I found this on my floor as I was cleaning my office today (yes things have gotten a wee bit out of hand), and I thought I would share it with you:
One of the most important things shamanism has given me is the belief that I count. Like many other people, I have spent much of my life thinking up really good jobs, projects, or ways to help others, and never implementing them because I didn’t feel worthy. Our world is large and complicated, and there are always obstacles to discourage us and people to shoot down our abilities and ideas. There are voices of fear and smallness in our heads.
Katagiri Roshi said, “Your little will can’t do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn’t mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you and with you – the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions.”
A gift of shamanism has been to put me in touch with the universe and show me – if I listen closely and courageously – just what the universe supports and does not support in me. This has given me the power to begin to turn my ideas into action, which in turn brings much deeper meaning and satisfaction to my life.
Today I am happy the universe is bringing me wisdom from my carpet and a reason to keep cleaning.