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Over time, with repetitive practice, each individual Shaman develops their own methodology for accessing the Spirit Mind and Shamanic states of consciousness. These methods are often passed down through a lineage or culture from generation to generation; but regardless of their origins or the methods used; whatever method the Shaman practices regularly becomes habit for the individual Shaman.
The more we practice a certain methodology, the more it becomes ingrained within our subconscious mind as THE PATHWAY for accessing our Spirit Mind and Shamanic states of consciousness. When we become habituated to a certain way of doing things, it is often very challenging to see other pathways, change our habits, or even accept or have an unbiased evaluation of the validity of other methodologies.
From this perspective, I ask myself if it is appropriate for me to allow the spirit of a powerful hallucinogen like Ayahuasca to become the pathway that I use to connect with the spirit world….