Week 4 - Diane Tran

According to the article "We Are Not Alone" describes that there are other non-scientific ways of understanding such as seeking the wisdom to our ancestors. It is said, "intelligence is not restricted to humans but is possessed by all creatures - plants as well as animals - and by the Earth itself" (2). This belief reflects on Shamanism because they believe that people can connect with the natural world and spirits. The article talks about how scientific ways can discover many things, but non-scientific ways also explain intangible ideas. In the article, it describes, "[Shamans] work to maintain or restore harmonious balance between humans and the rest of nature through powerful connections with spirit helpers. This requires a mastery of the techniques of journeying" (5). Shamans aid to healing whether its with humans or the earth - plants and animals. In this world, disease is considered as the loss of the connection to the spirit of nature and the soul.

It is really interesting to learn about Shamanism because before this spiritual class, I did not even know what Shamanism is. Through reading the articles, hearing speakers present, and etc I got to learn about a whole new religion. I think it is fascinating that Shamanism has a deep connection with spirits and nature. In addition, it is hard to say that "science blinds most of our students." I believe that sometimes the spiritual world is so intangible that maybe people just want to know what is capable of understanding - which is science.

Works Cited

The Scientific and Medical Network. ““We are not alone” The Shamans of the World Tells Us.”