When I was in my early twenties, I didn’t love myself. Honestly, I didn’t even know what self-love was. I was filled with deep, existential doubt.

Because I felt empty inside, I spent all my energy begging for love from the world around me. I became a professional at seeking validation.

I looked for it in women. I wanted beautiful girlfriends who would adore me, thinking that if they loved me, I would finally feel worthy. I looked for it in my family. I did everything they wanted me to do. I said “yes” to everything. I became the perfect “good boy.”

I also looked for it in my friends. I wanted to belong, so I acted exactly like them. I betrayed my own personality and desires just to be accepted.

I was chasing a feeling that I called love, but it wasn’t love. It was just a cheap substitute. It was an anesthesia to numb the pain of my own emptiness.

I was constantly anxious, trying to “rob” energy from the outside world because I couldn’t generate it within myself. I forced my behavior, my words, and my actions just to keep everyone else happy. Eventually, this pressure caused me to explode existentially. That breakdown was the beginning of my spiritual path.

The Solitude Paradox: Finding Connection When You Are Alone

Seven years later, my life looked completely different. I had gone through a massive spiritual awakening and moved to a new city where I didn’t know a single soul.

On the surface, it looked like I had lost everything I used to chase. I had no friends in town. I had no girlfriends. I lived alone in an apartment and spent most of my time working or being by myself.

But something incredible started happening.

Every night, I would lie down in a huge bed in a lonely room, in a neighborhood where nobody knew my name. And yet, I felt completely full of love.

One night, I opened my eyes, stared at the ceiling, and asked myself: “How is this even possible?”

Back when I had friends, girlfriends, a good job, and social success, I felt empty. Now, when I was more alone than ever, I felt more love than ever.

That was the moment I began to understand. I realized that self-love isn’t something you get from others—it’s a state you enter. And to enter it, I had intuitively followed a process that I want to share with you now.

Step One: Radical Acceptance (Meeting Your Shadow)

The first and most important step to finding self-love is acceptance.

But be careful—people often confuse acceptance with resignation. Resignation is when you look at something you don’t like and say, “Well, I guess it’s going to be like this forever.” That is not acceptance. That is giving up.

True acceptance is the ability to include everything in your perception. It means looking at what is happening in your body, your emotions, and the world around you, and letting it be there without trying to push it away.

Stop Hiding Your “Underworld”

In shamanism, we talk about the Underworld or the Shadow. This isn’t some mystical place in another dimension; it is right here, inside you.

Your Shadow is where you store all your pain, guilt, unresolved wounds, and the parts of yourself you are ashamed of. It lives in your body—in your muscle tension, in your joint pain, and in those intense, uncomfortable emotions you try to avoid.

For years, I tried to hide my Shadow. For example, I used to be a bit chubby, and I hated my body. Instead of accepting it, I covered it up with clothes and looked the other way. I put on my “good boy” mask to hide my insecurities from others and from myself.

But here is the secret: You cannot feel love if you are hiding.

To find love, you must start observing the parts of yourself you don’t like. You don’t have to like them, but you have to feel them. Ask yourself: “Why does this make me feel bad? Do I feel ashamed? Sad? Weak?”

Relax into those feelings. Include them in your experience. This is the prerequisite for love to enter.

Step Two: Trusting That Life Makes No Mistakes

Once you develop the habit of looking at your dark places, you need something else to keep you going: Trust.

You need to trust that your pain, your shadow, and your struggles are not mistakes. They are not glitches in the system. They are a fundamental part of your existence.

The Limiting Belief That Kills Love

Most of us walk around with a subconscious belief that life is dangerous, chaotic, or accidental. We think that if we stop controlling everything, things will fall apart. We believe that pain is proof that something has gone wrong.

This belief is the enemy of inner peace.

The truth is that life does not fail. Nothing that happens to you is accidental. Everything in this universe follows the law of cause and effect.

Your “Underworld”—that heavy baggage of karma and pain you carry—is actually there for a reason. Without it, your life would have no direction. It is intimately connected to your life purpose.

There is a hidden order behind the chaos. The ultimate goal of every experience, even the painful ones, is your healing, your growth, and your eventual return to love. When you start to see life this way, you stop fighting against reality and start trusting the process.

Step Three: The Art of Losing Control

This was the final piece of the puzzle for me. Once I accepted my shadow and trusted life, I started to develop a new ability: entering a state of non-control.

I used to try to control everything in my life to get what I wanted. But it never worked. I realized that the most beautiful things in life—like authentic love—only happen when you stop trying to manage the outcome.

Love is not a math problem. You cannot solve it like an equation. You cannot force it.

Transcending the Mind

Love only occurs when we transcend the mind and enter a space of non-control. This is what we do in our shamanic rituals, meditation, and breathwork practices. The goal is always the same: to stop directing the experience and just let it flow.

In this state, you stop fighting. You start including everything.

• A difficult emotion comes up? You include it.
• A painful memory surfaces? You include it.
• A negative thought arrives? You include it.

Instead of pushing these things away, you welcome them with care and trust. This capacity to include everything is what love actually is.

Love is not just a sweet, romantic feeling. Love is your capacity to connect with everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is the energy that binds you to reality when you stop resisting it.

That is why you never fall in love with the person you expect to fall in love with. It happens spontaneously, on a random day, when you least expect it. Why? Because love needs spontaneity. It needs the absence of control to breathe.

Conclusion: True Love is Connection, Not Need

When you learn to accept, trust, and let go of control, you arrive at a beautiful, unique place in your life. You realize that you don’t need anyone to feel love.

The people in your life will be there because you want them there, not because you desperately need them to fill a void. Your relationships will come from a place of freedom, not dependency.

You will feel lighter, more energetic, and more joyful than ever before. Instead of adapting your life to get validation from others—like I did when I was younger—you will finally start creating your own life.

Ready to Go Deeper?

This power is already inside you, but you have to learn how to access these different states of consciousness.

If you are curious about how to enter these states of non-control, acceptance, and trust, we are here to help. We are always working with these energies through practices in nature, retreats, and community gatherings.

Contact us, leave a comment, or join our community. Let’s walk this path back to love together.

We are connected. See you soon.

I remember a specific time I went to lead a shamanic ritual. The setting seemed perfect. Everyone was ready, sitting or lying down in their positions, waiting to begin.

I picked up my drum and started playing. My intention was clear: to connect with the spirits and start the healing process. We wanted to journey into the “underworld” to cut cords with the past, release old pain, and let go of the fear stopping us from living the life we wanted.

But then, something strange happened.

As I beat the drum, I couldn’t move the energy. It felt completely stuck. Solid. Heavy. It just wouldn’t shift or flow. It ended up being a very weird, difficult session.

Confused, I later went to my master and asked him, “What went wrong?”

He explained something that changed everything for me. He told me that whenever you want to journey into the underworld to do shadow work or heal the past, there are two fundamental things you must do. Always.

If these two elements are missing, you won’t be able to go deep. You will get blocked. Instead of healing, you’ll just get trapped in your own heavy emotions and looping thoughts.

Let me share these two missing keys with you, so you never get stuck again.

Element #1: Activate Your Vitality (The Warrior Energy)

The first thing my master told me was simple yet profound: “Your vitality must be active.”

In our modern world, we often arrive at spiritual practices feeling drained. We come from long days at work, scrolling on phones, or being stuck in our heads. We are disconnected from our bodies. But you cannot enter the underworld in this state.

That is why, before any deep ritual, we often go for a hike, a walk in nature, or do physical exercise. We need to wake up the body and ignite the inner fire.

The “Victim Trap”

Here is the hard truth about energy healing: You cannot heal while you are in a state of victimhood. It is 100% impossible.

The underworld is filled with heavy energies—grief, guilt, sadness, and lethargy. If you enter that space feeling weak or thinking, “Poor me, life is so hard, my parents did this to me,” those heavy spirits will eat you up. You won’t heal; you will just get stuck in the mud of your own complaints.

To avoid this, you need to be in a state of power. You need to be a warrior.

Even if you feel weak, you must generate energy temporarily. Jump into cold water , run for an hour, do intense breathwork, or practice yoga. Do whatever it takes to fill your system with fire. With that fire, you can journey down, face the shadows, and come back up. Without it, you just get tired.

Element #2: Open Your Heart to the Spirit

The second missing key is the reason why, sometimes, I spend a good 30 minutes (or even an hour) praying before I even start a ritual. I simply cannot move the energy until the hearts in the room are open.

This element is prayer.

Shadow Work is a Team Effort

Many people try to do shadow work alone, from a mental place. They treat it like a mechanical fix—like taking a car to the mechanic. They think, “I want to fix my trauma so I can be more successful,” or “I want to feel like a powerful shaman.”

But doing it from the ego, or treating it just like a business transaction, will not work.

Real shadow work is done with the help of the spirits. You cannot do it by yourself because the whole point is to remember unity. It is a guided journey.

When you release deep pain or trauma, you aren’t just throwing it into the void. You are handing it over to the spirits. They are there to receive what you are ready to let go of. But for them to help you, you must ask for help. You must be humble.

You don’t need to be religious. You don’t need to believe in a specific “God.” But you do need to open your heart to something bigger than yourself and trust the journey. Only when you surrender and say, “I can’t do this alone, please guide me,” does the real magic happen.

How to Know If Your Shadow Work Is Working

So, how do you know if you have successfully navigated the underworld? It’s actually quite simple.

When you have both your vitality activated (the warrior) and your heart open (the humble student), the spirits can finally guide you deep. Your vitality protects you from the heavy “victim” energies, and your open heart allows the release to happen.

You will reach a moment of intense emotional release. You let it go.

The clear sign that the work is done is how you feel afterward. You should feel lighter, joyful, and motivated. You feel a spark of life returning to you.

Even if you haven’t solved the “root of the root” of all your problems, you have cleared enough space to move forward. You have energy for your life, your projects, and your passions again.

The Warning Signs

On the flip side, if you finish a session feeling drained, stuck in negative loops, complaining, or criticizing yourself, it means one of the two elements was missing.

Remember this for your next healing journey: Bring your Fire, and bring your Prayer. Without them, you are just walking in circles in the dark.

Have you ever felt stuck during shadow work? Or have you experienced that rush of energy after a good cry? Let me know in the comments below. We are connected.

Join Us in the Dark to Find Your Light

We have talked about traveling to the underworld and the importance of doing it with a guide. Now, nature is inviting us to do exactly that on a cosmic scale.

We are approaching the Winter Solstice. This is the darkest night of the year—the “Zero Point” where everything stops. It is the ultimate moment for shadow work.

If you are in Brussels, I invite you to stop running and sit in the silence with us.

Winter Solstice Drum Ritual: Into the Silent Sun

On Saturday, December 21, 2025, we are gathering at the Inner Spark Ashram for a powerful 3.5-hour journey.

We will apply exactly what you learned in this article:

• Activate Vitality: We will recover the energy trapped in your past.
• Open the Heart: We will connect with the spirit of the Winter Sun to guide us.
• Deep Release: We will use the shamanic drum to journey through the four worlds and let go of the heavy baggage from 2025.

You don’t have to do this alone. Come sit by the fire (metaphorically and spiritually) and prepare yourself for a new beginning.

Where: Inner Spark Ashram, Woluwe Saint Pierre, Brussels
When: December 21, 2025 | 17:00 – 20:30
Spots: Intimate group (only 10 spots)

Are you ready to close the cycle and reclaim your spark?

Book Your Spot for the Solstice Ritual

(Hurry, spots fill up fast!)

Have You Been Haunted by the Past? You’re Not Alone

Have you ever felt like a memory—something or someone from your past—still has a hold on you? Like no matter how much time has passed, there’s a wound, a face, a phrase, or even a moment that tugs at your heart when you least expect it?

If that sounds familiar, then this story is for you.

In shamanic traditions around the world, there’s a deep understanding of why the past can still grip us so tightly. And more importantly—how to release that grip so you can reclaim your life energy and live freely in the present.

What you’re about to read is not just a story. It’s an initiation. A legend passed down through generations of shamans. A ritual journey into the unseen world—where healing truly begins.

So find a quiet place, breathe deeply, and let’s step into the sacred fire together.

The Apprentice and the Fire: A Shamanic Teaching Begins

Inside a smoky yorta, deep in the ancient forest, a young apprentice sat cross-legged, gazing into the flickering flames. The fire cracked softly, like it was whispering secrets. His thoughts drifted—home, family, pain, regret…

Suddenly—thump. A gentle tap on the head brought him back. The old shaman, eyes gleaming with quiet wisdom, had struck him with his drumstick.

“Again you wander into your past,” the elder said. “You think of your family. The life you left behind. The pain, the judgment. You are not here, apprentice. You are feeding the spirit of the past.”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?” the apprentice asked, eyes wide.

The shaman turned his gaze to the flames. “Because you’ve just connected with a powerful force… Toss. The spirit of the past. And you’re feeding it with your pain, nostalgia, and memory.”

He paused. “Today, you learn a lesson you must never forget. Never walk into your past unconscious or distracted. It’s time. Take your drum. We are going on a journey.”

The old man threw a bundle of juniper into the fire. The smoke thickened, swirling like a spirit come alive. Then the drumming began—slow, deep, ancient. A rhythm that touched something primal.

And just like that, they drifted into trance, descending together into the dream world. The world beneath the world…

Descending into the Dream World: The Spirit Called Toss

As the drumming echoed through the underworld, the two shamans arrived at a vast open field. All around them, men and women lay motionless, eyes closed, bodies still. But their life force—their energy—was not still. It flowed downward into the earth, pulled by something unseen.

Below the soil, a sea of glowing cords pulsed with light. Endless threads reaching deep into the earth, each one connected to a memory.

“These,” said the old shaman, “are the ones who live in the past. They replay the same stories over and over. They send their life energy backward, not forward. Instead of nourishing their dreams, they feed their wounds.”

The apprentice looked around, stunned. “Is that why some people, as they grow older, only talk about the past?”

The elder nodded slowly. “Yes. They’ve been feeding the spirit called Toss for too long.”

He continued, “Toss is the soul of the past. It begins as a harmless memory… but the more energy you give it—through pain, nostalgia, regret—it starts to grow. It gains shape. Weight. It becomes something alive. And if you’re not careful…”

“It can devour you.”

This wasn’t just metaphor. In the world of dreams, the spirit of Toss is real. And it lives off our energy when we dwell in the past unconsciously. The longer we avoid healing, the stronger it becomes.

Memories Are More Than Memories: They’re Fragments of Your Soul

They walked deeper into the underworld, guided by rhythm and spirit, until they reached a cave. Its walls were covered in crystals—each glowing with its own light, some warm and golden, others cold and blue.

“Each of these,” the shaman said, “is a cord. A link to a memory. And inside every memory, there’s a piece of soul.”

The apprentice stepped forward, sensing the strange energy. Some crystals glowed with joy, love, tenderness. Others felt heavy, dark, filled with shame and fear. “Some of these… I don’t even want to look at them,” he whispered.

“That’s because they still hold your pain,” the elder said. “They were born from moments when you were hurt, rejected, abandoned. And back then, you were too small to handle it. Your heart was open, defenseless. So your soul did what it had to do—it split. It left a part of itself behind, right here.”

He pointed to one of the darker crystals. Around it, a shadow moved—dense, heavy, alive with grief. “This is not just emotion. This is your shadow. The emotion you couldn’t feel back then. The part of you that was punished for being different. For speaking your truth. For not fitting in.”

The shaman turned to the apprentice. “But now… you’re strong enough. It’s time to retrieve what was lost.”

This is the essence of soul retrieval: Not remembering the past to wallow in it, but entering it consciously to reclaim what was yours all along.

How to Face the Shadow and Heal the Wound

The apprentice stood in silence, facing the dark crystal. The energy around it pulsed with fear, rejection, grief. His first instinct was to turn away. But the shaman’s voice anchored him.

“Do not run. Do not look away. Presence is your power.”

He continued, “To heal, you must look directly into the shadow—not with fear, but with your full attention. Your awareness is like light. When you look at pain with honesty and courage, it begins to change. It no longer controls you. It becomes a bridge to reclaim your soul.”

The apprentice took a deep breath and stepped closer. He placed his hand on the crystal. For a moment, everything around him stopped. And then… something stirred. The memory began to unfold. A moment from his childhood. A wound he had buried long ago. It felt raw, but he stayed. He breathed. He didn’t fight it.

And then—something miraculous happened.

A wave of warmth spread through his chest. As if something was returning. A sense of wholeness. He had just retrieved a piece of his soul.

“This is why the past still hurts,” the elder whispered. “Because a piece of you is still in it. But when you return—not as a victim, but as a spiritual warrior—you can bring it home.”

When the Past Pulls You Back: What It Really Means

Back in the cave, the shaman turned and looked deeply into his apprentice’s eyes. “There will be times,” he said, “when the pain returns. Sudden. Heavy. You’ll feel the pull. You’ll want to sit in it, to relive it, to let it wash over you again.”

“But don’t.”

He stood tall and beat his drum once more. The sound rolled like thunder.

“Rise your energy. Move your body. Run through the forest. Scream. Jump into the freezing river. Walk barefoot on fire if you must. But do not sink into the memory. Lift your spirit first. Only then can you face the shadow with power.”

This is one of the greatest teachings in shamanism: energy first, healing second.

Because if you try to process pain when you’re energetically low, it drags you deeper. But when your life force is strong—when you’re centered, grounded, alive—you can meet the wound with presence, not with collapse.

“And remember,” the elder said, “if the past still pulls on you… it means it’s time. Not to revisit it out of nostalgia, but to return as a warrior. To go back into the underworld—not to remember, but to retrieve. To retrieve your soul. To reclaim your life.”

That’s the power of true healing. Not just feeling better, but becoming whole again.

The Journey Back: Integration and Freedom

Guided by their power animals, the two shamans began their return. The beat of the drum shifted—faster, lighter—like wings lifting through the dark. The dream world faded, and with it, the shadows. They opened their eyes back in the physical world, the solid dream, as some shamans call it.

The smoke still danced in the air. The apprentice looked at his master. No words were needed. He felt it—lighter, brighter, more alive.

He stepped outside, barefoot on the forest floor. A breeze moved through the trees. And for the first time in years, his heart beat without weight, without fear. It beat with joy. With peace. With presence.

This is the power of soul retrieval.

It’s not a metaphor. It’s a sacred technology—an ancient practice of real, energetic healing that shamans have used for thousands of years to recover the lost pieces of ourselves.

When done properly, with presence, intention, and spiritual guidance, these rituals can change lives. They bring your soul back home. They return your energy to your body. And they allow you to walk forward—not as a fractured being, but as a whole, radiant self.

Feeling the Call? Here’s How to Begin Your Own Journey

If this story touched something inside you—if you felt seen, or even stirred by something you couldn’t name—you may be ready for your own healing journey. You don’t need to be a shaman. You just need willingness, honesty, and courage.

You can begin by learning the basic principles of soul retrieval and energetic cord cutting.

You can work with a trained guide or practitioner who understands the landscape of the soul.

And you can call on your own inner power, your ancestors, and your spirit allies to walk beside you as you reclaim what was always yours.

You are not broken. You are whole. You just have to bring your pieces home.

If you’d like to go deeper, I invite you to connect with us. We guide people through powerful soul retrieval journeys, both in person and online, through ceremonies, retreats, and 1:1 mentorships. This is sacred work. And if you feel called, we’re here to walk it with you.

And if this story resonated, don’t forget to like, share, or leave a comment below. Tell us: what part of your past still calls to you? What shadow are you ready to face?

We read every word. And we walk with you.

Until next time, may your spirit be whole, your path be clear, and your soul come home.

Do You Feel Called to the Shaman-Healer’s Path?

Have you ever felt a deep urge to heal others? To awaken consciousness? To serve as a channel for something greater?

If you’re here, reading this, there’s a good chance that this path is calling you. The path of the Shaman-Healer.

But let’s be clear—this isn’t a journey you can embark on just anywhere, and definitely not with just anyone. Real transformation requires a sacred space, the right guidance, and deep commitment.

There are three fundamental pillars that every Shaman-Healer must embrace. These three elements shape your journey, your power, and your ability to serve as a true vessel for healing.

Before we dive into them, there’s something important you need to know…

The Truth About Transformation: Patience is Key

We live in an age of instant gratification. Click a button, and it’s done. Order something, and it arrives the next day.

But spiritual transformation doesn’t work like that.

Think of a tree. It takes time to grow, to mature, to bear fruit. You can’t rush it, and you can’t force it.

Walking the path of the Shaman-Healer is the same. It requires patience, surrender, and trust in the process.

If you’re ready to embrace this journey, let’s explore the three pillars that will guide you.

The First Pillar: The Master

Many people think a master is just a teacher—someone who gives you knowledge. And while that’s part of it, a true master is something much deeper.

As a Shaman-Healer, you will learn from many sources—your experiences, books, other healers, and even life itself.

So why is a master essential?

The Role of the Master: Surrendering the Ego

The biggest danger on this path is the ego. The more powerful a healer becomes, the more their ego grows. Some shamans become so skilled and recognized that they start believing they are the source of healing.

They forget the one sacred truth:

All healing happens through Spirit.

When a healer takes personal credit for the power they channel, they start absorbing the karma of those they heal. This can lead to illness, confusion, and even a loss of their healing abilities.

This is why a master is necessary.

A true master teaches you how to surrender your ego to something greater. Not through fear or submission, but through love, respect, and recognition of the divine force that flows through all things.

Choosing Your Master

In most cases, a master is a real person—a guide who walks the path before you and helps you navigate its challenges.

But in rare cases, the role of the master can be non-physical—an inner connection to Spirit itself. These situations are uncommon and require deep discernment.

When you fully surrender to something greater, your master will bless you and set you free. From that moment on, your guidance will come directly from Spirit.

And that’s when you become the master.

The Second Pillar: Community

You are not meant to walk this path alone.

Every Shaman-Healer needs a spiritual community—a circle of people who share their love for truth, healing, and transformation.

Your community might include:

• The people you meditate or practice energy healing with.
• Those you meet in retreats, workshops, or sacred ceremonies.
• Even online connections—friends, students, or followers who resonate with your journey.

Why Community is Essential for Your Growth

Within a spiritual community, there is a constant exchange of energy, healing, and wisdom. You receive support, guidance, and inspiration from others who walk the same path.

But here’s the most important lesson:

Everything you receive on this journey is not just for you. It’s meant to be shared.

Some healers make the mistake of keeping their knowledge and wisdom to themselves. They become isolated, focused only on their own growth.

And when that happens… they start falling into ego and fear.

The Power of Giving: Your Gifts Are Not Yours to Keep

A true Shaman-Healer understands that their gifts are meant to be given away. The more you share, the more you grow.

And here’s the paradox:

When you learn to give everything, you become ready to receive everything.

Healing, wisdom, abundance—it all flows effortlessly when you open your heart to service.

But for this to happen, you need a strong foundation. And that brings us to the third and final pillar.

The Third Pillar: Purpose

Without a clear purpose, your energy becomes scattered.

In today’s world, there are too many ideas, too many distractions, too many paths. And if your energy is divided among them, your power weakens.

This is why you need a purpose that is strong, specific, and actionable.

How to Define Your Purpose

It’s not enough to say, “I want to become a healer.”

Your purpose must be clear and grounded. Here are some examples:

• “This year, I will offer 20 healing sessions.”
• “I will create a space where people can come and heal.”
• “I will build a community of 1,000 people who are on this path.”

When your purpose is specific, your energy becomes focused and powerful. And that is what creates transformation.

Unifying Your Energy

The biggest threat to your path is internal conflict. The ego thrives on confusion—on constantly questioning, doubting, and seeking new directions.

But the truth is simple:

Spirit is unified. Its will is one.

To connect fully with Spirit, your energy must also be one.

When your purpose is aligned, your path becomes clear. You no longer have to wonder what to do.

You will simply know.

Walking the Path of the Shaman-Healer

Once you have surrendered your ego, embraced your community, and aligned your energy with a clear purpose, something incredible happens…

Your connection to Spirit becomes effortless.

You won’t need to struggle, search, or second-guess yourself.

Your words, your actions, your path—everything will flow naturally.

This is the true path of the Shaman-Healer.

Are You Ready to Answer the Call?

If you feel the call to this path, take a moment to reflect:

• Do you have a master or guide who can help you surrender your ego?
• Are you connected to a community that nurtures your growth?
• Is your purpose clear and focused?

If not, don’t worry—every journey begins with a single step.

Take the time to find the right teacher, connect with others who share your vision, and define a purpose that truly moves your spirit.

And most importantly—be patient with yourself. Transformation takes time.

Living as an expat in a bustling city like Brussels can be both exciting and challenging. Between adjusting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle, it’s easy to feel disconnected or lost. For many, this disconnection isn’t just physical, but spiritual. The hustle of urban life often leaves little room for reflection, grounding, and inner peace. This is why more and more expats are turning to spiritual practices, including shamanism, to help them find balance and reconnect with their inner selves.

Shamanism, an ancient spiritual practice rooted in indigenous cultures around the world, offers a path to healing that goes beyond the surface. Through ceremonies, rituals, and personal guidance, a shaman can help individuals navigate life’s complexities, overcome emotional blocks, and awaken to their true purpose. But for expats in Brussels, finding a shaman in an urban landscape may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, the spiritual community in Brussels is more vibrant than one might expect.

Where to Begin Your Search for a Shaman in Brussels

When it comes to finding a shaman in a city like Brussels, the journey is both outward and inward. Your first step is to set a clear intention. Why are you looking for a shaman? What areas of your life need healing or deeper understanding? By clarifying your purpose, you begin to align your energy with the kind of spiritual guidance you’re seeking. This intention serves as a beacon, attracting the right people and experiences into your life.

Once your intention is clear, it’s time to explore the city’s spiritual landscape. Start by visiting holistic wellness centers, meditation circles, or local spiritual shops. Brussels is home to a number of spaces that cater to those seeking spiritual and holistic healing. These places often host events such as drum circles, cacao ceremonies, or breathwork sessions, which are frequented by shamans and other spiritual healers. While a shaman might not always announce themselves as such, their presence will be felt through the wisdom they share and the energy they carry.

Attending Spiritual Events and Ceremonies in Brussels

One of the best ways to connect with a shaman in Brussels is by participating in spiritual events and ceremonies. These gatherings are often where shamans share their wisdom and facilitate healing rituals. Keep an eye out for events like full moon rituals, shamanic drumming circles, or plant medicine ceremonies, such as cacao ceremonies, which are quite popular in the spiritual community.

These events create a sacred space where you can experience different healing modalities and connect with others who are on a similar path. Shamans or spiritual healers often lead these ceremonies, guiding participants through processes that help release emotional blocks, connect with higher consciousness, and promote inner transformation. By attending these events, you not only expose yourself to shamanic practices but also gain a better sense of who might be the right guide for you.

Additionally, these spaces allow for an organic connection. If you feel drawn to a particular leader or healer, you can approach them after the event, ask questions, and see if they offer private sessions. Trust your intuition; a genuine shaman will resonate with you at a deeper level, and their energy will feel authentic and grounded.

Using Social Networks and Online Communities

In the digital age, one of the most effective ways to find a shaman in Brussels is by leveraging online resources. There are numerous spiritual groups on platforms like Facebook, Meetup, and even Instagram, where people share their experiences, recommend healers, and announce upcoming events. Many shamans have adapted to the modern world by maintaining an online presence, making it easier for you to learn about their offerings, read testimonials, and understand their approach to healing.

Start by joining local Facebook groups focused on spirituality, expat wellness, or holistic healing. These communities often serve as hubs for individuals seeking spiritual guidance, and members are usually open to sharing their recommendations. When a shaman has positively impacted someone’s life, they will gladly spread the word. In these groups, you can also ask for advice on finding trustworthy shamans and avoid those who may not be genuine in their practice.

Additionally, there are websites dedicated to listing healers and holistic therapists in Brussels, many of which include reviews and detailed descriptions of the services offered. Use these platforms to further investigate potential shamans and make sure they align with your spiritual needs.

How to Recognize a Genuine Shaman

As you search for a shaman in Brussels, it’s important to stay discerning. Not everyone who claims to be a shaman truly embodies the role. A genuine shaman has usually gone through years of personal transformation, training, and deep connection with the spiritual world. They are healers who work not for fame or fortune, but to serve others through sacred practices. Their focus is on helping you connect with your own inner wisdom, healing, and higher purpose.

There are a few key qualities to look for when identifying a true shaman. First, they have a deep sense of humility. A real shaman doesn’t boast about their powers or claim to have all the answers. Instead, they understand that they are facilitators of healing, acting as a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds. Second, a genuine shaman will prioritize your personal growth over monetary gain. While it’s normal for them to charge for their services, their primary goal is to guide you on your path to healing, not to exploit your vulnerabilities.

Another indicator of an authentic shaman is how you feel in their presence. A true shaman radiates peace, wisdom, and grounded energy. Trust your intuition—if you feel calm, safe, and open around them, it’s a good sign that they are the right guide for you. On the other hand, if you feel uncertain or pressured, it might be wise to continue your search.

Preparing for Your First Encounter with a Shaman

Once you’ve found a shaman you feel aligned with, the next step is to prepare for your first session. Working with a shaman can be a deeply transformative experience, and it’s important to approach it with an open heart and mind. Before your session, take some time to reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Are you seeking healing from past trauma, clarity on your life’s direction, or a deeper spiritual connection? Defining your intention will help guide the session and make the most of your time together.

It’s also important to release any expectations. While it’s natural to want certain outcomes, shamanic healing often works in unexpected ways. Be open to whatever insights, emotions, or experiences arise during the session. Trust that the process will unfold as it needs to, even if it doesn’t match your preconceived ideas.

Finally, after your session, give yourself time to integrate. Shamanic work can stir up deep emotions and shift your perception of reality. It’s important to rest, reflect, and allow these shifts to settle into your being. Journaling, spending time in nature, and practicing mindfulness are all helpful ways to integrate the healing you’ve received.

Embracing the Journey: The Path to Spiritual Growth in Brussels

Finding a shaman in Brussels as an expat may initially seem like a challenge, but with the right mindset and openness, the path will reveal itself. Whether you start by attending spiritual events, connecting through online communities, or following personal recommendations, remember that this journey is just as much about your own transformation as it is about finding a healer.

The urban setting of Brussels might feel worlds apart from the traditional environments where shamanism first took root, but the spiritual wisdom carried by shamans is not bound by geography. With patience and discernment, you can find a guide who resonates with you, helping you reconnect with yourself and heal on a profound level.

Above all, embrace the journey. The search for a shaman is not just about receiving spiritual guidance—it’s about stepping into a deeper relationship with your inner self, your purpose, and the world around you. When you approach the experience with an open heart and clear intention, you’re not only likely to find the right shaman for your needs, but you’ll also discover layers of growth, healing, and transformation that will enrich your life in ways you couldn’t have imagined.

So, take that first step with confidence. The wisdom you’re seeking is already within you, and the right guide will help you unlock it. Brussels is a city full of possibility, and your spiritual journey here is only beginning.