Your joyful, innocent five-year-old self was in a realm of wonder, singing to the deer while skipping upon rocks in a bubbling stream. She was afraid to return home until assured that her Daddy was no longer alive.

Were you surprised that a soul-part was found screaming in terror on the side of the road where the car accident occurred twenty-years ago?

An infant part of your soul—tightly swaddled, forgotten, and frozen in shock—was all alone in the hospital nursery. You lived without that part for your entire eighty-year life. Hasn’t abandonment been your foundational wound?

 

Psychology and shamanism agree—trauma creates dissociation.

We call this post-traumatic stress disorder, an experience that manifests with mild to severe symptoms. Pharmaceutical companies sell us medications. People go to therapy for years trying to break free from a past event, release themselves from depression and anxiety, or shift unhealthy life patterns. Sometimes they’re successful, but too often, resolution is difficult.

One of the functions of the human soul is to serve us as a “nurturing mother.”

How can anyone live through abuse, war, abandonment, the sudden death of a loved one, a wild-fire..without dissociating? Don’t we all suffer from post-traumatic stress?

Shamanically speaking, dissociation is soul loss. Trauma occurs, and a part of the soul spontaneously dislodges and goes to a place in another realm or reality where it becomes stuck in time. We survive in the short term, yet no matter how many years pass, our soul part(s) live as if the trauma is occurring NOW.

This is because our soul parts are us and affect our lives in ways we may or may not be aware. The goal of healing is to become whole and awake. To live in the present moment. Acknowledge past experiences, but not be run by them. Soul Retrieval is a powerful, ancient healing modality where dissociated parts are discovered, awakened to their situation change, brought for healing, and restored home to the soul.

Soul Retrieval offers us the opportunity of Internal Unity.

Don’t be fooled by the emotional state of your soul-part. Whether it’s  “safely skipping along rocks in a bubbling stream,” “ecstatically painting,” “screaming in terror,” or “frozen in shock,” – it is dissociated and traumatized. Every part is multi-dimensional, and has many aspects. The innocent five year old carries the wound, and the infant’s gifts have yet to be aroused. That’s why it’s important the shaman brings all soul-parts for healing before returning them to the person.

Soul retrieval integration is about self-love. Some parts require less attention, while others necessitate a great deal. The bottom line is – we must love and care for ourselves.

Integration Suggestions

1- Sit with both hands on your heart/soul space (in the center of your chest.) Breathe. With your imagination as a bridge, call to each part individually. Welcome them home in as loving a way as possible. Notice their behavior. Ask if there’s anything they want to tell you. Listen. Tell them what you’re feeling in that moment. Ask what they would like to eat for dinner. And then make or buy  it.

Most people are surprised when I suggest that last part, and more surprised at the response they receive. Many years ago, a client called me two weeks after her soul retrieval. She, an adult woman with a healthy lifestyle, had been craving a MacDonald’s burger all week and couldn’t understand why. Then she had an “aha” moment. When she was nine, those burgers were her favorite food. Her little girl wanted comfort food. So, in an act of pure, self-love, the adult took her girl out to MacDonald’s.

2- The initial integration phase generally lasts about three days. The energy of the soul is re-harmonizing and discovering it’s new balance. During that time you might find yourself sad, happy, angry, exhausted, unable to sleep, starving, not hungry at all – in any number of emotional states. The first step is to notice what’s happening. Then ask, “Who is so upset?” You’ll know. “What do you need right now?” Attend to her.

3- Put pictures of yourself at whatever age(s) you were found on your altar or refrigerator.

4- Check in with your soul-part(s) every day.

The twenty-five year old wants to paint. You might not have your studio anymore, but there’s always the kitchen table. Buy some watercolors and paint with your children.

The five year old wants to spend the day in nature. Is there somewhere near a stream you can go?

Your part wants to return to the site of the car accident and place some flowers. Bring a loved one and do it.

The infant feels alone and wants to be held. Can you ask a loved one to come over?

5- It might feel a little crazy at first, but all healing is awakening, and the path of integration is a conscious one. One day you’ll realize you haven’t checked in with your parts in a while. Do it. Is everyone happy? Maybe the integration phase is complete.

WELCOME HOME! ENJOY YOURSELF!