Jiyan Lu-Week 4

 Broomfield’s article is beyond just simple scientific and empirical reasoning. It is how the observers (or humans) whose experiences foretell the presence of the spirits that have the wisdom and consciousness to guide their generations. The author elaborates on the belief of the Shamans that their ancestors still exist not materialistically but in the form of spirits. Therefore, “Shamanic journeying” highly focuses on evocation of such powerful spiritual forces, which in return, not only provide psychological benefits of positivity and support system but facilitate reconnection with the nature.

Considering such theme, Broomfield has suggested that science and empirical research should not be the only paradigms in understanding the world and its nuances. The alternatives, which are non-scientific in nature, should be equally implored. Nature evolves and connects the species, and spirit is one important among them. The Shamanic rituals help Shamans to attain this connectivity to seek help from the spirits. The author finding the real estate by the help of the spirit in New Zealand is one of such examples. However, there is no proof for its validity, but nothing is certain in this universe. It is how the observes perceive it with some set of standards or measurement. Therefore, there are still unlimited mysteries that are yet to be unfolded.

However, the examples depicting substance use and smell of marijuana by the author as some sort of signs and connectedness with the nature are somewhat confusing. However, the recent debate on legalization of marijuana and acceptance among some cultures showcase that marijuana is more than just a drug, and perhaps, more exploration is required. Nature is beyond humans’ imagination, and for that, individuals should connect with it for mindfulness and consciousness. For instance, discovery of petroleum eating bacteria flourishing in the oil plume in Gulf of Mexico oil 2010 incident showcases how a small specie can evolve and develop an immune system for petroleum. In this context, science focuses on past events to understand future, whereas Shamanic journeying faces past using help from the spirits who assist them in staying ahead of the future. Overall, the analysis embraces the idea that the world should realize these non-scientific alternatives as well to unveil the hidden mysteries by staying more connected to the nature and spirits.

Work Cited

Broomfield, John. “‘We Are Not Alone’ The Shamans of the World Tell Us.” The Scientific & Medial Network, 15 Nov. 2015, www.collectiveevolution.com/author/smnetwork/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2020. 

https://medium.com/fwrd/cultures-magic-witchcraft-and-shamanism-1797ed419efa