothing. We know the benefit of rest, both personally and from research that shows adequate sleep improves memory and creativity, helps repair tissue and decrease inflammation, and generally sets the stage for optimal productivity and better mood. But if sleep is interrupted—by loud noise, for example… [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-2017-12-Reiki.pdf) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Energy Healing, reiki, Reiki healing, Reiki Master, reiki training, shamanic healing, Usui Shiki Ryoho --- ### [Healing with Spiritual Light Lunch](https://www.wholespirit.com/healing-with-spiritual-light-lunch/) **Published:** October 27, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Join me for a “Light Lunch” – Healing with Spiritual Light virtual gathering There are many ways to respond to crisis. Sometimes immediate physical action is needed. When possible, we can send money or supplies, make phone calls, or be a patient listener. In addition to these visible methods, working in the invisible realms can have a deep effect, personally and collectively. During this brief midday session we will connect to the divine within, not to turn away from the tragedies that are happening all around, not to navel gaze, but to create light. The ancient principle of as within so without reminds us how powerful it can be when we remember our inner divinity, and see other people, places, animals and communities who may be suffering in their divine light as well. - Wednesday November 1st - 12:30 pm EST - No experience necessary - RSVP appreciated – [email me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) or dial in number and with any questions. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sunrise-eagle-rock-300x93.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** divinity, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, Inner Divinity, Meditation, shamanic healing, Shamanism, Spiritual Healing, wholespirit --- ### [Join me for a "Light" Lunch Tomorrow! 9/8](https://www.wholespirit.com/join-me-for-a-light-lunch-tomorrow-98/) **Published:** September 7, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Healing with Spiritual Light Virtual Gathering There are many ways to respond to crisis. Sometimes immediate physical action is needed. When possible, we can send money or supplies, make phone calls, or be a patient listener. In addition to these visible methods, working in the invisible realms can have a deep effect, personally and collectively. During this brief midday session we will connect to the divine within, not to turn away from the tragedies that are happening all around, not to naval gaze, but to create light. The ancient principle of as within so without reminds us how powerful it can be when we remember our inner divinity, and see other people, places, animals and communities who may be suffering in their divine light as well. - Friday September 8th - 12:30 pm EST - No experience necessary - RSVP appreciated – [email me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) or dial in number and with any questions. ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sunrise-eagle-rock-300x93.jpg) To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** divinity, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, Inner Divinity, shamanic healing --- ### [9/16 Class Helps With Strong Boundaries While Staying Compassionate](https://www.wholespirit.com/916-class-helps-with-strong-boundaries-while-staying-compassionate/) **Published:** August 28, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** When times are individually and collectively intense it can be hard to find the balance between having strong boundaries and keeping our compassion and empathy. In my next class, Navigating the Energy Ecosystem coming up on Saturday, September 16th, our focus is on being able to do both: staying balanced and strong energetically and staying compassionate and intuitive. When we are porous energetically, and unable to adjust when the situation calls for higher levels of impermeability, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with energy of other people and environments. Sometimes our best defense (usually subconsciously) is to shut down so we feel even less. Unfortunately, we can then start to feel numb to the things that bring joy, to our inner wisdom, to relationships and intimacy. In this class, we’ll work on some simple methods to understand your energetic personality – who you are innately and how you respond instinctually to the energy of people and places. You’ll develop a tool kit of ways to have more control over your energetic body and boundaries, and see first hand the difference they will make in experiential exercises. I’ll give you some strategies for managing the three phases of preventive energy medicine. [This article on the effects of energetic “skin care” is relevant to the work we will be doing in this class](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-taking-care-of-your-energetic-skin/). Our skin is our largest physical boundary, and here are some good parallels between physical and energetic skin care. [More information about the class and to register.](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/navigating-the-energy-ecosystem-3/) ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/prismatic-spring-yellowstone-300x225.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** energetic boundaries, energy ecosystem, Navigating the Energy Ecosystem, preventive energy medicine --- ### [Forest Bathing makes it to CNN!](https://www.wholespirit.com/forest-bathing-makes-it-to-cnn/) **Published:** August 11, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/forest-kazuend-40010-200x300.jpg) Shinrin Yoku and the healing benefits of nature ([which I wrote about in this post](https://www.wholespirit.com/can-nature-help-us-heal-forest-bathing-a-room-with-a-view-and-new-studies-about-nature-stress-and-brain-function/)) are the subject of a recent CNN article titled [Why you should be forest bathing (and we don’t mean shampoo)](http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/10/health/forest-bathing/index.html). Nature is having a moment in some quarters and being disrespected more flagrantly in others. #loveyourmother. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** CNN, forest bathing, love your mother, shinrin-yoku --- ### [Join me for 365 Journeys: Shamanism for Every Day - Starts June 21st!](https://www.wholespirit.com/join-me-for-365-journeys/) **Published:** May 22, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I created this program to be simple. A journey is delivered to you each morning. What you do with it is up to you. Use the journey idea in meditation, skip as many days as you like, use the year as it suits you. It is not meant to add to your “to do” list, but to be a gentle support in connecting to your sources of wisdom and healing. I’m interested to hear from you about how the year unfolds! People are: - writing that the journeys help them stay mindful and present each day - waking each day and talking about them with their partners - finding that the journeys are surprisingly synchronous with what’s happening in their own lives - saying that the journeys stay with them for the whole day. and simply, **“I love reading your 365 Journeys each morning!”** ***Starts June 21st.*** [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys.php) [JOIN NOW](https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=7389643459af0&mfid=1495491539648_7389643459af0#/checkout/openButton) ![365 banner with text](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/365-banner-with-text-600x211.gif) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, Apprenticeship, core shamanism, Evolving shamanism, Personal Evolution, power animal, shaman, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Shamanism for Every Day, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spirit teachers, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Shamanic Journeying Class in April](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-journeying-class-in-april/) **Published:** April 6, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** What is shamanic journeying? It’s actually a specific method and what distinguishes core shamanic practices from other spiritual and healing practices. It’s a way to connect with your own sources of guidance, power and healing. This method is available to anyone with a sincere interest and an open mind. You don’t have to believe anything coming in, just see what you experience for yourself. My next scheduled introductory group is a two-part class, Mondays April 17th & 24th from 6:30 – 9:00. For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com Events](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/shamanic-journeying-introduction-part-1/). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/drums-and-sticks-copy-300x225.jpg) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming, Evolving shamanism, power animal, Sacred Space, shaman, shamanic, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Two Mouse Morning...updated!](https://www.wholespirit.com/two-mouse-morning/) **Published:** March 5, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Sometimes the most delightful gifts are unexpected and um…not exactly what you would have asked for. Our sweet cat Luna will periodically bestow her highest honor upon us by delivering one of her favorite stuffed mice. She announces the arrival of her gift with a distinctive fanfare meow, which we now recognize. As I sat at my desk this morning, she brought not one, but two mice in quick succession! Unheard of. But wait! As I type, she has come back with a third. This is an outstanding show of love (or concern?) Really these are remnants of her hunting instincts and she is taking care of me as part of her family, and maybe trying to teach me how to hunt for my own food. I accept this as a message of love, support and abundance. There will always be enough mice for me. I sit with the gift, especially the gift of a delightfully silky Luna curled on my lap. [![IMG_8272](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_8272-300x225.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_8272.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with your own stories of animal love and healing! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [Healing Movement: When, Where and How](https://www.wholespirit.com/healing-movement-when-where-and-how/) **Published:** March 3, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Here’s a link to my latest article in Health & Healing in the Triangle. *[Healing Movement: When, Where and How](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Movement-Feb-2017.pdf)*. I talk about several very different kinds of movement, including some of the research that supports the value of keeping setting in mind. I also have a very simple formula to apply when deciding whether to “move” or stay still. Baby animals are often better at deciding this on the fly then adult humans, but we’ll get there. 🙂 Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** forest bathing, healing movement, Health & Healing in the Triangle, movement, shinrin-yoku, women's march --- ### [Distance Healing: What is it? Does it Work? Give it a Try?](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-what-is-it-does-it-work-give-it-a-try/) **Published:** February 5, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Distance healing has a long history, and has been the subject of scientific study with a range of results. Whether described as prayer, energy medicine, shamanic healing or other forms of spiritual or energetic practice, it involves using intention to affect another person who does not physically share the same space at the same time. Many people have reported significant positive changes after doing remote healing with me, including reduced migraines adn chronic pain, improved emotional states and increased creativity. Dr. Larry Dossey talks about this kind of healing as Era III, or non-local, medicine. [Era III medicine](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=999739&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dosseydossey.com%2Flarry%2FQnA.html) recognizes that our physical and energetic bodies are connected, but are not bound together, allowing the conscious intention of one person to affect another person across distance and time.”[The Science of Distance Healing” from the Huffington Post](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=999739&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fsrinivasan-pillay%2Fthe-science-of-distant-he_b_177986.html) describes [one study](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=999739&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fpubmed%2F18602616) that measured skin conductivity to determine the effects of distance healing. The changes were highest in the group receiving the healing, with the odds that the measurements were the result of chance being 0.09%. The Institute of Noetic Sciences produced the following articles ([first article](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=999739&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fnoetic.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fuploads%2Ffiles%2FDistantIntentionality.pdf), [second article](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=999739&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fnoetic.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fuploads%2Ffiles%2FBenor_DistantHealing.pdf)) which document many experiments with positive, mixed and neutral results for distance healing. lf you would like to experience it yourself, please join me (remotely) this Monday February 6th at 6:00 pm EST and/or Wednesday February 15th at 12:00. I periodically run a 2 for 1 special on the sessions, which I will extend through February. Buy 2 for yourself or give one to someone you care about. [More information about the sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-sessions.php) is available at WholeSpirit.com. Simply [click here to register ](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=999739&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DJCF7TTMG94Q92)and then by Monday morning, please send me a name, photo and intention on which you’d like me to focus. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, Era 3 medicine, healing with spiritual light, Huffington Post, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Larry Dossey, reiki, remote healing, Self care, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing, The Science of Distance Healing --- ### [Meaning of Life?](https://www.wholespirit.com/meaning-of-life/) **Published:** January 31, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I was asked the meaning of life by an interviewer a while back. Periodically I check to see if I still agree with myself. What do you think? The meaning of life is what we bring to it. Meaning can be made from anything at anytime. The intersection between the external and internal worlds, the physical and the spiritual, is the fertile place where we determine individually how we will interpret the meaning of our own lives. This may change for us over time. I won’t presume to declare what the meaning of life is for you. For me, at this moment, it is about being as present and expansive in the love for the people who rely on me as possible. It is meaningful to me to watch patterns unfolding in the lives of the people who seek me out and to try and help them find peace and balance. Life is deeply meaningful to me when I can add comfort rather than pain to someone else’s day. The warbling of the wrens in the morning is also meaningful to me because it is liquid joy which transports me from the heaviness that is also part of existence. *“Meaning”* is not necessarily about cognition but about something more ephemeral and profound. I saw the most fantastic rainbow yesterday in the parking lot at Target. For me, it was a reminder of how power can be found in the intersection of our necessary everyday activities, like running errands, the radiance of nature, and the divine. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** meaning of life --- ### [Day of Remembrance](https://www.wholespirit.com/day-of-remembrance/) **Published:** January 27, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is a day to consider the unfathomable loss of over 6 million Jewish lives. As we are reminded of the horrific suffering so many endured, may we also be reminded of our individual and collective responsibility to assure that we do not repeat our mistakes. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [You are not alone](https://www.wholespirit.com/you-are-not-alone/) **Published:** January 26, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** These are intense times, regardless of how things are going in your personal life or how you feel about the state of the world. But remember, you are not alone. I wrote the paragraph below some time ago to sum up what I hoped to provide for people. It feels particularly applicable right now. I’m sharing it in case it speaks to you, or perhaps for you to share with someone you know who could benefit from some support. “You may feel like the world is shifting under your feet and it’s hard to stay balanced. You may have friends and family, a doctor or a minister, a therapist, or all of the above. However, now may be the time to try something new, because what you are experiencing doesn’t fit neatly into any category from your past. Maybe you feel something welling up inside and sense change is coming whether you like it or not. You’d like to figure out how to respond to this sense of urgency (or gentle voice, or feeling that something is not quite right in your life) proactively rather than reactively. You need a place that is safe and sacred, welcoming whatever your beliefs are, wherever you are on your journey. My goal is to provide that sacred space, to be a catalyst for you to connect to your internal and external sources of spiritual support, guidance and healing.” Wherever and however you find it, I encourage you to seek others who buoy you, ideas that nourish you, activities that help you stay healthy. And remember, you are not alone. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [Join me for a day of Awakening Wisdom and the Divine Feminine with Olynda Smith](https://www.wholespirit.com/join-me-for-a-day-of-awakening-wisdom-and-the-divine-feminine-with-olynda-smith/) **Published:** January 25, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I will be the lovely Olynda’s guest for this Devi Day focusing on Wisdom. February 11th from 9-4 This retreat day will be focused on nourishing and calling forth our own inner wisdom. We’ll gather at the beautiful yet convenient Sfeer studios and have a day of yoga, connection, wellness and soul nourishment. Our focus will be on the Feminine way of deep knowing. We’ll explore different archetypes of Divine Feminine wisdom in the world, in history and most importantly in ourselves. We’ll call in the energy of Saraswati, Athena and Sophia as they give us a way to tap into our own wisdom, intuition and discernment. We’ll incorporate some powerful practices to help clear, balance and nourish the 6th chakra – the seat of knowing. Our practice of asana (poses), breath work and meditation will help us awaken into our own deep insight and wisdom. We will look at shamanic perspectives for connecting with wisdom and finding our place in the lineage that links us to past and future. Sfeer Studio 200 Britton Drive Chapel Hill NC $75 suggested donation/sliding scale [MORE INFORMATION](http://www.wildheartyoga.com/devi-days/) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** ancestral wisdom, devi day, divine feminine, Olynda Smith, retreat, Shamanism, wildheart yoga, yoga --- ### [Yoga for Parents with Olynda Smith](https://www.wholespirit.com/yoga-for-parents-with-olynda-smith/) **Published:** January 10, 2017 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Olynda Smith is beginning a wonderful workshop series called Yoga for Parents at the Durham Yoga Company beginning January 14th. On the mat we not only cultivate health, we also give ourselves the skills and support to embody patience, calm, compassion, and more. This ripples out to everyone we interact with—especially for our kids. These workshops give you everyday skills to support you as you do the impossibly hard work of parenting. Olynda brings her experience as a Montessori teacher and parent to help illuminate the importance of this inner work and to help you bridge the gap from mat to home. The Best Present Ever: Cultivating Presence Saturday, January 14, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Those Are Some Big Feelings: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence Saturday, January 28, 2:00–4:00 p.m. The Sacred Pause: The Art of Responding Rather Than Reacting Saturday, February 18, 2:00–4:00 p.m. $25 per workshop $60 for all three $5 discount for second parent for each workshop More info at [wildheartyoga.com](http://wildheartyoga.com/) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** durham yoga, montessori, Olynda Smith, wildheart yoga, yoga --- ### [Tending Ourselves and Others Newsletter with Donation Offer](https://www.wholespirit.com/tending-ourselves-and-others-newsletter-with-donation-offer/) **Published:** December 10, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** For new sessions purchased through 12/25 I’m offering a 30% donation to various organizations. Take care of yourself, gift to a loved one and take care of others in need. [MORE DETAILS HERE](http://www.icontact-archive.com/zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CWvbKs1lOS7n?w=3) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ACLU Foundation, Defenders of Wildlife, donation, Earth Justice, Planned Parenthood, Red Cross, Stop Hunger Now --- ### [Finding Our Way Forward ~ with Jane Norton](https://www.wholespirit.com/finding-our-way-forwardpost-election-emotional-healing-with-jane-norton/) **Published:** November 30, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** My dear and multi-talented friend Jane is hosting this workshop. Check it out if you can. She’s been in our community a long time, is wise and has a lot of tools to offer. **Finding Our Way Forward ~ Post Election Emotional Healing** **WHY:** Are you suffering from PESD- Post Election Stress Disorder? Many of us are feeling intense emotional repercussions from the collective trauma we have experienced throughout the hostile campaign, shocking loss and daily news of what is unfolding. I believe that to navigate this new landscape we need to address our feelings and discover our path to moving forward in a way that supports us as we work for the people and issues that matter to us. **WHAT:** identify and clear emotions related to this election, open up to guidance about what’s next for you individually, share ideas for collectively engaging in community healing and action. **HOW:** I will share a tool that is helping me through this experience. You will learn and practice a simple process that you can use yourself after this workshop to continue addressing this issue or others that arise. **PTT (Picture Tapping Technique)** uses Meridian Tapping, along with the power of metaphor and image to release issues in a painless and indirect way. The use of hand drawn images allows direct access to the subconscious where all issues are stored and healing can take place. This is not about making art, but using symbols to express what you are currently feeling about an issue and then using tapping to clear the charge. There is no need to verbally describe your issue or your feelings, so this is a very safe, private process. To see more about PTT, go to [www.livingnaturesdesign.com/picture-tapping](http://livingnaturesdesign.com/energy-healing-tools/ptt-picture-tapping-technique/) **WHERE**: Dancing Leaves Sanctuary (Jane Norton’s home), 5605 Mt. Sinai Rd Durham **WHEN:** **Sunday, December 4****th****, 1:00-4pm** **WHO:** Jane has recently been certified in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) having witnessed and experienced profound results. EFT has been used successfully to treat PTSD and a host of other issues. She is amazed by the Picture Tapping Technique and is looking for opportunities to offer this healing tool to all people who want to make the world a better place. **Past workshop participants have said:** *“I feel more focused, relaxed, much more centered and less fatigued since my session.”* *“ I loved coming through the process to a more lovely place–of openness, self acceptance and readiness to take on the next task (whatever that may be).”* **For more information, contact: Jane at 919-490-1849 /** [**sustainjane@gmail.com**](mailto:sustainjane@gmail.com) Please R.S.V.P.- limited spaces available Suggested donation $20 If you cannot make the workshop, **private sessions are also available.** \~~~~~~~~ Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique, Healing, Jane Norton, Living Nature's Design, Picture Tapping Technique, Post Election, Post Election Stress Disorder, PTT, trauma --- ### [365 Journeys extended, but join now for this round!](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys-extended-but-join-now-for-this-round/) **Published:** July 1, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** People are still signing up for this round of 365 Journeys, so I’ll keep this round open a little longer, until mid -July. The next round will begin September 22nd with weekly journeys starting right away, so plenty of bonus material if you sign up early! If 365 journeys sounds like a whole lot of journeying to you, remember this is not meant to add to your “to do” list, but to be a gentle support in connecting to your sources of wisdom and healing. Use the journey idea in meditation, skip as many days as you like, use the year as it suits you. I’m interested to hear from you about how the year unfolds. [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys.php) ![365 banner with text](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/365-banner-with-text-600x211.gif) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** daily practice, journeys, Meditation, mindfulness, prayer, shaman, shamanic, Shamanism --- ### [Information Overload, Your Temperament, Finding Equilibrium](https://www.wholespirit.com/information-overload-your-temperament-finding-equilibrium/) **Published:** June 28, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Here’s an an excerpt from, and a link to, my recent article in Health and Healing. This edition dealt with making healthcare choices when there is: so much information available, a lot of contradictory data, and an abundance of options for self treatment. Dealing with the options, and for being advocates for ourselves in the health care system, can be overwhelming. **![fern small](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fern-small-300x225.jpg)** **Information Overload** Too much information can pull us out of balance. Like any systems faced with too much input, overloaded bodies, brains and emotions can begin to malfunction. Because individuals have different temperaments in dealing with input, uncertainty, and change it’s important to understand your own temperament in order to manage your health in an age of abundant, and often conflicting, information. And it’s crucial to be able to regain your equilibrium if your systems have been overwhelmed. Identify and Understand **Your Temperament** Does significant input about your health care decisions (or any other issue) from family, friends, practitioners, books, or online tend to increase your anxiety? If so, impose some limits. Perhaps get a second opinion, but not a third. Share your concerns with one or two close friends but not everyone in your circle. Spend an hour reading, not three. As in most things, prevention is the best medicine for this kind of overload. Is your natural inclination to dispassionately research everything until you feel confident in your choices? Go for it! Put all the data in a color-coded spreadsheet and stop only when you feel convinced. If this is you, remember that research frequently yields conflicting results, so your “best” investigated choice today, may not be the “best” choice next month. Let that go, make your choice in the moment, and then step forward with confidence. Whether your decision-making process is primarily internal, or one that relies heavily on the advice of experts, it is important at some point to give yourself a break from the process of decision-making. This is essential to keeping your equilibrium. **Finding Your Equilibrium** From a place of relative calm, we have better perspective and are able to make better decisions. Finding equilibrium is sometimes as easy as remembering to make time for the things you are already aware of that soothe you. Other times, there are psychological and physiological barriers to this state that are a little more challenging. You don’t necessarily need to do esoteric or “spiritual” practices. Calming things are often pleasurable and simple. Here is a personal example. [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Finding-Equilibrium-June-2016.pdf) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** balance, equilibrium, Health & Healing Magazine, healthcare choices, herbal supplements, information overload, Meditation, over the counter, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, spiritual practices, wholespirit --- ### [Does a Daily Practice Sound Like A Drag?](https://www.wholespirit.com/does-a-daily-practice-sound-like-a-drag/) **Published:** June 11, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** [![be graffiti Durham](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/be-graffiti-Durham-300x225.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/be-graffiti-Durham.jpg) Be honest. I do a lot of “spiritual” work, and it does to me sometimes. It’s not necessarily the practice itself, but the idea that I *have* to do *something*. It brings out the little girl in me, who used to say, “You’re not the boss of me!” But here’s the thing. I’ve seen tremendous benefit in my life from doing things every day that help keep me grounded, calm, and connected spiritually; some of them are intentional (like meditation and shamanic journeying), others are more free-form and fun (like lounging around outside with our dog or watching the birds). Because I’ve seen such benefit in my life from a daily spiritual connection, I wanted to make it easier for others to have the same benefit without the pressure and with some variety. So I developed a program called **365 Journeys: Shamanism for Every Day**. With 365 Journeys, a journey topic is delivered to your inbox every morning for a full year. My background is shamanism so it takes the form of a journey, but you can use it as a meditation, or a moment of prayer or contemplation. **It starts June 20th!** There is no pressure to do this each day. It’s there if you want it and can be saved for later with simple subject headings. You can come in and out of the practice as you like. The topics range widely from light to in-depth, and they are tailored to seasonal and personal cycles. This full year of journeys helps you learn, heal and evolve as you connect to your own sources of wisdom and restoration. And it’s only $36.50 for the year. **Did I mention it starts June 20th?** [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys.php) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). ![365 banner with text](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/365-banner-with-text-600x211.gif) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [What Will Your Journey Be Today?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-will-your-journey-be-today/) **Published:** June 8, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** [![Cape Falcon Trail OR](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cape-Falcon-Trail-OR-225x300.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cape-Falcon-Trail-OR.jpg) Join me for **365 Journeys: Shamanism Every Day.** A new journey to explore every day for a year. Delivered to your inbox. Daily practice made simple. [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys.php) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](https://www.facebook.com/Mara-Bishop-WholeSpirit-122964364542856/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![instagram](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/instagram-300x287.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [The Quest for Closure. When Should Grieving End?](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-quest-for-closure-when-should-grieving-end/) **Published:** April 30, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** My friend and fellow shamanic practitioner [Julie Groth](http://ravensdrum.com) wrote this insightful piece about grief. For people who have not experienced significant losses, it can sometimes be hard to understand why a person doesn’t just “get over it” at some point and move on. For those who have been forever changed by grief, it can feel like your suffering is not only a burden that you continuously carry, but one that can isolate you from others as you navigate healthy ways to share the depth and breadth of your pain. [The Quest For Closure](http://www.opentohope.com/the-quest-for-closure/) by Julie Groth “I often hear people speak about finding closure after a major life trauma or loss. When a loved one dies or a relationship ends, we say we are seeking closure. We long for relief from the voices in our heads telling us that we should have done more or loved better. We may hope for absolution for our own bad behavior, or crave vindication for the lousy way we’ve been treated. We tell ourselves that when we find closure we will finally be done grieving and able to move on. The popular wisdom says that grief typically happens in five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. This is a rather neat and orderly description of a process that is innately messy and disorderly. The stages tend to overlap, get stuck on replay and sometimes even spill over into other conditions like depression, addiction or obsession. But is closure really the prize that’s waiting for us at the end of the grieving process? After we’ve struggled through all those stages, and cried all those tears, is it reasonable to expect to feel some sense of closure? Or is closure an illusion that will forever elude our grasp? I’ve come to the conclusion that the purpose of grieving is not closure at all. Rather, what our grief requires of us is our loving attention. It asks us to acknowledge and tend to our sacred wound with patience and compassion for ourselves. It does not want our despair. Nor does it want to be hidden away behind a façade of acceptance. It does not ask us to give up on our hopes for happiness, nor does it want us to pretend that the pain has gone away.” [READ MORE](http://www.opentohope.com/the-quest-for-closure/) You can see more information about Julie at: [Www.lifebetweenfalls.com](http://www.lifebetweenfalls.com/) or her shamanism website [ravensdrum.com](http://ravensdrum.com/) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara ![WV mountain rocks](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/WV-mountain-rocks-300x225.jpg) [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** grief, grieving, grieving process, healing grief, Julie Groth, Life Between Falls, Ravens Drum, shamanic practitioner, Shamanism, The Quest for Closure --- ### [Free Live Class - Shamanism Every Day: 10 Simple Ways to Experience the Healing Benefits of Shamanism](https://www.wholespirit.com/free-live-class-shamanism-every-day-10-simple-ways-to-experience-the-healing-benefits-of-shamanism/) **Published:** March 31, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Shamanism Every Day: 10 Simple Ways to Experience the Healing Benefits of Shamanism (with or without journeying experience)** [![durham-purple-sunset-horiz](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/durham-purple-sunset-horiz-300x225.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/durham-purple-sunset-horiz.jpg) Join me for a free live class on Thursday April 14th at 7:30pm est Shamanic Journeying is an ancient and powerful way to connect to sources of guidance and healing, but it’s not the only way to view the world through “shaman’s eyes” and experience some of the healing power of shamanic practice. This session offers some simple ways to connect to the world in a more shamanic way that can help bring balance, healing and peace into your life. Class will be 30 minutes and will include some drumming/ceremony as well as discussion. [For more information and to JOIN the class](https://www.learnitlive.com/class/8598/Shamanism-Every-Day-10-Simple-Ways-to-Experience-the-Healing-Benefits-of-Shamanism) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, core shamanism, drumming, drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, Learn it live, Mara Bishop, Sacred Space, Sandra Ingerman, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, shamanism course, sonic driving, soul retrieval --- ### [365 Journeys: Shamanism for Every Day](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys-shamanism-for-every-day/) **Published:** March 19, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![365 banner with text](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/365-banner-with-text-600x211.gif) Although daily journeys for 365 start in June, if you sign up early you get bonus material starting….tomorrow! If 365 journeys sounds like a whole lot of journeying to you, remember this is not meant to add to your “to do” list, but to be a gentle support in connecting to your sources of wisdom and healing. Use the journey idea in meditation, skip as many days as you like, use the year as it suits you. I’m interested to hear from you about how the year unfolds. [MORE INFO](https://www.wholespirit.com/365-journeys.php) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Apprenticeship, core shamanism, Evolving shamanism, Personal Evolution, power animal, shaman, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spirit teachers, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Is My Philosophy Outdated?](https://www.wholespirit.com/is-my-philosophy-outdated/) **Published:** March 15, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Have you ever read something you wrote some time ago and been surprised at how outdated it seemed? If not, substitute, seeing a photo of yourself from “some time ago,” and I bet you’re with me now. Last night I found myself reading this following section about my [Philosophy from my website](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php) to see if it needed a major overhaul. I may make a few edits here and there, but it still basically sums up how I feel about things. -My philosophy evolves, as I do, but I always come back to the power of the natural world to help me keep my footing. The spirit of nature infuses my personal world and my professional world. It is one of the aspects of shamanism that engages me consistently and profoundly. Nature speaks to us if we stop and listen. Shamans of all ages knew this. Being in nature reactivates our connection to our source. It reminds us of our animal nature and of our divine nature. Being in nature helps break down the barriers our egos have created. It allows us to shift more easily to receptive states where we can hear our own instinctive voices as we hear the wind in the trees. The warmth of the sun on our faces rekindles the knowledge that we’re not alone in the universe. Being in nature makes it easy to look through our shaman’s eyes, to see the interconnection between all beings and the larger patterns at play. Nature creates a space where we can find union with each other and with God. You may feel like the world is shifting under your feet and it’s hard to stay balanced. You may have friends and family, a doctor or a minister, a therapist or all of the above. However, now may be the time to try something new, because what you are experiencing doesn’t fit neatly into any category from your past. Maybe you feel something welling up inside and sense change is coming whether you like it or not. You’d like to figure out how to respond to this sense of urgency (or gentle voice, or feeling that something is not quite right in your life) proactively rather than reactively. You need a place that is safe and sacred, welcoming whatever your beliefs are, wherever you are on your journey. My goal is to provide that sacred space, to be a catalyst for you to connect to your internal and external sources of spiritual support, guidance and healing. [![durham-purple-sunset-horiz](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/durham-purple-sunset-horiz-300x225.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/durham-purple-sunset-horiz.jpg) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Nature, shaman, shamanic, shamanic healing, Shamanism --- ### [6 Simple Practices for Health and Happiness](https://www.wholespirit.com/6-simple-practices-for-health-and-happiness/) **Published:** March 8, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** My most recent newsletter with **[6 Simple Practices for Health and Happiness](http://www.icontact-archive.com/zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CSEAgWO0PV99?w=3).** Spoiler alert…chocolate is involved. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 365 Journeys, breathing, chocolate, ecotherapy, errant stress response, forest bathing, Harvard Medical School, magical powers of chocolate, mindfulness, shaman, shamanic healing, Shamanism for Every Day --- ### [Do Your Sensitivities Overwhelm You?](https://www.wholespirit.com/do-your-sensitivities-overwhelm-you/) **Published:** February 21, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** As an energetically sensitive person I’ve had experiences in the past of empathic overload – sensing information about people and environments that was unintended and out of my control. Over time, I’ve learned to transform what felt like a challenge into a strength. It’s a big part of how I work now with clients. In this article in Health & Healing in the Triangle I explain more about some of my early experiences that led me to this work. I also describe how my clients are getting healthier and more in control of their energetic boundaries after suffering physically and emotionally from being energetically overloaded and out of balance. [Healing Empathic Overload: Shamanism and Energetic Boundaries. ](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Empathic-Overload-Feb-2016.pdf) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** empathic overload, empathy, energetic boundaries, energetic sensitivities, Health and Healing in the Triangle, Health and Healing Magazine, highly sensitive, preventive energy medicine, Shamanism --- ### [Off Key Grammy Commercial](https://www.wholespirit.com/off-key-grammy-commercial/) **Published:** February 20, 2016 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Like many of you I watched the Grammys this week. I enjoyed it to varying degrees. I love music of many kinds. I have to admit that I increasingly have to ask my teenage daughter “Who’s that now?” In general I prefer listening to watching and listening, but that’s another topic. So here’s my issue for today. One of the commercials dissed one of my favorite things and it made me mad! I know I’m not exactly the target audience, and I know this is a music (re sound focused) event, but dissing *silence*? What gives? Sonos and Apple Music aired an admittedly well done ad that vilified silence in the name of promoting music. I don’t think that’s cool. “Silence doesn’t feel like a creative place for me.” “I don’t like silence in the home. It just feels dead.” Really? How about a balance? What would music be without the silence in between the notes? What would art be with negative space? Conversation without pausing to listen? I think this commercial is a sad reflection on where we are today sonically. Music is an elemental, fundamental part of human existence. It feeds our collective and individual souls. But so is silence. So often we live in environments drenched in sound created by other people (or machines) without the counterpoint of silence, the pauses that allow us to connect with our own creativity, thoughts and feelings. Silence is fertile. If we teach our children that silence “feels dead,” as Killer Mike says on the spot, we teach them that it’s not valuable to make time to pause and listen to the spaces in between things that already exist. Yes, encourage them to make their own music, sound, art, articulated thought, (and also to appreciate what others have created), but please also model for them that time for peaceful reflection and stillness has inherent value. Time honored traditions (see any world religion) and research ([recent NYT article about how meditation changes the brain and body for example](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/contemplation-therapy/?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=Moth-Visible&moduleDetail=inside-nyt-region-0&module=inside-nyt-region®ion=inside-nyt-region&WT.nav=inside-nyt-region)) consistently show us that they do. I started to warm a little watching the images in the ad of families dancing around while they made dinner or did random stuff. I do that sometimes, that looks like fun, right? Then Killer Mike is back with a voice over saying, “Silence is the enemy of a happy home.” Um. No. Music is awesome. Silence is golden. Thank you for listening. I’ll be quiet now, and I’d love to hear what you think. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Apple, Grammy, Grammy ads, Grammys, Gretchen Reynolds, How Meditation Changes the Brain and Body, Killer Mike, meditation benefits, mindfulness, music, off key, silence, Sonos --- ### [Are There Energetic Supplements?: Craving Place and Space](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-there-energetic-supplements-craving-place-and-space/) **Published:** November 30, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** What Do You Crave? ~ Supplements provide substances that are lacking in our ordinary diets. We are used to thinking of vitamin, mineral, or perhaps herbal supplements that address the needs of our physical bodies. However, since we also have energetic bodies, we may benefit from supplements that work on the energetic level. Energetic supplements don’t come in pill form, but they can provide your system with a dose of a substance you are lacking, which can help you feel better. ~ Some people are drawn strongly to certain places on the earth, these may be types of environment (such as beaches, mountains, and forests) or a specific location. The energy of those places may provide something unavailable elsewhere. Supplementing with the energy of those environments may help those who are drawn there stay balanced. [READ MORE….](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Energetic-Supplements-Oct-2015.pdf) Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ecotherapy, energetic supplements, Energy Healing, energy medicine, healing power of nature, Nature, reiki, shamanic healing, supplements --- ### [Creating Energetically Healthy Environments](https://www.wholespirit.com/creating-energetically-healthy-environments/) **Published:** September 22, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** From the shamanic perspective, everything has a spiritual or energetic structure that supports and informs the physical states we perceive with our physical senses. Creating healthy environments is important. Equally important is maintaining your health regardless of what environment you are in. To achieve those goals from an energetic perspective, two approaches are effective. The first is restoring balance to energetic ecosystems. The second is developing strong energetic boundaries, so that even if you must spend time in an unhealthy environment, you remain healthy. The first approach involves *energetically cleansing the environments we inhabit*. Some methods used in ceremony for thousands of years are effective today. Using smoke to purify and protect is a technique used by people of many cultures and religions, such as the ancient Greeks and Romans, Europeans of the Middle Ages, and indigenous people of North America. […**READ MORE**](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Healthy-Environments-Aug-2015.pdf) The second approach, *creating strong personal energetic boundaries*, helps us individually and also contributes to the overall health of the environment. Analogous to having a robust immune system, having strong energetic boundaries allows you to withstand exposure to toxic environments without getting sick. *[This is a focus of my Energy Ecosystem work.](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/ee10-15/)* […**READ MORE**](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Healthy-Environments-Aug-2015.pdf) *[More information about the Navigating the Energy Ecosystem Class on October 24th.](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/ee10-15/)* Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** cleaning energetic toxins, cleansing, clearing toxins, ecosystems, energetic boundaries, energetic cleansing, energy ecosystem, environmental toxins, healthy environments, Navigating the Energy Ecosystem, wholespirit, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Healing Power of Sound this Friday night 8/7](https://www.wholespirit.com/healing-power-of-sound-this-friday-night-87/) **Published:** August 3, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Presented by the Rhine Research Center at Stedman Auditorium at the Duke Center for Living** I will be one of three people speaking about the Healing Power of Sound for this presentation. My part is about drumming, particularly shamanic drumming. Drumming can improve health. Our ancestors knew it and we are rediscovering its many benefits today. Drumming has been a part of the human experience since ancient times. Learn about shamanic drumming in particular and how percussion has been used for thousands of years to help shift our consciousness, to connect to deeper states of awareness, and in healing ceremony. Now researchers are documenting how drumming improves mental, emotional, and physical health, including decreasing stress and improving our immune system. Experience “sonic driving” as a way to shift towards a shamanic state of consciousness and to use your senses in new ways. *[More information about the program, admission, and the other presenters](http://www.rhine.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/event/info&Itemid=537&reset=1&id=219)* For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Daran Wallman, Dave Parent, drumming circles, Duke Center for Living, healing drums, healing with music, healing with sound, Rhine Center, Rhine Research Center, shamanic healing, shamanic healing drums, sonic driving, Stedman Auditorium --- ### [Distance Energy Session this week 7/15, it's not just for people. :-)](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-energy-session-this-week-715-its-not-just-for-people/) **Published:** July 12, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next Distance Energy Healing session is this Wednesday July 15th at 12:00 pm EST. People continue to report positive shifts in physical emotional and external states after experiencing these sessions. Animals can benefit too! For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, holiday stress, reiki, remote healing, Self care, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Three Steps for Thriving in Chaos, Intensity and Change](https://www.wholespirit.com/three-steps-for-thriving-in-chaos-intensity-and-change/) **Published:** June 29, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** *June’s Health & Healing article* When life feels chaotic and intense, and when circumstances change in ways that seem out of our control, we experience stress or even anxiety. Negative consequences of stress and anxiety include depression, headaches, stomachaches, sleep disorders, and substance abuse. Many people are dealing with complex life situations that feel overwhelming. The situations may involve change that is dramatic and seemingly non-stop, or they may feel unbearably stagnant. Both scenarios are painful. Sometimes we reach a threshold of crisis, but don’t know what to do next. If we knew what kind of personal “weather” patterns were coming our way, we could be ready with our disaster preparation plan. We’d either brace ourselves for a quick, violent storm or settle in to withstand a slow, brutal heat wave. But that wouldn’t develop our ability to deal with the unexpected. Preparing for the possibilities of what may (or should) happen next, particularly in these intense and chaotic times of dissolution and reassembly, can be a significant source of stress in and of itself. In order to create mental, physical, and emotional health, we need to stay connected to what is happening both internally and externally in our lives. In doing so, we can react appropriately, staying balanced and healthy in the face of challenging circumstances. The following three steps help us thrive in chaos, intensity and change…**[READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Thriving-In-Chaos-June-2015.pdf "Three Steps for Thriving in Chaos, Intensity and Change")** Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** chaos, Deliberate Action, flow, Focused Observation, Managing Change, managing stress, stillness, Taoism, Wu Wei --- ### [The Networked Beauty of Forests](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-networked-beauty-of-forests/) **Published:** April 14, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Just watched an inspiring TED talk about how trees are networked amongst themselves, and with fungi, in fascinating symbiotic relationships. I love the part about the mother trees! They give preferential treatment to their own offspring. [The Networked Beauty of Forests by Suzanne Simard.](http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-networked-beauty-of-forests-suzanne-simard "The Networked Beauty of Forests") I was disheartened to read this week that one of the land conservancy organizations where I live has added logging to their list of activities. They have apparently clear cut areas of forest that were “preserved” using tax payer money and donations from people who thought they were helping to save the forest from destruction. I’ve had the experience of arriving happily at my favorite forest trail only to find it closed and the trees clear cut. It was devastating. My lifelong dream is to purchase a large tract of land for preservation and spiritual use. I envision being in the midst of a large network of these amazing creatures, in the stillness and the joyful noise of nature, with some reassurance that they won’t be sold off. I’d like to share that experience with other people. I’d also like to let the trees and the other forest inhabitants simply be, without interference from humans as much as possible. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** deforestation, forest bathing, forest symbiosis, fungi, land conservation, Suzanne Simard, TED, The Networked Beauty of Forests --- ### [Distance Healing Session one week early - Monday April 13th](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-session-one-week-early-monday-april-13th/) **Published:** April 7, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next Distance Energy Healing session is Monday April 13th at 6:00 pm EST. This is one week early because of the holidays and spring break timing. People continue to report positive shifts in physical emotional and external states after experiencing these sessions. If you haven’t tried one of these sessions yet, I can offer you a two for one so that you experience the work over the course of the month of April. Just email me that you read about it here when you register. For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, holiday stress, reiki, remote healing, Self care, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing --- ### [The Girl Who Gets Gifts From Birds](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-girl-who-gets-gifts-from-birds/) **Published:** March 30, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** It’s like us to focus on the gifts rather than the relationship, but oh my gosh, this little girl and the relationship that she (and her mom) have developed with the crows where they live makes me absolutely happy. You have to read it for yourself! Thanks to the Foundation fro Shamanic Studies for including it in their recent newsletter. [The Girl Who Gets Gifts From Birds](http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31604026 "The Girl Who Gets Gifts From Birds") Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") ~ To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal behavior, animal communication, animal relationships, crow girl gifts, crow intelligence, human bird relationships --- ### [Sacred Journeys: Yoga and Shamanism in Partnership April 18th](https://www.wholespirit.com/sacred-journeys-yoga-and-shamanism-in-partnership-april-18th/) **Published:** March 12, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Co-taught by Olynda Smith and Mara Bishop at beautiful Sfeer Studio in Chapel Hill** Yoga and shamanism are both ancient practices that help us connect to the divine that is within us and surrounds us. In this collaborative afternoon, we will explore ways that shamanic journeying and yoga can complement each other. We will create sacred space and work with drumming, the asanas of yoga, meditation and the practice of shamanic journeying. This class is open to people experienced in, or new to, either discipline. We will provide basic instruction in both shamanic journeying and yoga as a way to connect to guidance, spiritual support, and a peaceful body and mind. For those familiar with yoga, journeying or both, this is an opportunity to explore how the one discipline may bring you deeper into the experience of the other. If you are new to both, you are also welcome to join in the fun! Date: April 18th Time: 1:00-4:00 Cost: $75 suggested donation\* ~ We appreciate advanced registration for this class as space is limited. [Register now to reserve your space](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LU5NQM6UJKNYL "Register")\*. If you wish to pay a different amount, you can hold a space by paying either Olynda or Mara in advance. You are also welcome to pay at the door. Please email [Olynda](mailto:olynda@wildheartyoga.com) or [Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) to let us know you are coming. We look forward to seeing you there! ~ **Olynda Smith** is a writer, a traveler, a yogini, and a mama. With over a decade of yoga teaching experience, Olynda is a very versatile teacher and is able to guide new yoga students as well as inspire and challenge students who have been practicing for many years. She has a passion for therapeutic yoga, for pre/postnatal yoga, and for working with the archetypes of the divine feminine. [More about Olynda.](http://wildheartyoga.squarespace.com/about-olynda/ "Olynda") **Mara Bishop** is a shamanic practitioner, author, and artist. In her private practice, Mara combines intuitive consultations, shamanic healing, and energetic healing to provide an integrated approach to spiritual healing, personal growth and emotional well-being. She is the author of the book Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence© and the companion CD of guided meditations. [More about Mara.](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "Mara") \*This link will process payment for $75. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") ~ To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Olynda Smith, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, wholespirit, wild heart yoga, yoga --- ### [Respecting Children’s Energy Personalities Fosters Good Health](https://www.wholespirit.com/respecting-childrens-energy-personalities-fosters-good-health/) **Published:** February 24, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Here is a sample of my latest article for Health & Healing about Children’s Health. We are born with a blueprint of our core energy characteristics. Our energy personality affects how we process interactions with others and our environment. Our energy personalities go beyond the face we show the world. They influence how we do our best work, what situations and environments feel comfortable to us, where we are naturally vulnerable and where we are inherently strong. As children enter the environment of their homes and families as babies, they are immediately surrounded by the energy of other people and the culture of their family. In these early stages of development, children start receiving explicit and implicit messages about themselves. They soon pick up on whether the way they are naturally is valued and approved, or believed to be deficient and in need of changing. To foster health and wellbeing, caregivers should respect children’s innate temperaments. When adults are kind, respect a child’s reasonable assertion of boundaries, and communicate love and appreciation, children are enabled to grow into themselves safely. They learn to navigate the world and their relationships from a place of appropriate power. When this does not happen the repercussions can cause serious emotional and physical issues”. [READ MORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Children-Feb-2015.pdf "Respecting Children's Energy Personalities") Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") ~ To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Children's health, energetic health, energy boundaries, energy personalities --- ### [Your Brain is Wired for Compassion](https://www.wholespirit.com/your-brain-is-wired-for-compassion/) **Published:** February 23, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I thought this research, condensed into a short video titled *[We Are Built to Be Kind](http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/12/your-brain-is-built-for-kindness.html "We Are Built to Be Kind")*, was interesting. I’m frequently exploring the boundaries of compassion and empathy with myself and with clients. How much of each is necessary for a just and loving society? How much becomes incapacitating emotionally, and even physically, for the deeply empathic? Do you have thoughts about this? If you find yourself skewing toward the later example (maybe feeling like a sponge that can’t hold another drop), you might want to check out the Navigating Your Energy Ecosystem class on March 14th. It’s an introduction to working with your own energy so that you learn how to have some control over whether your energy is permeable or impermeable to the energy of others and the world around you. It’s about creating healthy energetic boundaries, while remaining compassionate. [More information.](https://www.wholespirit.com/?p=1567 "Energy Ecosystem ") For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [![facebook](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/facebook.jpeg)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit FaceBook Group")[![twitter](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/twitter.jpeg)](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jpeg.jpeg)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mara-bishop/11/5a4/136/ "Mara Bishop Linked In") [![linkedin](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/linkedin.jpeg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "Mara Bishop Blog") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** compassion, Dacher Keltner, empathic, empathy, energy ecosystem, Navigating the Energy Ecosystem, sponge, University of California Berkeley, We Are Built to Be Kind --- ### [The Wild Origins of Valentine's Day & What You Might Not Know About Love](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-wild-origins-of-valentines-day-what-you-might-not-know-about-love/) **Published:** February 1, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I know it’s a little early, but my thoughts are turning towards Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day, like many of our most beloved holidays, probably started as a pagan celebration. The Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, which focused on…you guessed it…fertility. I will spare you the gory details, but there was a lot of alcohol involved, some rituals that we would consider a bit violent and strange, and some random and temporary couplings. It appears to have been a wild and crazy time for all. A far cry from the romance we associate with Valentine’s Day today. But who was Saint Valentine? Apparently, there were several of them. One version describes a priest in the mid 200s AD, who performed secret wedding ceremonies for soldiers after Roman Emperor Claudius II banned military men from marrying. A romantic gesture? Yes, but it cost him his life. Claudius had him executed. He was later given the status of martyr by Pope Gelasius in 496 AD on February 14th. An interesting twist to his story supposedly happened while he was in jail. The jailer, having heard that Valentine had the power of faith healing, asked him to heal his blind daughter. And Valentine did! Which leads to my next question… **Can Love Help Us Heal?** One night recently I started to look around for some research on the ways that love affects our ability to heal. It was a relatively broad search, motivated by my continuing movement toward a practice that focuses on generating a particular attitude or energy with my clients, more than on the techniques used. Love and compassion. Radiate love and compassion. Surround people with love and compassion and see what happens. Not new ideas of course, but I’m delving deeper into how those states relate to miraculous healing and how we can create them in our lives, both inside and outside of a practitioner’s space. It got late and I went to bed, without making much headway. The next morning CNN posted this article by Barbara L. Fredrickson. [10 Things You Might Not Know About Love.](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=4786015&msgid=905584&act=KC2B&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F01%2F24%2Fhealth%2Flove-psychology-book%2Findex.html%3Fhpt%3Dhp_t3) This was just what I was looking for. I’d had a successful experience with “nonsearch”! [Read more about Love, Healing and Nonsearch…](https://www.wholespirit.com/thank-you-cnn-love-healing-nonsearch/) Wishing you a peaceful heart and a love filled Valentine’s Day, Mara [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 10 things you might not know about love, Barbara L. Fredrickson, Emperor Claudius, February 14th, Healing Power of Love, love, Lupercalia, nonsearch, St. Valentine's Day, valentine, valentine's day --- ### [Love Nest](https://www.wholespirit.com/love-nest/) **Published:** February 12, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I had a moving experience this morning. I was working with a client and setting an intention and request for loving, supportive energy to surround her. I was looking out the window through the branches of the mostly bare beech trees. A squirrel ran out along one of the finest, grey branches and gathered some of the leaves that still clung there. She stuffed them into her mouth. She reached out as far as she could stand without losing her balance, grabbed some more, tucked them in with the others in her mouth, and scampered purposefully up the main trunk of the beech. I notice each year that, unlike their neighbors, the beech trees hold on to some of their leaves until spring. The squirrel repeated this process many times. Of course, mama squirrel is creating her nest! I assume mama, forgive me if it was papa squirrel, I mean no disrespect. Her nest. She was making her nest from the very leaves left oddly all winter on the beech branches. I had this moment of profound appreciation for nature. Bless you beech tree for saving the perfect bedding for mama squirrel to craft a love nest for her babies! Bless you mama squirrel for your tireless trips up and down the tree and back and forth across the yard all morning carrying those lovingly chosen baby blankets picked from the slimmest of branches to craft your love nest. Bless you Mother Nature for creating such elegant balance. I felt a little ashamed for all these years of mild irritation at my lovely beeches for not dropping their leaves in a timely manner like everyone else so I could maintain order in the yard. I also felt inspired to love our world and pay better attention. I remember creating a love nest for my daughter before she was born, preparing soft welcoming spaces for her to inhabit. I can relate to mama squirrel’s determined focus as she gathered supplies. I love nests of all kinds. Maybe part of this attraction is about what they symbolize. The nurturing and safe spaces we lovingly create for our offspring (physically, emotionally, energetically) are one way that we can honor and reflect the way earth has created nurturing and safe spaces for us. With love, Mara For more information visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** beech, love nest, nest, squirrel nest, valentine's day --- ### [Shamanic Drumming Circle - Clearing Limiting Beliefs](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-drumming-circle-clearing-limiting-beliefs/) **Published:** January 11, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Our first shamanic circle of 2015 is around the corner! We will be working on the topic of clearing limiting beliefs to start the new year strong. Are you interested in joining a group for regular spiritual connection and shamanic journeying? Do you have experience with core shamanic journeying? Our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time each gathering for drumming. We will have a balance between journeying on group topics and personal questions. Feel free to come to one circle, occasionally, or on a regular basis. \*Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings.\* Please contact Mara if you would like to learn to journey. \*Preregistration is required and space is limited\* Monday, January 26th 7:00-9:00 Durham, NC (directions with registration) Cost $20 [REGISTER NOW](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G2UU63FL4KE6Y "Drumming Circle Registration") Please also complete and return the [WholeSpirit class registration form](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/WholeSpirit_Event_Registration_Form.pdf "WholeSpirit class registration form"). See the [What To Bring to Drumming Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/What_To_Bring_To_Drumming_Circle.pdf "What to Bring to Drumming Circle") file. As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** clearing limiting beliefs, drum, drumming circle, drumming circles, limiting beliefs, power animal, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, sonic driving, spirit teacher, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [How Strong Are Your Energetic Boundaries?](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-strong-are-your-energetic-boundaries/) **Published:** January 20, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** This is fast becoming a big focus of my work with clients and groups because I see such a need, and improvement once some of these issues are addressed. Many people struggle with boundaries. Often patterns are established early in childhood that determine whether or not we will have naturally strong energetic boundaries. When we don’t have a good sense of how to work with our energy bodies and maintain our “borders,” we can wind up feeling battered and baffled by our interactions with other people, and the world at large. We get exhausted, or worse, sick. Everyone needs tools to protect themselves energetically, and ways to clear the residue of difficult interactions. This class can help you feel more in control of your life though understanding how your energy, and the energy you live in, works. Join me for the next **Energy Ecosystem© class on March 14.** **Navigating the Energy Ecosystem©** DATE: Saturday, March 14, 2015 [REGISTER](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7VUZM8GQXZKXW "Energy Ecosystem") COST: $175 each class ($150 if registered before February 1st) TIME: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm LOCATION: Beautiful Private Studio in Chapel Hill For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, clearing, energy borders, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Energy personality, shamanic healing, Shamanism, wholespirit --- ### [Mentoring, Generativity & Beginners Mind](https://www.wholespirit.com/mentoring-generativity-beginners-mind/) **Published:** January 18, 2015 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Here is my latest article for Health & Healing Magazine. The current issue is the Baby Boomer edition which focused on health issues of an aging population. I wanted to take a slightly different approach as you’ll see. “When we think about aging, we often think of the health issues facing us, or likely to face us, as we get older. Aging is interesting and challenging, because unlike many kinds of experiences (such as marriages, jobs, or approaches to learning new things) there are no opportunities to redo the process. Our movement through time is one-directional. We can look back with perspective on our younger years, or with anticipation to the future, but we can never move back into or out of youth or old age. We have one or the other. In our society, we tend to value the smooth vibrancy of youth more than the depth of understanding that often accompanies old age. I did a shamanic journey recently on the topic of grace. I asked how grace was unfolding in my life now and was shown an ever expanding circle of ancestors and descendants… [READ MORE…](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Mentors-Dec-2014.pdf "Mentors") As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** aging, baby boomer, Baby Boomers, beginners mind, Carol ProudFoot Edgar, elders, generativity, Health and Healing in the Triangle, Health and Healing Magazine, mentoring, mentors, middle age, senior, Shamanism, wisdom --- ### [Still Amazing Grace](https://www.wholespirit.com/still-amazing-grace/) **Published:** November 23, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m sharing my Amazing Grace story again this year because the experience affected me so profoundly. Even after many “amazing” experiences with the spirit world and interactions with what I consider divine energy, this one blew me away. I offer it to you as a reminder of the presence of grace in our lives and as a blessing for you during this time of Thanksgiving. If you are reading this, thank you for opening your heart and your mind and sharing your time with me. As always, wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara November 30, 2012 I had an interesting experience with grace recently. The Sunday before Thanksgiving I went to services at my local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF). Reverend Deb Cayer gave a thoughtful sermon on the concept of grace. She talked about grace as a spiritual gift, a blessing from the divine. Although I love the idea of grace, what fascinated me most was her description of the origin of the hymn ”Amazing Grace.” John Newton was a British man who spent time in the Royal Navy, and eventually captained slave ships in the mid 1770s. During a particularly violent storm he asked for God’s mercy to see him through the night. He survived the storm and (albeit sometime later) had a change of heart. He gave up the slave trade, found a new career as a preacher, and wrote what was to become one of the most popular hymns in existence, “Amazing Grace.” We sang “Amazing Grace” at the service that Sunday. As you probably know, it’s a song of redemption, of having faith (or perhaps finding it) through difficult times, and of the eternal nature of our existence. I went to coffee hour after service. Had some pleasant chitchat and went to my car, uplifted and enthused to get on with my day. I turned the car on. A song began to play from my iPod. It was a song I didn’t know I had and the screen said “Unknown Artist,” but I recognized it right away. You have one guess. Yes. “Amazing Grace” began to play. I have 11, 711 songs in my music library. I could play music 24 hours a day for more than 35 days and never hear the same song twice. Amazing. Grace. Played. What clearer sign could a person want that they are not alone in the universe? I did not know the topic of the lecture before I arrived at church. This song was not playing when I got out of my car to go to church. I was unaware that I even owned a version of “Amazing Grace,” and don’t recall ever hearing it before. I used my Shazam app (gotta love technology!) to determine that the version (which was awesome) was by the Blind Boys of Alabama. Merriam-Webster defines grace as “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.” In musing, journeying, praying and talking about this experience I was guided to share it. Grace may be a state of being, a blessing, to be bestowed by the divine; however, I believe we all embody divine energy (see title of my first book, Inner Divinity). I think we can pass along that energy, that light, be a conduit of sorts when needed. If there is the slightest possibility that by reading my experience you might feel the spark of joy, reassurance and compassion that I felt surrounding me that day, then I want to pass it along. The message had a very personal effect on me, but I don’t claim it as mine. It’s for you as well. I don’t know exactly what to make of how “Amazing Grace” was gifted that Sunday. It may be pointing to something vaster than our comprehension allows, but I think it’s a reminder of the unseen source that flows in, around, and amongst us always. I will leave you to interpret in your own way. But as a group, if we can feel graced, reassured of our sanctified place here, our connection to one another and the sacredness of this world, then perhaps as a collective we can come closer to understanding the fuller picture, mapping the divine landscape that we walk each day. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Amazing Grace, blessing, ERUUF, gratitude, John Newton, Thanksgiving --- ### [Distance Healing During the Holidays & Special Offer](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-during-the-holidays-special-offer/) **Published:** November 23, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** During the holiday season we often get so busy that we have a hard time taking care of ourselves. Although there can be joyfulness surrounding the holidays I also see a lot of stress and mixed feelings. An easy way to build in some self care is with a series of distance healing sessions. Pick an intention or two for yourself, send me your photo and sign up online to receive a soothing transmission of supportive and healing energy coming your way. Sessions are particularly easy because it’s not essential that you are in any place in particular and you do not have to connect electronically. During the time of the session it is your choice where and how you want to be situated. Ideally, you can take the time for yourself to relax somewhere peaceful where you won’t be disturbed. Turn your phone off. Maybe put on some soothing music. Lie down or sit in a favorite chair. Do what makes you feel comfortable and at ease. If you have an intention, you can hold it too. And you can call on your own sources of inner healing and spiritual support. Then just relax and soak up the healing energy that will be flowing your way. But if you are not able to create this cozy state for yourself, that’s OK. Part of the reason for setting these sessions up was to make it possible to get the energy out to you, regardless of place and time constraints. The energy will still reach you. Perhaps just take note at the start time and consciously open yourself to receiving the healing energy. **Special offer good through December 24th ~ 3 sessions for $60 – 30% off for you or as a gift.** The next Distance Energy Healing Session is on Monday December 1st at 6:00 PM EST. Clients say: - “The distance healing and love connection is working!” - “The distance healing session earlier this month definitely helped me tremendously.” - “I tangibly felt your healing work on Monday as a type of ground swell of support in alignment with the other work that I’m doing myself.” - “It’s amazing.” - “WOW!!! It was very interesting…Today I seem to have more focus and less pain.” Please register and send your intention and photo by Friday, November 28th. [More Information](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fdistance-healing-sessions.php) [REGISTER NOW for SPECIAL OFFER](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JCF7TTMG94Q92 "distance healing sessions special offer") As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, holiday stress, reiki, remote healing, Self care, shamanic healing, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Shamanic Drumming Circle *Date Change* - November 17](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-drumming-circle-november-24/) **Published:** November 4, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Drumming Circle Date Change due to Thanksgiving week. Are you interested in joining a group for regular spiritual connection and shamanic journeying? Do you have experience with core shamanic journeying? Our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time each gathering for drumming. We will have a balance between journeying on group topics and personal questions. Feel free to come to one circle, occasionally, or on a regular basis. \*Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings.\* Please contact Mara if you would like to learn to journey. \*Preregistration is required and space is limited\* Monday, November 17th 7:00-9:00 Durham, NC (directions with registration) Cost $20 [REGISTER NOW](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G2UU63FL4KE6Y "Drumming Circle Registration") Please also complete and return the [WholeSpirit class registration form](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/WholeSpirit_Event_Registration_Form.pdf "WholeSpirit class registration form"). See the [What To Bring to Drumming Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/What_To_Bring_To_Drumming_Circle.pdf "What to Bring to Drumming Circle") file. As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming circle, drumming circles, journey circle, power animal, shaman, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, sonic driving --- ### [UNC Medical Center Talk on Shamanic Healing](https://www.wholespirit.com/unc-medical-center-talk-on-shamanic-healing/) **Published:** October 27, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** For the last few years I’ve been invited to speak about shamanic healing to a group of graduate students in an Integrative Medicine class at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. I’m very glad to have the opportunity to speak to this group again on November 3rd. The class is usually made up of master’s students from the schools of medicine, nursing and public health, and some faculty members. It is part of a series of lectures on the Principles and Practices of Alternative/Complementary Medicine, and is held at the Lineberger Cancer Center at the UNC Medical Center. In the past I’ve presented with one of my clients, Dr. Ernie Schoenfeld, who is a former Dean at the UNC School of Public Health. He had excellent results with chronic pain relief after seeing many doctors and practitioners and being told that nothing more could be done for his pain. [Read more about his story.](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Challenging-Cases-Aug-2013.pdf "Health and Healing article - Shamanism") Ernie can’t make it this year, but he will be missed! Although this event is not open to the public, I do speak about shamanism and other related topics to organizations and private groups. [Contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) for more information. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** alternative medicine, CAM, complementary medicine, core shamanism, Lineberger Cancer center, shaman, shamanic healing, Shamanism, soul retrieval, UNC, UNC School of Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel HIll --- ### [Animal Visitations](https://www.wholespirit.com/animal-visitations/) **Published:** October 15, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve been thinking about animal visitations lately, and I wanted to share two stories with you. They are quite different, but to me they each represent our profound connection to the creatures with which we share the world. Perhaps you have stories about your spiritual connection with animals as well. [I’d love to read them.](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "animal visitation story") The first visitation happened to my mother. She frequently took care of a friend’s tortoiseshell cat while the friend traveled. The friend traveled quite a lot and my mother and the cat grew to love each other. We will call this cat Starry. One night my mother had a dream, which she wrote down upon waking. She dreamed of a cat that seemed like Starry but was pale and ghostly. She was in a house and the door was open and she thought the cat might get out. When she picked the cat up it was very light and they looked out through the door together. The cat kissed her affectionately. The dream ended. The next day she went on a walk with her friend, who told her, “I have some bad news.” My mother said. ” I know. Starry died.” And she had. She had lost a lot of weight, and was indeed much lighter than when my mother saw her last. Starry came to say a sweet goodbye to her friend, before she went through the doorway. The second visitation happened to me. I was walking around my neighborhood thinking about a rather stressful situation. I talked on the phone to a loved one about it and now was alone with my thoughts. I heard a loud cry and looked up to see a hawk just above me sitting on a power line. I stopped and marveled at its size. I asked for the obvious, a sign. “You know what would be great right now?” I thought to the bird. “A sign that all will be well. Perhaps if you dropped one of your feathers for me that would be reassuring. Don’t you think?” Guess what happened?! Nope. Nothing. It flew off to find its mate in a nearby stand of trees. “Oh well, it was worth a try,” I thought to myself glumly and walked home, not reassured. The following week I came home and something caught my eye at the top of the driveway. Yes. A perfectly beautiful hawk feather. [![Hawk feather](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_1192-225x300.jpg)](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_1192.jpg) \*\*\* Update. This week we visited a friend’s baby for the first time. She’s actually a toddler now. The first thing she did after we said hello was to reach for a little stuffed animal and hand it to me. It was a hawk.\*\*\* Sometimes the signs are pretty clear, like these. Other times, the signs and omens we encounter in the natural world are harder to interpret. Part of shamanic work is being in relationship with the environment in a way that allows communication. If you are interested in interpreting some of your own experiences and could use some help, [feel free to contact me.](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal communication, animal visitations, cat, dream interpretation, dreams, energy ecosystem, ghost animals, hawk, hawk feather, interpreting omens, interpreting signs, omens, power animals, signs, signs in nature --- ### [Distance Energy Healing Wednesday October 15th at 12:00 EST](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-energy-healing-wednesday-october-15th-at-1200-est/) **Published:** October 11, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next Distance Energy Healing Session is on Wednesday October 15th at 12:00 PM. Clients say: - “The distance healing and love connection is working!” - “I tangibly felt your healing work on Monday as a type of ground swell of support in alignment with the other work that I’m doing myself.” - “It’s amazing.” - “WOW!!! It was very interesting…Today I seem to have more focus and less pain.” Please register and send your intention and photo by Monday, October 13th. [More Information](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fdistance-healing-sessions.php) [REGISTER NOW](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DSCKZLSF9CD8FN) As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [Shamanic Drumming Circle ~ September 22](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-drumming-circle-september-22/) **Published:** September 21, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are you interested in joining a group for regular spiritual connection and shamanic journeying? Do you have experience with core shamanic journeying? Our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time each gathering for drumming. We will have a balance between journeying on group topics and personal questions. Feel free to come to one circle, occasionally, or on a regular basis. The next Circle is November 24. \*Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings.\* Please contact Mara if you would like to learn to journey. \*Preregistration is required and space is limited\* Monday, September 22 7:00-9:00 Durham, NC (directions with registration) Cost $20 [REGISTER NOW](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G2UU63FL4KE6Y "Drumming Circle Registration") Please also complete and return the [WholeSpirit class registration form](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/WholeSpirit_Event_Registration_Form.pdf "WholeSpirit class registration form"). See the [What To Bring to Drumming Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/What_To_Bring_To_Drumming_Circle.pdf "What to Bring to Drumming Circle") file. As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming circle, drumming circles, journeying, power animal, shamanic drumming circle, Shamanic Journeying, sonic driving --- ### [Distance Energy Healing September 17](https://www.wholespirit.com/1484/) **Published:** September 12, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next Distance Energy Healing Session is on Wednesday September 17th at 12:00 PM. One client says, “WOW!!! It was very interesting…Today I seem to have more focus and less pain.” Please register and send your intention and photo by Monday, September 15th. [More Information](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fdistance-healing-sessions.php) [REGISTER NOW](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DSCKZLSF9CD8FN) As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** distance energy healing, Energy Healing, Healing, healing with spiritual light, Labor Day, reiki, remote, shamanic healing --- ### [Inner Divinity is the Rhine Book Club choice for June](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-is-the-rhine-book-club-choice-for-june/) **Published:** September 10, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Technical difficulties! This posting didn’t seem to make it to the web site in June. Sorry for those of you who would have liked to come, and thank you for the good feedback from those of you who attended! The Rhine picked my book, *Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence*, as their Book Club choice for this month. The Rhine Book Club discusses books that complement events at the Rhine. [Information about the Rhine.](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhine.org%2F) *Inner Divinity* is about creating a life aligned with your core spirit. Inner divinity is the spirit you were born with. It underlies who you are today. By rediscovering your inner divinity, you hold the key to bringing balance, healing, and joy into your life. [More about Inner Divinity book and meditation CD](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Finner-divinity-store.php) Date: Wednesday, June 25th Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm Place: Alex Tanous Library at the Rhine Center [More Details about Rhine Book Club](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhine.org%2Fmonthly-meetings%2F250-rhine-book-club.html) [Purchase the eBook](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fus%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_flow%26SESSION%3DEbqiEcsew-dKmatFRvaFq-WQThURbLg9ndgj-5aUL4yFO2BDhTo9caKXfvC%26dispatch%3D50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081981b5bc1bed9bcd4a664bb0e309d0a9e4f) [Purchase the Paperback](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FINNER-DIVINITY-Crafting-Sacred-Intelligence%2Fdp%2F0595407439%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1402163468%26sr%3D8-1%26keywords%3Dinner%2Bdivinity) [Read the entire newsletter](http://www.icontact-archive.com/zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN?w=3) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Alex Tanous Library, ebook, Inner Divinity, Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence, Rhine, Rhine Book CLub --- ### [How does Kindness Relate to Good Manners? Ask Aunt Wendy.](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-does-kindness-relate-to-good-manners-ask-aunt-wendy/) **Published:** September 9, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I appreciate this grounded and non preachy post from Wendy Kuhn about the basics. How we treat each other, and are treated, is fundamental to our experience of the world. [Bring Your Manners to Work](http://www.breakthroughconsultingllc.com/blog/september-5-bring-your-manners-to-work-day?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BreakThroughConsultingLlc-Blog+%28Wendy%27s+Blog+-+Eat+Well%2C+Avoid+Toxins%2C+Be+Happy%21%29 "Bring Your Manners to Work - Wendy Kuhn") Let’s be good role models, people! Be Well, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** breakthrough consulting, Bring Your Manners to Work Day, etiquette, kindness, manners, Wendy Kuhn --- ### [Surviving Survival Mode](https://www.wholespirit.com/surviving-survival-mode/) **Published:** September 5, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Many people are going through intense times right now. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a relationship, an illness or dramatic change in life circumstance, or a sense of hopelessness and despair, these times of trial can feel overwhelming. Sometimes even positive change can bring significant stress. Survival mode is characterized by a constellation of physical and emotional reactions. In survival mode you often alternate between adrenaline and cortisol overload and exhaustion. Your normal cycles of sleeping and eating can become imbalanced. You lose your emotional balance as well. Sometimes you field of vision becomes limited. You filter out only the information and experiences that are most relevant to your immediate functioning. You can’t make time or space for what feels extraneous. Even when your lives used to be brimming with work, activities and friends, now you need to cocoon and conserve precious resources to get through the metaphorical harsh winter. Conserving resources and very consciously paying attention to self care is one of the best ways to survive survival mode. We tend to hold ourselves to the standard of how life was “before.” Let that go temporarily. Pay attention to what your body needs right now. Food, rest, comfort, supportive companionship. What can bring you small measures of peace in the storm? Let me know if I can provide more personalized help with this, both practically and on an energetic level. Surviving survival mode with grace, can be an important part of our personal evolution. As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, shamanic healing, survival mode --- ### [Distance Energy Healing Session next Wednesday at 6:00](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-energy-healing-session-next-wednesday-at-600/) **Published:** August 28, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next Distance Energy Healing Session is on Wednesday September 3rd at 6:00 PM EST (instead of Monday) due to the Labor Day holiday. Please register and send your intention and photo by Monday, September 1st. [More Information](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fdistance-healing-sessions.php) [REGISTER NOW](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DSCKZLSF9CD8FN) As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** distance energy healing, Energy Healing, Healing, healing with spiritual light, Labor Day, reiki, remote, shamanic healing --- ### [When Things Fall Apart](https://www.wholespirit.com/when-things-fall-apart/) **Published:** June 30, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Many people are experiencing dramatic change right now. The dissolution of relationships and systems isn’t easy. Neither is managing the stress of change and the uncertainty of a new future. These times are part of the helix or spiral of our Personal Evolution. We often move in a cyclical fashion, sometimes revisiting issues from earlier times in our lives, but from a a different vantage point and with more experience, as we move upward on the ever-unwinding coil. Pema Chödrön writes beautifully of this process in her book *When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times,* “We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” Still, this process can be hard on our bodies and our spirits. Even if you are allowing rather than fighting it, some support to clear what doesn’t belong with you energetically, or to help you see an intensely emotional situation more clearly, may help you to feel healthier and stronger. Personal Evolutional Counseling is designed to help, especially during intense times. This is an excerpt from my latest newsletter. [Read the full newsletter.](http://www.icontact-archive.com/zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CZMwUlc4xlKn?w=3) As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Intuition, intuitive guidance, Pema Chodron, Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, shamanic counseling, shamanic healing, When Things Fall Apart, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, wholespirit --- ### [Choosing Shamanic Practitioners and Teachers](https://www.wholespirit.com/choosing-shamanic-practitioners-and-teachers/) **Published:** June 19, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ***Finding Qualified, Ethical Teachers and Practitioners*** The value of shamanic healing is becoming recognized in our culture and more people are seeking it. As methods such as soul retrieval become increasingly familiar there are more people doing the work, or interested in learning. This is generally a good thing. It gives the client more practitioners to choose from. But how does one pick a practitioner or teacher? Personal referrals can be helpful. Making sure a practitioner is well trained is a good idea. Always trust your own instincts about whether a practitioner feels like a good match for you. Someone can be a good practitioner, but not the right fit for you. When working on the spiritual level, ethics and the use of power are extremely important. In advising potential clients I suggest that they consider some of the criteria I’ve mentioned, and if they are not able (or it’s not a good fit) to work with me personally I suggest they visit [shamanicteachers.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CZMwUlc4xlKn&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shamanicteachers.com%2F). [Shamanicteachers.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CZMwUlc4xlKn&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shamanicteachers.com%2F) is a community of practitioners and teachers connected, trained, and thoroughly screened by Sandra Ingerman. Although I do not know all the practitioners on this list personally, I know Sandra, her impeccable ethics, and her high standards for care and instruction. I know that she will remove a person from this list if they do not treat people in a way that meets those standards. This is a cooperative group. Our intention is to support each other in doing this work, for the greater good of our clients and the global community. For more information about Sandra [visit her site](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CZMwUlc4xlKn&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandraingerman.com%2F). This is an excerpt from my latest newsletter. [Read the full newsletter.](http://www.icontact-archive.com/zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CZMwUlc4xlKn?w=3) As always, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Community, cooperation, core shamanism, ethical, Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Sandra Ingerman, shaman, shamanic healers, shamanic healing, shamanic practitioners, shamanic teachers, Shamanicteachers.com, trained --- ### [Celebrating the Sun](https://www.wholespirit.com/celebrating-the-sun/) **Published:** June 16, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Although I appreciate all seasons and aspects of nature, I have a special affinity for the Sun and the warmth it brings to our world. As I look forward to the summer solstice, I am particularly grateful for all things solar: the long days, the Sun gods, being outside in this season of gardenias, hummingbirds, and frogs in the pond. I hope you enjoy some peaceful time in the warmth this month! As usual, please feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) with questions or comments, or to schedule a session. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** gratitude, seasons, summer, summer solstice, sun gods --- ### [Still time! Last 2 for 1 Distance Healing session in June](https://www.wholespirit.com/still-time-last-2-for-1-distance-healing-session-in-june/) **Published:** June 8, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **2 for 1 Distance Healing Sessions in June – this Wednesday June 11** This offer continues for the next Distance Healing Session on Wednesday June 11th from 12-1 EST. When you sign up for a Distance Energy Healing session, you can gift one to a friend (with their permission of course!). Email me if you have any questions. Please register and send your intention and photo by Tuesday, June 10th. [More Information](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fdistance-healing-sessions.php) [REGISTER NOW](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN&w=3&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DSCKZLSF9CD8FN) [Read the entire newsletter](http://www.icontact-archive.com/zB0-nxR90fwBCGk8SpK3CR6rmb2mJjgN?w=3) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, group distance healing, reiki, shamanic healing --- ### [WholeSpirit newsletter May 2014](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-newsletter-may-2014/) **Published:** June 1, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m just figuring out some of the tricks of using technology, so bear with me. For instance, I can post a[ link to my newsletter here](http://goo.gl/bFC4IX "WholeSpirit newsletter May 2014"). Who knew? You did, probably. There is a special offer for the Distance Energy Healing in June, listings for upcoming events, great local resources for caring for yourself (mentioned in an early blog post this month), and some sage advice from one of my favorite shamanic teachers. Wishing you a peaceful heart (and a happy body), Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** distance energy healing, Sandra Ingerman, Wellville Healing Arts, wholespirit --- ### [Refueling at Wellville](https://www.wholespirit.com/refueling-at-wellville/) **Published:** May 19, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Finding the right balance of giving and receiving in our lives can be hard. Many of us are caregivers in one form or another, and that involves energy flowing out – the giving. In order to continue to give, and remain healthy (and sane) as we do it, we need to find ways to bring energy in – receiving. A massage is a great way to put fuel back in the tank. Whether it’s the health benefits, the relaxing environment, the soothing touch, or whatever other aspect is most nurturing to you, massage is great self care. I have been thinking about this dynamic because recently I had a massage on a day that was special to me. It was healing on several levels. I carved out time to take care of myself. How often do you do that? I encourage you to pause and really think about it for a minute. I gave up an afternoon of clients, errands, writing, and whatever else and I went to [Wellville Massage & Healing Arts in Durham](http://wellvillenc.com/ "Wellville"). And it made a difference, both before and after the session. I’ve been going to Wellville Massage & Healing Arts for years. Kim Dupre, Wellville’s owner has created a space that has the peace and serenity of a spa, without any pretense. It’s quiet and cozy. There are no hair or nail services (which I enjoy, I’m just happy to go somewhere else for that). It is a supremely down to earth place to go and be nurtured. Kim has kept her prices very reasonable, because she believes massage should be available to as many of us as possible. The therapists are experienced and varied in their focus, and the website gives you a sense of who each of them are. I floated home. I’m confident I did a better job being a mom, practitioner, and partner because I spent a little time refueling. And I certainly enjoyed doing all of those things more because I enjoyed some time being cared for myself. Be good to you! Wishing you a peaceful heart (and a happy body), Mara [To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ ](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** bodywork, deep tissue massage, Durham, giving and receiving, Kim Dupre, massage, refueling, relaxation, Self care, spa day, Swedish Massage, Wellville Massage & Healing Arts --- ### [She's not just MY Hero](https://www.wholespirit.com/shes-not-just-my-hero/) **Published:** May 8, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I have a friend who is remarkable. I’ve mentioned her before on this blog because of the no-judgement, low-stress way that she has advised me on ways to make healthier choices about food, skin care and cleaning products. Inc.com recently named Wendy Kuhn one of [*6 Everyday, Entrepreneurial Heroes You Should Know About.*](http://www.inc.com/larry-kim/6-entrepreneurial-heroes.html#ixzz30tMLALWA "Wendy Kuhn Entrepreneurial Hero") My favorite quote from this article is about Wendy’s approach to her cancer diagnosis, “I decided my priority was being an excellent role model for my nieces, my stepdaughter, and my sisters,” Kuhn says. “I wanted them to see that this could be handled with grace, dignity and humor.” This is Wendy to a tee. Especially the humor part! There are 5 other remarkable stories that are well worth reading, but Wendy is here in our neighborhood and she offers health and wellness workshops as well as customized health coaching for everyone. She’s my hero. Check her out at [Break Through Consulting](http://www.breakthroughconsultingllc.com/about-me.html "Wendy Kuhn"). To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 6 Everyday Entrepreneurial Heroes You Should Know About, Break Through Consulting, cancer support, Cornucopia House, entrepreneur, health coach, health consulting, Hero, inc.com, Wendy Kuhn --- ### [What happened last night?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-happened-last-night/) **Published:** May 6, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I just finished a distance energy healing session. It was especially powerful for me and I wanted to share some of my experience with you. I’ve been doing shamanic and energy work in various forms for a long time. The sensation of feeling filled or surrounded by spirit isn’t new; however, sometimes it’s particularly strong. There is a very specific resonance that is emerging in these distance energy healing sessions which is particularly moving. It has increased with each session since their inception in March. The sensation of love that is pouring through for the people in the group is remarkable. Tonight that radiance was so strong that it spilled over into joy, with tears and even some laughter. Both were gentle, as I clearly felt the presence of help for our group. I am deeply thankful to you who joined the group tonight and gave me the opportunity to sit with your intentions and your pictures and to let that feeling wash through me and out to you like a gentle tide. May you be buoyed and supported in what you need. The next distance energy healing session is Wednesday May 21st at 12:00 PM EST. [Here is the link for instructions and to see registration options.](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-sessions.php "Distance Energy Healing") Or simply [register for the next session now](http://tinyurl.com/mu3zpaw "Distance Healing Session"). To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, group distance healing, healing with spiritual light, love, reiki, remote healing, shamanic healing --- ### [Can Empathy Make You Sick?](https://www.wholespirit.com/can-empathy-make-you-sick/) **Published:** May 5, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The short answer is yes, the absorption of other’s emotions can make you sick. In my practice, though, I have seen that this energetic overload may well take a different form in women than in men. Since I often work with clients on an energetic level, you might not expect gender differences to play a part. However, our physical and spiritual bodies are interrelated, and our genetics, families of origin, and expectations of society at large affect us differently, depending on whether we grew up male or female. Those differences affect us on many levels, including the energetic. One difference I frequently see between men and women is in the way they handle their own sensitivity to others and their environment. [Read more in my article “Can Empathy Make You Sick? Male and Female Responses to Sensitivity” from *Health & Healing Magazine’s* April Edition…](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/Health-Healing-Empathy-Apr-2014.pdf "Can Empathy Make You Sick?") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** empathy, energetic landscape, energetic personalities, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Health & Healing, Health & Healing Magazine, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Distance Healing Session Reports - Next Session Wed April 23rd](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-session-reports-next-session-wed-april-23rd/) **Published:** April 15, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next distance energy healing session is Wednesday April 23rd at 12:00 PM EST. I’m happy to report that the positive feedback from the distance energy healing sessions continues to come in, both from people trying it for the first time and from people who have subscribed to the 3 or 6 month option. Here are a few of the comments people have written. “Wonderful results from this session as well.” (After an autoimmune flareup before the session) “The pain in my elbow joint was less and today it is gone. Also the swelling in my right hand went down noticeably.” “I felt free and happy. More empowered as a result of your healing.” “I feel less achy. The pain has improved.” Some people find having the time regularly scheduled to receive the healing is helpful. The 3 and 6 month options reduce the cost of the sessions as well. “It unfolds for me all the time. It’s down in the calendar and I’m looking forward to it. The day is different because that’s in it. It changes my consciousness. Then I start thinking, ‘Oh, when is the next one?'” If you think this would benefit someone you know, would you please pass the information along? Sessions can also make meaningful gifts. [Here is the link for instructions and to see registration options.](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-sessions.php "Distance Energy Healing") Or simply [register for this single session now](http://tinyurl.com/mu3zpaw "Distance Healing Session"). Feel free to email me if you have any questions. And please send me your intentions and photos by Monday. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, energy medicine, healing with spiritual light, Mara Bishop, reiki, remote healing, shamanic healing, wholespirit --- ### [Energy Ecosystem© May 10 & 11, 2014](https://www.wholespirit.com/energy-ecosystem-may-10-11-2014/) **Published:** April 11, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** This is fast becoming a big focus of my work with clients and groups because I see such a need, and improvement once some of these issues are addressed. Many people struggle with boundaries. Often patterns are established early in childhood that determine whether or not we will have naturally strong energetic boundaries. When we don’t have a good sense of how to work with our energy bodies and maintain our “borders,” we can wind up feeling battered and baffled by our interactions with other people, and the world at large. We get exhausted, or worse, sick. Everyone needs tools to protect themselves energetically, and ways to clear the residue of difficult interactions. This class can help you feel more in control of your life though understanding how your energy, and the energy you live in, works. Join me for the next **Energy Ecosystem© class on May 10 & 11.** We live surrounded by our physical environment; however, we also live immersed in the energetic ecosystem. Your energy ecosystem is as beautiful and complex as the physical ecosystem, and similarly, understanding the terrain makes navigating it safer and more enjoyable. This class helps you map how your personal energy interacts with the larger energy ecosystem and equips you to prepare, protect and enjoy yourself as you move through the world. **Energy Ecosystem©** DATE: Part 1 Saturday, May 10 [REGISTER](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7VUZM8GQXZKXW "Energy Ecosystem Part 1") Part 2 Sunday May 11 [REGISTER](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DLFADV2E5CTS8 "Energy Ecosystem Part 2") [REGISTER for both classes (save $50)](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BA2B78KEZGB7S "Energy Ecosystem Part 1 and 2") COST: $150 each class ($50 discount for both classes) TIME: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, chameleon, chapel hill, empath, energy, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Energy Immune System, energy landscape, hermit, Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, psychic protection, psychic sponge, Sacred Space, shamanic healing, soul retrieval --- ### [Are you a chameleon? ...or an empath, or a hermit?](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-a-chameleon-or-an-empath-or-a-hermit/) **Published:** March 14, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are you a chameleon? It may help you in certain situations. Blending into your environment, and knowing instinctively what others want from you, can be good survival tools. But it may hurt you in the long run, when it’s hard to stop shifting to accommodate others and simply be you. If you can identify, and you know it isn’t working for you any more, join me for the next **Energy Ecosystem© class on May 10 & 11.** Or maybe you are the good listener who becomes an energetic landfill for others, and can’t clear what’s been dumped on you any more. Perhaps you need so much time alone to tolerate the world that your personal relationships are suffering. If these are not your personalities, come and learn what your energy personality is, and how to keep yourself safe and healthy as you navigate the energetic landscape. I see many clients who struggle with boundaries. Some feel battered and baffled by their interactions with other people, and the world at large, and wind up exhausted. Everyone needs tools to protect themselves energetically, and ways to clear the residue of difficult interactions. My goal for this class is to help you feel more in control of your life though understanding how your energy, and the energy you live in, works. We live surrounded by our physical environment; however, we also live immersed in the energetic ecosystem. Your energy ecosystem is as beautiful and complex as the physical ecosystem, and similarly, understanding the terrain makes navigating it safer and more enjoyable. This class helps you map how your personal energy interacts with the larger energy ecosystem and equips you to prepare, protect and enjoy yourself as you move through the world. **Energy Ecosystem©** DATE: Part 1 Saturday, May 10 [REGISTER](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7VUZM8GQXZKXW "Energy Ecosystem Part 1") Part 2 Sunday May 11 [REGISTER](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DLFADV2E5CTS8 "Energy Ecosystem Part 2") [REGISTER for both classes (save $50)](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BA2B78KEZGB7S "Energy Ecosystem Part 1 and 2") COST: $150 each class ($50 discount for both classes) TIME: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, chameleon, chapel hill, empath, energy, energy ecosystem, Energy Healing, Energy Immune System, energy landscape, hermit, Personal Evolution, Personal Evolution Counseling, psychic protection, psychic sponge, Sacred Space, shamanic healing, soul retrieval --- ### [Distance Energy Healing ~ Monday, April 7th](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-energy-healing-monday-april-7th/) **Published:** April 4, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next distance energy healing session is Monday April 7th at 6:00 PM EST. My experience working in this way is very moving. I feel the room fill as I ask for help on behalf of those who have joined. The energy starts to build and it’s palpable in my being as it flows through and out via your intentions and photos. [Here is the link for instructions and to see registration options.](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-sessions.php "Distance Energy Healing") Or simply [register for this single session now](http://tinyurl.com/mu3zpaw "Distance Healing Session"). Feel free to email me if you have any questions. And please send me your intentions and photos by Saturday! To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, energy medicine, healing with spiritual light, Mara Bishop, reiki, remote healing, shamanic healing, wholespirit --- ### [What is a shamanic journey?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-is-a-shamanic-journey/) **Published:** April 3, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Following up on my last post about shamanism…I didn’t scare you off did I? Are you interested in learning more of what it’s all about? What is this thing called a “journey”? It’s actually a very specific method and it’s what distinguishes shamanic practices from other spiritual and healing practices. It’s a way to connect with your own sources of guidance, power and healing. This method is available to anyone with a sincere interest and an open mind. You don’t have to believe anything coming in, just see what you experience for yourself. My next scheduled introductory group is this coming Tuesday April 8th from 6:30 – 9:00. It’s a 2 part class with the second meeting on April 22nd. For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com Events](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/introduction-to-shamanic-journeying-intensive-day-1-day-two-is-april-22/). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming, Evolving shamanism, power animal, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spirit teachers, spiritual community --- ### [Are you happy? How can you tell?](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-happy-how-can-you-tell/) **Published:** March 20, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m actually not going to delve into an intellectual discussion about happiness, dissecting and analyzing it to pieces. Sometimes we feel it, sometimes we don’t. We all seek it, striving for it in different ways throughout the course of our lives. Sometimes we give up. Sometimes that’s when it finds us. As you might know already, today has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Happiness 2014. I hope you are happy today. At least, I hope you feel moments of happiness, or tend to yourself in ways that bring you joy or comfort, which can lead to happiness. For some suggestions about celebrating this day, I’ll point you to an article by Kellie Edwards in the Huffington Post titled *[10 Happy Ways to Celebrate the International Day of Happiness.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kellie-edwards/10-happy-ways-to-celebrat_b_4989761.html "10 Happy Ways to Celebrate the International Day of Happiness.")* Some are what you would expect, but I appreciated numbers 3 and 4, and wrestle with 9. My own tip for the day…download Pharrell William’s super catchy “I’m Happy.” I’ve been annoying my daughter by dancing to it recently… a lot. 🙂 Of course if you could use some help, [send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com), or take a look at my [Sessions page](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-sessions.php "WholeSpirit Sessions") and see if it speaks to you. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Are you Happy?, happiness, Huffington Post, I'm Happy, International Happiness Day, Kellie Edwards, Pharrell Williams, United Nations, United Nations International Day of Happiness --- ### [Global shamanism? "Shaman" vs "shamanic practitioner"](https://www.wholespirit.com/global-shamanism-shaman-vs-shamanic-practitioner/) **Published:** April 2, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I want to thank Kamaira and the MindBodySpirit Connection Student Group at UNC for inviting me to come and speak about shamanism last week. We had a great group of students and other folks interested in the practice. We touched on something during this talk that came up for the organizer as she promoted the talk, and is important to me as well. It’s about language, the power behind words, and navigating cultural differences. The words “shaman” and “shamanic” are becoming quite popular in our culture. I am happy that shamanism is becoming more widely known and accepted. Many of the shamanic ways of being in the world and healing methods that have been used by human beings in various cultures for thousands of years can be used with great effect today. However, the title “shaman” carries great responsibility and we don’t really get to decide if we are one or not. I do not call myself a “shaman,” but rather a “shamanic practitioner.” I feel called to the work, I’ve had certain kinds of experiences and I’ve studied with some amazing teachers in ordinary and non-ordinary reality. But “shaman” is a title traditionally bestowed on a person by the community if they get results using particular ways of journeying and interacting with the spirit world. In traditional cultures the role of shaman was handed down through the generations or perhaps a person was chosen by spirit, often without a lot of choice by the person themselves. Typically, it was not a highly desirable job. It could be isolating, emotionally draining, perhaps even dangerous. Not dull, and certainly not easy. I think it’s important to be right sized and to be careful that we aren’t adopting a sacred title for ourselves inappropriately. We also want to have respect for individual cultures and not appropriate their traditions. Core shamanism is one way to work shamanically regardless of your lineage. The wisdom of approaching the world (and our relationship to ourselves, each other, and healing), in a way that we are now bundling under the term “shamanism” is not something that one group of people can or should claim for themselves, it is part of the experience of being human. We all have genetic ties to cultures that practiced these ancient ways. We may not be able to trace our lineage back to them now. Because of systematic efforts to destroy shamanic cultures, even if we could uncover our genetic lines we might not have access to the spiritual and healing practices that are our cultural birthright. But isn’t it more important to focus on our unity as human beings? When we focus on our spiritual birthright as a global community, we can draw on the wisdom and skill of cultures past and present to help us create wholeness and health now. Out of respect for the rituals, beliefs, and titles of individual cultures to which I am not a part, I will honor them, but not claim them for my own. I will also do what I can to help people heal their wounds and find wholeness of spirit today, in the culture in which I live. One of the spiritual principles I value is the idea that we are interrelated, connected through a web of existence. Union, rather than division, will help us to thrive. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** core shamanism, cultural appropriation, global shamanism, Mind Body Spirit, neoshaman, plastic shaman, shaman, shamanic pracitioner, UNC, UNC Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Chapel HIll --- ### [Shamanism at UNC Chapel Hill](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanism-at-unc/) **Published:** March 25, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I was invited to speak about Shamanism and Shamanic Healing to the Mind Body Spirit Connection group this Friday, March 28th at the Student Union at UNC Chapel Hill. My part is from 2:00 – 3:00 and there will be yoga following. It’s free to members and $5 for non members. [Here is a link to the information the organizer has posted. ](http://carolinaunion.unc.edu/boxoffice/tickets/shaman-speaks-shamanism-seminar-yoga "Shamanism at UNC ") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** chapel hill, core shamanism, drumming, drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, Mara Bishop, Mind Body Spirit, Mind Body Spirit Connection, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spirit teachers, Spiritual Healing, UNC Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina --- ### [Shamanic Drumming Circle ~ Monday March 24th](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-drumming-circle-monday-march-24th/) **Published:** March 10, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next circle will be on Monday, March 24th from 7:00 – 9:00pm. As usual, our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time for drumming. We will journey on a group topic and also on personal questions. Core shamanic journeying experience is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. *The next introductory class is April 8 and 22nd.* \*Preregistration is required for these gatherings and space is limited\* Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for classes and circles. To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** auditory driving, drum, drumming, drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, healing drum, journeying circle, lower world, power animal, shaman, shamanic counseling, shamanic drumming circle, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spiritual guidance, upper world, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Building Intuitive Muscles ~ Last chance March 15-16](https://www.wholespirit.com/building-intuitive-muscles-last-chance-march-15-16/) **Published:** March 8, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** What do muscles have to do with intuition? You’ve got muscles, right? We all do. Could they use some more strength, tone and definition? Um…probably. Our muscles are there whether we pay attention to them or not. We don’t have to believe in our muscles, they are simply part of us. However, when we start a new workout, spend a day planting in the garden, or do anything physical that we aren’t used to doing, we often become acutely aware of the muscles we haven’t used in a while. It’s not necessarily comfortable at first, but it makes us stronger. I’ve had some questions about the **Refining Your Intuition Class** and I think this analogy may be helpful in explaining my approach to intuitive development. You have intuition whether you pay attention to it or not. You were born with it. This class is about helping you work out that sense (your intuitive muscles) in new ways, so that it becomes stronger and more useful in your life. You don’t have to believe in your intuition (although it helps), just come and experience it. Stretch it, exercise it in new ways with the variety of techniques we’ll use over the course of the weekend. There is no pressure to perform. The environment is safe and supportive. This is an introductory course, but since it is a survey and is highly experiential, even if you’ve been using your intuition intentionally for a while, it will still be a good work out! **Refining Your Intuition** Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 15 & 16 Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Location: Chapel Hill, NC Cost: $250. [REGISTER NOW](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=932187&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwebscr%3Fcmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DNBZNVXRBV2J4A) [MORE INFORMATION](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/refining-your-intuition-weekend-day-1-of-2/ "Refining Your Intuition") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** chapel hill, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairvoyance, Intuition, intuitive, intuitive development, intuitive work out, psychometry, Refining Your Intuition, telepathy --- ### [Shamanic Diagnosis: Seeing in the Dark](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-diagnosis-seeing-in-the-dark/) **Published:** March 7, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I have a new article in Health and Healing Magazine [Shamanic Diagnosis: Seeing in the Dark.](http://healthandhealingonline.com/shamanic-diagnosis-seeing-in-the-dark/ "Shamanic Diagnosis: Seeing in the Dark.") When we are suffering, we want a solution to alleviate our pain. We hope a diagnosis will define the cause of our symptoms, and illuminate a clear path for treatment. This can be the case; however, how a diagnosis is delivered, and whether it fully explains what is happening holistically for a patient, is also important. I use several methods with clients to diagnose how to proceed with treatment. I listen to their issues and analyze what is happening on an energetic level. Valuable information comes from my intuitive scanning and from trusted sources of spiritual guidance. Often I perceive energetic disturbances visually, and even feel what’s happening for a client in my own body. However, my focus is not on my client’s imbalances or trauma, but rather on the state of health we intend to restore. If I concentrate on the trauma so does my client, but if my attention is on the healing possibilities, their attention shifts there as well. [READ MORE…](http://healthandhealingonline.com/shamanic-diagnosis-seeing-in-the-dark/ "Shamanic Diagnosis: Seeing in the Dark") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** healing words, intuitive healing, power of words, Refining Your Intuition, seeing in the dark, shamanic diagnosis, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, spiritual guidance, symptoms --- ### [Distance Energy Healing Reports](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-energy-healing-reports/) **Published:** March 6, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve received some feedback from people who participated in the first distance healing session on Monday 3/3. There was alleviation of pain and overall body aches, an increased sense of calmness, a sense of strengthening and fortifying (like sap flowing through a tree), and protection (like a gentle wrapping). When asked how she felt, particularly in the part that was worked on, one client said “Great!” Perhaps you can join us for the next session on Wednesday March 19th at 12:00EST. [Here is the link for instructions and to register.](https://www.wholespirit.com/distance-healing-sessions.php "Distance Energy Healing") To get the most recent and complete information about events, articles and healing groups ~ [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit")[Send me an email](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Distance healing, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, reiki, remote healing, shamanic healing --- ### [New Distance Energy Healing Sessions - Twice a month](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-distance-energy-healing-sessions-twice-a-month/) **Published:** January 30, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Distance Energy Healing can have deep effects, physically and emotionally. I’ve designed a way to make this powerful energy work more accessible, and invite you to experience the benefits that many of my clients have already experienced. Distance healing work is analogous to tuning into a broadcast. As I connect to healing sources and states of union with divine energy, a radiant healing frequency is created. When you are part of a session, that healing energy radiates out to you. If scheduling time at my office is challenging, or if the cost of private sessions is a barrier, this approach may be a great way to experience the incredible power of this type of healing work. If you already work with me one-on-one, these sessions can be a complement to that work. To register and for more information, visit the [Distance Healing page of WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=&msgid=0&act=11111&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fdistance-healing-sessions.php). More details about [me](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "About Mara"). Information about [WholeSpirit.com Events](http://https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events"). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** affordable healing, alternative medicin, Distance healing, Energy Healing, healing with spiritual light, Personal Evolution, reiki, shamanic healing, universal life force, wholespirit --- ### [6 Kinds of Love - Key to a Happy Life?](https://www.wholespirit.com/6-kinds-of-love-key-to-a-happy-life/) **Published:** February 3, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence as an “inalienable” right, the pursuit of happiness is a driving force in many of our lives. Through relationships, soul searching, material goods, peak experiences, and myriad other ways, we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the quest for happiness. It is no doubt one of our favorite cultural pastimes. But being happy is less about “having”, or “doing” than it is about “being.” Love is the key ingredient to a happy life. In this month permeated with notions of romantic love, I encourage you to expand your “love vision.” We can model that approach on the ancient Greeks who had at least 6 different words to express the distinct varieties of love. Throw in a few extra ingredients like satisfying work and good health, and a balance of these 6 kinds of love may be a simple recipe for a happy life. 1\. **Eros**, or sexual passion. Romantic wild, “falling madly in love” love. This kind of love is romanticized in our culture. Although exciting and certainly part of our nature, when we let it take control of our brains and bodies and we can find ourselves dazed and confused. Speaking of dazed and confused… check out this [post about the origins of Valentine’s Day.](https://www.wholespirit.com/?p=1220 "Origins of Valentines' Day and What you don't know about love") 2\. **Philia**, or deep friendship. Self explanatory. A friend you can trust is priceless. 3\. **Ludus**, or playful love. I love this one. It can be expressed in many different situations, from flirting with a lover, to joking with friends, to tussling like puppies with your kids. It’s about lightness. Play is so healing. Where can you bring more play into your life? 4\. **Agape**, or love for everyone. (not to be confused with Eros!) This is the love taught by the great spiritual traditions and is akin to what I’m attempting to connect with during healing sessions. Love is a powerful healing and transformative energy, especially when it moves out of the realm of our personal attachments. 5\. **Pragma**, or longstanding love. Patient, tolerant, adaptive. If you can stay married you have to be, right? Also involved in good parenting. 6\. **Philautia**, or love of the self. How key is this? VERY, my friends. So many of my clients struggle with this one. Sometimes an objective perspective and some energetic cleansing can help clear some of that negative self-talk. Be kind to yourself. Although Agape is similar, I’d like to add **Divine love**, a love that transcends our humanness, which connects us to compassionate forces larger than ourselves. Experiencing this kind of love is truly profound. To see the full explanation of this ancient and expanded love vision [read this article The Ancient Greeks’ 6 Words for Love (And Why Knowing Them Can Change Your Life) by Roman Krznaric](http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/the-ancient-greeks-6-words-for-love-and-why-knowing-them-can-change-your-life?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=20131227). And thanks, Mom, for finding and sharing this article! Wishing you a peaceful heart and a love filled Valentine’s Day, Mara [Join my Private List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** agape, Ancient Greeks, eros, February 14, happiness, happy, love, ludus, philautia, philia, pragma, Roman Krznaric, St. Valentine, The Ancient Greeks' 6 Words for Love (And Why Knowing Them Can Change Your Life), valentine, valentine's day --- ### [Detoxify Your Life! And keep your cookies?](https://www.wholespirit.com/detoxify-your-life-and-keep-your-cookies/) **Published:** January 26, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** A while ago I took a brave step. I invited a Holistic Health & Wellness Coach to come in and look in all my cupboards. Yes, even the sweets drawer…to her credit, she kindly averted her eyes. I wouldn’t let just anyone poke around in my kitchen and bathroom cabinets, but Wendy Kuhn is not just anyone. Full disclosure, she is a good friend and I trust her implicitly. Wendy is one of those unique people with excellent right brain/left brain balance. She is an IT consultant and a Holistic Health Coach. She is also a breast cancer survivor and is super knowledgeable about healthy products and easy tricks for detoxifying your life. Her company is Break Through Consulting LLC and this particular service is called Break Through to a Healthier Home. My fear was that I would feel judged about the food in my cupboards…yes, we eat cookies, pasta, chocolate and gasp…she found colored sprinkles! Still no judging. Instead, she very kindly talked with me about the ingredients in the foods and beauty products we used. She offered options that were less toxic, and sometimes less expensive. She even took a photo of our favorite shampoo to track it down in a database that ranks products for safe vs. toxic ingredients and found us a better solution. If you are like me you care, really care, about what you are putting in and on your body; however, keeping track of what brands and ingredients are supposedly healthy sometimes feels like a part time job that there isn’t time for. Working with Wendy helped. Ultimately, our cupboards weren’t that bad (unless she took it REALLY easy on me!), and I know I can call on her to help me sort out what the current wisdom is. She tries to keep things simple and works with your style. For example, if you are a DIY kind of person, she has great ideas for making your own household and body products (my skin is smoother now). Or, if time is more precious to you, she can show you a line of products that is thoroughly vetted to be toxin free (with zero of the salesiness which we don’t like). You can have her come out once, or she can work with you over a series of sessions to meet your goals of a healthy home. She’s also just a lovely person, so I thought I’d share her with you. And she let me keep my cookies! *Often we are not aware of the toxins that lurk in the most ordinary products. The Break Through to a Healthier Home service is an opportunity to look at your pantry, your bathroom cabinets, and even that dreaded area under your sink to determine if there are less toxic choices available. This service provides you the chance to learn more and have more control over the choices that you make every day that impact you and your family. Based on your goals for your home, Wendy identifies potential problems that are in conflict with those goals and recommends approaches to remedy the problems. Intrigued? Call Wendy at 919-605-1069 or email her at .* Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Ava Anderson, Break Through Consulting, Break Through to a Healthier Home, breast cancer, cookies, detoxify your home, detoxify your pantry, health coach, holistic health, holistic health coach, it consultant, Wendy Kuhn --- ### [Classes & Events for 2014](https://www.wholespirit.com/classes-events-for-2014/) **Published:** January 22, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Much is happening this year! See new events listings for classes this winter and spring. Here’s a list, see the[ events page at WholeSpirit](http://https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more details. Also – the events page is about to get an overhaul and become much more user friendly! Shamanic Journeying Circles ~ Monday January 27, 2014 (next circles March 24, May 19 and July 21) Mara Bishop and Dr. Larry Burk: Shamanic and Intuitive Practices for Health and Guidance , at the Rhine Center, Duke Center for Living Campus~ Friday February 7, 2014 700 pm \*New\* Distance Energy Healing Sessions begin March 3 & 19, April 7 & 23, May 5 & 21 Refining Your Intuition ~ Saturday and Sunday March 15 & 16, 2014 UNC Mind Body Spirit Connection ~ Friday March 28, 2014 Introduction to Shamanic Journeying Intensive ~ Tuesdays April 8 & 22, 2014 Your Energy Ecosystem© Part 1 & 2 ~ May 10 – 11, 2014 More details about [me and to read other articles](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "About Mara"). Information about [WholeSpirit.com Events](http://https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events"). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, Distance healing, Dr. Larry Burk, drumming, drumming circle, drumming circles, Duke Center for Living, energy ecosystem, Energy personality, energy sessions, Evolving shamanism, group distance healing, group healing, groups distance energy sessions, Inner Divinity, Intuition, intuitive development, Larry Burk, Personal Evolution, power animal, Refining Your Intuition, Rhine Center, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, soul retrieval, spirit teachers, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing, Stedman Auditorium, transformation, WholeSpirit Center, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Learning to Walk in Beauty](https://www.wholespirit.com/learning-to-walk-in-beauty/) **Published:** January 6, 2014 **Author:** Mara **Content:** My article, “Learning to Walk in Beauty” just came out in the *Balance* edition of *Health and Healing Magazine*. To feel balanced is to feel happy, powerful, and peaceful. Without balance our systems deteriorate. To be out of balance physically causes disease. When we are out of balance emotionally—“beside ourselves” with feeling—we lack the ability to respond rationally to the events of our lives. To be spiritually imbalanced implies that we’ve lost our internal compass, that guiding force that helps us navigate toward truth. The Navajo people have a saying: *May you walk in beauty.* Although I am not Navajo, my understanding is that it means: *May you lead a harmonious life. May you have balance within yourself. May your relationships be agreeable. May you be at peace with your surroundings. As you walk through your day, and move through different environments, may you not be pulled too far to one extreme or another. May you create beauty with your words and your deeds, and may that beauty be reflected back to you. May you find peace within and without.* The practice of shamanism can help us achieve this balance. My goal with clients is to help them find equilibrium: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Although a person may come with a physical complaint, I look at the complete picture; what is underlying the manifestation of symptoms on an energetic level? From the shamanic perspective, I then address where the imbalances lie. Often the results are surprising. A client who was struggling with intense pain from what she thought was plantar fasciitis wrote: “The healing work that you did on my legs and feet recently was totally unexpected. I cannot believe how quickly the pain disappeared after that session. To find out that the pain was not even my own was eye opening.” [Read more…](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=&msgid=0&act=11111&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthandhealingonline.com%2Flearning-to-walk-in-beauty%2F "Health & Healing - Learning to Walk in Beauty") More details about [me and to read other articles](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "About Mara"). Information about [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php). Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** balance, Energy Healing, harmony, Mara Bishop, Navajo, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, Walk in Beauty, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [LAST CHANCE Shamanic Journeying Next week!](https://www.wholespirit.com/last-chance-shamanic-journeying-next-week/) **Published:** December 31, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** LAST CHANCE until APRIL! Shamanic Journeying Intensive next week. DATE: Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, 2014 TIME: 6:30 – 9:00 pm COST: $150 For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming, Evolving shamanism, power animal, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teachers, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Will this year be "New" for you?](https://www.wholespirit.com/will-this-year-be-new-for-you/) **Published:** December 31, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** There are certain times in our lives when we feel we have a fresh start. Some are individual events, like births, deaths, or divorces. Some are cyclical. Birthdays. Holidays that help us reset spiritually, like Yom Kippur. Naturally occuring phases, like the cycles of the moon. Or days that mark a new time period, such as…wait for it…the New Year. What we make of these moments is up to us, of course. Are you ready for something new? Are you looking for an internal or external shift? Or are you mostly trying to hold on and keep your balance as the earth seems to be shifting underneath you, trying to catch your breath before the next big change catches you by surprise? I’m not a big fan of trying to change all the things about myself I’d like to in one fell swoop. Or in making huge resolutions that once broken leave me feeling bleak. Darn, I didn’t get to the gym 5 times this week (or the week before, actually). Oh well, there’s always next year. I think the gentle approach is more effective. How can you care for yourself better in this moment? The year is made up of over 500,000 minutes. That’s a lot of opportunites to think a new thought, or begin a new action that changes a pattern in your life. A second is all it takes to change a pattern, so you have over 31 million opportunities to alter the course of your life this year. Whether it’s one of the classics, like making healthy food choices or starting to exercise, or a more unusual resolution, like starting a gratitude practice or becoming more connected with nature, seconds count. Each moment we occupy is an opportunity for a fresh start. While we can appreciate and work with the collective power of holidays and marked cycles, remember that you are in charge of how you handle each of your 31 million seconds this year. Be good to yourself and those around you. Wishing you a safe and peaceful New Year, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** birthdays, Happy New Year, moon cycles, resolutions, Yom Kippur --- ### [Rhine panel video posted](https://www.wholespirit.com/rhine-panel-video-posted/) **Published:** December 17, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Since the 1930s, Durham has been involved in academic research into the field of parapsychology. This research continues today at the Rhine Research Center. On December 2nd, I joined John Kruth, the Center’s director; Dr. Sally Rhine Feather, executive director emeritus; and author Dr. Larry Burk for a panel discussion of the history and current work of the center. It also turned out to be an interesting discussion on parapsychology, healing and anomalous experiences. The video of that event is now up on the library’s web site. There are a variety of other interesting presentations on the site as well! I didn’t realize what an interesting range of programs the Durham County Library hosts. [Check them out here.](http://durhamcountylibrary.org/events/categories/humanities-programs/ "Durham County Library Programs") [Watch Durham Library Panel Discussion about Rhine Research Center.](http://durhamcountylibrary.org/humanitiesvideos/) The Rhine Center has asked Larry and I to speak on February 7th. I’ll post more details about that soon. For more information visit the [WholeSpirit Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php). Feel free to [e-mail me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) if you have any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Bullish on Durham: The Rhine Research Center, Dr. Larry Burk, Dr. Sally Rhine Feather, Durham County Library, Humanities prorgams, Rhine Research Center --- ### [Intro to Shamanic Journeying Intensive Class](https://www.wholespirit.com/intro-to-shamanic-journeying-intensive-class/) **Published:** November 29, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve been getting requests for an intro to journeying class…so here it is. I’m trying a weeknight time spread over two sessions, especially for those of you who have a hard time getting away for larger periods of time over the weekend. I like to try different formats to accommodate a variety of schedules. I’m always interested to hear what works for you. Shamanic journeying allows us to directly access spiritual assistance. Spirit teachers and power animals provide a profound source of wisdom, support and healing. They are available to us if we make the effort to develop a relationship with them. This class provides a basic introduction to the technique of shamanic journeying. We will work in both the upper and lower worlds. If you are interested in more in-depth shamanic classes or coming to the drumming circles, this is a good opportunity to get basic journeying skills. More experienced journeyers are welcome to join for a refresher, or to enjoy the power of being in a group. DATE: Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, 2014 TIME: 6:30 – 9:00 pm COST: $150 For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming, drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, Mara Bishop, Personal Evolution Counseling, power animal, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teachers, spiritual community --- ### [Thanksgiving Grace](https://www.wholespirit.com/thanksgiving-grace/) **Published:** November 26, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I can’t believe a year has passed since I had this wonderful Amazing Grace moment! (See below.) I’m going to share it again. Hope you don’t mind. I may start hauling this out as my Thanksgiving tradition to help remind myself of the beauty of the state of grace, and the absolute delight I felt the day that it flowed so directly, so tangibly, though my ears into my soul. There is much happening beneath the busy surface of our lives. The undercurrent of love, support and spiritual connection is strong, but it can be hard to hear its messages through the din of ordinary reality business. When we make time to pause and listen, to be thankful, we are often rewarded in unexpected ways. Please read on. I hope the Amazing Grace message uplifts you too. Wishing you a peaceful, happy Thanksgiving, Mara **Amazing Grace** November 2012 I had an interesting experience with grace recently. The Sunday before Thanksgiving I went to services at my local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF). Reverend Deb Cayer gave a thoughtful sermon on the concept of grace. She talked about grace as a spiritual gift, a blessing from the divine. Although I love the idea of grace, what fascinated me most was her description of the origin of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” John Newton was a British man who spent time in the Royal Navy, and eventually captained slave ships in the mid 1770s. During a particularly violent storm he asked for God’s mercy to see him through the night. He survived the storm and (albeit sometime later) had a change of heart. He gave up the slave trade, found a new career as a preacher, and wrote what was to become one of the most popular hymns in existence, “Amazing Grace.” We sang “Amazing Grace” at the service that Sunday. As you probably know, it’s a song of redemption, of having faith (or perhaps finding it) through difficult times, and of the eternal nature of our existence. I went to coffee hour after service. Had some pleasant chitchat and went to my car, uplifted and enthused to get on with my day. I turned the car on. A song began to play from my iPod. It was a song I didn’t know I had and the screen said “Unknown Artist,” but I recognized it right away. You have one guess. Yes. “Amazing Grace” began to play. I have 11, 711 songs in my music library. I could play music 24 hours a day for more than 35 days and never hear the same song twice. Amazing. Grace. Played. What clearer sign could a person want that they are not alone in the universe? I did not know the topic of the lecture before I arrived at church. This song was not playing when I got out of my car to go to church. I was unaware that I even owned a version of “Amazing Grace,” and don’t recall ever hearing it before. I used my Shazam app (gotta love technology!) to determine that the version (which was awesome) was by the Blind Boys of Alabama. Merriam-Webster defines grace as “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.” In musing, journeying, praying and talking about this experience I was guided to share it. Grace may be a state of being, a blessing, to be bestowed by the divine; however, I believe we all embody divine energy (see title of my first book, *Inner Divinity*). I think we can pass along that energy, that light, be a conduit of sorts when needed. If there is the slightest possibility that by reading my experience you might feel the spark of joy, reassurance and compassion that I felt surrounding me that day, then I want to pass it along. The message had a very personal effect on me, but I don’t claim it as mine. It’s for you as well. I don’t know exactly what to make of how “Amazing Grace” was gifted that Sunday. It may be pointing to something vaster than our comprehension allows, but I think it’s a reminder of the unseen source that flows in, around, and amongst us always. I will leave you to interpret in your own way. But as a group, if we can feel graced, reassured of our sanctified place here, our connection to one another and the sacredness of this world, then perhaps as a collective we can come closer to understanding the fuller picture, mapping the divine landscape that we walk each day. As always, wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Amazing Grace, Blind Boys of Alabama, ERUUF, Grace, gratitude, Inner Divinity, John Newton, Shazam, thankfulness, thanks, Thanksgiving, Unitarian Universalist --- ### [Gifts for you (and your friends)! E-books, CDs, and session discounts.](https://www.wholespirit.com/gifts-for-you-and-your-friends-e-books-cds-and-session-discounts/) **Published:** November 24, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** This is the time of year when we traditionally offer thanks and give gifts. I remember when I was growing up it didn’t feel like Christmas and Thanksgiving were so smooshed together; but, apparently stores don’t make enough money from Thanksgiving so the Christmas shopping has to start right after Halloween. Anyway…I’d like to say thank you and also give you some gifts, the order is not important. Timing is a little bit more important in that the offers stand for one month. From now until December 2oth you may claim these gifts. Links are below. 1\. [Free *Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence* CD](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VZHDXFT49CJ8A "Free CD") of Guided Meditations with purchase of *Inner Divinity* paperback book. 2\. [Free *Inner Divinity* E-Book](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6NYAU98JZP4Y "Free E-Book") with purchase of *Inner Divinity* CD of Guided Meditations. 3\. Give a friend an initial consultation (I can give you a gift certificate to wrap up) and I will send you a [book and CD combo](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=PQSCUWCS22DW8 "Free book and CD combo"). Not-so-fine Print: Limited supply. One per customer please. Purchases must be made from my site using the links above (not Amazon or elsewhere). You will need to pay shipping, unless you pick up in my office during a regularly scheduled appointment time. Gifts of initial consultations for new clients only please. Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Store page](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-store.php "WholeSpirit Store") for more information about Inner Divinity, to read an excerpt, listen to a meditation, and read what readers say about the book and CD. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you have any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** CD, Christmas gift, e-book, guided meditation, initial consultation, Inner Divinity, Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence, Thanksgiving, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Shamanic Drumming Circle ~ November 25th, 2013](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-drumming-circle-november-25th-2013/) **Published:** November 15, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next circle will be on Monday, November 25th from 7:00 – 9:00pm. As usual, our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time for drumming. We will journey on a group topic and also on personal questions. Core shamanic journeying experience is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. *I’ve had several requests for an introductory class, so am trying to schedule one before the next circle. If you are interested, let me know asap!* \*Preregistration is required for these gatherings and space is limited\* Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for classes and circles. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you have any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** auditory driving, drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, healing drum, journeying circle, lower world, power animal, shamanic counseling, shamanic drumming circle, Shamanic Journeying, sonic driving, spirit teacher, upper world, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [What Do You Want to Explore Next Year?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-do-you-want-to-explore-next-year/) **Published:** November 12, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** [![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/altar-Nov-2013-EE-300x203.jpg "altar Nov 2013 EE")](https://www.wholespirit.com/2013/11/what-do-you-want-to-explore-next-year/altar-nov-2013-ee/)Altar for WholeSpirit class weekend: Your Energy Ecosystem and Cultivating Peace & Power Shamanically Thank you to those who joined me this weekend as we explored our Energy Ecosystems and Cultivated Peace & Power Shamanically! We had a lovely group for both days. We did plenty of deep work and also enjoyed the glorious weather, basking in the sun a bit. The altar pictured here was a focal point for our circle. It held objects that represented the elements, offerings for the land on which we worked, and sacred items brought by participants. On Saturday, many people were surprised by they way their energy was affected by others when we worked in pairs. Identifying our individual energetic personalities was a big hit too. I’m going to expand that section when I run the class again. Your Energy Ecosystem Part Two is coming soon as well. On Sunday, people found new ways to transmute troubling emotions to be helpful, as well as specific tools to generate personal power. If you were hoping to make it this weekend, and were unable to, let me know. I’ll be offering them again next year. Also let me know if you are interested in joining a shamanic apprenticeship. I’m working on next year’s calendar soon. There are many possibilities and only so much time available on everyone’s calendars for workshops. I love them all, but want to offer what is of interest to you. I welcome your feedback on which of these are particularly appealing to you. Your Energy Ecosystem Training Shamanism for Personal Development Shamanic Practitioner Training Soul Retrieval Accessing Intuition Medicine for the Earth For information visit the [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Accessing Intuition, Intuition, intuitive development, Medicine for the Earth, SHamanic Apprenticeship, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, soul retrieval, transmuation, wholespirit, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Graced by the Weather](https://www.wholespirit.com/graced-by-the-weather/) **Published:** November 8, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I don’t want to jinx us, so I will only speak to the forecast and take nothing for granted, but…it looks like we are going to have a stellar weekend for our workshops! Your Energy Ecosystem and Cultivating Peace & Power Shamanically will be full of interesting people with all different levels of experience and interesting backgrounds. The leaves have been exceptional this year in the Triangle. The air is getting crisper, and we’ve had fantastic bright blue skies. But we’ve had days with interesting mist, and a moody complex feel too. The preparations are almost complete and now we ask for the spirits to grace us, not only with whatever weather suits the work, but with help in getting exactly what is needed for everyone present this weekend. If we do this work right there is a give and take. We are here not only to make our lives healthier and happier, but to make those of the beings around us better too. If you couldn’t join us this time but are interested, let me know. I’m starting a list for the next session. For information visit the [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** chapel hill, Cultivating Peace and Power Shamanically, Grace, Mara Bishop, NCTA, NCTA Awards, North Carolina Technology Association, weather spirits, WholeSpirit Center, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Advice for a Type A](https://www.wholespirit.com/advice-for-a-type-a/) **Published:** November 6, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve been spending a lot of time these last few weeks preparing for the classes coming up this weekend. Immersed in the content and the organization of all this juicy material which is very meaningful to me, I stop periodically to shift the focus of how I’m working. I envision being with the truly interesting group of people who have signed up (only 1 spot left for Energy Ecosystem and a handful for Cultivating Peace & Power Shamanically!). I remind myself that part of the alchemy of these groups is in seeing what happens once we are there together and letting it happen. Yes, I still need to over-prepare, because that’s who I am, and I respect your time and resources too much to wing it; however, sometimes the spirits have something else to show us that is more important than what I had prepared. If I am open and flexible enough to see it and work with it, the class can wind up more valuable than as originally planned. I’m writing this to you now because this approach has worked well for me lately on several fronts. When things work, I want to share them with you! Shifting perspective and working on the same project from a different angle, and showing up as prepared as possible, but allowing things to evolve differently than you had planned – seems simple right? But often we get into a groove and attached to doing things how we are used to doing them. Both of these easy approaches make space for guidance and assistance from outside of our everyday selves to reach us and enhance our lives. Working in partnership; it’s one of the cornerstones of shamanic practice. I look forward to seeing many of you this weekend. If you are still interested in joining, please contact me asap, and visit the WholeSpirit Events page for more information on this weekend’s classes, the drumming circle coming up on November 25th and a few other events at UNC and the Durham County Library. For information visit the [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** alchemy, chapel hill, Cultivating Peace and Power Shamanically, Durham County Library, preparation, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, transmutation, Type A, UNC Medical Center, WholeSpirit Center, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Sandra Ingerman Named Top Ten Spiritual Hero for 2013!](https://www.wholespirit.com/sandra-ingerman-named-top-ten-spiritual-hero-for-2013/) **Published:** October 15, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** *UPDATE: This interview is now posted. [Read more.](http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/spiritual-heroes-2013-qa-sandra-ingerman/page/0/1 "Sandra Ingerman Top Ten Spiritual Heros 2013")* I wanted to take a moment and congratulate Sandra Ingerman on being named one of the Top Ten Spiritual Heroes by [Spirituality & Health Magazine](http://spiritualityhealth.com/ "Spirituality & Health Magazine"). She was awarded this honor for her work teaching shamanism, but especially for the [Medicine for the Earth](http://www.sandraingerman.com/medicinefortheearth.html "Medicine for the Earth") work, which shows us how to transform personal and environmental toxins. Other recipients of the award include Pema Chodron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, India Arie, Adyashanti, Paige Elenson, Chief Oren Lyons, Sister Simone Campbell, Stacey Kennealy, and Robert Peng. The article and more information will appear in the November/December issue. I have had the great fortune of working with Sandra extensively over the years. When studying with a teacher, we obviously want to work with someone who is knowledgable on their topic, we hope they have an engaging style, and if we are lucky they bring something more to the class than a good and informative show. Sandra is exceptional. She teaches and acts with integrity, both inside the class space and out; she has a profound understanding of shamanism; she creates safe and sacred space for the group and the individual; she simply radiates. If you have the opportunity to work with her, take it. [Visit Sandra’s website](http://www.sandraingerman.com/aboutsandraingerman.html "Sandra's web site") Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Adyashanti, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Chief Oren Lyons, India Arie, Medicine for the Earth, Paige Elenson, Pema Chodron, Robert Peng., Sandra Ingerman, Shamanicteachers.com, Shamanism, Sister Simone Campbell, Spiritual Hero, Spirituality & Health Magazine, Stacey Kennealy, Top Ten Spiritual Hero for 2013 --- ### [Shamanic Healing Talk at UNC Medical Center](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-healing-talk-at-unc-medical-center/) **Published:** October 25, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** For the last few years I’ve been invited to speak about shamanic healing to a group of graduate students in an Integrative Medicine class at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. I’m very glad to have the opportunity to speak to this group again on November 18th. The class is usually made up of master’s students from the schools of medicine, nursing and public health, and some faculty members. It is part of a series of lectures on the Principles and Practices of Alternative/Complementary Medicine, and is held at the Lineberger Cancer Center at the UNC Medical Center. I’ll be presenting with one of my clients, Dr. Ernie Schoenfeld, who is a former Dean at the UNC School of Public Health. He had excellent results with chronic pain relief after seeing many doctors and practitioners and being told that nothing more could be done for his pain. [Read more about his story.](http://healthandhealingonline.com/shamanic-healing-when-all-else-failed/ "Health and Healing article - Shamanism") For information about events that are open to the public, visit the [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** alternative medicine, Alternative Medicine Research, complementary medicine, Lineberger Cancer center, shamanic healing, soul retrieval, UNC Medical Center --- ### [Shamanic Healing: When All Else Failed](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-healing-when-all-else-failed/) **Published:** September 7, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** For those of you not on my e-mail list, I wanted to share an article that recently came out in *Health & Healing* magazine. “[Shamanic Healing: When All Else Failed for Chronic Pain”](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=25394926&msgid=919935&act=J2WZ&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthandhealingonline.com%2Fshamanic-healing-when-all-else-failed%2F) describes one man’s experience searching for treatment to relieve significant back pain. It’s quite short so I won’t describe it, but here’s a brief introduction and you can read more if you like. “As a shamanic practitioner since the mid-1990s, I’ve seen many difficult cases and instances of remarkable healing. One of my clients had an experience with chronic pain that illustrates the power of the work and is an example of why I’m grateful to be in this field. Ernie Schoenfeld has a doctorate in public health. He has worked at the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for over 30 years in various positions, including Senior Associate Dean and Lecturer in the Department of Health Policy and Administration, and is currently Senior Advisor to Dean Roper. About six years ago, Dr. Schoenfeld got up from a rowing machine with “unbelievable pain” in his left leg. He could barely stand up. Over-the-counter medication didn’t help, so he went to his doctor who gave him other medications. He said, “I took those for a short time and there was no effect whatsoever. The pain was so bad, I could neither lie down comfortably nor walk without extreme agony.” Over the next several weeks, Dr. Schoenfeld methodically sought relief from medical professionals—including an orthopaedist, who ordered an MRI that showed severe stenosis and scoliosis. The doctor suggested surgery would be difficult to perform and unlikely to bring lasting relief. Dr. Schoenfeld recalls the doctor saying: “You are just going to have to learn to live with this.” [Read more…](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=25394926&msgid=919935&act=J2WZ&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthandhealingonline.com%2Fshamanic-healing-when-all-else-failed%2F) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** back pain, chapel hill, chronic pain, Energy Healing, extraction, healing with spiritual light, Health and Healing Magazine, Personal Evolution Counseling, scoliosis, shamanic healing, soul retrieval, stenosis, UNC Chapel Hill Cancer Center, UNC School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Are you a Chameleon? ](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-a-chameleon/) **Published:** October 16, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Are you a chameleon? It may help you in certain situations. Blending into your environment, and knowing instinctively what others want from you, can be good survival tools. But it may hurt you in the long run, when it’s hard to stop shifting to accommodate others and simply be you. If you can identify, and you know it isn’t working for you any more, join me for Your Energy Ecosystem©. Or maybe you are the good listener who becomes an energetic landfill for others, and can’t clear what’s been dumped on you any more. Perhaps you need so much time alone to tolerate the world that your personal relationships are suffering. If these are not your personalities, come and learn what your energy personality is, and how to keep yourself safe and healthy as you navigate the energetic landscape. I see many clients who struggle with boundaries. Some feel battered and baffled by their interactions with other people, and the world at large, and wind up exhausted. Everyone needs tools to protect themselves energetically, and ways to clear the residue of difficult interactions. My goal for this class is to help you feel more in control of your life though understanding how your energy, and the energy you live in, works. We live surrounded by our physical environment; however, we also live immersed in the energetic ecosystem. Your energy ecosystem is as beautiful and complex as the physical ecosystem, and similarly, understanding the terrain makes navigating it safer and more enjoyable. This class helps you map how your personal energy interacts with the larger energy ecosystem and equips you to prepare, protect and enjoy yourself as you move through the world. DATE: Saturday, November 9 TIME: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm COST: $150 ($50 discount for both classes that weekend. Cultivating Peace & Power Shamanically is Nov 10) For more details and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922160&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Classes%20and%20circle%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, chameleon, energy ecosystem, Energy personality, extraction, Healing, Nature, Personal Evolution, psychic protection --- ### [Walking the Razor's Edge](https://www.wholespirit.com/walking-the-razors-edge/) **Published:** October 17, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The phrase “walking the razor’s edge” is sometimes used referring to shamanic practice. We do spend much time on the edges of things, states of consciousness, the line between light and dark, the seen and unseen. Good balance is not as much about stasis, as it is about being able to navigate those fine edges, moving a little too far in one direction or the other and guiding yourself back to that sliver of equilibrium. And then, because we are human, falling off again. Cultivating equilibrium between peace and power helps you feel calm while sustaining the energy needed to create a life you love. These two states – peace and personal power – are cornerstones of a satisfying life. Shamanic practices help keep these energies in dynamic balance. This introductory class draws from some of these practices, as well as other experiential techniques. You will leave with tools to renew your strength and vitality, and to manage stress and change gracefully. \*Bonus – We will discuss a **shamanic apprenticeship** for next year. If you are interested in taking shamanic work deeper, regardless of your current level of experience, this would be a good class to attend. DATE: Sunday, November 10 TIME: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm COST: $150 ($50 discount for both classes. Your Energy Ecosystem© is Saturday, November 9) For more details about each class and to register, visit [WholeSpirit.com](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093406&msgid=922164&act=HFVM&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com%2Fshamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php) Events page. Feel free to [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com?subject=Class%20questions) with any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** chapel hill, drumming, Evolving shamanism, Managing Change, peace, power, razor's edge, Sacred Space, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanism, sonic driving, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing, transformation, wholespirit --- ### [Cultivating Peace & Power Shamanically ~ New Class](https://www.wholespirit.com/cultivating-peace-power-shamanically-new-class/) **Published:** September 13, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** This is my second new class this fall, which I’m excited to be offering. Creating equilibrium between peace and power helps you feel calm while sustaining the energy needed to create a life that you love. These two states – peace and personal power – are cornerstones of a satisfying life. Love is the essential foundation, of course. Shamanic practices help keep these energies in balance. This introductory class draws from some of those practices, as well as other experiential techniques. You will leave with tools to renew your vitality and manage stress gracefully. What you will learn: 1. A new understanding of the concepts of peace and power. 2. How your relationship to peace and power can change your life if you work with them consciously. 3. How to access your internal sources of peace and power. 4. Simple methods to become centered and release stress. 5. Ancient shamanic methods to connect with spiritual guidance. 6. How to work with a drumbeat to alter brain wave patterns and induce relaxation. 7. Ways to generate creative personal power. 8. Methods to strengthen your energy levels. 9. A better understanding of where you lose personal power and how to hold onto it. 10. Techniques to tap into natural and universal sources of power. *Bonus* – We will discuss a shamanic apprenticeship for next year. If you are interested in shamanic work, regardless of your level of experience, this would be a good class to attend. [More details and to register.](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "Your Energy Ecosystem") \*Excellent companion to the Your Energy Ecosystem© class and $50 discount.\* Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for classes and circles. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you have any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** brain waves, core shamanism, drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, Managing Change, Peace & Power, power animal, Sacred Space, shamanic healing, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spiritual community, stress release, theta state, transformation, wholespirit --- ### [Fall Shamanic Drumming Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/fall-shamanic-drumming-circle/) **Published:** September 8, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The next circle will be on Monday September 23rd from 7:00 – 9:00. As usual, our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time for drumming. We will journey on a group topic and also on personal questions. Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. \*Preregistration is required for these gatherings and space is limited\* Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for classes and circles. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you have any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights --- ### [Your Energy Ecosystem © - New Class!](https://www.wholespirit.com/your-energy-ecosystem-©-new-class/) **Published:** September 8, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m excited to offer this new class, which has been brewing for a long time. I see many clients who struggle with boundaries. Some feel battered and baffled by their interactions with other people and the world at large and wind up exhausted. Many are good listeners who become an energetic landfills for other people and can’t clean up what’s been dumped on them anymore. Everyone needs tools to protect themselves energetically in difficult situations, and ways clear away the residual feelings when those interactions are over. My goal with this class is to help you feel more in control of your life through understanding how your energy, and the energy you live in, works. We live surrounded by the physical environment, the ecosystem that we learned about in school; however, we also live immersed in an energetic ecosystem. Your energy ecosystem is as beautiful and complex as the physical ecosystem, and similarly, understanding the terrain makes navigating it much safer and more enjoyable. This class helps you map how your personal energy interacts with the larger energy ecosystem. This equips you to prepare, protect and enjoy yourself as you move through the landscape as a spiritual, and physical, being. [More details and to register.](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "Your Energy Ecosystem") Excellent companion to the Cultivating Peace and Power Shamanically class and $50 discount. Preregistration is required for these gatherings. Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for classes and circles. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you have any questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Mailing List](https://www.wholespirit.com/contact-mara-subscribe-to-personal-evolution.php "Join WholeSpirit mailing list") [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group")[Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** boundaries, Energy Healing, energy landscape, Energy personality, Mara Bishop, peace and power, shamanic healing, wholespirit, Your Energy Ecosystem --- ### [Summer Shamanic Journeying ~ Drumming Circle Monday, July 22nd](https://www.wholespirit.com/summer-shamanic-journeying-drumming-circle-monday-july-22nd/) **Published:** July 15, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The phrase “drumming circle” can be confusing. There are several different kinds of circles. Some focus on using drums to explore rhythm and tone, making music in a group. Others have the shamanic journey as their primary focus and drumming is used to help participants shift their state of consciousness. Know before you go! I host a shamanic drumming circle, the later. Core shamanic journeying experience is required, but I can teach you if you are interested in learning. The next circle will be on Monday July 22nd from 7:00 – 9:00. As usual, our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time for drumming. We will journey on a group topic and also on personal questions. This is an open circle, so there is no obligation to come more than once. You are welcome to come and see if it is a good fit for you. Preregistration is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you have any questions. Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for the circle and classes. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** drumming circle, Evolving shamanism, joureying circle. healing drum, power animal, shamanic counseling, shamanic drumming circle, sonic druving, Whole Spirit Center --- ### [Shamanic Healing Drums: Healing the Body and Soul from Ancient to Modern Times](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-healing-drums-healing-the-body-and-soul-from-ancient-to-modern-times/) **Published:** July 12, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Join me on Wednesday July 17th from 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm EST for this online interview. Drumming improves health. Our ancestors knew it and we are rediscovering its many benefits today. Julie Seibert of Reawaken Your Brilliance will interview me as we discuss how drumming has been a part of the human experience since ancient times. Learn about shamanic drumming and how percussion has been used for thousands of years to help shift our consciousness, to connect to the deeper states of awareness, and in healing ceremony. Now researchers are documenting how drumming improves mental, emotional, and physical health, including decreasing stress and improving our immune system. The show will be broadcast live and free of charge. [Watch from your computer](http://www.nissancommunications.com/reawake.php "watch from your computer"). [Listen on a smart phone](http://www.nissancommunications.com/radio/ "listen on a smart phone"). [More information about Reawaken your Brilliance Schedule and the show](http://www.reawakenyourbrilliance.com/events/ "Reawaken Your Brilliance"). [More information about my background and approach, individual sessions, and WholeSpirit events.](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "About Mara") Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** drum circles, drumming, Evolving shamanism, Healing, healing drums, immune system, journeying circles, Mara BIship, Personal Evolution, Reawaken Your Brilliance, shaman, shamanic, shamanic drumming, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, stress, talking drums, Tuvan drum, WholesSpirit --- ### [Finding Your Passion Shamanically](https://www.wholespirit.com/finding-your-passion-shamanically/) **Published:** May 19, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m getting ready for drumming circle tomorrow and thinking about how we find joy in life. Meaningful joy. Sometimes the requirements of daily life, the beliefs we carry with us from childhood, and the messages from society can distract or impede us from spending time in joyful states. These states can be brought about by doing particular activities that resonate deeply with our true selves, maybe without us even understanding why. They can be brought on by being in certain environments, or with certain people or groups of people. They can be brought on by work or by play, or in ideal circumstances when both align. Sometimes we forget what affects us this way and need to look for it. Sometimes we know the “what,” but have lost touch with it or don’t make time for it. Usually it’s not just one “thing.” Although there are many things that can help us have the experience of joy, we can cultivate joy by turning inward rather than turning outward to particular circumstances. Happiness can be fleeting, contingent upon external circumstances. Although we can become familiar with the sensation of joyfulness through some of these connections, joy is really about maintaining an inward balance. Rejoicing in our existence, even when it’s complicated, even when it’s painful. Hopefully along the way you can find ways to spend your time, people to spend your time with, and places to spend your time in that reflect joyfulness back to you. We’re going to explore this topic tomorrow night at the drumming circle ([more information](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "Drummin Circle")), and in more depth on Tuesday, June 18th at 7:00 on the Reawaken Your Brillance web TV Panel discussion. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** drumming circle, finding your passion, joy, Reawaken Your Brilliance, shamanic, thrive series --- ### [Can Nature Help Us Heal? Forest bathing, a room with a view, and new studies about nature, stress and brain function.](https://www.wholespirit.com/can-nature-help-us-heal-forest-bathing-a-room-with-a-view-and-new-studies-about-nature-stress-and-brain-function/) **Published:** April 14, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** With the burst of extraordinary weather we’ve been experiencing here in Durham, many of us are turning our thoughts to the outside (if you can brave the pine pollen that’s drifting down like snow!). Whether it’s planting a garden or walking in the woods, I hear repeatedly, and know from my own experience, that being in nature is nourishing at a deep level. What better way to “ground” than to feel the earth under your feet or spilling through your hands as you create cozy beds for your herbs or flowers? As with many things that we’ve known instinctually and experientially for ages, science is beginning to back up that feeling of wellbeing we achieve from being in nature. Several years ago I learned about the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing. I just love that phrase! What a delightful image, to soak in the sounds, smells and sights of the forest. It simply means walking in the forest or a natural environment, but the translation adds a nuance that conveys what we do when we give ourselves over to immersion, when we are really soaking in nature, delightfully saturated with the experience. Research shows that people who participate in forest bathing have lower blood pressure, lower pulse rates, and lower cortisol levels. The Atlantic Monthly recently published an article called The author referenced the research findings about shinrin-yoku, in addition to other studies that show how being immersed in nature allows us to regain mental clarity and heal better after surgery. Early stage breast cancer patients did markedly better on challenging mental tasks when they had spent time in nature. And a study of patients recuperating after gall bladder surgery compared people whose hospital rooms afforded them a view of trees with patients who looked out at a brick wall. Patients who looked at trees while they recovered healed and went home faster, experienced less depression, and required at least 50% less painkillers than their counterparts with the brick wall view. Portable EEG monitoring is now possible, so researchers are able to track the affects of being in nature in real time. As reported in the New York Times, researchers in Scotland [published a new study this month in The British Journal of Sports Medicine](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/easing-brain-fatigue-with-a-walk-in-the-park/). They attached these new, portable EEGs to subjects as they walked through different urban and rural environments. They discovered that after the intensity of urban stretches, the brain was able to reset itself while in nature, allowing participants to recoup from the effects of a tremendous input load and reducing mental fatigue. Doctors involved in the study suggest breaks from the workday to be outdoors, as “It is likely to have a restorative effect and help with attention fatigue and stress recovery.” Perhaps it’s worth spending some extra time outside to see if whatever might be ailing you will improve? I know I always feel better when I do. I’m going to go wash the dirt from under my fingernails and the pollen out of my hair now. Wishing you a peaceful heart. Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** British Journal of Sports Medicine, ecotherapy, EEG monitoring, forest bathing, How Nature Resets Our MInds, New York Times, shinrin-yoku, The Atlantic Monthly --- ### [Spiritual Art on Display at Unity Center of Peace in Chapel Hill](https://www.wholespirit.com/spiritual-art/) **Published:** March 22, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** [Unity Center of Peace](http://unity-center-of-peace.spruz.com/ "Unity Center of Peace") in Chapel Hill is currently showing my paintings. They will be on display until June. I’m very happy to have them there. Since I paint from a spiritual perspective it’s always nice for me to have the work in a spiritual environment. For more information about the art itself, visit [www.marabishop.com](http://www.mara bishop.com "Mara Bishop Art"). Additional paintings are available that are not yet on the website and commissions are also available. Here is a statement about the work. I’ve merged my spiritual and creative practices. Before I start a painting, I set the intention of opening myself to peaceful, healing energy and allowing it to come through me onto the canvas. When I paint I enter into a meditative state and let color and form flow naturally. In my art, as in my life, I am inspired by nature and the spiritual aspects of the world around me. My intention is for the viewer to be positively affected by the energy the paintings radiate, in addition to the way they look in their home or workplace. By focusing on my intention, and by painting while embodying healing energy, I create healing objects that beautify and harmonize any space. Unity is located at 8800 Seawell School Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights, Uncategorized **Tags:** Art, art show, chapel hill, creativity, marabishop.com, paintings, spiritual art, Unity Center of Peace, unity church chapel hill --- ### [Going Dark, Pregnant Opossums, Easter, & Personal Evolution](https://www.wholespirit.com/going-dark-pregnant-opossums-easter-personal-evolution/) **Published:** March 26, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** On Sunday we participated in the Pledge to Go Dark for the Earth and turned our lights off for an hour. It was a symbolic gesture, a display of universal commitment to protect the planet. We sat and talked in the golden glow of a table full of candles (and an iPad, I admit). In addition to the reminder about our planet and our energy use, this process got me thinking about light and dark. We’ve emerged from winter, a season where darkness abounds, to spring, a time where light flows back and enlivens our world. In this season light expands literally and metaphorically. The days are getting longer; the flowers are blooming; the birds are singing more vigorously, perhaps an enormously pregnant opossum is preparing to give birth under your shed! (yes, that’s happening here). These are external signs of the return of the sun. But spring’s light often brings something else, a sense of internal expansion and potential. We are inspired by new life. During our traditional spring-cleanings we shake off the dirt from the confines of winter when we’re pent up in the cold and dark. Time to move out of old cycles and start fresh. Spring is a season of hope. Not clichéd saccharine hope, but instinctual, millennia-old, felt in our cells, capital H, Hope. For our ancestors in ages past, and for many people living without adequate shelter, spring’s arrival was a big deal. We survived! Life goes on. For most of us in the Western world in 2013, winter is not a matter of physical survival, but we still had to endure the darkness. However, without the unique kinds of nourishment that dark provides we can’t reap the benefits of the light. For example, without the time to lie dormant and recharge, the tulip and hyacinth bulbs would not bloom. Maybe we have that aspect to us too. Maybe our “darkness” is physical pain, emotional struggle, professional challenges, loss, grief, whatever makes us feel bleak and despairing. But perhaps the act of moving through that darkness fuels the flowering of our personal springs (yes plural), when we heal, overcome, succeed, dream, love. Spring is a fertile time, again literally and metaphorically. Our holidays reflect the theme of birth and rebirth. Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection after the crucifixion. Passover commemorates the Jews exodus from slavery in Egypt to start physically and spiritually free lives. Beltane, which comes a little later in the spring, honors the fertility of the earth and the power of the waxing sun. As the baby birds are hatching, new ideas, and even new versions of our selves, are hatched most easily in spring. Is it time to recreate your self and your world? In a subtle way? In a dramatic way? What colorful vision are you ready to create in your life’s garden? Perhaps an internal and external life that hums with the excitement of a spring day? Are you ready to call your innate power into your world now? That is what personal evolution is all about. It takes energy, just like it takes energy for Nature to do what she does; for trees’ leaf buds to burst forth into full verdant canopies; or for the tightly wound orbs of peonies to spiral out into ruffled masses of sweet pink perfection; or for the bees to go visiting, tirelessly making their rounds from bloom to bloom. But it’s what they are meant to do. It’s where their power lies. They don’t worry about it, debate about it or lose sight of it. Defining for yourself what you need to be powerful is a first step in your personal evolution. It’s different for all of us (with some overlaps, of course). This is one important aspect of Personal Evolution Counseling™. If you need some help with that first step, let me know. I encourage you to move joyfully and bravely into the light this spring. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Ancestors, baby birds, Beltane, fertility, hatching new ideas, Hope, Light and Dark, passover, Personal Evolution, pledge to go dark for the earth, seder, Spiritual Healing, Spring, spring cleaning, winter, wwf --- ### [Facing Global Collapse? Prince Charles, Nature, and Home Organizing](https://www.wholespirit.com/facing-global-collapse-prince-charles-nature-and-home-organizing/) **Published:** February 11, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I read this headline in a newsletter called The Future put out by John L. Petersen the Arlington Institute. [Experts Fear Collapse of Global Civilization – (Inter Press Service – January 11, 2013)](http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001pMXJZWjWZ4ILGsv5n8TYnVEcYdj4_GQiEJqHbusV1iebKedgfkDCyvMTPYFOHwsL1vWEZZ0nLDRuoGX1HKRZwjEEf-jnHbkAQhSisOXzvhwD8sWUq0IIhO6nUQBbLSHZiaeB51NzQqkWWNo6wq2JtrR_EYh_MM2xIFpxTLEyVwXQWyPzqegd5KpXudYbJlIS) Horrified, but not surprised, I read Petersen’s synopsis which is below and then the [full article](http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001pMXJZWjWZ4Jrw2rwDd8CtwQDJmtEQCt_-Wo2dt2E7FXZMbcvgHgnYoaQRR16zBEC4XuP5lzBPSIVIggyD-EuFrkMLGJWvHObnrWW9X2RaKIcgDNAkEhap-j4JbFdeIVCrOO0PaIy0MKx5nnwmEmS4XktTnSBsPkGNSSugUlWLL2y_MkICh8BMQ==). Last March, the world’s scientific community provided the first-ever “state of the planet” assessment at the “Planet Under Pressure” conference in London. More than 3,000 experts concluded humanity is facing a “planetary emergency” and there was no time to lose in making large-scale changes. “We’re all scared,” said Paul Ehrlich, president of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University. Global collapse of human civilization seems likely, write Ehrlich and his partner Anne Ehrlich in the prestigious science journal, *Proceedings of the Royal Society.* See [original article](http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001pMXJZWjWZ4Jrw2rwDd8CtwQDJmtEQCt_-Wo2dt2E7FXZMbcvgHgnYoaQRR16zBEC4XuP5lzBPSIVIggyD-EuFrkMLGJWvHObnrWW9X2RaKIcgDNAkEhap-j4JbFdeIVCrOO0PaIy0MKx5nnwmEmS4XktTnSBsPkGNSSugUlWLL2y_MkICh8BMQ==). This collapse will take the form of a “gradual breakdown because famines, epidemics and resource shortages cause a disintegration of central control within nations, in concert with disruptions of trade and conflicts over increasingly scarce necessities”, they write. A key element in meeting this unprecedented challenge is “to see ourselves as utterly embedded in Nature and not somehow separate from those precious systems that sustain all life”, writes England’s Prince Charles commenting on the Ehrlich’s paper. “To continue with ‘business as usual’ is an act of suicide on a gargantuan scale,” Prince Charles concluded. When I read things like this I can’t help but have a despair moment, how about you? What can I do really? It simply feels too big and therefore hopeless. Even if I packed up my life, moved off the grid, ate grass and grubs, and only traveled by foot it simply wouldn’t make that much difference. I feel overwhelmed and therefore paralyzed. But I’ve also felt similarly about major projects, the process of dealing with disastrous relationships, and maintaining various household systems. I recognize that comparing growing mounds of undone filing to impending global destruction may be, um… inappropriate? However, in a self centered, fleeting moment it can seem equally depressing and is more immediately visible. What has brought me out of paralysis in many of these moments is an understanding about how progress gets made. There are times when progress is swift. We make radical choices, or are forced to create sweeping changes, in our mindset or our external actions. That may be called for to save us as a species. It is certainly needed to bring about what Prince Charles refers to, as we are a long way off from viewing ourselves as “embedded in Nature.” In other situations progress comes through an accumulation of small actions over time. Bear with me while I return to my filing analogy for a moment. The whole job became too big for me to deal with – I never had the uninterrupted days to clean up the backlog of paper. The cabinets were stuffed full. I had no system. As a stop gap, when the mess on my desk became too much, I’d dump the whole lot into bins and stash it in some little traveled corner of the house. Cheap, backwater real estate, so to speak. I had my own dumping grounds and added to them over time. The radical approach didn’t work for me here, it was too much, practically and emotionally. What did work to stop the filing crisis was: 1) sking for advice about simple ways to improve the situation. (Help came in the form of [organizer Jocelyn Kenner’s](http://seeyourwayclear.com/Home.html "Jocelyn Kenner") direction to an easy to implement system.) 2) Putting a few pieces of paper in the new files on a regular basis. 3) Clearing out some files from the full cabinets in 5 to 10 minute stints. Honestly I have not yet returned to clean up my old dumping grounds, but I have stemmed the flow into them, and have managed to make a little progress on the once increasingly bleak big picture. I broke this monster task into manageable bits, and although it’s not done, it’s much better than it was and continues to improve. That was the long way around to saying that when I read some horrifically depressing article that predicts the end of our species, I accept that that is a possibility, but I try to find things to help that are within my scope, efforts towards change that, although small, can add to a larger pool, that may create a tide… that may turn in our favor. Do what you can, when you can. Vote for politicians who you believe will stand up for our environment. Make purchasing decisions that support sustainability. Ditch the gas guzzler. Turn out the lights. Buy local. Plant a tree. Recycle. You know the drill. As a parent of young children, it may not be feasible for you to yank everyone out of school and off the grid, but you can teach the next generation about conservation and model conscientiousness for them. Just some ideas. I’m sure you have many more and I’d love to hear them. It may not be enough in the long run, but it’s better than doing nothing and feeling bad about it. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Anne Ehrlich, Center for Conservation Biology, embedded in Nature, Global Collapse, InterPress Service, Jocelyn Kenner, Paul Ehrlich, Personal Evolution Counseling, Planet Under Pressure, Prince Charles, Proceedings of the Royal Society., recycle, See Your Way Clear, Stanford University, State of the Planet, The Arlington Insitute, The Future --- ### [Drum in the Spring at the next Circle!](https://www.wholespirit.com/drum-in-the-spring-at-the-next-circle/) **Published:** March 18, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Spring Drumming Circle The next circle will be on Monday March 25th from 7:00 – 9:00. As usual, our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time for drumming. We will journey on a group topic and also on personal questions. Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. Please visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for the circle and classes. Hope to see you there! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming, drumming circle, drumming circles, Evolving shamanism, Personal Evolution, power animal, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher, spiritual community, Spiritual Healing, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Are you Stuck in the Muck? Are Cliffs of all kinds Looming? Read this.](https://www.wholespirit.com/are-you-stuck-in-the-muck-are-cliffs-of-all-kinds-looming-read-this/) **Published:** March 5, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Every once and a while I peruse old posts for new insights. Sometimes I find something that is quite timely for what my clients or I (often there is an overlap) could use a refresher on. This has been an interesting month, no? Before you hurl yourself off the (metaphorical) cliff I mention below, either with joy or frustration perhaps try the FOCSDA thing I talk about. Acronym not really applicable, but didn’t want to give it away in the first paragraph! Remember, nothing stays the same. Sometimes that’s a good thing, especially while everyone seems to be wrestling with colds and sickness of one sort or another. So find a person or practitioner you trust and take care of yourself while you wade through it. See below… All my best, Mara In the last post I talked about how a willingness to sit in the mist of uncertainty serves us well sometimes. But there are different ways to sit, right? We can slouch and look at our fingernails, annoyed that we can’t see anything around us. We can sit up straight and watch the mist swirling in interesting patterns, listening for sounds…or the absence of sounds. You get the point. Our engagement makes the difference. Following on the theme of managing challenging and uncertain times, we often can’t control external events, but we can affect our internal response and experience. Panic or calm resolve? Despair or persistent hope? Panic and despair are natural parts of our emotional repertoire. However, we can help ourselves move through them more quickly by having tools for reconnecting with our deeper resources. This helps us evolve without freaking out and running off a cliff (literally or metaphorically). I recommend blending three approaches to Personal Evolution. Focused Observation, Conscious Stillness and Deliberate Action. They are simple to remember and easy to implement, but have wide ranging affects. Focused Observation is simply watching yourself and the circumstances of your life – what’s happening around you. Paying attention. Looking for patterns. It’s detaching from your emotions and your personal viewpoint when you can, in order to get some different perspectives. Sometimes we are so engrossed in what we are doing that we miss the proverbial forest for the trees. Conscious Stillness involves ceasing our talking temporarily, but it goes further. Being still and listening come into play. It’s making room for silence and a time to hear your inner voice. We are so surrounded by sound, both externally and internally, that often we forget what silence is like. Most of us can’t find inner silence with the chatter of our internal dialogue. Making time to experience quiet, specifically turning off devices that provide content (phones, TV, radio, podcasts, etc.) and experiencing silence reclaims a space for the subtler sounds to enter our consciousness. We may observe the ambient sounds of our environment, or start watching the thoughts meander (or march) through our minds. Gently, kindly, maybe using chant or soft music, we can slow or distract our usual thoughts enough to invite some new insights to well up. Our inner divinity is a great source of guidance and wisdom and often needs this intentionally created time to speak and be heard. Deliberate Action can result once we’ve observed and listened and feel ready to move. When Focused Observation and Conscious Stillness have become a regular part of our lives, Deliberate Action can often feel like a natural reflex rather than an intellectual choice. It’s when the mist lifts and we act decisively and bravely when we know we have to. Choices, even if they are hard or complicated, feel right somehow. The Taoist principle of Wu Wei comes into play nicely during these times. Wu Wei is a paradoxical idea of the action of non-action. A state of non-doing which allows us to enter into alignment with the natural cycles, where our actions feel effortless because we are aligned with a larger flow and able to respond appropriately to whatever situation arises. By blending Focused Observation, Conscious Stillness, and Deliberate Action we are able to manage stressful situations while remaining connected to the reality of the circumstances and true to ourselves. We do our part to stay grounded and inspired for a new day, while enjoying the view from this side of the cliff! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Cliff, Conscious Stillness, Deliberate Action, Focused Observation, Mara Bishop, Personal Evolution, shamanic healing, silence, soul retrieval, stuck in the muck, Wu Wei --- ### [Thank you CNN! Love, Healing & Nonsearch.](https://www.wholespirit.com/thank-you-cnn-love-healing-nonsearch/) **Published:** January 24, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Last night I started to look around for some research on the ways that love affects our ability to heal. It was a relatively broad search, motivated by my continuing movement toward a practice that focuses on generating a particular attitude or energy with my clients, more than on the techniques used. Love and compassion. Radiate love and compassion. Surround people with love and compassion and see what happens. Not new ideas of course, but I’m delving deeper into how those states relate to miraculous healing and how we can create them in our lives, both inside and outside of a practitioner’s space. It got late and I went to bed, without making much headway. This morning CNN posted this article by [Barbara L. Fredrickson](http://fredrickson.socialpsychology.org/ "Barbara L. Frederickson"). [10 Things You Might Not Know About Love](http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/24/health/love-psychology-book/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 "10 things you might not know about love"). I’d had a successful experience with “nonsearch”! Nonsearch is finding exactly what you are looking for soon after you stop looking it. Yes, I made the term up, but expect more on the topic because it’s happening more frequently. Among many interesting research findings about love, compassion, and both of their effects on our health and happiness, Barbara says the following; “…your micro-moments of love not only make you healthier, but being healthier builds your capacity for love. Little by little, love begets love by improving your health. And health begets health by improving your capacity for love.” She goes on, “The radical shift we need to make is this: Love, as your body experiences it, is a micro-moment of connection shared with another.” Yes! She’s talking about some of what I’m trying to do with my practice and my life, but from a research based context. Right brain and left brain are happy! There are the micro-moments, as Fredrickson calls them, certainly, and they build and reflect back. And there are also the macro-moments, the big infusions, the divine downloads. I work with those as well, and know that people are changed. I am changed. Fredrickson is a professor right here at UNC Chapel Hill too. I love the synchronicities of my “nonsearch,” her proximity to my location, and the benefit it gave me personally to get this message right now (a mini “[Amazing Grace moment](https://www.wholespirit.com/?p=599 "Amazing Grace")“). Wishing you days filled with micro and macro love moments. And, as always… Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** 10 things you might not know about love, Amazing Grace, Barbara L. Fredrickson, CNN, compassion, happiness, Healing, health, left brain, love, Mara Bishop, micro-moments of love, nonsearch, Personal Evolution Counseling, right brain, synchronicities, UNC Chapel Hill, wholespirit --- ### [Time for a Chat with Your Spirit Teacher?](https://www.wholespirit.com/time-for-a-chat-with-your-spirit-teacher/) **Published:** January 22, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Come to our first drumming circle of 2013. Next circle, this Monday, January 28th, 7:00– 9:00. Please RSVP by Friday Jan 25th if possible. We will journey on a group topic and also on your own questions. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. Visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming circle, drumming circles, power animal, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spirit teacher --- ### [Core Shamanic Drumming Circle ~ January 28, 2013](https://www.wholespirit.com/core-shamanic-drumming-circle-january-28-2013/) **Published:** January 13, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** In 2012 I started a second core shamanic drumming circle as more people asked about joining a circle that met regularly to share shamanic work. I’ve been delighted with the groups that have evolved over this past year. I say “groups” because each meeting has been a little different. Yes, there are some people who tend to come each time, but there are others who come sometimes, and a few who have made a single appearance. I wanted this circle to offer the opportunity for people to come together and journey without needing to commit to coming to each session. On the other hand, I also wanted people to be able to count on a group that meets regularly, to meet others with shared interests, and to create a sense of community. It appears to be working so far and I look forward to taking it deeper in 2013. The next circle will be on Monday January 28th from 7:00 – 9:00. As usual, our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time for drumming. We will journey on a group topic and also on personal questions. Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. Please visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for the circle and classes. Hope to see you there! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** drumming circle, journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spiritual community, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Early 2013 Workshops. Evolving Shamanism: The Journey & The Healing Path](https://www.wholespirit.com/evolving-shamanism-workshops-jan-march-2013-the-journey-and-the-healing-path/) **Published:** January 2, 2013 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ***Evolving Shamanism: The Journey*** An introduction to shamanic journeying. Shamanic journeying is a way to directly access spiritual assistance. This class focuses on the practices of core shamanism as a way to connect with spirit teachers and power animals for guidance and healing. Part 1: Sunday, January 20, 2013 Part 2: Sunday, March 17th, 2013 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm *Evolving Shamanism: The Healing Path*** An introduction to shamanic healing practices. This class provides a beginning foundation for those interested in shamanic healing work. We will explore different ways to work with spiritual help to facilitate balance and harmony in ourselves and others. Saturday & Sunday, February 2 & 3, 2013 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm For more details and registration information visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events"). Feel free to [contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "class question") with questions. **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Evolving shamanism, Mara Bishop, power animals, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, spirit guides, spirit teachers, Spiritual Healing, the Healing Path, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Evolving Shamanism: The Journey & The Healing Path](https://www.wholespirit.com/evolving-shamanism-the-journey-the-healing-path/) **Published:** December 3, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Two classes coming in the New Year!** ***Evolving Shamanism: The Journey*** An introduction to shamanic journeying. Shamanic journeying is a way to directly access spiritual assistance. This class focuses on the practices of core shamanism as a way to connect with spirit teachers and power animals for guidance and healing. Part 1: Sunday, January 20, 2013 Part 2: Sunday, March 17th, 2013 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm *Evolving Shamanism: The Healing Path*** An introduction to shamanic healing practices. This class provides a beginning foundation for those interested in shamanic healing work. We will explore different ways to work with spiritual help to facilitate balance and harmony in ourselves and others. Saturday & Sunday, February 2 & 3, 2013 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm For more details and registration information visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events"). Feel free to [contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "class question") with questions. **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming, Evolving shamanism, Healing, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, Spiritual Healing, the Healing Path, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Personal Evolution for 2013](https://www.wholespirit.com/happy-new-year/) **Published:** December 30, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Happy New Year! I hope you are having peaceful holidays with a good balance of rest and play, solitude and companionship. It seems that this year in particular is offering us powerful opportunities to shed what isn’t serving us and to create something new with our lives. This may take the form of simply seeing what already exists from a different perspective, or it may be birthing something truly new and vibrant. However this is playing out in your life, I hope that you can give yourself over to it with ease and confidence in your own ability to be wise, listen to the steady voice that guides you, and know that you are not alone. If you need some help navigating these intense times, feel free to call or email to set up a session for guidance and healing. Learn about how your personal dynamics are playing out now and how you can make the most of it. Heal through clearing old energy that really isn’t yours to begin with, or welcome an infusion of soothing energy to calm anxiety and worry. Personal Evolution Counseling helps you recalibrate, evolving more gracefully into who you were meant to be. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** anxiety, birthing, calm, Energy Healing, Energy personality, Evolution, extraction, healing with spiritual light, Holidays, intuitive guidance, New Years, Personal Evolution Counseling, play, rest, wholespirit --- ### [Gratitude and Appreciation](https://www.wholespirit.com/gratitude-and-appreciation/) **Published:** December 23, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** An excerpt from my book Inner Divinity was posted as an [a](http://innerchangemag.com/articles/gratitude-and-appreciation/ "Gratitude and Appreciation")[rticle on Innerchange Magazine online](http://innerchangemag.com/articles/gratitude-and-appreciation/ "Gratitude and Appreciation"). The article was on Gratitude. I’m feeling a sense of gratitude and appreciation most profoundly these days. I hope that there can be some balance of experiencing those emotions for you as well, even as there are inevitably challenges in your life or things you would change if you could. I’ve found that sinking into appreciation and gratitude is a helpful tonic for the angst and sadness that comes when we are focused on what we feel we lack. The holidays can be a roller coaster of emotions for many of us. The serenity that is intended to infuse this time of year is often replaced with a frenzy of shopping, visiting, traveling, or perhaps the sense of the absence of those things. How do you find and keep your center during this time? Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Join my Facebook Group](http://www.facebook.com/groups/wholespirit/ "WholeSpirit Facebook group") [Follow me on Twitter](http://twitter.com/MaraBishop "Mara Bishop Twitter")[www.Wholespirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** appreciation, gratitude, holiday, Inner Divinity, Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence, innerchange magazine --- ### [Free Talk at Durham Yoga Company! Shamanic Healing: An Ancient Art in Modern Settings](https://www.wholespirit.com/free-talk-at-durham-yoga-company-shamanic-healing-an-ancient-art-in-modern-settings/) **Published:** December 17, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ### Friday February 22, 2013 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm I’ll discuss core shamanism and shamanic healing methods. I’ll tell some stories from my personal practice as well as talk a bit about shamanism in research and healthcare settings. As a special guest, one of my clients, a man with a science and public health background who came to me as a last effort to heal chronic pain, will share his experience with shamanic work from the client’s perspective. For more information visit [Durham Yoga Company.](http://www.durhamyoga.com/events/speakers) This is a donation based event. Donations go to the Durham Yoga scholarship fund. Durham Yoga Company 502 Rigsbee Avenue, 2nd floor Durham, NC 919-502-0108 info@durhamyoga.com **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Durham, Durham Yoga Company, public health, shamanic healing, Shamanism, yoga --- ### [Body Language and Power TED Talk with Amy Cuddy](https://www.wholespirit.com/body-language-and-power-ted-talk-with-amy-cuddy/) **Published:** December 5, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** What we send into the world has power. What we project physically, verbally, emotionally, energetically all takes some form and returns to us. I found this [TED talk titled “Body Language Shapes Who You Are”](http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html "Body Language - TED talk") interesting and at times moving. Amy Cuddy, a professor at Harvard Business School, is an engaging presenter. I think she may be hitting on the business school version of something analogous to the mudras (minus the sacredness). Think about what might happen if we adopt her practice of using physical power positions to generate internal power on a daily basis? Of course, I like to think about them in the context of spiritual power, generating peace, alignment, etc., rather than dominance, but she is helping us recognize that certain physical “positions” can help us feel confident of our own personal power, better able to shine, speak up, be grounded, etc. Sound familiar, practitioners of tai chi, qigong, yoga? Anyway. Not my usual post, but I found it interesting. Wishing you peace (and power), Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Amy Cuddy, body language, chi gong, generating power, Harvard Business School, mudras, peace, power, qigong, tai chi, TED Talk, yoga --- ### [Amazing Grace](https://www.wholespirit.com/amazing-grace/) **Published:** November 30, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I had an interesting experience with grace recently. The Sunday before Thanksgiving I went to services at my local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF). Reverend Deb Cayer gave a thoughtful sermon on the concept of grace. She talked about grace as a spiritual gift, a blessing from the divine. Although I love the idea of grace, what fascinated me most was her description of the origin of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” John Newton was a British man who spent time in the Royal Navy, and eventually captained slave ships in the mid 1770s. During a particularly violent storm he asked for God’s mercy to see him through the night. He survived the storm and (albeit sometime later) had a change of heart. He gave up the slave trade, found a new career as a preacher, and wrote what was to become one of the most popular hymns in existence, “Amazing Grace.” We sang “Amazing Grace” at the service that Sunday. As you probably know, it’s a song of redemption, of having faith (or perhaps finding it) through difficult times, and of the eternal nature of our existence. I went to coffee hour after service. Had some pleasant chitchat and went to my car, uplifted and enthused to get on with my day. I turned the car on. A song began to play from my iPod. It was a song I didn’t know I had and the screen said “Unknown Artist,” but I recognized it right away. You have one guess. Yes. “Amazing Grace” began to play. I have 11, 711 songs in my music library. I could play music 24 hours a day for more than 35 days and never hear the same song twice. Amazing. Grace. Played. What clearer sign could a person want that they are not alone in the universe? I did not know the topic of the lecture before I arrived at church. This song was not playing when I got out of my car to go to church. I was unaware that I even owned a version of “Amazing Grace,” and don’t recall ever hearing it before. I used my Shazam app (gotta love technology!) to determine that the version (which was awesome) was by the Blind Boys of Alabama. Merriam-Webster defines grace as “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.” In musing, journeying, praying and talking about this experience I was guided to share it. Grace may be a state of being, a blessing, to be bestowed by the divine; however, I believe we all embody divine energy (see title of my first book, *Inner Divinity*). I think we can pass along that energy, that light, be a conduit of sorts when needed. If there is the slightest possibility that by reading my experience you might feel the spark of joy, reassurance and compassion that I felt surrounding me that day, then I want to pass it along. The message had a very personal effect on me, but I don’t claim it as mine. It’s for you as well. I don’t know exactly what to make of how “Amazing Grace” was gifted that Sunday. It may be pointing to something vaster than our comprehension allows, but I think it’s a reminder of the unseen source that flows in, around, and amongst us always. I will leave you to interpret in your own way. But as a group, if we can feel graced, reassured of our sanctified place here, our connection to one another and the sacredness of this world, then perhaps as a collective we can come closer to understanding the fuller picture, mapping the divine landscape that we walk each day. As always, wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit") [Contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Contact Mara") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Amazing Grace, Blind Boys of Alabama, Deborah Cayer, divine, ERUUF, Grace, Inner Divinity, iPod, John Newton, Merriam-Webster, minister, regeneration, sanctification, Shazam, synchronicity, Unitarian Universalist, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Join the Last Circle of 2012!](https://www.wholespirit.com/join-the-last-circle-of-2012/) **Published:** November 17, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ### Shamanic Drumming Circle Monday November 26, 2012 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (bi monthly gatherings on the fourth Monday, next date January 28, 2013) **Are you interested in joining a group for regular spiritual connection and shamanic journeying? Do you have experience with core shamanic journeying or would you like to learn?** Our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time each gathering for drumming. We will have a balance between journeying on group topics and personal questions. Feel free to come to one circle, occasionally, or on a regular basis. \*Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings.\* Please contact Mara if you would like to learn to journey. Preregistration is required. Visit [www.WholeSpirit.com Events](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit events") for more information. Check out this [What To Bring To Drumming Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/docs/What_To_Bring_To_Drumming_Circle.pdf) list. **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** core shamanism, drumming circle, Shamanic Journeying, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Shamanism Presentation at UNC Chapel Hill Integrative Medicine Class ](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanism-presentation-at-unc-chapel-hill-integrative-medicine-class/) **Published:** November 12, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** As I’m preparing to give this talk tonight I’m feeling grateful for the faculty and staff at UNC who have been willing to support Alternative and Complementary medicine education. Thanks particularly to Becky Coble and Susan Gaylord. I’ll be presenting about shamanism and shamanic healing with one of my clients at the Principles/Practices of Alternative/Complementary Medicine class at the UNC Cancer Center. I’m delighted that we were asked to return this year. My client, who was in administration at UNC, had excellent results with chronic pain relief after seeing many doctors and practitioners and being told that nothing more could be done to help alleviate his pain. We were each invited to come and speak to this group last year through several synchronous connections. I’m always happy to see some openness in larger institutions when it comes to spiritual healing work. As I outline in the talk, it’s becoming more common for shamanic practitioners to become credentialed to practice in hospitals in this country, and even the NIH has funded research into shamanic healing – with significant results for improving TMJ. I expect to enjoy myself tonight and hope the class does too. I know we had a least one skeptic in the group last year who had an exciting power animal experience! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit") [Contact me with questions or comments ](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "contact Mara") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** chronic pain, Integrative Medicine UNC, Lineberger Cancer center, NIH, power animal, shamanic healing, Shamanism, Susan Gaylord, TMJ, UNC Chapel Hill Cancer Center --- ### [Vote tomorrow!](https://www.wholespirit.com/vote-tomorrow/) **Published:** November 5, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** With this quote in mind… “This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands.” ~ Barack Obama Please vote tomorrow. **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** barack obama, election day, vote --- ### [More evidence of the Web](https://www.wholespirit.com/more-evidence-of-the-web/) **Published:** October 23, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** As if we really needed more evidence that our ecosystems are complex, self-regulating and thrive best when humans can avoid hunting, fishing, or paving things out of existence…but here we go. An issue dear to my heart is the plight of wolves in our country. I blog about it here because scientists have found more evidence to support what some of our ancestors understood and practiced. By taking a balanced approach to living in the natural world, we actually benefit ourselves. [Read this article](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/29/opinion/the-world-needs-wolves.html?ref=science&_r=0 "Why the Beaver Should Thank the Wolf, New York Times") for evidence that demonstrates how wolves and other top predators benefit all levels of the food chain. Not only their direct prey, but the vegetation six steps down the chain, the trees, the water quality, and the air quality all benefit from the wolves existence. It’s beautifully and succinctly described by [Mary Ellen Hannibal](http://www.maryellenhannibal.com/ "Mary Ellen Hannibal") author of “The Spine of the Continent,” so I won’t try and paraphrase. We fall short of understanding the elegant functioning of nature, let alone the divine. Perhaps the approach of “do no harm” would be a helpful approach whenever possible. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit.com") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** clean air clean water, ecosystem, ecosystems, mary ellen hannibal, New York Times, sea otters, The Spine of the Continent, web of life, Why the Beaver Should Thank the Wolf, wolves --- ### [Mind Your Beeswax!](https://www.wholespirit.com/mind-your-beeswax/) **Published:** October 2, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** We’ve long known the amazing power of bees and the substances they produce. Honey, propolis, wax, and royal jelly can be used in myriad ways. [Apitherapy](http://www.apitherapy.org/ "American Apitherapy Society"), the use of bee products as part of medicinal remedies, dates far back in history. The Ancient Greeks used propolis for treating abscesses, and bee venom for treating arthritis. The Egyptians used it in mummification. Charlemagne is also believed to have been treated with bee stings. Today bee products are being researched and used for their anti-inflammatory properties (bee venom), antibacterial properties (propolis), and to boost the immune system (royal jelly). Honey is used in many skin care products for its hydrating, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties. And of course, it simply tastes delicious! One use that wouldn’t have occurred to me, but may have come in handy to our Neolithic ancestors, was to use wax as dental fillings. And boy did those fillings last. 6,500 years! [This New York Times article](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/science/a-beeswax-dental-filling-that-lasted-6500-years.html?ref=science "Beeswax as Dental Fillings NY Times") details the discovery of the filling in a jawbone embedded in a rock inside a cave in present day Slovenia. The bees are truly amazing creatures. We are more dependent on them for our food supply than is reflected in our care for their wellbeing in recent decades. Backyard beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular and is a wonderful way to get to know these creatures first hand. May your garden be filled with the buzz of happy bees. May your life be filled with sweetness. And may your fillings last as long as you need them! Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit") [mara@WholeSpirit.com ]() **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** American Apitherapy Society, Ancient Greeks, anti-bacterial properties, apitherapy, backyard beekeeping, bee spirit, bee venom therapy, Bees, beeswax dental fillings, Eqyptians, honey, neolithic ancestors, New York Times, Personal Evolution, propolis, royal jelly, skin care --- ### [Do Animals Mourn Their Dead?](https://www.wholespirit.com/do-animals-mourn-their-dead/) **Published:** September 28, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** The [Foundation for Shamanic Studies September newsletter ](http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs045/1101293452407/archive/1111013772171.html "FSS September enews")references a fascinating study of Western scrub jays’ reaction to a deceased bird of their own kind. “A recent study looked at the behavior of Western scrub jays, who apparently summon other jays to screech over their dead, holding these noisy “funerals” for up to 30 minutes. There have been many reports of other animals, including elephants, chimpanzees, and crows responding to the dead of their species, but few experimental studies.” I appreciate the connection that Executive Director Susan Mokelke makes between animal behavior, the shamanic perspective, and our shared ability to experience relationships with one another, in this case, to note the passing of our fellow beings. [Read about the study](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120911162031.htm "Scrub Jays React to Their Dead") Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit ~ Mara Bishop") [mara@WholeSpirit.com ](mailto:mara@WholeSpirit.com) **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** animal behavior, animal funerals, Foundation for Shamanic Studies, mourning, Shamanism, Susan Mokelke, Teresa Iglesias, UC Davis, Western Scrub jays --- ### [Did you know drumming circles improve health? Why not join one in Durham?](https://www.wholespirit.com/did-you-know-drumming-circles-improve-health-why-not-join-one-in-durham/) **Published:** September 24, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m reposting this article from January in honor of the drumming circle to be held here tonight! Shamanic communities have experienced the benefits of drumming together for thousands of years. Researchers have now documented that the benefits of participating in drumming groups extends widely from our bodies, to our mental states, to our relationships with others. Participants in studies reacted with an increase in cells related to the immune system, and had a decrease in chronic pain. Other groups experienced a decrease in anxiety and an increase in self-esteem and relaxation. Parkinson’s patients had increased motor skills after listening to the rhythmic repetition of a steady drum beat, and Alzheimer’s patients are able to connect better to loved ones after drumming. For more information about the health benefits of drumming[ read this article by Kimberly Ann Holle](http://www.examiner.com/unity-in-columbus-ga/research-identifies-health-benefits-from-participation-drumming-circles "Benefits of Drumming Circles") or [this one by Michael Drake](http://healing.about.com/od/drums/a/drumtherapy.htm "Michael Drake - Drum Therapy"). “Sonic driving” is the term for using repetitive percussion sound to shift one’s state of consciousness. It is one of the common elements used throughout shamanic cultures. In recent times, scientific studies have confirmed what indigenous cultures have learned through experience. A repetitive beat at a certain range of speeds can facilitate a shift in our brain wave patterns. Shamanic practitioners often use sonic driving when they work with clients, both as an aide in perceiving the spiritual causes of illness or imbalance and also for the direct benefits that drumming can provide to the clients. For more information about shamanic healing sessions, classes in shamanic journeying or drumming circles, visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit.com") or [contact me via e-mail](mailto:mara@wholespriit.com "contact me via e-mail"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Alzheimer's, core shamanism, drumming circle, Michael Drake, shaman, shamanic cultures, Shamanic Journeying, shamanic practitioner, Shamanism, sonic driving, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Working with Genetic Memories](https://www.wholespirit.com/working-with-genetic-memories/) **Published:** August 19, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I just read a fascinating article by [Doreen Carvajal](http://www.doreencarvajal.com/index.html "Doreen Carvajal") in the science section of this week’s New York Times. In [On The Trail of Inherited Memories](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/science/in-andalusia-searching-for-inherited-memories.html?smid=pl-share "On the Trail of Inherited Memories by Doreen Carvajal, NYT 8-17-12") the author explores the idea that we can carry the memory of our ancestors, even those long dead, with us into the present day. Carvajal travels back to Spain, where her family lived in secret as Sephardic Jews. Their secret identity, held for generations even after they moved to the US, compelled her and drew her to the ancient places where her family had lived. Geneticists and psychologists are researching the idea that descendants may draw on the experiences of their ancestors, not through oral or experiential learning, but through a kind of cellular transmission. The "[ancestor syndrome](http://www.routledgementalhealth.com/books/details/9780415191876/ "ancestor syndrome")" a phrase coined by French psychologist [Anne Ancelin Schützenberger](http://transgenerationalconference.blogspot.com/2010/02/anne-ancelin-schutzenberger.html "An interview with Ms. Schutzenberger"), explains the concept that "we are links in a chain of generations, unconsciously affected by their suffering or unfinished business until we acknowledge the past." Like butterflies who instinctually know their migratory path even though it takes *three* generations to complete the journey, our ancestors’ sensations of life can be passed down. Perhaps through cells, or maybe through some other vehicle that we don’t understand yet. I’ve given this concept some thought in relation to spiritual healing work. I do believe that some of us replay patterns from our familial line until they are cleared. Shamanic work sometimes delves into past experiences that are more multi-faceted than personal memories. Recognizing that you may be carrying the burden of your forebear’s challenges can be the first step in moving past them. Personal Evolution Counseling can help with this. The logical extension is then to focus on what we are passing along to our descendants. That certainly motivates me to work with my "ancestor" issues. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](http:// www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit ~ Mara Bishop") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** ancestor syndrome, Ancestors, Anne Ancelin Schützenberger, descendants, Doreen Carvajal, Inherited memories, New York Times, NYT science section, Personal Evolution Counseling, soul retrieval shamanic healing --- ### [Connecting with your Inner Divinity in July](https://www.wholespirit.com/connecting-with-your-inner-divinity-in-july/) **Published:** June 30, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** In a few weeks! Staying connected to your spiritual center can be a challenge in ordinary times. In extraordinary times it can be more more difficult, but it’s also more essential for your wellbeing on all levels. Join me for some experiences that help you remember how to stay connected to your inner divinity. Details about the July 21-22 weekend are on the [www.WholeSpirit.com website Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events"). The setting will be cozy, the temperature cool and the focus experiential. Let me know if you have any [questions](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com/ "WholeSpirit Events") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Inner Divinity, internal dialogue, Intuition, Personal Evolution, psychic boundaries, Sacred Space, spiritual center --- ### [Inner Divinity Weekend ~ July 21 - 22, 2012](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-weekend-july-21-22/) **Published:** May 24, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ### *Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence* Join me on Saturday and Sunday July 21 & 22, 2012, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, for a weekend gathering based on the book and CD. Your inner divinity is your spiritual identity. By reconnecting with the sacred intelligence you were born with, you are able to remember what you need to feel whole and healthy. In intuitive and shamanic sessions I found myself giving certain kinds of advice to clients repeatedly, particularly things that were important to creating a strong relationship to your inner divinity. I share that advice in my book and CD. They are intended as guides to assist you in living authentically, reclaiming your health and balance. In this workshop we will go into these concepts in depth, including guided exercises on topics such as understanding your energy personality and how you create (and can change) your internal environment, psychic self protection and understanding energetic boundaries, creating sacred space in your environment, connecting with your intuition, creating spiritual community, listening to your body, and methods for manifesting a vision. For more information and to register, [visit the WholeSpirit Events page.](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events page") [Email me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Questions about Evolving Shamanism") if you have questions. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara *What people are saying about Inner Divinity* “Inner Divinity is a beautiful weaving of different methods that create a holistic model of healing for body, mind, and spirit. Mara Bishop is a brilliant writer and healer who empowers us with simple practices to heal all aspects of our lives.” —Sandra Ingerman, MA, author of *Soul Retrieval*, *Medicine for the Earth* and *How to Heal Toxic Thoughts* “Mara Bishop offers an organized left-brained approach to the right-brained world of intuition. She combines powerful stories of her work in counseling clients and humorous family anecdotes from her role as a mother with healthy doses of practical wisdom and spiritual magic to create this useful guide to the ordinary and non-ordinary realms.” —Dr. Larry Burk, Former Director of Education, Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, author of *Let Magic Happen* [Purchase book and CD.](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-store.php "Purchase book and CD") **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Duke Integrated Medicine, Energy personality, guided meditations, Inner Divinity, Intuition, Let Magic Happen, Personal Evolution, psychic self protection, Sacred Intelligence, Sacred Space, Sandra Ingerman, soul retrieval, spiritual community, wholespirit, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Fire ceremony ~ Men only!](https://www.wholespirit.com/fire-ceremony-men-only/) **Published:** May 14, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Had a milestone shamanic journeying class on Friday. The first all male group! What a great bunch of guys. We had an even male/female split for the weekend on Creation & Transformation. Nothing like a fire ceremony to shift our energy and raise the vibration of the space! Thanks to everyone. Stay tuned for more information about the *Inner Divinity* Weekend coming in July! [Read more](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-store.php "Inner Divinity Book and CD") about the book and CD. See the [WholeSpirit events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information about Drumming circles and classes. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara [Email me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Questions about Evolving Shamanism") if you have questions. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** creation, drumming circles, Evolving shamanism, fire ceremony, Inner Divinity, Sacred Intelligence, Shamanic Journeying, transformation, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [New Visions](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-visions/) **Published:** May 9, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Preparing for Evolving Shamanism: Creation & Transformation this weekend. What is your vision? Perhaps some new things to draw in and some old things to release? Much to think about today, as individuals and a society. www.WholeSpirit.com **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** creation, evolving, journeying, Shamanism, transformation, Vision, visioning, wholespirit --- ### [New Core Shamanic Drumming Circle!](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-core-shamanic-drumming-circle/) **Published:** April 14, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ### Shamanic Drumming Circle I am happy to announce the beginning of a new core shamanic drumming circle! The last circle I co-founded has been meeting for over ten years. It’s provided the opportunity for a spiritual community to gather and support each other in our exploration of shamanism. It’s changed and evolved over the years. I look forward to creating this new group with you! The first circle will be on May 21st from 7:00 – 9:00. Our focus will be on journeying and creating sacred space as a group. There will be time each gathering for drumming. We will have a balance between journeying on group topics and personal questions. Core shamanic journeying is required for these gatherings. Please [contact me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "e-mail Mara") if you would like to learn to journey. A Shamanic Journeying Intensive is available in the evening on Friday, May 11. Please visit the [WholeSpirit.com Events page](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "WholeSpirit Events") for more information and registration information for the circle and classes. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** drumming circle, journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, sonic driving, spiritual community, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Reading Signs and Omens](https://www.wholespirit.com/reading-signs-and-omens/) **Published:** April 9, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve had several interesting encounters with the natural world recently that I’m pondering and working to decipher on the spiritual level. Paying attention to our environment offers such a rich field of information. When we ask for guidance, and then open our senses to receive it, we engage consciously, and can often receive insight about challenging issues in our lives. Sometimes we’re surprised by synchronicities or things that seem implausible or unlikely enough to grab our attention. It was timely for me to come upon this [article by Sandra Ingerman about reading omens](http://redroom.com/member/sandra-f-ingerman/blog/how-to-work-with-omens#.T4MTjcouV2c.facebook "Sandra Ingerman - Reading Omens") and thought I’d pass it on to you. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** natural world, omens, reading signs, Sandra Ingerman, Shamanism, synchronicity --- ### [New Beginnings?](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-beginnings/) **Published:** March 21, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** An interesting thing happened to me this week. I was entering an appointment into my calendar on my “smart” phone. The program froze. I closed the program and turned the phone off, thinking a refresh of the system would reset the calendar program and get me back on track to make my appointment. The refresh I got was not what I’d anticipated. Instead of opening to March 2012, my calendar opened to 1. Not 2001, 1991, or even 1891, but 1! Year 1. I had no events recorded on that day. It was refreshing, but also horrifying as it appeared that my very full schedule had vanished. It did give me a new perspective on the day, on the passing of time, and on the idea of evolution. What causes us to “reset” personally and globally? Each day gives us the possibility for a reset in many ways, doesn’t it? Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** new calendar, new year --- ### [OMNIA VINCIT AMOR - Love Conquers All...well at least it makes our brains bigger!](https://www.wholespirit.com/omnia-vincit-amor-love-conquers-all-well-at-least-it-makes-our-brains-bigger/) **Published:** March 16, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** As I was preparing for my Accessing Intuition class today I came across this [article about how a mother’s love affects a child’s brain development](http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/12/love-key-to-brain-development-in-children/ "Love key to brain development in children"). We hear a lot about the transformative power of love. Not often do we see it documented so clearly. In this [study in the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences](http://www.pnas.org/content/109/8/2854.full.pdf+html?sid=e5855592-9df9-4e5c-a87f-03c78bf410e5 "Maternal support in early childhood predicts larger hippocampal volumes at school age"), researchers observed mothers helping their children deal with moderately stressful tasks intended to mimic the stresses of parenting in daily life. When tested several years later, the children of mothers who displayed more nurturing behavior ultimately had larger hippocampi. The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for memory and spatial function among other things. Having a smaller hippocampus can put one at risk for Alzheimers, some mental disorders, and creates a higher vulnerability to stress. It’s common sense that a loving parent can help a child feel safe and healthy in the world. Studies have shown that the experience of romantic love and long term partnerships have a variety of health benefits, such as decreased blood pressure, stress, and a longer life span. I hope a precedent has been set and we’ll see more studies that explore the effects of different kinds of love on health and healing. In the meanwhile, we can experiment ourselves! We can show more nurturing and love to ourselves, to our family and friends, to our clients and coworkers, our gardens, our waters, our Earth and see what happens. It’s not just the hippocampus that’s affected by love. Each time we choose to be loving (kind, compassionate, patient and other variants of the vibration of love) we affect our own bodies (both physical and energetic), those around us, and the space we are in. Wishing you a peaceful heart and some extra love today, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** brain development, childhood, compassion, hippocampus, Intuition, love, mother's love, National Academy of Sciences, nurturing --- ### [Health Benefits from Drumming Circles documented](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-from-drumming-circles-documented/) **Published:** January 31, 2012 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Shamanic communities have experienced the benefits of drumming together for thousands of years. Researchers have now documented that the benefits of participating in drumming groups extends widely from our bodies, to our mental states, to our relationships with others. Participants in studies reacted with an increase in cells related to the immune system, and had a decrease in chronic pain. Other groups experienced a decrease in anxiety and an increase in self-esteem and relaxation. Parkinson’s patients had increased motor skills after listening to the rhythmic repetition of a steady drum beat, and Alzheimer’s patients are able to connect better to loved ones after drumming. For more information about the health benefits of drumming[ read this article by Kimberly Ann Holle](http://www.examiner.com/unity-in-columbus-ga/research-identifies-health-benefits-from-participation-drumming-circles "Benefits of Drumming Circles"). “Sonic driving” is the term for using repetitive percussion sound to shift one’s state of consciousness. It is one of the common elements used throughout shamanic cultures. In recent times, scientific studies have confirmed what indigenous cultures have learned through experience. A repetitive beat at a certain range of speeds can facilitate a shift in our brain wave patterns. Shamanic practitioners often use sonic driving when they work with clients, both as an aide in perceiving the spiritual causes of illness or imbalance and also for the direct benefits that drumming can provide to the clients. For more information about shamanic healing sessions, classes in shamanic journeying or drumming circles, visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit.com") or [contact me via e-mail](mailto:mara@wholespriit.com "contact me via e-mail"). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Alzheimer's anxiety, drumming, drumming circles, health benefits, health benefits of drumming, immune system, Parkinson's, shamanic drumming, sonic driving, stress --- ### [New Workshop! ~ Evolving Shamanism: The Journey](https://www.wholespirit.com/new-workshop-evolving-shamanism-the-journey/) **Published:** November 9, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ***Evolving Shamanism: The Journey*** Date: Saturday and Sunday, January 21 & 22 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: WholeSpirit Center, Durham NC **Shamanic journeying is a way to directly access spiritual assistance.** Spirit teachers and power animals are a wonderful source of wisdom, support and healing and are available to all of us if we make the effort to develop a relationship with them. This class provides an opportunity to use this ancient technique to access spiritual realms and connect with spirit teachers. ***Evolving Shamanism*** is a series of classes in shamanism that will be based on core shamanic journeying. The Journey is the first session, and is a good foundation to proceed to more advanced work. If you are already familiar with core shamanic journeying you are welcome to participate in this class as a refresher or simply to enjoy the time spent journeying with a group. Cost: $250 ($225 if registered before December 31st) To register for the class: Make a payment via [PayPal, credit or debit card](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=PDY7SSEBC2JUQ "Evolving Shamanism Payment") or send a check made out to Mara Bishop to PO Box 51553, Durham NC 27717. Be sure to include your name, address, e-mail and phone. A registration packet, including directions will be sent to you. [Email Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Questions about Evolving Shamanism") if you have questions. **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** drumming, power animals, shamanic journey, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, spirit teachers, spiritual assistance, WholeSpirit Center --- ### [Peace and Play](https://www.wholespirit.com/peace-and-play/) **Published:** December 23, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** During this special and often hectic time of year, I hope you find time for the things that bring joy and meaning into your life. Whether it’s quiet time with family, the glitter of festivities, time to unwind by yourself, giving to those less fortunate, a chance to play like a kid again, or maybe a little of each, please remember to nurture yourself a little too. Wishing you peaceful and playful holidays, Mara [www. WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "WholeSpirit") [Email Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Questions about Evolving Shamanism") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** christmas, holiday, Intuition, Mara, nurturing yourself, peace, play, Shamanism, solstice, wholespirit, winter --- ### [Thomas Berry on Shamanism and the Forces of Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/thomas-berry-on-shamanism-and-the-forces-of-nature/) **Published:** December 1, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** This quote from Thomas Berry about shamanism is interesting. Our relationships with the forces of nature and the universe are complex, and maybe ultimately unknowable, but the exploration of those relationships is one of the things that continuously fascinates me about shamanic practice. “Humans in their earlier days knew that they could survive and prosper only by the grace of powers far beyond themselves. Thus the role of the shamanic personalities within the earliest communities, persons who had a special rapport with the powers experienced in the peaceful dawn as well as in the devastating storms and floods that descend over the Earth with such little warning. Although the wild is often experienced in its destructive aspects, it must be understood primarily as the deepest form of creative presence throughout the universe. The sense of the universe as expressive of a vast, all pervasive, yet highly differentiated power presence finds expression not only in the shamanic figures throughout indigenous societies, it is found also in the creative personalities throughout the world of poets, prophets, rulers, teachers and healers down through the ages. Even creative scientists share profoundly in this shamanic insight.” **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** creativity, Nature, Shamanism, shamans and scientists, Thomas Berry --- ### [Unconditional love and a new twist on the Christmas tree from Sandra Ingerman](https://www.wholespirit.com/unconditional-love-and-a-new-twist-on-the-christmas-tree-from-sandra-ingerman/) **Published:** November 30, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** It’s officially the “holiday” season. We’ve hopefully enjoyed some time with family, friends or in solitude last week and given thanks for what’s good in our lives. And now we move toward the winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukah. Some of us welcome this season wholeheartedly, and others struggle with the complicated dynamics of family, commercialism, religion, memories of times past…you get the idea. Sandra Ingerman always has inspiring ideas to share, and in this month’s [Transmutation News](http://www.sandraingerman.com/tndecember2011.html "Transmutation News") she talks about unconditional love and its importance in healing and transformation. She says, “Holding a state of universal and unconditional love is the greatest gift that we can give loved ones and all life on earth.” It beats an iPad under the tree…wait…OK, yes, it actually does beat an iPad, but it’s beyond challenging to deliver sometimes. She also shares an idea for a ceremony working with trees that comes from Siberian shamanism. It helps us connect to the sacred, bridging heaven and earth, during this special time of year. Maybe a new ritual for your family? Hope you enjoy the article. Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara PS Interested in learning more about shamanism? Join us for Evolving Shamanism on January 21 and 22. See [more details.](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-training-classes-events-workshops-raleigh-durham.php "Evolving Shamanism") **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Christmas trees, Evolving shamanism, Holiday season, Prayer trees, Sandra Ingerman, Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism, Siberian Shamanism, Transmutation News, unconditional love --- ### [Watch Shamanic Healing Interview with Host Julie Seibert](https://www.wholespirit.com/watch-shamanic-healing-interview-with-host-julie-seibert/) **Published:** November 10, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** If you weren’t able to catch the Reawaken Your Brilliance show last night, [click here](http://bambuser.com/v/2114539 "Reawaken Your Brilliance interview") to watch it when it’s convenient for you. Julie Seibert is a great host and she asked some really relevant questions. If you have any questions about what shamanic healing and Personal Evolution Counseling™ might do for you, this is a good place to start. Julie was a client of mine and she shares some of her personal experiences with the work. Questions, comments? Feel free to [E-mail me](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** extraction, Inner Divinity, Julie Seibert, Mara Bishop, Personal Evolution Counseling, power animal retrival, Reawaken Your Brilliance, shamanic healing, soul retrieval, Web TV --- ### [Catch me on Reawaken Your Brilliance Web TV! 11/9/11](https://www.wholespirit.com/catch-me-on-reawaken-your-brilliance-web-tv-11911/) **Published:** October 31, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Catch me on **Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 8-9 PM** on the [The Reawaken Your Brilliance Web TV Show](http://www.reawakenyourbrilliance.com). You can listen to the show online, connect via Skype or just listen to the audio. Please visit [The Reawaken Your Brilliance Web TV ](http://www.reawakenyourbrilliance.com)site for more information. [Watch the show live and view past episodes from this location.](http://www.nissancommunications.com/reawake.php "Reawaken Your Brilliance") Hope to see you there! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Intuition, Reawaken Your Brilliance, Shamanism, WebTV --- ### [Watch, Listen, Move ~ Wu Wei?](https://www.wholespirit.com/watch-listen-move-wu-wei/) **Published:** October 5, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** In the last post I talked about how a willingness to sit in the mist of uncertainty serves us well sometimes. But there are different ways to sit, right? We can slouch and look at our fingernails, annoyed that we can’t see anything around us. We can sit up straight and watch the mist swirling in interesting patterns, listening for sounds…or the absence of sounds. You get the point. Our engagement makes the difference. Following on the theme of managing challenging and uncertain times, we often can’t control external events, but we can affect our internal response and experience. Panic or calm resolve? Despair or persistent hope? Panic and despair are natural parts of our emotional repertoire. However, we can help ourselves move through them more quickly by having tools for reconnecting with our deeper resources. This helps us evolve without freaking out and running off a cliff (literally or metaphorically). I recommend blending three approaches to Personal Evolution. Focused Observation, Conscious Stillness and Deliberate Action. They are simple to remember and easy to implement, but have wide ranging affects. Focused Observation is simply watching yourself and the circumstances of your life – what’s happening around you. Paying attention. Looking for patterns. It’s detaching from your emotions and your personal viewpoint when you can, in order to get some different perspectives. Sometimes we are so engrossed in what we are doing that we miss the proverbial forest for the trees. Conscious Stillness involves ceasing our talking temporarily, but it goes further. Being still and listening come into play. It’s making room for silence and a time to hear your inner voice. We are so surrounded by sound, both externally and internally, that often we forget what silence is like. Most of us can’t find inner silence with the chatter of our internal dialogue. Making time to experience quiet, specifically turning off devices that provide content (phones, TV, radio, podcasts, etc.) and experiencing silence reclaims a space for the subtler sounds to enter our consciousness. We may observe the ambient sounds of our environment, or start watching the thoughts meander (or march) through our minds. Gently, kindly, maybe using chant or soft music, we can slow or distract our usual thoughts enough to invite some new insights to well up. Our inner divinity is a great source of guidance and wisdom and often needs this intentionally created time to speak and be heard. Deliberate Action can result once we’ve observed and listened and feel ready to move. When Focused Observation and Conscious Stillness have become a regular part of our lives, Deliberate Action can often feel like a natural reflex rather than an intellectual choice. It’s when the mist lifts and we act decisively and bravely when we know we have to. Choices, even if they are hard or complicated, feel right somehow. The Taoist principle of Wu Wei comes into play nicely during these times. Wu Wei is a paradoxical idea of the action of non-action. A state of non-doing which allows us to enter into alignment with the natural cycles, where our actions feel effortless because we are aligned with a larger flow and able to respond appropriately to whatever situation arises. By blending Focused Observation, Conscious Stillness, and Deliberate Action we are able to manage stressful situations while remaining connected to the reality of the circumstances and true to ourselves. We do our part to stay grounded and inspired for a new day, while enjoying the view from this side of the cliff! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** changing times, Conscious Stillness, Deliberate Action, Focused Observation, Hope, Managing Change, Personal Evolution, Stress Management, Taoism, Wu Wei --- ### [Unpredictable and Challenging Times? Lighten Up and Ride the Waves](https://www.wholespirit.com/unpredictable-and-challenging-times-lighten-up-and-ride-the-waves/) **Published:** September 29, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** How can we thrive in these tumultuous times? Simply accepting the enigmatic nature of the times in which we live and of our own personal evolution is helpful. Many of us are going through big transitions. Our levels of clarity about where we are heading and how we should prepare vary greatly, sometimes from moment to moment. A wide range of emotions often accompanies those perceptions. Accepting that we may need to be in the mist of uncertainty for a while will conserve energy for when we need to act. Sometimes we get glimpses of what’s to come, sometimes it’s better if we just don’t know what’s in store. We fare better if we ride out the undercurrents of change and transformation that are welling up for us individually and collectively rather than fighting them. If we release what needs to be cleared from our lives we are lighter, and it’s easier to maneuver. Sometimes what needs to be cleared are possessions. That can be relatively easy, unless we imbue our possessions with energy and power (more about that in another article). Sometimes it’s life-long careers or dreams, and even people, that need to be released from our lives. Those losses can be devastating, regardless of whether we consciously chose to release them or they are taken from us unexpectedly. However, they make way for new and potentially delightful things to enter our lives – new relationships, new work to explore, new ways to play, and yes, sometimes even new stuff to enjoy! Of course, “lightening up” and finding some humor and play every once and a while works wonders too. It can be a relief to take a break from our “work” of all kinds and lose ourselves in something genuinely fun or funny. Once my daughter said to me, “Mom, make me laugh as hard as I can!” I could definitely relate to her wish. I love to laugh like that! Somehow everything feels a little better after a good laugh. I find that laughing and crying, when we really give ourselves over to them, can have similar affects. They reset us somehow — purging old energy, offering a needed pattern interrupt, and helping us manage the significant stress of uncertainty and big changes. A willingness to watch the mystery unfold, to be OK just sitting in the mist when necessary, can help us remain relatively calm when storms surround us. Getting rid of that which no longer serves us helps us to move nimbly through tricky periods in our lives. And laughing until you snort, or worse, is an excellent idea in my opinion. More to come on this topic soon. In the meantime…If you have some thoughts or experiences from your own life that you’d like to share, I’d like to hear them! Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** acceptance, intuitive development, laughter, letting go, lighten up, Personal Evolution, releasing, riding the waves, spiritual mystery, stress, thriving in challenging times, transformation --- ### [Video of Spiritual Healing, Personal Evolution & Shamanism Talk at the Rhine](https://www.wholespirit.com/video-of-spiritual-healing-personal-evolution-shamanism-talk-at-the-rhine/) **Published:** September 20, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’ve just got my hands on the video of *The Mysteries of Spiritual Healing, Personal Evolution & Shamanism* talk that I gave at the Rhine Research Center recently. Be prepared to turn your sound way up! I plan to share some of the concepts from that talk here over several posts. Here is the link to the [video](http://www.vimeo.com/28197651). One of the first things I do in that talk is define my terms. I think that’s important. So let’s start there. The short version of how I define these terms is as follows: **Spiritual Healing** When I use the phrase, “spiritual healing” I mean a process that helps maintain or restore harmony to one’s entire being. “Body, mind, spirit” is an overused phrase at this point, but it’s trying to define the idea that we are complex organisms. We can access any one aspect of who we are through any other, not only in a holistic way, but perhaps in a holographic way. Each of those three categories – body, mind and sprit – are entrance points into who we are as extraordinarily complex beings. Spiritual healing addresses all of those dimensions. **Personal Evolution** Personal Evolution is our process of learning, healing and transforming as individuals. We can do this consciously and conscientiously, or we can go the auto-pilot route and hope for the best. Personal Evolution Counseling is my name for what I do specifically in my practice with clients. It combines intuitive guidance and different forms of spiritual healing work to help people approach their lives consciously and with on-going support. **Shamanism** Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice that we know of on the planet. There is not one definition, as there is not one way to practice shamanism. It teaches us that everything has a spiritual dimension. We are connected to one another through the web of light or living energy field. The shaman can perceive the spiritual aspects of the world by altering their perception, frequently through percussive sound called sonic driving. Practitioners of shamanism work with their own helping spirits and with the spiritual aspects of nature and other beings to help restore harmony and balance for their community. They serve as healers, therapists, priests, midwives and diviners, accessing information from the spiritual worlds. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Intuition, Intuitive Counselor, Personal Evolution, Rhine Center, shamanic healers, shamanic healing, shamanic journey, Shamanism, soul retrieval, Spiritual Healing, Taoism, therapists, web of light, Wu Wei --- ### [Hope and Healing the Heart with Medicine for the Earth - U Michigan Study](https://www.wholespirit.com/hope-and-healing-the-heart-with-medicine-for-the-earth-u-michigan-study/) **Published:** August 21, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Hope is complex. It can inspire us to move forward, to get up and act, to take the necessary steps to make our visions a reality. Hope, some say, can also distract from the reality of a bad situation or disempower us if we allow misplaced hopefulness to supplant necessary action. What is your experience in feeling hopeful? Is the experience of hoping linked inextricably to an outcome for you or is it a valuable state of being in and of itself? Do you feel better when you are with hope or without it? Do you act more or less passionately and actively to create your future when you have hope? Hope and optimism are linked. We thrive when we have hope that our futures can be joyful (healthy, love-filled, prosperous – fill in the blank). When we lose hope and become pessimistic about the possibilities available to us we begin to fail, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.” Individually and collectively we are being challenged to have the courage to continue dreaming and hoping in the face of uncertainty and fear. Depression is a multifaceted condition with many potential causes, but hopelessness and depression are usually linked. I’m always interested to find scientific research that explores spiritual ways of addressing health issues. I wanted to pass this one along to you. The aim of this pilot study conducted through the University of Michigan was to compare the effects of a nondenominational spiritual retreat on depression and other measures of well-being on patients who had recently suffered a heart attack. Three groups were studied. One participated in a four-day *Medicine for the Earth* (MFTE) retreat lead by Sandra Ingerman, M.A. The retreat included guided imagery, meditation, drumming, journal writing, and nature-based activities. The second group participated in a Lifestyle Change Program that included nutrition education, exercise, and stress management. And the third group was a control group receiving usual cardiac care. The pilot study concluded, “a nondenominational spiritual retreat, MFTE, can be used to increase hope while reducing depression in patients with ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome).” The details of the study can be accessed at [Healing the Heart Study](http://www.explorejournal.com/article/S1550-8307(11)00099-1/abstract.) I’ve completed Sandra’s teacher training to lead *Medicine for the Earth* groups and have enjoyed gathering people together to do this powerful work. If you are interested, in participating in a group, do let me know. You can purchase Sandra’s book *Medicine for the Earth* through Amazon via [this link.](http://www.amazon.com/Medicine-Earth-Transform-Personal-Environmental/dp/0609805177) Wishing you a peaceful heart, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Alternative Medicine Research, Depression, Heart Healing, Hope, Medicine for the Earth, Shamanism Mara, Spiritual Retreat --- ### [How to be Harmonious in a Changing World](https://www.wholespirit.com/how-to-be-harmonious-in-a-changing-world/) **Published:** July 11, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Wise words from Sandra Ingerman via the Huffington Post! She talks about the changes we are experiencing on many levels, including the environment, the political landscape, and personal consciousness. She focuses on one of my favorite concepts – Evolution. She uses the Earth’s evolution as a point of reference for relating to our own (and vice versa), on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. She also has practical ideas for what we can do each day to contribute to our evolution as individuals and as communities. Sandra is truly a gift and one of my favorite human beings. [Click here to see Sandra Ingerman’s article in Huffington Post](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sandra-ingerman/how-to-be-harmonious-in-a_b_891762.html "How To Be Harmonious in a Changing World Blog") All my Best, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Change, Community, Environment, Evolution, Sandra Ingerman --- ### [Inner Divinity Talks](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-talks/) **Published:** August 18, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** These free talks about *Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence* will include discussion, experiential exercises and Q & A time. I will have books and CDs available at discounted rates. Inner divinity is the spirit you were born with. It underlies who you are today. By rediscovering your inner divinity, you hold the key to bringing balance, healing, and joy into your life. Author Mara Bishop, an intuitive and shamanic practitioner, shares much of the wisdom she’s conveyed to clients over the past decade. Inner Divinity contains seven sections that contain exercises for using the concepts practically. Each section covers an area of life where you will benefit by engaging your sacred intelligence: your relationship with yourself, with other people, and with your environment, your intuition, your spiritual support, your health, and your future. Truly believing and understanding your divine nature is an ongoing process. The Inner Divinity book and companion CD guide you gently and thoroughly through that process with profound results that can affect every aspect of your life. Saturday, August 29, 2009 Body Mind Spirit Expo Raleigh, NC 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Kerr Scott Building, NC State Fairgrounds 3:00 – 4:00pm, Room 3\* Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Newthought Clearinghouse Cary, NC 6:30 -9:00pm Please call Mary Collins at 919-469-5716 or e-mail veganmary@mindspring.com for RSVP and directions I would greatly appreciate it if you would forward this message to anyone you think might be interested. All my best, Mara Feel free to contact me at [mara@wholespirit.com](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Send an e-mail to Mara") or 919-419-1074. [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "Visit WholeSpirit.com for more information about Mara, Personal Evolution Counseling or to book a session.") \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Mara Bishop, M.S., Th.M., C.S.C. TO ORDER BOOK AND CDs You can order the book ($21.95) and CD ($15.95) from Amazon.com or or other online booksellers. If you order from my website, [](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093404&msgid=255117&act=JYY4&c=166598&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholespirit.com)[WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "Visit WholeSpirit.com for more information about Mara, Personal Evolution Counseling or to book a session.") there is a discount for buying the book and CD as a set . I also have a supply in my office if you wish to purchase during an appointment. You can also order them from your local bookstore using the ISBN # 0595407439. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Inner Divinity, Intuition, Shamanism, Spiritual Healing --- ### [Thriving During Times of Dramatic Change](https://www.wholespirit.com/thriving-during-times-of-dramatic-change/) **Published:** September 22, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** In times of change and great upheaval like now, we have a choice to make. We can ride the currents of fear and distress that are flowing at ever faster rates through the media and the general consciousness, or we can do everything in our power to stay grounded and balanced as change happens around us and then react to events in real time in an effective and graceful way. At this month’s gathering of the Women, Power and Change group, we will revisit the pivotal topic of Thriving During Times of Dramatic Change. Great opportunities exist during times of change and upheaval. Let’s make the most of them! *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* *Women, Power, and Change meetings are a mix of meditations, discussion and networking time. They provide tools to help you thrive during times of change. Uncertain times create rich opportunity to craft the life you wish to lead. They can snap you out of old patterns and help spotlight areas that need your attention. Now is one of those times. Especially if you are feeling shifting dynamics in your life, come and spend a few hours exploring how to manage the emotional and practical experience of living in this exciting time. This is a great opportunity to meet an interesting and engaging variety of women while learning tools for connecting with your peace and power.* *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* **Women, Power and Change** Monthly meeting – every 4th Monday Next meeting – September 28, 2009 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Call or e-mail to register. All my best, Mara Feel free to contact me at [mara@wholespirit.com](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Send an e-mail to Mara") or 919-419-1074. Visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "Visit WholeSpirit.com for more information about Mara and Personal Evolution Counseling") for more information. **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Managing Change, Meditation --- ### [Happy New Year! Happy New Office Space!](https://www.wholespirit.com/happy-new-year-happy-new-office-space/) **Published:** January 1, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** *I’m happy to announce that I will have an additional lovely space to work from starting in 2011. HealthTouch NC is located at 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 504 in Durham. You can visit their website at [www.healthtouchnc.com](http://www.healthtouchnc.com "HealthTouch NC "). To inspire you to try the new space I’m offering $15 off an appointment booked before January 10th for a Thursday morning at HealthTouch.* A dear friend just threw a New Year’s party in mid-December because she just couldn’t wait until New Year’s Eve to usher 2010 out the door. She was confident that many of her friends would agree. It has been an interesting year to say the least. Have you felt it too? Ready for 2011 to bring a welcome change, perhaps evolution, to your life? My mantra lately has been “Embrace the mystery.” Historically, we imbue this time of year with the (somewhat arbitrary) power of renewal. Resolutions, reinvigorated willpower — our determination increases to make changes that we’ve let slide since last year’s turn. Although traditional resolutions can motivate us to action, the mystery of what truly helps us evolve is harder to wrestle into a to-do list or an exercise plan. A willingness to watch that mystery unfold will also serve us well. By blending focused observation, conscious stillness, and deliberate action we do our part to become who we wish to be while honoring who we already are. Possibly the following unconventional New Year’s resolutions might be good substitutes for some old standbys? - I take time to appreciate the wisdom and beauty within me regularly. - I relax into the grace supporting me as I move through my days. - Even when my path feels misty and mysterious, I have the discernment to sit in the mist until it clears and to act decisively when the time is right. - I am evolving, every day, as intended. Here’s to a peaceful, playful New Year! Be well, Mara **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Affirmations, Holidays, Mystery, Personal Evolution --- ### [Inner Divinity Essentials Weekend](https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-essentials-weekend/) **Published:** February 15, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** “Your inner divinity is your spiritual identity. By reconnecting with the sacred intelligence that you were born with, you are able to remember what you need to feel whole and healthy.” This workshop is based on my book *[I](http://https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-store.php "More information about Inner DIvinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence")[nner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence.](http://https://www.wholespirit.com/inner-divinity-store.php "More information about Inner DIvinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence")* Especially in challenging times, consider making the space to focus on what is truly important in your life. Give yourself time to breathe, reconnect with who you really are, remember what makes you feel energized, and gently move farther along your unique spiritual path. Learn the essentials for creating a strong relationship to your inner divinity. Sample topics: developing strong intuition, distinguishing your inner voice from your inner chatter, creating unique spiritual practices, understanding energetic relationships, creating harmonious environments, signs and syncronicities, working with spiritual assistance, manifesting your future, staying peaceful and powerful in a chaotic world. This will be a highly experiential workshop in a small group setting. All levels of experience are welcome. LOCATION: WholeSpirit Center, Durham NC DATE: Sat and Sun, March 7 & 8 TIME: 10:00 – 5:00 COST: $195 Preregistration is required. Contact [Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Send Mara an e-mail.") or visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "Visit WholeSpirit.com for more information") for more information. All my best, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Inner Divinity, Intuition, Manifesting, The Future --- ### [Spring Inspires Art](https://www.wholespirit.com/spring-inspires-art/) **Published:** May 3, 2010 **Author:** Mara **Content:** A belated happy Spring to you! These last few weeks have been a marvel of hope and rejuvenation for me as I’ve watched the earth warm and bloom. The fresh green canopy expanded overhead and violets blossomed along the paths. A Carolina wren family nested in the window of my office. I was able to watch from an amazingly close range as the mother bird sat patiently in her mossy nest, then fed her chicks fat green caterpillars once they hatched, then gyuded them in their first flying expeditions around th land we share. Being in nature helps me to find my center and feel joyful. Maybe it does for your too. Nature also inspires my art, which is currently on display at Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery in Cary. For more information visit[ www.stonehavenjewelry.com](http://www.stonehavenjewelry.com "Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery, Cary NC"). The gallery is located at 101 Ledgestone Way, Cary, NC 27519. All my best, Mara For more information about my art, including commissions, please visit [marabishop.com](http://www.marabishop.com "Visit MaraBishop.com for more information about Mara's art, inspired by nature and spirit."). **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Art, Nature --- ### [Radio Interview - WCOM](https://www.wholespirit.com/radio-interview-wcom/) **Published:** March 7, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Radio Interview on Wisdom’s Soft Whisper** There is a wonderful new program on Carrboro Radio every Tuesday at 12 noon on spiritual topics called “Wisdom’s Soft Whisper.” The hosts of the show, John Troy and Trip Overholt, have invited me to be their guest for next week. The show will air Tuesday, March 10th. Please join in if you can! Interview with Mara Bishop Tuesday, March 10, at 12 Noon EDT Carrboro Radio, WCOM 103.5 FM Listen to the interview now from [this pag](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shaman-mara-bishop-in-durham-north-carolina.php "Listen to Mara's interview on WCOM")e on Mara’s site. Best, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Media --- ### [Beyond Visioning](https://www.wholespirit.com/beyond-visioning/) **Published:** April 24, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** What do YOU want (to be, to do, to experience, etc.)? Are you in survive mode or thrive mode? Are you acting or reacting? I propose that the time to get our sea legs is nearing an end and the time to swim with the dolphins is upon us. OK, I’m mixing metaphors a bit, but bear with me. Visioning is powerful, acting is more so. In this meeting I’ll help you narrow down a vision into some practical steps to get you on your way to experiencing what you want for your life. To use the ever popular garden analogy…we’ve been tending and tilling, planting and weeding. It’s time to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes! Let’s lie on the grass and admire the tiny new leaves bursting with vitality. Let’s breathe in the flower breath until we swoon! Let’s eat ripe tomatoes until our chins are juicy! What I’m trying to say is…let’s actively, bravely and enthusiastically enjoy our lives. Now. **Women, Power and Change** Next meeting, Monday, April 27 (every 4th Monday) 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Call or e-mail to register. All my best, Mara **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Creating, Vision --- ### [Altars and Sacred Space](https://www.wholespirit.com/altars-and-sacred-space/) **Published:** June 25, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Altars and sacred space. Finding calm within the storm, or simply adding a new practice to enhance the energy of your internal and external space. Designing and using a personal altar is a powerful way to focus your intentions, express gratitude regularly, and surround yourself with objects that speak to you. I’d you’d like, bring materials or sacred objects to this gathering. **Altars and Sacred Space Women, Power and Change** Next meeting, Monday, June 29 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Call or e-mail to register. *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Every fourth Monday I host a group. We have a mix of meditations, discussion and networking time. This is a great opportunity to meet a truly interesting and engaging variety of women, explore some of the ideas mentioned below, and learn tools for connecting with your peace and power. This is a discussion about thriving during times of change and creating a community to support each other as we evolve into our power. Uncertain times create rich opportunity to craft the life you wish to lead. They can snap you out of old patterns and help spotlight areas that need your attention. Now is one of those times. Especially if you are feeling shifting dynamics in your life, come and spend a few hours experiencing how to manage the emotional and practical experience of living in this exciting time. *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* All my best, Mara Feel free to contact me at [mara@wholespirit.com](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Send an e-mail to Mara.") or 919-419-1074. Visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "Visit WholeSpirit.com for more information") for more information. **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Sacred Space --- ### [Shamanic Journeying](https://www.wholespirit.com/shamanic-journeying/) **Published:** July 3, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** **Shamanic journeying** is a way to directly access spiritual assistance. Spirit teachers and power animals are a wonderful source of wisdom, support and healing and are available to all of us if we make the effort to develop a relationship with them. This class provides an opportunity to use this ancient technique to access spiritual realms. We will be journeying to connect with animal spirit helpers. You can expect an introduction to… · the principles of core shamanic journeying · the practical steps involved in journeying · the use of the drum & rattle in journeying · the lower world & meeting power animals · receiving guidance & information for yourself & others You should bring… · a notebook and pen · a cushion and/or blanket for lying on the floor · a drum and/or rattle · a bandana or opaque eye covering of some kind · a rock the size of a small grapefruit During class the focus of the time will be on experiential exercises and Q & A. **Sunday, August 30th** 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Peace Tree Village 609 Saint Mary’s St, Raleigh, NC $95. Pre-registration is required. All my best, Mara Feel free to contact me at [mara@wholespirit.com](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Send an e-mail to Mara.") or 919-419-1074. For more information visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "For more information visit WholeSpirit.com"). **Categories:** Classes and Events **Tags:** Shamanic Journeying, Shamanism --- ### [What Do You Want to Embody?](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-do-you-want-to-embody/) **Published:** August 17, 2009 **Author:** Mara **Content:** Back from a summer break, it’s time to think about shifting into the business of fall. Summer harvests are abundant in the markets, school is starting for some, and last summer trips are winding down. What power do you want to embody as you move into fall? What changes do you want to make in your life? Is life changing around you, maybe despite your best efforts to keep stasis? Join me Monday night when we will work with embodying energy that heals, empowers and inspires. Release what holds you back and draw in what moves you forward in a balanced, harmonious way. **Women, Power and Change** Monthly meeting – every 4th Monday Next meeting – August 24, 2009 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Call or e-mail to register. All my best, Mara Feel free to contact me at [mara@wholespirit.com](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Send Mara an e-mail.") or 919-419-1074. Visit [WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com "Visit WholeSpirit.com for more information.") for more information. *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* *Women, Power, and Change meetings are a mix of meditations, discussion and networking time. They provide tools to help you thrive during times of change. Uncertain times create rich opportunity to craft the life you wish to lead. They can snap you out of old patterns and help spotlight areas that need your attention. Now is one of those times. Especially if you are feeling shifting dynamics in your life, come and spend a few hours exploring how to manage the emotional and practical experience of living in this exciting time. This is a great opportunity to meet an interesting and engaging variety of women while learning tools for connecting with your peace and power.* *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Mara Bishop, M.S., Th.M., C.S.C. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Healing, Managing Change --- ### [Personal Evolution, Ancestors and Robin Williams?](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-ancestors-and-robin-williams/) **Published:** November 19, 2010 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I was talking to my daughter about All Soul’s Day a few weeks ago, explaining briefly how it was a holiday to celebrate and honor our ancestors. She asked me who her ancestors were. So, not for the first time, I reviewed her ancestors, both living and dead. Once I came to the end of the list of ancestors I could name, a vivid image emerged. It was of her immense lineage, comprised of men and women spiraling back for thousands of years. With new awareness, I told her that each of those people — every single person on that vast chain of human beings — needed to live in order for her to exist as who she is today. That realization spawned two new trains of thought, paradoxical yet complementary. Bear with me here, I know these are not radical new revelations, but they made me feel peaceful (and who can’t use more inner peace?), so I want to share them with you! One half of my brain said, “Wow! So many people and each one is vital to the course of things. Therefore, I am vital.” Who I am, how I am, what I radiate. These things are very important intrinsically. And also very important to remember as I go about my business in the world, whether I am interacting with others or just being with myself. The other half of my brain said, “Wow! All those people are dead and the vast majority of them are completely forgotten.” No discernable record exists of their daily struggles, worries, minor or major achievements. They had their experience here on earth and then were gone. Maybe I should lighten up. Does what I am worrying about, or spending my time on today, really matter? Taken together, these ideas refocused my lens on what I hold dear and consider meaningful, both internally and externally. As often happens, when I need to get a message it comes from different sources in a relatively short time frame. I recently watched the famous scene from Dead Poets Society where Robin Williams, as Prof. John Keating, is showing his young prep school charges photos of students past, encouraging them to “carpe diem.” Seize the day, this day, because, look, see the people in these photos? They thought they had all the time in the world too. They were experiencing all your same emotions, angst, hope, longing, a sense of infallibility. I’m paraphrasing and these were prep school boys, remember, but you get the picture. Fill in your own emotions, and glance back at a photo of someone from 10, 50, 100 years ago. The odds are high you share much of your emotional consciousness with them. Watching this scene reinforced my second revelation. How did Robin Williams, a vision of the unbroken chain of ancestors, and a dream of nearly dying (I’ll save that for another time) make me feel good, you ask? In the aggregate, the meadow where those particular breadcrumbs led me was a beautiful one. While in it I experienced relief from the small burdens of this life. Burdens which the vast majority of the time feel big, and are big by our usual standards. But once you have passed on from this existence, “fertilizing daffodils,” as Prof. Keating put it, paying the mortgage or having an operation or getting a divorce, are all fairly irrelevant. I was able to empty out in a new way. I became lighter, both in the sense of a burden being lifted from me, and also as if my being was suffused with — even becoming — light. I was appreciative yet detached. I was peaceful. I felt loved and loving. In my moment of simultaneously cosmic and very literal understanding of my place in the spectrum of things, I found some relief from the pressure of being a human being stuck in temporal reality and was able to let go and be bigger and emptier for a bit. It felt great! For example, with great love I envisioned a moment of hugging my daughter, and the little daily stresses of homework and making lunches and practicing musical instruments and so forth were lifted. I only have this one fleeting lifetime to be with her, after all. It will burn past as quick as a spark. In that moment, and others like it, I felt clarity about what I wanted to leave for the spiral of my own potential descendants. The “Aha!” experience I’ve just shared with you is one of a continuous series of steps in my personal evolution. I’m sure this message will spiral around many times before I can really hold on to it, feel it in my bones. But I will keep moving on that spiral. We all do, whether we intend to or not. During this process it is helpful to perceive the lessons as they arrive so you can consciously work with them towards your own growth. Working consciously and consistently on your personal evolution can help bring the changes you want to see in your life, or help you manage the changes life has brought you with as much grace as possible. I offer individual sessions to assist you in traversing your own spiral, seeing the recurring lessons in your own life and meeting them open to learning, healing and evolving. For more information please visit [www.WholeSpirit.com](https://www.wholespirit.com). Be well, Mara mara@wholespirit.com 919-419-1074 **Categories:** Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Ancestors, Healing, Keeping Perspective, Personal Evolution --- ### [The Mysteries of Spiritual Healing, Personal Evolution & Shamanism](https://www.wholespirit.com/the-mysteries-of-spiritual-healing-personal-evolution-shamanism/) **Published:** January 8, 2011 **Author:** Mara **Content:** I’m giving a talk at the [Rhine Research Center](http://www.rhine.org/ "The Rhine Research Center supports investigation into alternative healing and parapsychology") this Friday titled "A Two Part Healer’s Panel with Diana Henderson and Mara Bishop." My portion of the talk will be on "The Mysteries of Spiritual Healing, Personal Evolution & Shamanism." We want healthy bodies and spirits. We want our lives to feel meaningful. We want our internal and external work to yield results. But the path to healing and evolution often surprises us. It twists and doubles back. We trip over hidden roots. Unexpected obstacles divert us from where we think we are headed, and cause us to question our beliefs about who we are. In practicing shamanism as a way of exploring the world our journeys take on new depth and illumination while honoring the mystery of being divinely human. During this talk I’ll will share some experiences living and working with others to honor both the mystical and the practical to achieve optimal healing. By opening to conscious personal evolution while creating space to allow the sacred to flourish in our lives, we often find the healing that we seek for our whole selves, emotional, physical and spiritual. Experiential time using shamanic drumming will introduce how you can incorporate shamanic vision into your life. Diana will speak on the Healer's Journey. She is always a wonderful presenter and if you haven’t met her before she is a delightful person. Here is a link for more information on [Diana’s talk](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093404&msgid=339850&act=JYY4&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhine.org%2Fevents.htm%23Healers_Panel "Diana Henderson, healer"). The location of the event is Stedman Auditorium on the Duke Center for Living Campus, located at 3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705. It will be held on Friday, January 21, 2011, at 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Click [here](http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14093404&msgid=339850&act=JYY4&c=166598&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhine.org%2Fdirections.html%233475_Erwin_Road%2C_ "Directions to Stedman Auditorium for Mara's talk on shamanism") for directions to Stedman. **Categories:** Classes and Events, Thoughts and Insights **Tags:** Energy Healing, Personal Evolution, Shamanism, Spiritual Healing --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://www.wholespirit.com/) **Published:** March 6, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** ##### Next One-Year Group Beginning! [Apply](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270/appointment/37215325/calendar/2869597?appointmentTypeIds[]=37215325) by Apr 17 [More Info](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) [ ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/enatured-680x230-final-web-600x203.png "enatured 680x230 final web ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) ###### *Finding our true natures. Creating reciprocal relationships in the places where we live. Communing with the spirits within and around us. [Learn More](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/)* [ Get Your Guide ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) [ ![Deep blue water get your spiritual guides](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/get-you-guide-deep-water-shamanism-shining-bright-rrssrrjngeco04mdgz6plyn8mdxtiu6oqxg3wwnakg.png "get-you-guide-deep-water-shamanism-shining-bright") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) ## [Guides for Spiritual Practice](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) [Books, audio courses, journals, and subscriptions](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) based on shamanism, meditation, psychospiritual and nature-based research help create meaningful, personal spiritual practices. [ Book a Session Now ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) [ ![Personal Evolution Counseling and Entured Sessions Pink Sky](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/personal-evolution-counseling-enatured-sessions-pink-sky-rrssrrjngebl4lo88fp1egk7w2vu3nfftb082a8udw.jpg "personal-evolution-counseling-enatured-sessions-pink-sky") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) ## [Personal Evolution Counseling®](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) # Shamanic Counseling ∴ Intuitive Consulting ∴ Energy Healing [Personal Evolution Counseling sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) combine shamanism, intuition and energy healing to provide a customized plan for spiritual healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. [ Join a Group ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) [ ![Evergreen forest shamanic circles and training ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shamanic-classes-groups-training-green-forest-450x600.jpg "shamanic-classes-groups-training-green-forest ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) ## [Shamanic Classes & Circles](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) [Join a gathering](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) for shamanic journeying, creating strong energetic boundaries, connecting with spirit and nature, and creating community. ![Drum pictured used by Mara for shamanic drumming. Sonic driving helps shift states of consciousness. Receive a drum track for journeying ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/drum-track-receive-shamanic-drumming-audio-square-64w.png "drum-track-receive-shamanic-drumming-audio ∴ WholeSpirit") [RECEIVE DRUM TRACK](#drumtrack-popup) [SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Contact") [JOIN & CONTACT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Contact") ![White gardenia flower with dark green leaves. Contact Mara and begin process of healing and growth, working with signs from nature ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/white-gardenia-contact-mara-begin-healing-growth-from-nature-64w.png "white-gardenia-contact-mara-begin-healing-growth-from-nature ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [GUIDES FOR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: BOOKS & AUDIO](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) *Learn at your own pace, in your own place. Practical guides to spiritual well-being.* [ ![Shining Bright WIthout Burning Out Sounds True Audio Course Cover ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-300x281.jpg "shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) ### [Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ ![Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys book ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shamanism-for-every-day-cover-small-215x300.jpg "shamanism-for-every-day-cover-small ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) ### [Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) [ !["Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life With Sacred Intelligence", shamanic counselor and teacher Mara Bishop’s book, helps you rediscover your intuitive instincts and keys to finding peace, power and a life you love ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence-book-BOOKS-310w-214x300.png "inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence-book-BOOKS-310w ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) ### [Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) [MORE ABOUT ALL GUIDES: BOOKS, AUDIO, JOURNALS](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) ## [PRIVATE SESSIONS](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) *One-on-one sessions for personal guidance, support, or spiritual work.* [ ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature-1-300x106.png "enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) ### [Private Enatured™ sessions guide you through a process of consciously engaging your environment for relationship, support, and restoration. What are you seeking?](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [ ![Personal Evolution Counseling ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/personal-evolution-counseling-learn-heal-evolve-logo-600x119.png "personal-evolution-counseling-learn-heal-evolve-logo ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) ### [Personal Evolution Counseling™ sessions combine shamanic counseling, intuitive consulting, and energy-based healing methods. ](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) [MORE ABOUT ENATURED](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [MORE ABOUT PERSONAL EVOLUTION COUNSELING](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/ "WholeSpirit Session Modalities") ## [CLASSES & Circles](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) *Introductions and deep explorations. Regular gatherings and periodic classes. WholeSpirit offers a wide range of courses and circles for you to explore in groups.* [ ![Expanded hours 365 Journeys Circle sacred tree ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/365-journeys-circle-sacred-tree-150x150.jpeg "365-journeys-circle-sacred-tree ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/365-journeys-circle-online/2022-02-17/) ### [365 Journeys Circle: Monthly Open Online Gathering](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/365-journeys-circle-online/2022-02-17/) [ ![WholeSpirit One Year Group Mentoring ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Mentoring-shamanic-one-year-group-with-trees-150x150-1-150x150.jpg "Mentoring-shamanic-one-year-group-with trees 150x150 ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) ### [One-Year Mentoring Groups](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) [ ![Pink lotus flower in pond – Navigating Your Energy Ecosystem provides tools to create healthy spiritual boundaries, enhance your aura, and evolve towards deep empowerment ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/navigating-your-energy-ecosystem-lotus-pond-healthy-boundaries-240w-150x150.png "Learn Shamanic Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries & Compassion ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) ### [Energy Ecosystem™ Shining Bright: Energetic Boundaries & Burnout Prevention](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) [ ![Backyard Shamanism: Find Your Power at Home class taught by Mara Bishop. Blue and black butterfly represents transformation and personal evolution through connection to animals, plants, elements and spirits of place ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-backyard-shamanism-wild-nature-power-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-north-carolina-650w-cr-150x150.jpg "course-class-backyard-shamanism-wild-nature-power-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-north-carolina-650w-cr ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) ### [Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) [ ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature-1-300x106.png "enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) ### [Enatured™ Find Your True Nature Through Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [ ![Radiant tree with two trunks. Axis mundi, world tree, odten represents the threeworlds of shamanic practice and other spiritual pracitices and cosmologies. ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/tree-radiant-for-home-150x150.jpg "tree-radiant for home ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) ### [Shamanic Journeying: Your Personal Pantheon](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) [MORE CLASSES & CIRCLES](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) ## [CALENDAR](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) 7/16 ### [365 Journeys Circle - Canceled](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) 7/2 ### [Inner Divinity Author Q & A](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) 8/20 ### [365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) [MORE EVENTS & CLASSES](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) ## [LATEST BLOG POSTS](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/) ### [ Eye Contact: Snakes, Owls, Cats, Us, Yikes! ](https://www.wholespirit.com/eye-contact-snakes-owls-cats-us-yikes/) August 13, 2026 1:35 pm ### [ Happy Birth, Death, Rebirth Day America! ](https://www.wholespirit.com/happy-birth-death-rebirth-day-america/) July 1, 2026 3:20 pm ### [ Estivating & The Upside Down ](https://www.wholespirit.com/estivating-the-upside-down/) June 15, 2026 5:04 pm [MORE BLOG POSTS](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/ "Blog") ## [PODCASTS & INTERVIEWS](https://www.wholespirit.com/mara-bishop-nature-media-podcasts-interviews-video/) ### [Shining Bright Without Burning Out: with Tami Simon, Insights at the Edge](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) ### [Finding Your True Nature in Nature Rebellious Wellness w/Greg Cox](https://rebelliouswellnessover50.com/episode-46-shamanism-find-your-true-nature-in-nature/) ### [Unpacking Possibility w/ Dr. Traci Stein Pt 2 On Shamanism for Every Day](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-22-part-2-with-mara-bishop-on-her-new-book/id1560681195?i=1000547374489) [MORE INTERVIEWS & MEDIA](https://www.wholespirit.com/mara-bishop-nature-media-podcasts-interviews-video/) ## [ARTICLES](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) [ ![purple cabbage flower ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cabbage-flower-bloom-in-darkness-sounds-true.jpg "cabbage-flower-bloom-in-darkness-sounds-true ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-to-bloom-in-the-dark-self-compassion-compost-and-nature/) ### [How to Bloom in the Dark Self-Compassion, Compost and Nature](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-to-bloom-in-the-dark-self-compassion-compost-and-nature/) [ ![aloe plant ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/aloe-article-energetic-inflammation.jpg "aloe-article-energetic-inflammation ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WholeSpirit-Mara-Bishop-Health-Healing-Inflammation-Nov-2021.pdf) ### [Energetic Inflammation: Cause, Effect, Relief](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WholeSpirit-Mara-Bishop-Health-Healing-Inflammation-Nov-2021.pdf) [ ![Society for Shamanic Practice hand adn spiral logo ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/society-for-shamanic-practice-logo_webupdate-copy.png "society-for-shamanic-practice-logo_webupdate copy ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://shamanicpractice.org/article/every-day-journeys/) ### [Society for Shamanic Practice Discussion of Shamanism for Every Day](https://shamanicpractice.org/article/every-day-journeys/) [ ![How Do You Shine Bright? Sun image from Sounds True blog ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/article-sounds-true-how-do-you-shine-bright-126-square.png "article-sounds-true-how-do-you-shine-bright-126-square ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) ### [How Do You Shine Bright? Managing Your Energy Ecosystem™](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) [ ![Backyard Shamanism: Find Your Power at Home class taught by Mara Bishop. Blue and black butterfly represents transformation and personal evolution through connection to animals, plants, elements and spirits of place ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-backyard-shamanism-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-on-mara-in-north-carolina-128w.png "article-backyard-shamanism-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-on-mara-in-north-carolina-128w ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home) ### [Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home ](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home) [ ![Monarch butterfly for Aspire Magazine article Are You Stagnating or Cocooning? 3 Ways to Support Your Transformation. ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/article-aspire-are-you-stagnating-or-cocooning-monarch-butterfly.png "article-aspire-are-you-stagnating-or-cocooning-monarch butterfly ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home) ### [Are You Stagnating or Cocooning? 3 Ways to Support Your Transformation](https://aspiremag.net/are-you-stagnating-or-cocooning-3-ways-to-support-your-transformation/) [MORE ARTICLES](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) ## RELATIONSHIPS [ ![Sounds True’s mission is to “disseminate spiritual wisdom.” Mara’s course “Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World” is a Sounds True audio program ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sounds-true-waking-up-the-world-spiritual-publishing-shining-bright-shaman-nc.png "sounds-true-waking-up-the-world-spiritual-publishing-shining-bright-shaman-nc ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.soundstrue.com/store/#5ecff76fad3c7) ###### [Sounds True](https://www.soundstrue.com/store/#5ecff76fad3c7) [ ![Kensington Publishing Corp is author Mara Bishop’s publisher for "Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys". They are a top-ten independent US publisher. Imprints include Citadel Press, Dafina, Pinnacle, Lyrical Press, and Zebra. Genres include fiction, non-fiction, spirituality, self-help, race and identity, romance, mystery, western, action, historical fiction and others ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/kensington-publishing-publishers-citadel-press-new-york-shamanism-nc.png "kensington-publishing-publishers-citadel-press-new-york-shamanism-nc ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806541068/shamanism-for-every-day/) ###### [Kensington Publishing](https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806541068/shamanism-for-every-day/) [ ![Columbia University Teachers College is one of the nations oldest graduate school of education, health and psychology. The Spirituality Mind Body Institute (SMBI) offers the only Ivy League graduate degree of its kind, combining science and spirituality through research, psychology, practice, leadership and innovative education ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/columbia-university-teachers-college-psychology-smbi-spirituality-mind-body-mara-bishop.png "columbia-university-teachers-college-psychology-smbi-spirituality-mind-body-mara-bishop ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.tc.columbia.edu/) ###### [Columbia University](https://spiritualitymindbody.tc.columbia.edu/) [ ![Shamanic healer Mara Bishop has been a repeat speaker for the University of North Carolina UNC School of Medicine’s Program on Integrative Medicine. This program combines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine. Mind-body-spirit approaches, mindfulness meditation, education, clinical care and education provide the best in holistic health care for patients, students and health professionals ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/unc-chapel-hill-school-of-medicine-integrative-program-CAM-shaman-nc.png "unc-chapel-hill-school-of-medicine-integrative-program-CAM-shaman-nc ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab/pim/) ###### [UNC School of Medicine](https://www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab/pim/) [ ![Duke University is a premier institution in Durham, North Carolina, offering educational programs for graduate and undergraduate students, learning in retirement through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), programs for gifted youth through the Talent Identification Program (TIP) and an integrative medicine center. Mara has been a speaker and contributor to these programs ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/duke-university-TIP-CAPS-OLLI-program-counseling-education-integrative-medicine-durham-nc-2.png "duke-university-TIP-CAPS-OLLI-program-counseling-education-integrative-medicine-durham-nc-2 ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://learnmore.duke.edu/olli) ###### [Duke University](https://tip.duke.edu/) [ ![Author and NC-based shamanic counselor Mara Bishop is a frequent contributor to Spirituality & Health magazine. Spirituality & Health magazine serves explorers on the journey to total aliveness. A resource for travel, events, and articles that draw on the wisdom of many traditions and cultures. Topics include nutrition, meditation, yoga, holistic medicine, social justice, public health and the environment ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/spirituality-and-health-magazine-podcasts-wisdom-traditions-articles-spiritual-quest-shaman-raleigh.png "spirituality-and-health-magazine-podcasts-wisdom-traditions-articles-spiritual-quest-shaman-raleigh ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/) ###### [Spirituality & Health Magazine](https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/) [ ![Mara Bishop was trained by Sandra Ingerman as a shamanic teacher and practitioner of Healing with Spiritual Light. Sandra Ingerman is the founder of a global network of trained teachers and practitioners, offering access to classes, books, drumming circles, journeying courses and other resources. Sandra is the author of the books Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self, Medicine for the Earth, and The Book of Ceremony ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sandra-ingerman-global-shamanic-teachers-network-soul-retrieval-practitioner-3.png "sandra-ingerman-global-shamanic-teachers-network-soul-retrieval-practitioner-3 ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.shamanicteachers.com/) ###### [Global Shamanic Teacher Network](https://www.shamanicteachers.com/instructors/) [ ![The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, established by anthropologist Michael Harner, is a non-profit organization dedication to preserving, teaching and researching shamanic knowledge. Core Shamanism trainings are available from beginning to three-year advanced programs. Mara is the only Harner-Certified Shamanic Counselor in North Carolina, and in a three-state region ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/foundation-for-shamanic-studies-michael-harner-core-shamanism-harner-certified-3.png "foundation-for-shamanic-studies-michael-harner-core-shamanism-harner-certified-3 ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://shamanism.org/) ###### [Foundation for Shamanic Studies](https://shamanism.org/resources/csc.html) [ ![Mara Bishop is a member of the Society for Shamanic Practice (SSP), a worldwide alliance of people integrating shamanic principles and practices into daily life. The SSP provides articles, practitioner listings, ceremonies, trainings, conferences, and the Shamanism Without Borders program ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/society-for-shamanic-practice-shaman-alliance-ceremonies-circles-shaman-north-carolina.png "society-for-shamanic-practice-shaman-alliance-ceremonies-circles-shaman-north-carolina ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://shamanicpractice.org/article/coming-home-to-power-backyard-shamanism/) ###### [Society for Shamanic Practice](https://shamanicpractice.org/article/coming-home-to-power-backyard-shamanism/) [ ![Mara Bishop contributes articles to Health & Healing magazine every other month. Health & Healing magazine serves the triangle area of North Carolina, linking health care providers and consumers with articles about wellness and complementary and alternative medicine. It is distributed widely to medical facilities, libraries, fitness centers, physicians offices, and consumer businesses like pharmacies and Whole Foods ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/health-and-healing-triangle-north-carolina-magazine-wellness-daily-practice-mara-intuitive-author-2.png "health-and-healing-triangle-north-carolina-magazine-wellness-daily-practice-mara-intuitive-author ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://healthandhealingonline.com/eating-as-a-daily-practice/) ###### [Health & Healing Magazine](https://healthandhealingonline.com/eating-as-a-daily-practice/) [ ![Mara Bishop is a contributor to The Rhine Research Center, which was formerly part of Duke University, and explores the frontiers of consciousness, paranormal experiences, parapsychology, ESP, energy healing, remote viewing, PSI phenomena, precognition ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rhine-research-center-durham-nc-consciousness-science-psi-esp-parapsychology-2.png "rhine-research-center-durham-nc-consciousness-science-psi-esp-parapsychology-2 ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.rhineonline.org/) ###### [The Rhine Research Center](https://www.rhine.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/event/info&Itemid=537&reset=1&id=342) [ ![Join Mara for a guided shamanic drumming journey to meet an animal spirit. Part of a meditation series for book Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life with Sacred Intelligence ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/insighttimer-free-app-for-sleep-and-anxiety-stress-relief-mara-bishop-shamanic-counselor-2.png "insighttimer-free-app-for-sleep-and-anxiety-stress-relief-mara-bishop-shamanic-counselor-2 ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://insighttimer.com/marabishop/guided-meditations/animal-spirit-journey-from-inner-divinity/) ###### [InsightTimer](https://insighttimer.com/marabishop/guided-meditations/animal-spirit-journey-from-inner-divinity/) [ ![Moss with a path of grey stones. Learn more about healing art, paintings, creative expression of soul and creating art for spiritual healing](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/main-footer-moss-stone-path-art-creativity-paintings-soul-expression-healing-96w.png) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjYyOTkiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ### [ART](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjYyOTkiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ ![Mountain range fades into distance with blue sky and white clouds. Community connections for spiritual support and networking help us forge bonds with like minded people seeking to grow, evolve and be of service to others](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/main-footer-roan-mountain-nc-blue-sky-white-clouds-land-acknowledgement-community-96w.png) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY0NjMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ### [LAND](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY0NjMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ ![Fire, a powerful element of transformation. The dancing flames of fire can be part of ceremonial work, and are necessary for our survival. Finding trusted resources and recommendations for spiritual work can be challenging. Here are some ideas for partner practitioners, bookstores, products and wellness centers](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/main-footer-fire-dancing-resources-suggested-trusted-by-whole-spirit-96w.png) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/other-shamanic-intuitive-resources-for-personal-growth-wellness-well-being/) ### [RESOURCES](https://www.wholespirit.com/other-shamanic-intuitive-resources-for-personal-growth-wellness-well-being/) [ ![Water. Cool healing blue green waters. Whole Spirit diversity, inclusivity, and equality for all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, disability, or religious or spiritual affiliation](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/main-footer-water-blue-green-healing-waters-inclusivity-96w.png) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY0NzkiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ### [INCLUSIVITY](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY0NzkiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) ## [Mara Bishop](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop-teaching-healing-counseling/) ### [MA, MS, ThM, CSC](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop-teaching-healing-counseling/) Mara Bishop, M.S., Th.M., C.S.C., is an intuitive consultant, shamanic practitioner, teacher, author, and artist. She is the owner of WholeSpirit. In her private practice, Mara combines intuitive consultations, shamanic healing, shamanic counseling, Reiki, and Healing with Spiritual Light. Her Personal Evolution Counseling™ provides each client with an integrated approach to spiritual healing, personal growth and emotional well-being. More information about the services provided by WholeSpirit are on the [Sessions pages](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-sessions-spiritual-healing/). Learn more about Mara Bishop’s training and background on the [About Mara page](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop/). ![Mara Bishop, author, shamanic teacher and counselor, energy healer, and intuitive consultant, outside in nature near old stone walls with fall red maple leaves ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mara-bishop-shamanic-counselor-healer-teacher-mentor-intuitive-650w-529x600.jpg "mara-bishop-shamanic-counselor-healer-teacher-mentor-intuitive-650w ∴ WholeSpirit") ###### [STAY UP TO DATE](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) ###### [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) ###### [ABOUT MARA](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop-teaching-healing-counseling/) --- ### [365 Journeys Circle Shamanic Gatherings](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) **Published:** January 18, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # 365 Journeys Circles: Online Monthly Gatherings 365 Journeys Circle is a monthly online circle. Connect from anywhere. No experience necessary. No obligation to attend regularly. Come as you are, when you feel the call to join. Each circle will focus on a topic from [Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067), or something Mara is directed to share that week. Journey, meditate, pray, or contemplate on the topic as you wish. Generally Third Thursdays 5:30-6:30 Eastern Time. Donations are appreciated. [Paypal](https://paypal.me/marabishop?locale.x=en_US) or [Venmo. ](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3280183561814016833&created=1632412273.4556642&printed=1)Thank you very much! Beginning in September there will be an optional time after the official close of circle for more free-form and open sharing, questions, and conversation that may expand on the topic of the journey or be different. The 5:30-6:30 time will remain mostly focused on the journey topic as usual. ## Upcoming Circle Dates 1. 2026 2. Aug 20 3. Sep 17 4. Oct 15 5. Nov 19 6. Dec 17 7. 2027 8. Jan 21 9. Feb 18 10. Mar 18 11. Apr 15 12. May 20 13. Jun 17 14. Jul 15 ## Comments from Shamanic Journeyers The journeying has been what I’ve been looking for (without realizing it until it was there) my entire life - it’s been more than I ever would have dared to dream was possible. C.W. I’m reminded of when people thought the world was flat, then things opened up and expanded. There is so much to explore! P.D. # 365 Journeys Circles ![Expanded hours 365 Journeys Circle sacred tree ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/365-journeys-circle-sacred-tree-600x450.jpeg "365-journeys-circle-sacred-tree ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [See Calendar for Circles and Events](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) #### [Read More Shamanic Journeying](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) #### [REGISTER for upcoming Circle](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270/appointment/41628058/calendar/2869597) #### [Shamanism for Every Day Book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) [ Learn about Enatured ](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [ Learn about Group Mentoring ](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) **Published:** March 20, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World **[Learn at your own pace, in your own place.](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7)** From Sounds True: **“Turn your sensitivity into a strength with tools and practices for protecting, clearing, and nourishing your energy.** Our world is becoming increasingly connected—and not only because of technology. Many of us are waking up to our energetic and spiritual interconnectedness, as well. For those in healing professions, as well as any empathic and sensitive souls, this can feel overwhelming, confusing, and draining. In *Shining Bright Without Burning Out*, veteran practitioner of 25 years Mara Bishop teaches that we have far more ability to keep our energy healthy and sovereign than many people realize. Drawing from research in neuroscience, psychology, fundamental meditation principles, and time-tested shamanic healing methods, Bishop shows us how to adjust the porousness of our energetic bodies at will, so we can remain both clear and connected. This empowering eight-part audio program is full of teachings, energy practices, meditations, and shamanic journeys to give you critical energy protection skills. Highlights include: • Understand the difference between healthy compassion and draining empathy • Explore your energetic personality archetypes—Are you a hummingbird? Bull? Puppy? • Discover the three phases of energy protection • Prevent future burnout by building your energetic immune system For anyone feeling overstimulated and exhausted by our increasingly overconnected world, Shining Bright Without Burning Out offers a practical and personal guide to staying sane, healthy, and clear” This course was deeply impactful for me. As a long time yoga teacher and seeker, I am not a stranger to the energetic body. Yet Mara's insight, her gentle but powerful guidance and her deep knowledge of this work made this course revolutionary for me. These tools have transformed my relationship with the people who matter to me most. I have fresh eyes to see old dynamics and bring healing action to those interactions. I am a better parent, daughter, partner, co-worker, teacher and friend thanks to this work. And I can finally make it through the airport or Costco without collapsing in a heap or getting a migraine! The content is powerful, and the design of the course made the work easy to integrate. I could not recommend this course more. Olynda SmithEducator, Writer & Yoga Instructor 5 star review - Phenomal. Outstanding course! Essential and accessible skills presented by a wise expert in a delightful format. Yuliya K. I love this book! This book by Mara Bishop has given me powerful spiritual tools to work with to protect myself and my energy. The narration is great and the content is profound! 5 stars Renee SarasvatiAudible listener Shining Bright without Burning Out is a skillfully crafted series of guided practices that can help natural empaths stay true to their nature without feeling depleted and overwhelmed. In this series, Mara offers energetic, imaginal and shamanistic tools that are grounded in modern psychology. This integrative approach can help today’s helpers, healers, and the naturally empathic to achieve the delicate balance between honoring our sensitive nature while maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout. Listeners will feel seen, understood, and supported by Mara as they navigate this all-important journey to inner and outer balance. Dr. Traci SteinAward winning author of The Everything Guide to Integrative Pain Management, Host of Unpacking Possibility Podcast, Faculty Spirituality Mind Body Institute While especially valuable for energetically sensitive people, this tool kit of meditations and exercises can benefit everyone who wants to take care of themself while bringing their gifts to the world. Though I am a practitioner of energy healing modalities Shining Bright has greatly enhanced my capacity to replenish and direct my energy. Jane NortonCoaching to activate healing, purpose, and contribution Living Nature’s Design www.livingnaturesdesign.com Pragmatic Information. Excellent presentation of useful information. The practices are comprehensive. This book is a beautiful integration of spirituality and healing. I will listen again. Thank you! Robert B. DavisAudible listener # Shining Bright Without Burning Out [ ![Shining Bright Without Burning Out course lotus flower in pond image. Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World, a Sounds True audio course ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-cover-600x462.jpg "shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-cover ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) #### [Buy Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) #### [Read More -Avoiding Burnout](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) #### [More Sounds True Programs](https://www.soundstrue.com/store/#5ecff76fad3c7) #### [Listen to ST Podcast Mara & Tami Simon](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/) [ Learn to Practice Shamanism in Your Own Environment ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) [ Explore Journeying to Non-Ordinary Realities ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Books](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # [Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) [ !["Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys" by shamanic healer and author Mara Bishop. Citadel Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing. Daily guide for shamanic practice, meditation, or prayer. Available on Amazon](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys-kensington-citadel-amazon-goodreads-650w-429x600.jpg) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) A beautiful and timely book…Mara Bishop brilliantly inspires us to remain focused and keep up our spiritual work to be in service to ourselves, our loved ones, and all of life. Sandra Ingerman, M.A.author, Walking in LIght Mara Bishop is a woman of great soul and expertise, and she delivers a potent well of wisdom. If you immerse yourself in these teachings and practices you will awaken to your true self... Paul Bowersoxco-author, Seeing in the Dark Mara’s deep and masterful understanding of personal evolution, healing, and energetic wellbeing is truly a gift. Diane Hartingh Priceco-author, Write Your Stress Away [Read More About the Book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) [Purchase Shamanism for Every Day](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) Wherever we are, the powers within the web of life and the keys to our personal evolution are available. With 365 unique journey topics that can be used in any order, or as meditations, *Shamanism for Every Day* offers an invaluable guide to anyone searching for daily wisdom, spiritual insights and connection to the sacred. # [Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life With Sacred Intelligence](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) [ !["Inner Divinity: Crafting Your Life With Sacred Intelligence", shamanic counselor and teacher Mara Bishop’s book, helps you rediscover your intuitive instincts and keys to finding peace, power and a life you love](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence-book-650w-429x600.jpg) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) Bishop has crafted something elegant, simple, and profoundly wise...combining structure with options for each of us, to help us stay the course and become all that we are meant to be. Cecile A. Carson M.D.editor, Spirited Medicine Inner Divinity is a treasure chest of inspirational teaching...As an instrument for personal motivation this book sings with Mara’s voice of compassionate wisdom. Nan Mossco-author, Wisdom from the Sky Inner Divinity is a beautiful weaving of different methods that create a holistic model of healing for body, mind, and spirit. Mara Bishop is a brilliant writer and healer... Sandra Ingerman, M.A.author, Medicine for the Earth [Read More About the Book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) [Purchase Inner Divinity](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595407439/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tpbk_p1_i1) Inner divinity is the spirit you were born with. It underlies who you are today. By rediscovering your inner divinity, you hold the key to bringing balance, healing, and joy into your life. *Inner Divinity* contains seven sections that contain exercises for an area of life where you will benefit by engaging your sacred intelligence. # [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ ![Shining Bright WIthout Burning Out Sounds True Audio Course Cover](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-600x563.jpg) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) 5 star review - Phenomal. Outstanding course! Essential and accessible skills presented by a wise expert in a delightful format. Yuliya K. I love this book! This book by Mara Bishop has given me powerful spiritual tools to work with to protect myself and my energy. The narration is great and the content is profound! 5 stars Renee SarasvatiAudible listener This course was deeply impactful... These tools have transformed my relationship with the people who matter to me most. I could not recommend this course more. Olynda SmithEducator, Writer & Yoga Instructor A skillfully crafted series of guided practices that can help natural empaths stay true to their nature without feeling depleted and overwhelmed. Dr. Traci Stein PriceAward winning author, Podcast Host Though I am a practitioner of energy healing modalities Shining Bright has greatly enhanced my capacity to replenish and direct my energy. Jane NortonCoach, Living Nature’s Design Excellent presentation of useful information. The practices are comprehensive. This book is a beautiful integration of spirituality and healing. I will listen again. Thank you! 5 stars Robert B. DavisAudible listener *Shining Bright Without Burning Out: Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World.* [Listen to a Sample](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) [Purchase Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) In *Shining Bright Without Burning Out*, Mara Bishop teaches that we have far more ability to keep our energy healthy and sovereign than we may realize. Through meditations, energy practices, and shamanic wisdom, Bishop shows us how to adjust the porousness of our energetic bodies at will, so we can remain both clear and connected. ### Other Books, Materials, and Programs #### [365 Journeys Daily Delivery](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) #### [365 Journeys Journal](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) #### [Inner Divinity Guided Meditations](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/inner-divinity-guided-meditations-and-journal/) #### [Inner Divinity Journal](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/inner-divinity-guided-meditations-and-journal/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Mentoring Groups Shamanic Longer Programs](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) **Published:** April 3, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # Mentoring Group: One-Year Online Gatherings An in-depth program of shamanic exploration for developing ongoing personal spiritual practice with a small cohort of fellow journeyers. Methods used draw from shamanism, intuitive development, psychology, mindfulness, and nature-based practices for personal and collective evolution. Monthly Meetings via Zoom 5:30-8:00 Eastern Time. See Program Details for Dates Topics are subject to change, based on Mara’s guidance and our progress throughout the year. - Personal Pantheons - Cosmologies - Finding a Calling - Healing the Layers of Home - Evolving Your Relationship with Nature - Intuition and Divination - Expanding Sensory Perception - Ongoing Work with Energetic Boundaries - Ethics for Sensitive People - Being a Healing Presence in Chaotic Times - Creating Authentic Ceremonies - Relating through Time - Deepening Relationships with Land and Place - Healing Journeys - Falling Apart and Coming Back Together #### [Program Details Dates, Fees, Additional Benefits, Prerequisites](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) Please read the [Program Details Page](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) if you’re interested in joining this group. [Contact us with any additional questions.](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) ## Comments from One-Year Group Your caring heart and thoughtful preparedness shone through. This evening was more than I expected and clearly where universe needs and wants me to be. P.D.Chapel Hill, NC Incredibly encouraging and uplifting...the journeys I had alongside the sharing with others and the first steps towards building this community - it was like a salve on a wound and very nourishing! I am so excited to be a part of this group! M.C.Seattle, WA Thank you for the work you do. As we amble along in these times, often feeling like loose satellites floating along disconnected from others of our kind, your groups and workshops provide a great opportunity to taste a piece of spirit home with one another. I appreciate the teachings of heart and spirit that you bring to individuals and groups and hold such as sacred work indeed. M.S.Chapel Hill, NC # One-Year Mentoring Group ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Mentoring-shamanic-one-year-group-with-trees-1200x900-1-600x450.jpg "It's going to be an interesting year Jan 20 Application Deadline ∴ WholeSpirit") #### APPLY HERE #### [PROGRAM DETAILS Program Benefits & Reqs](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) #### [NEXT GROUP: Begins 6/3](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) #### DATES for Current Groups [ Learn about Enatured ](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [ Learn about 365 Journeys Circles ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Mentoring - WholeSpirit One-Year Select Group](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) **Published:** January 2, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ##### 2026-2027 Small Group - Applications Closed ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WholeSpirit-Mentoring-One-Year-Group-program-1-600x216.png "WholeSpirit Mentoring One Year Group program ∴ WholeSpirit") An in-depth program of shamanic/ecospiritual exploration for developing ongoing personal spiritual practice with a small cohort of fellow journeyers. Methods used draw from shamanism, intuitive development, psychology, mindfulness, and nature-based practices for personal and collective evolution. The dimensions of this program are threefold: - Primarily, a respectful, inclusive, and grounded space, to explore a breadth and depth of content and direct experiences. - Time with Mara periodically for individual connection/mentoring (optional) - Community and relationship building inside and outside of group sessions. ##### Selected Topics Topics are subject to change, based on Mara’s guidance and our progress throughout the year. - Personal Pantheons - Cosmologies - Finding a Calling - Healing the Layers of Home - Evolving Your Relationship with Nature - Intuition and Divination - Expanding Sensory Perception - Ongoing Work with Energetic Boundaries - Ethics for Sensitive People - Being a Healing Presence in Chaotic Times - Creating Authentic Ceremonies - Relating through Time - Deepening Relationships with Land and Place - Healing Journeys - Falling Apart and Coming Back Together ##### Logistics Sessions include progressive work on a wide range of topics. There will be introduction, practice and application of new learning, sharing in pairs and small groups, questions and reflection each session. Assignments in between sessions develop regular practice, allow you to delve deeper into each month’s topic at your own pace, and/or prepare for the next month’s work. - 12 group sessions of approximately 2-2.5 hours (see dates below) - Sessions held via Zoom - 5:30-8:00 pm Eastern Time ##### Additional Optional Benefits - Three 55-minute private mentoring sessions with Mara - Three audio tracks to use for journeying - 20% discount on most other classes offered while in the program - 20% discount on other private sessions while in the program ##### What is Asked of You - *I strongly encourage you to work with me personally in some capacity before applying. Individual sessions (ideal), circles, and classes can give us each a sense of whether this program is a good fit for you.* - Basic core shamanic journeying skills - (i.e. private or group instruction with Mara or another teacher, self instruction through [*Shamanism for Every Day*](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/), etc. Please ask if you have questions about this.) - Commitment to attending the full year - Willingness to learn and follow classic shamanic methods, as well as exploring new and experimental ways of working and connecting spiritually - Completion of [*Shining Bright Without Burning Out* ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/)audio course by start of course. - Stable internet connection with audio and video on unless instructed ##### Application Deadlines & Cost: - Applications due: Apr 17 - Notification of acceptance by: Apr 24 - Commitment to attend/payment: April 30 - Program starts: Wednesday, June 3 - Cost: $1395 (one payment). Payment plan option available. This will be an interesting year and I look forward to sharing it with this group! Thank you and be well, Mara ##### Session Dates **2026-2027 Group** *Start: Wednesday, June 3 5:30 pm ET* - **Dates** June 3 July 1 Aug 5 Sept 2 Oct 7 Nov 4 Dec 2 *2027* Jan 6 Feb 3 Mar 3 April 7 May 5 [ Apply Now ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=37215325) **22-23 Fall Group** Start: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 5:30 pm ET. - **Fall Group Dates** *2022* Nov 1 Dec 6 *2023* Jan 10 Feb 7 Mar 7 April 4 May 2 June 6 July 11 Aug 15 Sept 12 Oct 10 [ Full Group ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=37228998) **22-23 Spring** Spring Session Start: Thursday, March 3, 2022 5:30 pm ET. - **Spring Session Dates** *2022* March 3 April 7 May 5 June 2 July 7 Aug 11 Sept 8 Oct 6 Nov 3 Dec 1 *2023* Jan 12 Feb [ Full Group ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=29048976) *Please note the [**Apply Now**](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=37215325) button will open a window in my scheduling program. Please select your time zone and the only option offered as a time (it’s not really an appointment, just the deadline for applications). The application form page will open for you to answer a few questions.* ##### One-on-One Apprenticeships & Mentoring *One-on-one apprenticeships and mentoring may be available on a very limited basis. Prior experience working with Mara req. [Please contact Mara directly.](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com)* [ Learn about Enatured ](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) [ Learn about 365 Journeys Circles ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Courses](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # [Shining Bright Without Burning Out](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) ## Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World [ ![Shining Bright Without Burning Out course lotus flower in pond image. Spiritual Tools for Creating Healthy Energetic Boundaries in an Overconnected World, a Sounds True audio course ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-cover-600x462.jpg "shining-bright-without-burning-out-sounds-true-audio-healthy-energetic-boundaries-cover ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) Turn your sensitivity into strength, creating resilience and avoiding burnout. With tools and practices for protecting, clearing, and nourishing your energy this course can help you create strong, adaptable energetic boundaries. Audio course from Sounds True. Listen to a [sample](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) of the course or in-depth [podcast](https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/shining-bright-without-burning-out/). ## [MORE ABOUT THE CLASS](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) # [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) ## Find Your True Nature Through Nature [ ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature-1-600x212.png) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) Enatured™ helps humans consciously engage the environment for relationship, support, and restoration. Enatured™ draws from shamanism, psychology, mindfulness, and scientific research about nature. Studies show nature’s positive physical and emotional effects on humans. Indigenous cultures teach that we are interconnected. ## [MORE ABOUT ENATURED™](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) # [Mentoring group](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) ## One Year In-Depth Program Small Cohort [ ![](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Mentoring-shamanic-one-year-group-with-trees-1200x900-1-600x450.jpg) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) In-depth program of spiritual exploration for developing ongoing personal spiritual practice with a small cohort. Methods used draw from shamanism, intuitive development, psychology, mindfulness, and nature-based practices for personal and collective evolution. Application deadline 4/17/26. Start date 6/3/26. ## [MORE ABOUT GROUP MENTORING](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/mentoring-groups-shamanic-longer-programs/) # [365 JOURNEYS CIRCLE](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) ## Monthly Open Circle All Welcome ![Expanded hours 365 Journeys Circle sacred tree ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/365-journeys-circle-sacred-tree-600x450.jpeg "365-journeys-circle-sacred-tree ∴ WholeSpirit") Monthly online circle. No experience necessary. Based on journeys from [Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067), This circle is free to join. [Donations are welcome](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile) and will be shared with organizations committed to preserving the environment. Journey, meditate, pray or contemplate on the topic for the day as you wish. ## [MORE ABOUT THE CIRCLE](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) # [Your Energy Ecosystem™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) ## Create Healthy, Adjustable Energetic Boundaries & Explore Your Innate Energy Temperament ![Pink lotus flower in pond – Navigating Your Energy Ecosystem provides tools to create healthy spiritual boundaries ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem-shamanic-wisdom-nc-650w-cr-600x462.jpg "course-class-your-energy-ecosystem-shamanic-wisdom-nc-650w-cr ∴ WholeSpirit") Create healthy energetic boundaries that adjust naturally based on where you are and who you are with. Explore your unique ecosystem, your innate energy temperament. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of managing our boundaries of self and other – physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. ## [MORE ABOUT THE CLASS](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) # [Shamanic Journeying](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) ## Personal Pantheons & Accessing Non-Ordinary Reality ![Shamanic journeying classes teach core shamanic methods to access non-ordinary realms and connect with helping spirits for guidance, healing, protection, relationship. Using shamanic drumming, also called sonic driving, we will create safe and sacred space to journey to meet your power animal ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-shamanic-journeying-radiant-tree-of-life-power-animals-spirit-guides-lower-upper-world-650w-600x462.jpg "course-class-shamanic-journeying-radiant-tree-of-life-power-animals-spirit-guides-lower-upper-world-650w ∴ WholeSpirit") Shamanic journeying allows us to directly access spiritual assistance. Spirit teachers and power animals provide a profound source of wisdom, support and healing. They are available to us if we make the effort to develop a relationship with them. No experience is necessary to join this introductory class. ## [MORE ABOUT THE CLASS](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) # [Backyard Shamanism™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) ## Finding Your Power at Home ![Backyard Shamanism: Find Your Power at Home class taught by Mara Bishop. Blue and black butterfly represents transformation and personal evolution through connection to animals, plants, elements and spirits of place ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-backyard-shamanism-wild-nature-power-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-north-carolina-650w-cr-600x462.jpg "course-class-backyard-shamanism-wild-nature-power-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-north-carolina-650w-cr ∴ WholeSpirit") Shamanism basic training: ancient skills for extraordinary times. In these times of crisis, two truths have risen to the surface like never before. Coming home is powerful, and everything is connected. These are also essential aspects of shamanism. Shamanism provides us with effective, time-tested practices for personal and collective transformation. ## [MORE ABOUT THE CLASS](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) ### Other Courses & In Depth Training #### [Mentoring & Apprenticeships](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) #### Reiki I through Master Teachers #### Healing With Spiritual Light #### Inner Divinity & Intuitive Development #### Evolving Shamanism: Creativity #### Medicine for the Earth [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # Personal Evolution Counseling® Sessions ## What are Personal Evolution Counseling Sessions? We change each day whether we intend to or not; what that change looks like depends a great deal on you. Personal Evolution Counseling sessions can be part of your intentional process of spiritual evolution. Mara’s background in body/mind/spirit psychology, shamanism and ecospiritual methods, intuition, Reiki, Healing With Spiritual Light, and other forms of integrated healing informs each meeting. Sessions blend shamanic and energy healing methods, with intuitive guidance to give you a customized plan for spiritual healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. The work starts with an initial consultation. Mara Bishop has been working with me since the early 1990s. Her work is brilliant. She is one of the best communicators I know and has a presence that is so grounding and you just feel safe with. I also appreciate that she dives deep with her students by teaching one on one. She is really such a beautiful soul and does deep work. She has been in some life initiations and she is now a Wise Woman. Sandra Ingerman, M.A.world-renowned teacher of shamanism, award winning author of twelve books, board certified expert on traumatic stress ## Initial Sessions Initial sessions start with time for you to share whatever you like about you and your goals for our time together. Ask questions and get a sense of if I am a good match for you as a practitioner. Ideally, you’ll come with areas to focus on, and we can do intuitive work in this session. I’ll do an assessment to create a plan for how we can work together to address what you’ve brought up. Often, we have some time during this session to start healing work. Sometimes, we need the full session for sharing, questions, and planning. ## Process The process of personal transformation begins with **learning**, using intuitive guidance to help you see yourself more clearly. The next stage is about inspiring **healing** at the core energetic level. Once these two processes have begun you can integrate the new awareness and spiritual changes into your everyday life to bring about **evolution**. The shifts that can happen with insight and spiritual support, combined with your active participation in making changes in your life, lead to personal evolution. ## Working With Mara Consultations contain a unique blend of methods. One week you might be most in need of data, so we would focus on intuitive consulting: practical, grounded information about both the larger patterns in your life and the details of moving into the future effectively. The next week might be focused more on uncovering and addressing issues affecting you on an energetic level. That session might utilize time-tested methods to bring unity to body, mind and spirit, such as shamanic healing. Some sessions may combine different modalities. Sometimes, I give you ideas to try at home in between sessions to help you progress more quickly. If you are interested in going deeper on your own, we can talk about ways to learn some of these methods, like shamanic journeying, Reiki, and the Energy Ecosystem-Shining Bright Without Burning Out toolkit. ###### [ENATURED™](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) The Enatured™ method helps us consciously engage the environment for relationship, support, and restoration. Enatured™ draws from shamanism, psychology, mindfulness, and scientific research about nature. Enatured™ creates a gentle structure around our time communing with nature to help us focus on specific intentions and achieve notable outcomes. Private sessions can be held remotely or in person. ###### CONVERSATION WITH CATS Conversation with Cats sessions are in person at WholeSpirit. These sessions provide the same kinds of intuitive, practical, grounded consultation that you are used to receiving from Mara. In addition, they offer the mental, emotional, and spiritual support that can be part of the animal-human bond experience. Sessions *do not* include initial consultations with assessments, energy or shamanic healing work, journeying instruction, or drumming. These are individual sessions, primarily for existing clients, [scheduled in advance.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) While the cats are welcome in the space, of course we don’t force them to be present or participate in any way. It is their choice. These sessions take place in a different space from the usual Whole Spirit office, where the cats spend more time. Because they are cats, they’ll do what they want. We will have our session regardless of their level of interaction, focusing on the issues you want to bring, looking out at the trees, and perhaps being visited by other wildlife too. ###### CUSTOM CEREMONIES Some occasions worth marking with a ceremony are familiar: births, marriages, deaths. Some are not given deliberate attention in a ritual way as frequently: more subtle life transitions, divorce, career change, new ventures, grieving, cutting ties or forging new ones. House blessings and clearings help start a fresh relationship with a new living space or shift the feel of an existing one. In addition to larger events, small ceremonies to send graduates into their new phase of life can be impactful, especially in the absence of many traditional initiation rituals for young people. Ceremonies and rituals can be about recognizing or initiating change in your own life, within a family or community, or in the larger sphere of the global dynamics. It’s one way we can pair action and intention in times that feel especially pivotal, precarious, and potent. Some of us don’t have the support systems of family, friends, or a professional community to help us mark events that impact our lives, or to help us initiate change. Personal ceremonies can play a significant role here, and we can work together to hone your intention and the way the ceremony feels. I can handle the bulk of the design and planning for you, or we can work together in a collaborative process. I can officiate and lead you through the ceremony or design it for you to do on your own, in your own time and place. Local travel is simple; out-of-town travel is possible. [Read More About Custom Ceremonies.](https://www.wholespirit.com/custom-ceremonies-alone-or-together-powerful-and-accessible/) [Schedule a 15 min Zoom Meeting.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) ## [LEARN MORE ABOUT MARA'S METHODS](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) ### [Shamanic](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) #### [Intuitive](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Energy](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) I am absurdly grateful for my work with Mara H.A. It was amazing... the most important thing is that the sadness and hate were gone since that night! It's wonderful! S.M. When you put your hands on my head I felt so much energy coming from your hands. And I just felt like I wanted to smile. I started to feel so happy. I have never had an experience like that in my life. H.J. Words alone cannot fully express my gratitude…I can't begin to explain or understand what you have done for me, I can only appreciate the transformation that I have been experiencing since our sessions began ...You are Heaven sent. Z.P. What you just said was more helpful than 8 years of therapy! I never thought about it that way. It changes everything. V.N. I feel absolutely wonderful and clear after our session today. A.L. It was truly life changing for me, and the best way I can describe it is that I feel “filled” with a new vitality in my heart. Thank you. L.R. After the session and today I am feeling internally more at ease, calm and I feel a sense of well- being. S.Z. One session with you opened my path, my heart, my hope. G.D. I am feeling amazing. You are incredible! M.J. In a world that is so fantastically wrong, this feels right. When I needed help, this helped me. Nothing else did. H.A. I have definitely noticed a change. I'm sleeping better, have more energy and I'm in a better mood all together. M.A. I felt much lighter and more optimistic, and much more energized. S.S. Since starting regular sessions with you, I feel amazingly connected to the vibrancy of life in a way that I haven't been in such a long time. I notice the miraculous way that I am interacting with nature and I stand in awe… The healing work that you did on my legs and feet recently was totally unexpected. I cannot believe how quickly the pain disappeared after that session. J.M. I feel amazingly better, unbelievably so C.P. The soul retrieval was magical, It fixed me when nothing else worked. B.J. ## Disclaimer Mara Bishop is trained as a shamanic practitioner, in body/mind/spirit psychology, intuitive consulting, Reiki, and other complementary health modalities. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, does not provide medical or mental health treatment, nor make recommendations about medication or other controlled substances. Mara is not a licensed medical provider and the information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only, does not provide specific advice, and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from medical or psychological professionals. # Sessions ![Ecotherapy, Ecospiritual counseling, Personal evolution counseling, psychospiritual, shamanic counseling sessions office skylight view with fall leaves. Remote and in person sessions. Distance sessions are effective and available anywhere, whether you live in Durham North Carolina, somewhere else in the US or internationally. ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sessions-whole-spirit-skylight-modalities-integrated-healing-600-600x600.jpg "sessions-whole-spirit-skylight-modalities-integrated-healing-600 ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Modalities](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Logistics](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/logistics-for-shamanic-intuitive-energy-sessions/) #### [Book Now](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/logistics-for-shamanic-intuitive-energy-sessions/) #### [A Challenging Case](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/article-Health-Healing-2019-03-Chronic-Challenging.pdf) SESSIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ## Disclaimer Mara Bishop is trained as a shamanic practitioner, in body/mind/spirit psychology, intuitive consulting, Reiki, and other complementary health modalities. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, does not provide medical or mental health treatment, nor make recommendations about medication or other controlled substances. Mara is not a licensed medical provider and the information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only, does not provide specific advice, and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from medical or psychological professionals. [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) **Published:** March 20, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # More About *Shamanism for Every Day* For thousands of years, practitioners of shamanism have found healing and wisdom by connecting to their own spirits and the spirit that lives in all things. Shamanism can be practiced by anyone. Wherever we are, the powers within the web of life and the keys to our personal evolution are available. ## A Huge Range of Topics With daily practices designed to enhance your sense of wellbeing and interconnectedness to the natural word, the self, and others, longtime shamanic practitioner and intuitive consultant Mara Bishop introduces simple yet profound methods of shamanic journeying to live more fully. On this path you will: - *Connect to your innate knowing, for calm and confidence in intense times* - *Develop meaningful relationships with nature for healing and guidance* - *Explore spiritual realms with the aid of compassionate spirits* - *Learn to manifest your goals and visions through ceremony.* ## A Full Year of Journeys With 365 unique journey topics that can be used in any order, *Shamanism for Every Day* offers an invaluable guide to anyone searching for daily wisdom, spiritual insights and connection to the sacred. ## Not Only for Shamanists! The daily topics span spiritual practices, and can be used for: - Meditations - Journaling prompts - Prayer - Contemplation ## Includes Journeying Instruction, Going Deeper & Seasonal Ceremonies​ In addition to the 365 journeys themselves, the book contains a front section on shamanism with how to journey, and an Appendix about expanding your practice with ideas for creating your own ceremonies and rituals, honoring the directions and delving deeper. A beautiful and timely book…Mara Bishop brilliantly inspires us to remain focused and keep up our spiritual work to be in service to ourselves, our loved ones, and all of life. Sandra Ingerman, M.A.author, Walking in LIght Mara Bishop is a woman of great soul and expertise, and she delivers a potent well of wisdom. If you immerse yourself in these teachings and practices you will awaken to your true self... Paul Bowersoxco-author, Seeing in the Dark Mara’s deep and masterful understanding of personal evolution, healing, and energetic wellbeing is truly a gift. Diane Hartingh Priceco-author, Write Your Stress Away This is such a friendly, portable book, like a companion who doesn’t intrude but who is there whenever needed...These ideas can expand your horizons, or be quite intimate. It’s a rich tapestry both simple and deep. I highly recommend it. Jacquie C.Book Reviewer for Mystic Living I have been a shamanic practitioner and teacher for over twenty years and find Shamanism for Everyday: 365 Journeys a rich resource that I plan to use regularly. Susan RossiBooker Reviewer for Pagan Pages # *Shamanism for Every Day* ## What Will Your Journey Be Today? Join Mara and many other spiritual explorers in a year-long adventure into deeper meaning, finding your personal pantheon, and the continuing evolution of your highest self. [ Click Here to Purchase Now ](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) ###### [Read Excerpts From The Book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/excerpts-from-shamanism-for-every-day-and-from-inner-divinity/) ###### [365 Journeys Online Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) ###### [365 Journeys Journal](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) [ ![365 Journeys Shamanism For Every Day Email Delivery](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/365-journeys-shamanism-for-everyday-email-delivery-square-600x600.jpg) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) [ ![365 Journeys Journal Cover Photo. The 365 Journey Journal is a companion book to record your journeys and experiences when using Mara's book "Shamanism for Every Day".](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/journal-365-journeys-shamanism-for-every-day-blue-butterfly-202x300.png) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Conversation with Cats Intuitive Sessions at Whole Spirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/conversation-with-cats-intuitive-sessions-at-whole-spirit/) **Published:** August 29, 2024 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # Conversation with Cats Sessions ## What are Conversation with Cats Sessions? Conversation with Cats sessions are in person at WholeSpirit. These sessions provide the same kinds of intuitive, practical, grounded consultation that you are used to receiving from Mara. In addition, they offer the mental, emotional, and spiritual support that can be part of the animal-human bond experience. These are individual sessions, primarily for existing clients, [scheduled in advance.](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) ## How They Differ from Other Sessions Sessions *do not* include initial consultations with assessments, energy or shamanic healing work, journeying instruction, or drumming. ## What to Expect The cats are welcome in the space, but of course we don’t force them to be present or participate in any way. It is their choice. These sessions take place in a different space from the usual Whole Spirit sessions, where the cats spend more time. When you book, you will receive directions about where to enter. Because they are cats, they’ll do what they want. We will have our consultation regardless of their level of interaction. We will focus on the issues you bring to get guidance about. The space has a view of trees and moss. We may be visited by other wildlife. These are our pet cats, all rescues. They have distinct and different personalities (see their bios below) They are not trained therapy cats (it’s a thing!) so please come expecting a typical session from me, with the added *possibility* of cat presence. The more you come, the more they will get to know you and feel comfortable. Also, this is their space, so the odds are, despite our regular best efforts at cleaning, you will be blessed with a little cat fur to take home with you. ## How to Prepare \*Please wash your hands before arriving.\* *Dog owners especially. One of our cats is quite afraid of dogs.* Particularly if you have contact with other animals, we would appreciate if you would minimize what you bring into the space with intense smells. i.e. maybe don’t come in your barn boots, or in your cat’s favorite cuddle sweater. This will help our kitties respond to you for you. As with any other sessions, it’s a helpful to come prepared with what you want to work on. It helps us cover the topics you want to focus on in the time we have together. ###### [CAT TEAM](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) The WholeSpirit cats found us in different ways. Leo and Luna are brother and sister and are the elders of the group. They came to us via [APS of Durham](https://www.apsofdurham.org/ "Animal Protection Society of Durham") almost 13 years ago. Their personalities are quite different and they are incredibly bonded. Fiona found us on her own. Landing on the landing to the office in June 2023. They are a happy little furry family now. ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Leo-Cat-1.jpg "Leo Cat ∴ WholeSpirit") ###### LEO Leo handles public relations. He’s the most outgoing of the three, living up to his name as a gorgeous, sunny, proud boy. He is friendly, confidently demanding adoration (look at that face). Beneath the surface, he’s a lovey mama’s boy who cherishes our morning petitation routine. He keeps precise time, alerting us when afternoon snacks and dinner are needed. He enjoys chin scratches and being brushed. Leo’s communication style can be…assertive. ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Luna-Cat.jpg "Luna Cat ∴ WholeSpirit") ###### LUNA Luna is a sweet, scrumptious muffin of a cat. She is the head chef. She will often deliver mice (faux) to other family members to keep our strength up. Luna is the team introvert, but once she warms up to you, Luna is pure delight. She enjoys an ear rub, and has the prettiest belly. Of course, she makes excellent biscuits. Luna is also a protector. Her purrs are a healing modality unto themselves. Luna’s communication style is soulful and gentle. ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fiona-Cat.jpg "Fiona Cat ∴ WholeSpirit") ###### FIONA Fiona is an intern with CEO ambitions. She stole our hearts after showing up on the doorstep, getting pulled out of a chimney (longer story), and then kissing us into submission. Fiona is a wildcard. Give her plenty of space. She is super cuddly with specific people and a lot of fun. As a stray, she may have had some challenging experiences with people and dogs. She can respond fearfully even if she marches right up. She is super smart. Fiona’s communication style is weirdo. A cat purring on your lap is more healing than any drug in the world. St. Francis of Assisi I would rather be with cats - song lyric "I'm a Man" The Spencer Davis Group In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. Terry Pratchett ## [LEARN MORE ABOUT MARA'S METHODS](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) ### [Shamanic](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) #### [Intuitive](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Energy](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) ## Disclaimer Mara Bishop is trained as a shamanic practitioner, in body/mind/spirit psychology, intuitive consulting, Reiki, and other complementary health modalities. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, does not provide medical or mental health treatment, nor make recommendations about medication or other controlled substances. Mara is not a licensed medical provider and the information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only, does not provide specific advice, and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from medical or psychological professionals. # Conversation with Cats Sessions ![Two Tabby Cats in Conversation ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/conversationandcats.jpg "conversationandcats ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Book Now](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) #### [Logistics](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/logistics-for-shamanic-intuitive-energy-sessions/) #### [Modalities](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Cat Therapy Article](https://www.wholespirit.com/therapy-cats-as-helpful-as-therapy-dogs/) SESSIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ## Disclaimer Mara Bishop is trained as a shamanic practitioner, in body/mind/spirit psychology, intuitive consulting, Reiki, and other complementary health modalities. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, does not provide medical or mental health treatment, nor make recommendations about medication or other controlled substances. Mara is not a licensed medical provider and the information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only, does not provide specific advice, and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from medical or psychological professionals. [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Your Energy Ecosystem](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) **Published:** March 20, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # Your Energy Ecosystem™ ###### This class will now draw from both Your Energy Ecosystem© and Shining Bright Without Burning Out Create healthy, adjustable energetic boundaries based on where you are and who you are with. Explore your unique ecosystem, your innate energy temperament. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of managing our boundaries of self and other – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For those who are sensitive, empathic, or generally affected by other people’s emotional states, being able to adjust the porousness of your energetic boundaries can bring remarkable changes in how you feel emotionally, cognitively and physically. ## What You'll Learn In this class, we focus on: - Sensing your own energy body - Avoiding compassion fatigue - Understanding your energetic personality archetype - Learning how energetic personality types affect relationships - Creating a toolkit for adjusting the permeability of your energetic body - Using methods for cleansing energy that isn’t yours - Learning to stay connected to one another while staying true to yourself ## Energy Ecosystem Reviews Last Saturday was extraordinary. It’s a masterpiece of understanding our own energy and how others affect us. It provided a toolkit to help keep myself balanced while still loving and accepting other people. It was awesome. It was incredible. S.P. I think everybody needs to take this Energy Ecosystem class! I keep finding the word value. I interacted with some very demanding people, but ultimately held my ground in ways I wouldn’t have in the past. K.J. The Energy Ecosystem course was phenomenal! It really helped. D.S. I can’t believe how empowering drawing a boundary is! K.A. Fantastic class and the timing was magnificent! L.C. I so enjoyed and benefited from your Energy Ecosystem seminar. S.C. # Your Energy Ecosystem™ ![Pink lotus flower in pond – Navigating Your Energy Ecosystem provides tools to create healthy spiritual boundaries ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem-shamanic-wisdom-nc-650w-cr-600x462.jpg "course-class-your-energy-ecosystem-shamanic-wisdom-nc-650w-cr ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Intro Class Sept 26](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/energetic-boundaries-class-increase-your-stamina/) #### [Read More - Energy Ecosystem](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) #### [Register Now for 9/26 Class](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=67666841) #### [Self-Study: Shining Bright Without Burning Out ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ Read about Shamanic Journeying class ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) [ Learn about Backyard Shamanism ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [WholeSpirit Session Logistics](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/logistics-for-shamanic-intuitive-energy-sessions/) **Published:** March 25, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # Logistics for Your Personal Evolution Counseling® Session ## Types of Sessions Sessions are held: - In person in the WholeSpirit office in Durham - Online (Zoom), or - By Phone Session lengths: - Initial consultation: 85 mins - In-depth sessions: 85 mins - Standard: 55 mins Soul retrieval and a few other types of work require the longer session. Otherwise, once we have completed the initial consultation, it is your choice whether to have the standard or longer sessions. Initial consultations are always longer and are required to start working together. ### [Scheduling Online, Payment and Form info​](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) You can find a time, book, and pay for your appointments from within the scheduling system. All necessary forms will be provided for you, and reminders will come automatically. [ BOOK A SESSION ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) ## Cancellation I respect your time and ask that you please respect mine as well. I ask for 48 hours notice for cancellations to avoid a 50% fee. Please make cancellations [via email](mailto://mara@wholespirit.com) only. Cancellations made with at least 48 hours notice receive 100% refund. No shows are not refundable. I understand that emergencies happen, please fell free to contact me if you have any concerns. ### [Enatured™](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) Once you’ve scheduled your private or group training, you will receive additional instructions about how to get ready. If you have not received an email with this information within a few days prior to the meeting time, [please contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Enatured materials please"). If you are working outside, have what you need to be comfortable sitting and prepared for weather. If you are connecting via Zoom, please test that your connection works where ever you plan to connect from. Be prepared to take notes of what you experience. ### [Conversation With Cats](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) Most instructions will come with the email confirmations when you book a Conversation with Cats session, but there are a few things to be aware of. We can’t guarantee how the kitties are going to react to you. We currently have three cats with very different temperaments. Their presence is a potential enhancement to the session, but whether they join us is up to them. Please be careful on exiting and entering, as they are indoor cats only. We will include this in the release form, but spending time in these sessions is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Please wash your hands before arriving. *Dog owners especially, as one of our cats is quite afraid of dogs.* ## Disclaimer Mara Bishop is trained in shamanic healing, body/mind/spirit psychology, intuitive counseling, Reiki, and other integrative health modalities. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, does not provide medical or mental health treatment, nor make recommendations about medication or other controlled substances. The information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only, does not provide specific advice, and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from medical or psychological professionals. # Logistics ![Ecotherapy, Ecospiritual counseling, Personal evolution counseling, psychospiritual, shamanic counseling sessions office skylight view with fall leaves. Remote and in person sessions. Distance sessions are effective and available anywhere, whether you live in Durham North Carolina, somewhere else in the US or internationally. ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sessions-whole-spirit-skylight-modalities-integrated-healing-600-600x600.jpg "sessions-whole-spirit-skylight-modalities-integrated-healing-600 ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [About WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-wholespirit-center-services/) #### [Modalities](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/healing-counseling-modalities-used-in-personal-evolution-counseling/) #### [Book Now](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) #### [Initial Session Format](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/) #### [Client Forms](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WholeSpirit-Client-Info-and-Release-1.pdf) #### [Directions](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY2NDQiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) SESSIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ## Disclaimer Mara Bishop is trained in shamanic healing, body/mind/spirit psychology, intuitive counseling, Reiki, and other integrative health modalities. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, does not provide medical or mental health treatment, nor make recommendations about medication or other controlled substances. The information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only, does not provide specific advice, and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from medical or psychological professionals. [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [About WholeSpirit and Whole Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-wholespirit-center-services/) **Published:** March 14, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # About WholeSpirit and Whole Nature ## WholeSpirit Created by [Mara Bishop](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop-teaching-healing-counseling/), WholeSpirit provides space for personal healing through individual sessions and has been a gathering spot for shamanic drumming circles and classes for over 20 years. Those trained here have gone on to use their learning to create new ventures, add skills to existing careers, and better navigate their lives. WholeSpirit is based on core principles of spiritual healing and personal evolution. We offer sessions for intuitive consultations, shamanic healing and counseling, and energetic healing. To support your spiritual practice, we also offer instruction in nature based healing, shamanic journeying, creating healthy energetic boundaries (Energy Ecosystem), and books and training to learn about shamanism, developing intuition, and other forms of emotional and spiritual wellness. WholeSpirit sessions and trainings focus on direct revelation, recognizing the spirit in all things, and creating mutual relationships with nature, these are practices aligned with shamanic beliefs from around the world, but are not seated within a specific indigenous culture. We are careful not to appropriate traditions, ceremonies, or rituals, or to claim the title of shaman. ## Resources WholeSpirit blends a combination of resources: - [Individual sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/ "Sessions") - [Training through in-person, remote, and self-paced courses](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/) - [Books](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/) - [Blog](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-blog/ "Blog") and [Articles](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) ## Whole Nature Inc Whole Nature Inc, a 501 (c3) nonprofit, was formed upon spiritual direction and with a sense of purpose that is unfolding. Fundamentally, it is about the preservation and protection of natural spaces, beings, and relationships; for deepening relationships between the land, animals, plants, elements, and humans within those spaces; and for reciprocal healing and learning. It is also about recognizing the spiritual aspect of our relationships within nature. As part of the larger family of existence, we are part of biological ecosystems, as well as energetic ecosystems. We thrive or fail in relationship to one another. Whole Nature is open for partners and contributors to secure protection for places to foster and protect these relationships with the natural world. Specifically, land to be preserved primarily for the sake of the wildness of the places themselves, and the wildlife that relies upon them for life. Secondarily, for humans to create deeper relationships and understanding of the breadth and depth of possibility for healing and evolution when we cultivate relationships with our family members within the natural world. The [Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) method is a practical application of the mission of Whole Nature. If you feel drawn to this mission and would like to talk further, contribute, consider donating a property to be preserved for this purpose, or otherwise connect. Please [contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Whole Nature info") here. ## Land WholeSpirit and Whole Nature are located in beautiful, eclectic Durham, North Carolina. A vibrant food scene, rich cultural and natural resources, many colleges and universities, Research Triangle Park (RTP), and creative small businesses, combine to make this a great place to live and work. Described affectionately as “a historical haven” and “a sanctuary for the spectacular,” [Durham](https://www.discoverdurham.com/) has been home for over 20 years. While this place has indeed been a sanctuary for us, acknowledging those who came before us is important, especially because this place was far from a sanctuary for those who where enslaved, or violently displaced, in this region. Our land acknowledgment says a little more. Can you find our friend in this photo? # About WholeSpirit ![WholeSpirit Center is a healing environment for individual sessions or group classes. Animal visitors, like hawk, help create a nurturing space to learn about your self, tend to old wounds and trauma, and learn techniques like shamanic journeying ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/wholespirit-center-find-your-true-nature-pond-moss-trees-hawk-650w.jpg "wholespirit-center-find-your-true-nature-pond-moss-trees-hawk ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Stay Informed](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) #### [Land Acknowledgment](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY0NjMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### [See Recent Media](https://www.wholespirit.com/mara-bishop-nature-media-podcasts-interviews-video/) #### [Read Recent Articles](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Contact") --- ### [About Shamans and Shamanism](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-shamans-and-shamanism-history-practices-core/) **Published:** March 14, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # About Shamans & Shamanism ## Direct Revelation Shamanism is fundamentally a system of direct revelation. It is the oldest spiritual practice on the planet and has been part of society on six continents. The word “shaman” comes from “*šaman*” in the Tungus language spoken by the Evenki people of Siberia. Many other cultures have their own words for the person who fulfills the role of the shaman. Although the term itself is imperfect as applied beyond its original culture, when distilled to its defining essence, shamanism is about a practical and personal relationship to the spiritual and natural worlds. It also relates to the idea of animism, that everything that exists has an essence. Part of living harmoniously is considering our relationships with beings of all kinds. ## Shamanism Evolves Shamanism (with its many names) has survived for so long because it evolves and adapts to its place and time. It stays relevant because it is always happening. Shamanists are rooted first within their current place and space. Direct revelation is not about emulating the customs of a particular people or a particular time. Each person has their own experience of the spiritual and natural worlds around them. There is no dogma in this work. There is a structure to work from, an ancient foundation upon which trained practitioners may be able to help you regain equilibrium, and through which you can grow your personal practice organically if you choose. ## Core Shamanism and Cultural Appropriation Core Shamanism, as defined by Michael Harner, includes practices and beliefs that are “universal, near-universal, and common” cross-culturally but are not seated within any specific cultural tradition. Especially due to a long history of cultural and religious eradication and oppression, many shamanic wisdom traditions have been lost. Practicing in this way allows people, especially those who have become disconnected from cultural history or the shamanic traditions of their ancestors, to reconnect to their individual sources of spiritual connection and practice authentically. Direct revelation is not about the customs of a particular people or a particular time. It is about your *own* experience in your *own* place and time. It can’t be appropriated. However, cultural appropriation and violence is an issue that needs to be addressed in an ongoing and thoughtful way. Westerners need to stop perpetuating the atrocious behavior that has gone on for ages in many realms. I’ve written a longer article about this if you want to [read more](https://www.wholespirit.com/what-is-shamanism/). ## Learn More Learn more about shamanism as a practice. I’m glad to offer some resources that range from introductory and self-paced to in-depth and one-on-one training. My style may or may not be right for you. Whoever you work with, I encourage you to find someone you feel safe with, who demonstrates integrity and kindness. This is deep work, needed work and hopefully joyful work. Perhaps start with some of these suggestions : - [Schedule an intro call](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) - [Read more in Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys book](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) - [Come to a 365 Journeys Circle](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) # About Shamans & Shamanism ![Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice on the planet. This picture of a mountain and starry night sky reflected in a lake, embodies the idea of the web of life and that everything is interrelated and alive, a principle of animism ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shamanism-what-is-reflection-of-mountain-sky-stars-lake-animism-shaman-shamanist-650w-400x600.jpg "shamanism-what-is-reflection-of-mountain-sky-stars-lake-animism-shaman-shamanist-650w ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Explore Journeying At Your Own Pace](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) #### [Shamanic Journeying Course](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) #### [Join the Daily Journey Delivery](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) #### [Private Instruction Schedule Session](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Contact") --- ### [Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) **Published:** March 20, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home™ Shamanism basic training: ancient skills for extraordinary times. In these times of crisis, two truths have risen to the surface like never before. Coming home is powerful, and everything is connected. These are also essential aspects of shamanism. Shamanism provides us with effective, time-tested practices for personal and collective transformation. During this course, we will explore ways to find your true power and connection to spirit, wherever you are—in a city, on a farm, or in a suburban backyard. ## What You'll Learn Backyard Shamanism: Finding Your Power at Home explores the following concepts, mining them for your own sources of healing and guidance at this potent time: - Methods grounded in ancient wisdom of shamanism - Understanding the layers of “coming home” and why each holds the keys for healing and evolution - Nurturing relationships with nature and elements - Thriving in volatility, change and chaos - Sparking creativity ## Backyard Shamanism Reviews Thanks for a great experience. R.R. I love this class! P.K. Thank you for a great course. D.O. # Backyard Shamanism™ ![Backyard Shamanism: Find Your Power at Home class taught by Mara Bishop. Blue and black butterfly represents transformation and personal evolution through connection to animals, plants, elements and spirits of place ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-backyard-shamanism-wild-nature-power-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-north-carolina-650w-cr-600x462.jpg "course-class-backyard-shamanism-wild-nature-power-red-spotted-admiral-butterfly-north-carolina-650w-cr ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Course Dates TBD Enatured™ Available Now](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fd02a270) #### [Read More -Backyard Shamanism](https://thriveglobal.com/stories/backyard-shamanism-finding-power-at-home/) #### [Join a 365 Journeys Circle Monthly gathering](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/365-journeys-circle-online/2022-01-20/) #### [Stay Informed About Courses](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) [ Understand Your Energy Ecosystem ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) [ Learn to Shine Bright Without Burning Out ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Shamanic Journeying: Accessing Non-Ordinary Reality](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) **Published:** March 20, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # Shamanic Journeying: Personal Pantheons & Non-Ordinary Reality Shamanic journeying allows us to directly access spiritual assistance. When we invite relationship, profound sources of wisdom, support, and healing can be available through a personal pantheon of allies and teachers, power animals, and others. They are available to us if we make the effort to develop relationships with them. This class provides a introduction to shamanism and shamanic journeying. We will work in both the upper and lower worlds, and connect with different kinds of compassionate helping spirits. Spiritual work is most effective when it has a grounded foundation. I have great reverence for this work. There is magic and mystery here. I also teach with a strong focus on healthy groundedness and practical application. If you are interested in more in-depth shamanic training, the Backyard Shamanism course, or participating in Shamanism Without Borders tending, this is a good opportunity to get basic journeying skills. More experienced journeyers are welcome to join for a refresher, or to enjoy the power of being in a group. ## What to Expect from Shamanic Journeying - An introduction to shamanism - Instruction in shamanic journeying in a grounded and safe way - Exploration of shamanic cosmology - Journeying to different shamanic realms - Journeys to connect to spiritual guides - Practice receiving and interpreting guidance for yourself and others ## Comments from Shamanic Journeyers The journeying has been what I’ve been looking for (without realizing it until it was there) my entire life - it’s been more than I ever would have dared to dream was possible. C.W. I’m reminded of when people thought the world was flat, then things opened up and expanded. There is so much to explore! P.D. # Shamanic Journeying ![Shamanic journeying classes teach core shamanic methods to access non-ordinary realms and connect with helping spirits for guidance, healing, protection, relationship. Using shamanic drumming, also called sonic driving, we will create safe and sacred space to journey to meet your power animal ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/course-class-shamanic-journeying-radiant-tree-of-life-power-animals-spirit-guides-lower-upper-world-650w-600x462.jpg "course-class-shamanic-journeying-radiant-tree-of-life-power-animals-spirit-guides-lower-upper-world-650w ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Next Course Dates TBD: Work with Mara Individually](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) #### [Read More Shamanic Journeying](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) #### [Join 365 Journeys Circle Monthly Gathering](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/365-journeys-circle-online/2022-01-20/) #### [Stay Informed About Courses](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) [ Learn to Shine Bright Without Burning Out ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ Learn to Create Healthy Energetic Boundaries ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-your-energy-ecosystem/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Other Shamanic & Intuitive Resources for Personal Growth & Well-Being](https://www.wholespirit.com/other-shamanic-intuitive-resources-for-personal-growth-wellness-well-being/) **Published:** March 25, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # Resources for your health and well-being This section will be expanding over time. If I list a business, organization, or practitioner here please use your own judgment and do your due diligence to determine if they are a good fit for you. I’ve included resources in a variety of categories, including: - Organizations worth supporting - Global teacher and practitioner networks - Local resources, and people I trust - Supplies and Products ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/resource-native-land-map.png "resource-native-land-map ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Native Land Interactive Map](https://native-land.ca/) ![Remo drum used for shamanic drumming in WholeSpirit office](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/resource-remo-drum-on-over-the-river-shamanic-rug-rrssrpntbqc9fwi7x5tgwz1m2reeu8py6rnu2tuvwo.jpg "resource-remo-drum-on-over-the-river-shamanic-rug") #### [Remo Drums](https://remo.com/products/product/buffalo-drum/) ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/resource-thirteen-grandmothers.png "resource-thirteen-grandmothers ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers Council](https://www.grandmotherscouncil.org/) ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/resource-global-shamanic-teachers.png "resource-global-shamanic-teachers ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Global Shamanic Teachers](https://www.shamanicteachers.com/) ![resource-earth-justice-logo](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/resource-earth-justice-logo-1-rrssrpntbqc9fwi7x5tgwz1m2reeu8py6rnu2tuw0u.png "resource-earth-justice-logo") #### [EarthJustice](https://earthjustice.org/) ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/resource-durham-for-all.png "resource-durham-for-all ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Durham For All](https://durhamforall.org/) ![Defenders of Wildlife logo](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/resources-defenders-of-wildlife-color-logo-rrssrpnssvgu8w95oqof9wy7zux7v4aedhuoi75q1c.jpg "resources-defenders-of-wildlife-color-logo") #### [Defenders of Wildlife](https://defenders.org/) ![resource-native-american-rights-fund](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/resource-native-american-rights-fund-rrssrpntbqc9fwi7x5tgwz1m2reeu8py6rnu2tuvyc.jpg "resource-native-american-rights-fund") #### [Native American Rights Fund](https://www.narf.org/) ![resource-the-regulator-bookstore-durham-nc](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/resource-the-regulator-bookstore-durham-nc-rrssropym1fjxaaiu89spf6reh1unf6o1d770x740c.png "resource-the-regulator-bookstore-durham-nc") #### [Regulator Bookstore Durham, NC](https://www.regulatorbookshop.com/) ![vote forward democracy](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/vote-forward-democracy-rrssrh79m80ojeuiak5tsj6gqak3wysd5lsgrc7fhi.png "vote forward democracy") #### [Vote Forward Non-partisan Non-Profit](https://votefwd.org/) ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/resource-discover-durham.png "resource-discover-durham ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Discover Durham](https://www.discoverdurham.com/) ![Indie Bound resource for finding your local independent book seller](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/resource-Indie-Bound-logo-header-rrssropz4waz4ajl2neucha5hdj1mjm7un0cljwa0y.png "resource- Indie-Bound-logo-header") #### [Indie Bound Local Bookstore Finder](https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [365 Program & 365 Journal](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/365-program-and-365-journal/) **Published:** March 22, 2021 **Author:** John **Content:** # [365 Journeys - Daily E-Mail Delivery](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-shamanism-for-every-day-365-journeys/) ![365 Journeys Shamanism For Every Day Email Delivery](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/365-journeys-shamanism-for-everyday-email-delivery-square-300x300.jpg) Your journey suggestions have been acutely helpful this week… it’s as if you knew the wise advice I needed to hear and focus on. K.J.subcriber, New York I just had to tell you how much I enjoy your suggestions each day. So often, I find that they are just what I need! M.M.subscriber, Florida I start each day reading your 365 entry. Those are great! H.K.subscriber, North Carolina I want to say I really love 365 journeys and look forward to receiving the journey theme for each day. Today's was serendipitous! B.A.subscriber, North Carolina Join 365 Journeys for One Year Each day a new journey will be delivered automatically to your inbox and will greet you each morning. You don’t need to remember to do anything, just open for the day’s idea. Then it’s up to you how, or if, you use it. No pressure, just gentle, ongoing support in your practice. [**(This program has been replaced by the book** ](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067)*[**Shamanism for Every Day**](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067)*[**)**](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067) **365 JOURNEYS DELIVERY IS:** - Daily topics for journeying, meditation, journaling, prayer or contemplation - A virtual, self-paced spiritual guide - Journeys evolved from 20 years experience on a wide range of topics - 365 individual journeys – a full year of practice - $36.50 for a year subscription # [365 Journeys Journal](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) [ ![365 Journeys Journal Cover Photo. The 365 Journey Journal is a companion book to record your journeys and experiences when using Mara's book "Shamanism for Every Day".](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/journal-365-journeys-shamanism-for-every-day-blue-butterfly-202x300.png) ](https://www.wholespirit.com/books-shamanic-practice-personal-evolution/book-inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-with-sacred-intelligence/) By writing positively about your future, you are setting, such that your brain actually takes action to help make it happen. Diane Hartingh Priceco-author, Write Your Stress Away I wrote myself back together. I wrote myself toward a stronger version of myself. Roxane Gayauthor, Bad Feminist [Buy 365 Journeys Journal](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094TCWK81) A big, soft cover journal with 365 pages! One page for each day of the year helps you keep track of the wisdom you receive from your daily journeys. Document your experiences throughout the year, getting the additional benefits of the healing effects of reflecting and writing. **365 JOURNEYS JOURNAL HAS:** - 365 pages - Light lines for writing or sketching - Numbered pages to easily match with your journeys with *Shamanism for Every Day* - No other text so you can use it however you like, not only as a companion for *Shamanism for Every Day* [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Contact](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ## Schedule an Appointment with Mara Bishop **SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:** Our online scheduling program makes it easier for new and existing clients to book, pay, and get reminded about appointments. Please see details on the booking page about **in person session specifics,** remote appointments, classes and programs. [ BOOK NOW ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) ## Join and Contact Mara at the WholeSpirit Center **JOIN LIST/ CONTACT MARA:** To be added to the mailing list and/or to contact Mara in general, you can use the form below. The form is secure and confidential. If you are an existing client who has already filled out this form and need to be in touch, [please email Mara directly](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com). She won’t be notified if you add new info to this form. **CONFIDENTIALITY:** *Mara and WholeSpirit will never sell, share, or otherwise disclose your contact or personal information without your permission. If at any point you no longer wish to receive our newsletter, simply Unsubscribe from the bottom of any email.* [ CONTACT NOW ](https://us19.list-manage.com/contact-form?u=623fde407189572b0061102f0&form_id=4423fb50daca2830ef7c0939020b3278) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Enatured© - Find Your True Nature](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) **Published:** December 12, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/enatured-logo-700x300-1-600x257.png "enatured logo 700x300 ∴ WholeSpirit") ##### The Mission Enatured™ helps us return to our true natures by returning to an experience of interconnection and relationship. Enatured™ recognizes, protects, and fosters the powerfully interconnected relationship between humans and non-human animals, plants, elements, and land. ##### The Method The Enatured™ method helps us consciously engage the environment for mutual relationship, support, and restoration. ##### What is Enatured™ based on? Enatured™ draws from ecotherapeutic and ecospiritual practices, shamanism, psychology, mindfulness, and scientific research about nature. Studies show positive physical and emotional effects on humans who engage with nature. Indigenous cultures teach that we are interconnected, a part of nature as nature is a part of us. As family, learning to observe and reciprocate fosters health and balance. Positive psychology teaches us the value of applying our innate strengths and qualities, and the value we all bring. Mindfulness helps us stay present and regulate our emotions. The name is based on the word “*nature*” and the prefix “*en*” which means *to go into, be within, surround, or cause to be*. ##### Where can I do Enatured™? Enatured™ is a learning and wellness tool that can be done almost anywhere. Once learned, it can be done as a self-directed process or with a facilitator, in person or remotely. Being outside physically is an ideal way to practice, but having a view outside, or envisioning natural places are also good ways to work. This is designed as an accessible practice. ##### Foundations - Access to pristine and private natural settings is a privilege. We focus on relating with nature everywhere and anywhere. From inner city to suburbs to rural spaces, from inside our homes to inside our bodies: nature is ever present. - Not everyone has the same ability to get outside or move around freely. The methods we use are adaptable to any level of physical ability and access to the outside. Practice Enatured™ while immersed in nature, while inside with a view of outside environments, and while inside using imagination and visualization of natural spaces. - Personal spiritual and religious beliefs can inform our experiences with nature, animals, plants, and place, but there is no belief system necessary to do this process. #### Private Sessions **For Private Sessions**, please know in advance if you will work: - In person or remote - Outside or inside - If inside, will you have a view of the outside, or will you use imagination and imagery - Please follow [WholeSpirit cancellation policies](https://www.wholespirit.com/personal-evolution-counseling-sessions-spiritual-shamanic-energy-intuitive-healing-north-carolina-nc/logistics-for-shamanic-intuitive-energy-sessions/). [Contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Enatured materials please") if you have any questions. [ Book Session ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) #### Group Classes **For Group Sessions**: You will receive instructions prior to the meeting date. Next class is TBD - 10:00 – 1:00. [More details.](https://www.wholespirit.com/event/enatured-class-2/) [ Join Group ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=category:Class%2FGroup) ##### Preparing Before Once you’ve scheduled your private or group training, you will receive additional instructions about how to get ready. If you have not received an email with this information within a few days prior to the meeting time, [please contact Mara](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com "Enatured materials please"). *Please be prepared to take notes of what you experience.* ##### Processing After After your session, please take notes about what happened during your session. Pay attention to and note how you feel for several days after. You may receive an invitation to provide feedback. Thank you! [ Learn about 365 Journeys Circles ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/365-journeys-circle-shamanic-drumming-gatherings/) [ Learn about Group Mentoring ](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Store](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # [Books - Audio](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-mara-bishop-teaching-healing-counseling/) [ ## Shamanism for Every Day Paperback, Kindle, Audio Purchase Now ](https://www.amazon.com/Shamanism-Every-Day-365-Journeys/dp/0806541067/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mara+bishop&qid=1617030338&sr=8-1) ## Shining Bright Without Burning Out [ Purchase Now ](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) [ ## Inner Divinity Paperback Purchase Now ](https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Divinity-Crafting-Sacred-Intelligence/dp/0595407439/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=mara+bishop&qid=1617030462&sr=8-2) [ ## 365 Journeys Journal Purchase Now ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094TCWK81) [ ## Inner Divinity Guided Meditations Purchase Now ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ ## Inner Divinity eBook Purchase Now ](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YCKV47MRDLXRA) [ ## Inner Divinity Journal Purchase Now ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094T5BY3W) # [Sessions](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-wholespirit-center-services/) [ ## Initial or Intensive Session *85 Minutes* Book Now ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [ ## Standard Session *55 Minutes* Book Now ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [ ## Enatured™ Individual Sessions Book Now ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=28571529) [ ## Private Journeying *85 Minutes* Book Now ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [ ## One-on-One Mentoring & Apprenticeships Contact Mara ](mailto:mara@wholespirit.com) # [Courses - Gatherings](https://www.wholespirit.com/about-shamanic-healer-mara-bishop-and-wholespirit-in-durham-north-carolina/about-shamans-and-shamanism-history-practices-core/) [ ## 365 Journeys Circle: Monthly Gathering Optional Donation ](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile) [ ## Enatured™ Group Classes Next Date Coming Soon ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [ ## One-Year Spiritual Mentoring Apply Now ](https://www.wholespirit.com/whole-spirit-mentoring-shamanism-intuition-nature/) ## Shining Bright Without Burning Out [ Next Date TBD ](https://www.soundstrue.com/collections/authors-mara-bishop/products/shining-bright-without-burning-out#5ecff76fad3c7) [ ## Your Energy Ecosystem Healthy Energy Boundaries Next Date TBD ](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981&appointmentType=29546451) [ ## Shamanic Journeying: Personal Pantheons Next Dates Coming Soon ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shamanic-journeying-accessing-non-ordinary-reality/) ## 365 Journeys Shamanic Journey Delivery [ Purchase Now ](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5G7J4YCGJ6R2C) [ ## Backyard Shamanism Finding Power at Home Next Dates Coming Soon ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-backyard-shamanism-finding-your-power-at-home/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Enatured Nature Animal Human Plant Practices](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/enatured-nature-animal-human-plant-practices/) **Published:** May 24, 2022 **Author:** Mara **Content:** # Enatured™: Find Your True Nature Through Nature Enatured™ helps us return to our true natures by returning to an experience of interconnection and relationship. The Enatured™ method helps us consciously engage our environments for mutual relationship, support, and restoration. Enatured™ recognizes and fosters the powerfully interconnected relationship between human and non-human animals, plants, elements, and land. Enatured™ draws from ecotherapeutic and ecospiritual practices, shamanism, psychology, mindfulness, and scientific research about nature. Studies show positive physical and emotional effects on humans who engage with nature. Indigenous cultures teach that we are interconnected, a part of nature as nature is a part of us. As family, learning to observe and reciprocate fosters health and balance. Positive psychology teaches us the value of applying our innate strengths and qualities. Mindfulness helps us stay present and regulate our emotions. The name is based on the word “*nature*” and the prefix “*en*” which means *to go into, be within, surround, or cause to be*. So, our mission with Enatured™ is to help us return to our true natures by returning to an experience of interconnection and relationship. ## What to Expect from Enatured™ - A method you can repeat on your own after learning - Instruction in developing deeper connection with your environment (and the beings in it) for guidance, healing and relationship. - Deeper understanding of nature as interrelated family - Increased practice with mindful awareness - Increased ability to observe signs in nature - Ways to relate with nature from anywhere (inside or out) ## Comments about Enatured™ This experience, while on some levels very simple, was also life altering and affirming. K.W.Hillsborough, NC I felt so blessed after the class. The nurture and reassurance was self compassion to me. S.C.Raleigh, NC I practice (in nature) on a daily basis, but the uniqueness is the structure. Having the structure of the steps really helped enrich the process. So much stuff happened I could write an entire book about the 20-30 minute experience. It was so profound. The structure really helped. M.G.Tucson, Arizona Enatured will help you feel more tuned in to yourself and to your environment. This can help you feel more connected with something bigger than yourself in a supported manner. D.M.Allentown, PA When I was connecting with the place I became aware of overlays from different times, of beings and people who were on this land. In the end, when I was observing after the process, I realized I was another overlay on this land. I could see the Native Americans on the land, the Civil War period, and I am another overlay on the land. G.T.Ohio I felt very relaxed. I have seasonal affective disorder and get very wound up. It felt very good to have a level, peaceful mental state and the rest of my body felt well-oiled. That’s the only way I can describe it. Everything started going along just fine. It was very welcome. Q.T.New York There are so many things about this that are meaningful for me. I could feel the richness of inside and outside simultaneously. I was asking for equanimity and calm. I got equanimity and calm in spades. P.T.Connecticut Enatured is needed in the disconnected world that we live in these days. It provides an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and draw from its strength that's always there to support us if we tap into it. M.A.HIllsborough, NC I was asking for restoration and peace. What I recognized was the vibration of those colors (in the flowers). I felt it swirling around me, swirling up me, and then back down. I received it and then gave it back. I can take this with me wherever I am. S.D.Dayton, Ohio It was just so beautiful and deeply healing for me. I am still processing it. When I was being aware of myself after, I had the strong urge to sleep, as if I’d come to the end of a long arduous trek and had come into the loving embrace of the earth. G.J.New Jersey It was amazing. When I started the practice the sun had not yet come up but by the end the sun had come over the trees and the sky and river were radiant with light. I have just recently moved to this area so the woods and river and I are getting to know each other. This practice is one that will help me deepen our relationship through time. B.L.Bend, Oregon It was lovely, just lovely. The state this exercise put me in is the origins of poetry for me. Since it is a microscopic relationship, superfluous words don’t matter. The essence of that branch, or the essence of a bird sitting in a ray of sunshine, those things come to mind and you can write them down without anything getting in the way. It’s so rich, thank you very much. D.S.Toronto, Canada #### [CLASSES and PRIVATE SESSIONS Details about Foundations, Preparation, Dates](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) # Enatured™ ![Enatured logo multicolored text with green branch ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature-1-600x212.png "enatured-find-your-true-nature-through-nature ∴ WholeSpirit") #### [Next Class Coming Soon](https://www.wholespirit.com/events/list/) #### [Read More About Enatured™](https://www.wholespirit.com/enatured-find-your-true-nature-shamanism-psychology-mindfulness-ecotherapy-method/) #### [Register Now For Next Class](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) #### [Book a Private Session](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17456981) [ Learn to Shine Bright Without Burning Out ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ Learn to Create Healthy Energetic Boundaries ](https://www.wholespirit.com/courses-classes-on-shamanism-nature-energy-healing/course-class-shining-bright-without-burning-out-spiritual-tools-for-creating-healthy-energetic-boundaries-in-an-overconnected-world/) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit) [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/MaraBishop) [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/) [ Apple ](https://music.apple.com/us/album/inner-divinity-crafting-your-life-sacred-intelligence/1216759733) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLfVzd4aIfQ) [ Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UV5QTcC82L3ATZdxI8jC2) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop) [GET DRUM TRACK](https://www.wholespirit.com/health-benefits-of-drumming-and-sonic-driving/) [EMAIL MARA]() [SHOP STORE](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-store/ "Shop the WholeSpirit Store") [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://www.wholespirit.com/wholespirit-contact-form-information-join-news/ "Make an Appointment at WholeSpirit") --- ### [Articles on Shamanism, Healing & Spirituality](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) **Published:** February 13, 2021 **Author:** Mara **Content:** ## [ARTICLES](https://www.wholespirit.com/articles-about-nature-energy-shamanism-inutition-healing-evolving/) [ ![Voyage Raleigh interview with Mara about WholeSpirit, Enatured and Whole Nature Inc ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/media-VoyageRaleigh-interview-daffodil.jpg "media-VoyageRaleigh-interview-daffodil ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-mara-bishop-ma-of-whole-spirit/) ### [VoyageRaleigh Interview](https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-mara-bishop-ma-of-whole-spirit/) [ ![purple cabbage flower ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cabbage-flower-bloom-in-darkness-sounds-true.jpg "cabbage-flower-bloom-in-darkness-sounds-true ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-to-bloom-in-the-dark-self-compassion-compost-and-nature/) ### [How to Bloom in the Dark Self-Compassion, Compost and Nature](https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-to-bloom-in-the-dark-self-compassion-compost-and-nature/) [ ![Can Empathy Make You Sick? Gender and Sensitivity in Health and Healing Magazine ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/article-empathy-gender-sensitivity.png "article-empathy-gender-sensitivity ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/article-Health-Healing-2022-02-Empathy-Gender.pdf) ### [Can Empathy Make You Sick? Sensitivity and Gender](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/article-Health-Healing-2022-02-Empathy-Gender.pdf) [ ![aloe plant ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/aloe-article-energetic-inflammation.jpg "aloe-article-energetic-inflammation ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WholeSpirit-Mara-Bishop-Health-Healing-Inflammation-Nov-2021.pdf) ### [Energetic Inflammation: Cause, Effect, Relief](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WholeSpirit-Mara-Bishop-Health-Healing-Inflammation-Nov-2021.pdf) [ ![∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/aspire-mag-raising-spiritually-healthy-children.png "aspire-mag-raising-spiritually-healthy-children ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://aspiremag.net/how-to-raise-spiritually-healthy-children-honoring-sensitivity-cultivates-resilience/) ### [How to Raise Spiritually Healthy Children](https://aspiremag.net/how-to-raise-spiritually-healthy-children-honoring-sensitivity-cultivates-resilience/) [ ![Society for Shamanic Practice hand adn spiral logo ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/society-for-shamanic-practice-logo_webupdate-copy.png "society-for-shamanic-practice-logo_webupdate copy ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://shamanicpractice.org/article/every-day-journeys/) ### [Society for Shamanic Practice Discussion of Shamanism for Every Day](https://shamanicpractice.org/article/every-day-journeys/) [ ![How Do You Shine Bright? Sun image from Sounds True blog ∴ WholeSpirit](https://www.wholespirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/article-sounds-true-how-do-you-shine-bright-126-square.png "article-sounds-true-how-do-you-shine-bright-126-square ∴ WholeSpirit") ](https://resources.soundstrue.com/blog/how-do-you-shine-bright-managing-your-energy-ecosystem/) ### [How Do You Shine Bright? 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