86 SECRETS OF SHAMANISMmoment and feel like you are the wind, water, or sun. Move
like they would move.
Repeat this exercise as often as you wish. You will find
yourself gaining respect for the elements as well as develop-
ing an open line of communication with their spirits.
You are now familiar with the basics of the web of power
and the great allies available in the natural world. These
allies long for cooperative contact with human beings be-
cause they do not regard people as something outside them-
selves, as we do them. The element, animal, plant, and
mineral worlds know that we humans are a part of them and
they are a part of us and it grieves them when we treat them
as enemies. After all, human bodies are completely made up
of minerals and plant and animal material. We are largely
made up of water; we breathe air; and we produce heat. All
of the essential elements are represented inside of us. Yet we
imagine that we are somehow separate and different from
what appears to be outside of us.
The spirits of nature are incredibly patient with people
and even after all the abuse and neglect we have heaped on
them they continue to offer their help and assistance when
asked. Learning to acknowledge them as family is a key to
shamanic power. Shamans know that only people who have
acknowledged their support system in nature can develop
harmony and balance in their environment. They are ones
who have become more simple in their relationship to na-
ture. They say, "Good morning, Grandfather Sun," "Hello,
Brother Rock," "Welcome, Grandmother Rain," and they
sound like children speaking. Indeed, they are extraordinar-
ily powerful children of nature and stewards of it as well.