Reflections from the Shaman's Hut
Fitting In
By Trent Deerhorn, Deerhorn Shamanic Deerhornshamanic.com
I am sure that not one of the prophets was ever employee of the month. Most prophets and visionaries were people who were completely outside of the expected "norm" of their time. They would look around and observe what was going on around them and see that some things were really screwed up. They would become aware of a much better way to walk through life and then they would take the first (might I say pioneering?) steps in that direction. As a result they stood out from everyone else. Granted, often in standing out they set themselves up to be persecuted. This is because humans are generally stupid when it comes to innovation. But they would, even after they died, have "followers" who would then pick up where they left off and take it from there. Unfortunately, this would also lead to the eventual development of many world religions which, once in place, began to regulate the masses. In other words, they would become little more than a method of "crowd control".
But the thing is that, whether or not there is risk of some ridiculous person creating yet another cult out of our example of how to be, we need to live our lives on our own terms. People need to be able to live their lives free of judgement and hostility simply because they are not fitting in with the rest of society. This does not mean that people need to have the freedom to just kill anyone or sexually assault someone with no consequences. I am not talking about that. I am talking about being able to live a happy and productive life outside of social expectations. I am sure that there are many artists, for example, who are reading this and nodding their heads right now. They get it.
Growing up in a rather religious part of the country, I found most often I did not fit in with any standard thought system. Yes, I believe in a God (or at least a God consciousness) that is harmonized with a Goddess as well. I don't worship this. I acknowledge this as a part of nature and a part of each and every one of us. I acknowledge that this harmony within of masculine and feminine energies is what makes each and every one of us Divine! But do I worship that? No. Not a chance. Nor do I follow the teachings of any one person. In fact, those who do are living the very definition of a cult member. I glean great wisdom from a variety of spiritual teachings. Each and every one of them is a part of my birthright as a human being living on this planet. I will not adopt all the teachings from every spiritual teacher. Some of those teachings are quite messed up. But the ones that fit in and feel congruent with who I am as a human being are the ones that I will accept. I am also very open to new information that might change the conscious understanding of things. Most people on the planet hang on way too tight to their teachings and will, as a result, not even entertain new evidence. That is way too closed for me. So as a result of having an open mind and allowing myself to entertain the thoughts and ideas of a variety of avenues of teachings, I stood out and was, as a result, persecuted until I left there and found my way, eventually, to where I am today.
I encourage people to do that. Find your own path. Don't just follow along and walk the same path that thousands before have walked. We are, after all, not cows in a pasture! As you find your own path you find where you are meant to be. Sometimes not fitting means that you are EXACTLY where you need to be.
For more articles from the Shaman's Hut, visit Trent's blog at www.deerhornshamanic.com
Fitting In
By Trent Deerhorn, Deerhorn Shamanic Deerhornshamanic.com
I am sure that not one of the prophets was ever employee of the month. Most prophets and visionaries were people who were completely outside of the expected "norm" of their time. They would look around and observe what was going on around them and see that some things were really screwed up. They would become aware of a much better way to walk through life and then they would take the first (might I say pioneering?) steps in that direction. As a result they stood out from everyone else. Granted, often in standing out they set themselves up to be persecuted. This is because humans are generally stupid when it comes to innovation. But they would, even after they died, have "followers" who would then pick up where they left off and take it from there. Unfortunately, this would also lead to the eventual development of many world religions which, once in place, began to regulate the masses. In other words, they would become little more than a method of "crowd control".
But the thing is that, whether or not there is risk of some ridiculous person creating yet another cult out of our example of how to be, we need to live our lives on our own terms. People need to be able to live their lives free of judgement and hostility simply because they are not fitting in with the rest of society. This does not mean that people need to have the freedom to just kill anyone or sexually assault someone with no consequences. I am not talking about that. I am talking about being able to live a happy and productive life outside of social expectations. I am sure that there are many artists, for example, who are reading this and nodding their heads right now. They get it.
Growing up in a rather religious part of the country, I found most often I did not fit in with any standard thought system. Yes, I believe in a God (or at least a God consciousness) that is harmonized with a Goddess as well. I don't worship this. I acknowledge this as a part of nature and a part of each and every one of us. I acknowledge that this harmony within of masculine and feminine energies is what makes each and every one of us Divine! But do I worship that? No. Not a chance. Nor do I follow the teachings of any one person. In fact, those who do are living the very definition of a cult member. I glean great wisdom from a variety of spiritual teachings. Each and every one of them is a part of my birthright as a human being living on this planet. I will not adopt all the teachings from every spiritual teacher. Some of those teachings are quite messed up. But the ones that fit in and feel congruent with who I am as a human being are the ones that I will accept. I am also very open to new information that might change the conscious understanding of things. Most people on the planet hang on way too tight to their teachings and will, as a result, not even entertain new evidence. That is way too closed for me. So as a result of having an open mind and allowing myself to entertain the thoughts and ideas of a variety of avenues of teachings, I stood out and was, as a result, persecuted until I left there and found my way, eventually, to where I am today.
I encourage people to do that. Find your own path. Don't just follow along and walk the same path that thousands before have walked. We are, after all, not cows in a pasture! As you find your own path you find where you are meant to be. Sometimes not fitting means that you are EXACTLY where you need to be.
For more articles from the Shaman's Hut, visit Trent's blog at www.deerhornshamanic.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Contact The Wizard!
(he/him)