Learning to Journey
If clearing your mind for meditation is a challenge, journeying may work for you. Even if you are solid in your meditation practice, journeying can be a new perspective as well. Shamanic drumming allows for hemispheres of the brain to become entrained to the beat of the drum as your consciousness shifts. Research has shown that repetitive, rhythmic sound in a frequency range of 4 to 7 Hertz (Hz) brings on an altered state of consciousness. Following the path of the lower world within your own make up will yield powerful results.
We ride the beat of the drum to this altered consciousness state and we begin to sense non-ordinary reality. This may take some adjusting as you begin to learn the different ways of sensing. Be open to all senses beyond inner vision: it can be visual, or it may come as sensations in the body, sounds, smells, etc. Keep an open heart, you will be surprised at what comes up. You may feel, you may sense, you may see in your mind’s eye. Experiences vary but practice builds deepening relationships.
In this guide, I will take you through journeying to the Lower World. The Lower World is the natural Earth — where the helping spirits and ancestral energy resides, and is very much the depth of your soul. A great deal of personal work can be accomplished in this realm for your self discovery, personal power and recharging your energy. There is so much natural wisdom here. This realm is explained in modern psychology as the “collective unconscious.” You may experience archetypal energies and discover those within yourself in this space.
You may choose to first journey to encounter a power animal. Journeying with an intention or question in mind can be really helpful as well. Setting an intention before hand helps you to focus your energy. Journeying in this format allows you take back your power and ask your own questions of the spirit world. It may not come at first, but with practice, you will remember how to journey. It is in our DNA to travel to these realms for assistance.
Ahead of time, you should choose a favorite place in ordinary reality in nature - a tree, a rock, a hillside, etc. Visualize this place to start your journey each time as your anchor place. Making offerings of love and respect to this place in ordinary reality will create a sense of right relationship.
Preparation:
Choose your anchor place in nature
Headphones
Comfortable place, quiet, free from distractions. You may choose a light blanket to cover you.
Something to cover your eyes, to help keep focused - optional
Journal or paper, a pen
Recording of Shamanic Drumming 20 Minute Journey
Settle into your spot. Before you start the video, a quick grounding and expanding visualization will help anchor you firmly within your heart, making journeying much easier. The way I do this is this: Take a few deep breaths to really land in my spot, let go of what may be on my mind, and just settle down into this moment. Sitting down, I visualize a root extending out from my tailbone, deep into the heart of the Earth. From the heart of the Earth, I draw up warm, loving energy, filling my body with the love that comes from there. Then, I open my crown to the light of all existence, all of creation, from this universe and beyond, to the Great Mystery, across time and space. Pulling this light down into my body, it fills my every molecule and aspect of my being. Together, this light from all of creation, and the love from the Earth, protect me and guide me with the highest vibration experiences. I call in my spirit guides who love and protect me to be with me on my journey. You may hold your hands at your heart and feel the big love from the Earth and the Light from all that is synergizing in your heart. This should only take a minute or so, but feel free to sit in that feeling of expansion, peacefulness and protection for as long as you wish. It is a lovely place to be.
Begin the drumming recording. If you're using your phone to play the video, be sure to silence it completely as even vibrations will be distracting on your journey.
Visualize yourself at that anchor place, the chosen place in nature that you enjoy. You will now enter into the Earth here, whether it be through a door, a portal, a hole in the ground - however it comes up for you. You'll pass through this entry, into a tunnel. This tunnel is earthen in quality, dirt and rocks in the walls, as you walk down the spiraling tunnel deeper into the Earth. When you reach the end of the tunnel, you are in a Earth-like landscape.
Explore the Lower World. There are typically only natural features here: trees, mountains, streams, etc. Walk the landscape in spirit and get a feel for your surroundings. At this point, you may come across an animal that wishes to assist you on your journey today. This could be a passing helper or a power animal that wishes to work closely with you in the future. You can also ask to meet with any animal you’ve felt a closeness to here, as well. You will have the opportunity to build relationships on return journeys. You may find an animal and you can ask, “are you my power animal?”
The Beat Changes at the end of the video, this is your "call back." You should walk back the path you took, return to the place you entered into this other world, up the tunnel, back through the way you came from your selected spot in nature.
Digest & review: You may want to write a bit about your experience in a journal or notepad. Take some time to reflect on the energy you encountered while in this space.
If you feel stuck, I offer remote clearing & guidance sessions where I can bring through some useful information for you to go forward and we can work on journeying one on one aligned with your personal spiritual development.
Happy Travels!