Secrets of Shamanism

190 SECRETS OF SHAMANISM

ever is needed to begin to handle these things for yourself.

This may require you to study or take a class in auto re-

pair, for example. Change a tire, repair a light switch, get

those hands dirty. If you didn't get dirt under those nails,

you didn't do enough.

• Go to at least a few films that make you uncomfortable in
  terms of aggression. Go to an erotic film. Identify with the
  more assertive party.


• Do something productive with friends. Build something
  together. Start and carry out a program to take food to the
  elderly or homeless. Take action.


• Get dirty. Real dirty, and don't wash it off for a while.


• Try as many new things as possible. Go to places you have
  never been before. Have an outdoor adventure.


• You are more comfortable with depression than any other
  emotion when you feel bad. You are more likely to stuff
  anger or ignore it because you fear it. Give a voice to your
  anger. Make sure it is directed at the object of your anger.
  Avoid passive aggressive acts like agreeing to meet some-
  one and then not showing up because you are angry with
  them.


• Do things for the sake of doing them and the pleasure it
  gives you, not just for the effect your actions have on other
  people.


• Make a list of all the people you feel dependent on and list
  what you depend on them for. See how many of those
  things you can do for yourself. Next time you get in a bind,
  get yourself out of it using your own power.


• Spend more time doing, less time being.

Exercise #7: A Journey for Integration

Begin to journey using the techniques you have learned.
Explain to your guardian spirit that you want to balance your
dynamic and magnetic sides and that you want help with this.
If it is appropriate, ask them to take you to a place where
you can meet up with and confront your opposite.
If you are highly magnetic, your dynamic side may at first
appear to be frightening and primitively aggressive. You may
have to approach it many times before you can merge with it.
Use your own discretion here. If you are highly dynamic,
your opposite will often appear to be witchlike, malevolent,