Secrets of Shamanism

188 SECRETS OF SHAMANISM

Remember the goal is balance, not a parody of the opposite

extreme. The power is always in the middle position, never

in extreme polarity.

If you are like many traditional Western females, you

have suppressed the more assertive and dynamic aspect of

yourself in favor of a compliant, submissive, or manipulative

posture. You may have found that this persona offers you

unique advantages in terms of being protected and supported

by the stereotyped males of our culture, but you have traded

away some of your most important resources in the process.

You have given up your power and your ability to go out and

get exactly what you want in life. Lost is the ring of authority

and the feel of independence that goes with that dynamic

side. Shamanically, what is needed is a move toward the

center, a gradual shift toward that male side that has been

under wraps for so long.

Exercise #6: Balancing the Dynamic and Magnetic Sides

Here is a list of things you can do to begin to integrate
your suppressed side. The first list applies to overly mascu-
line people, the second list applies to overly feminine people.
Remember that this refers to energy and not actual gender.
We are sure you can add your own personal touches to the
lists.
If you are the overly dynamic woman or man:

• Bring yourself into the company of people who you feel
  display a good balance of both sides. Being with other
  overly masculine types will only compound your problem.
  Usually you will find that older people have accomplished
  this better than younger people. They have had more time
  to transcend the social stereotypes and discover their own
  balance.


• Make a practice of listening to music or going to films that
  open up your feelings. You may find that your strongest
  suppressed emotion is grief, and sobbing is what you need
  more than anything else. There may be a sadness felt
  about all the effort you put out to keep yourself so strong
  all the time. You may also find that the emotion that
  comes most easily to you is anger. It is necessary to exer-
  cise some discipline to allow the sadness underneath to
  emerge.


• Lock up the drugs, beer and liquor supply. It's usually just
  a narcotic to suppress your anger and grief or cover up
  your fear.