Journeying and reducing meds...

Its been a while since i typed, been busy. One of the things Ive been doing is seeing a contemporary shaman who's been taking me on some guided journeying. I really like sharing the experience, Ive been a solitary practicioner for so long, its pretty damn cool to be able to talk stuff through with someone who gets it without explanations. Mostly we've been working on building up an otherworld sanctuary that I can visit on a daily basis, part of which has been to reconnect with one guardian, and meet another. Animals I can call on if Im in an iffy situation, spirit backup. She's also taught me a few things to do when it comes to meeting lost, misplaced or plain ol pissed off spirits, while journeying.

As a woman who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, its great to be working with a shamanic practitioner who has also worked for some 15 years in the public and community mental health systems, and has an understanding of medication, a tricky topic sometimes, but chosen to follow her current path. I know she's not going to pressure me to come off those hideous toxic chemicals (that everyone just loves being on) but at the same time one of my goals with this work has been to reduce them, and I have, so far by some 200mg. This process is also being followed by a psychiatrist and the local community mental health team. Its not a journey to be taken without support, if possible. Having said that the balls totally in my court and Ive been the one directing the changes and how fast they happen, as it should be. I have a medical diagnosis, Im not an imbecile and its refresing to have this acknowledged by all involved.

Ive been on a high dose of a sedating antipsychotic for some 2 years, after a period where I had several long hospitalisations and deaths in the family, in a short timespan. So this has been a long time coming and Im going to enjoy it. Reclaiming my practices has been crucial in all this, and journeying is part of that. As has been moving to a less urban environment. Its not always easy to discuss shamanism when you do have a diagnosis, it can often be clinicalised as delusion. Sad but true. 

Handy hints, combined with revisiting the otherworld sanctuary on a daily basis, and Ive been getting both feedback and inspiration for creative projects, like the childrens book, Ive been working on. There are little girls in spirit excited for this story to be told. As someone with trauma in my past its been a real healing process to connect with the vulnerability but also strength of the child. Infact its been pretty all consuming.

Hence little blogging. So just wanted to let it be known alls well, if busy, and that the gardens still growing away. The motherwort plants are looking a little nervous with their rapid growth spurts, knowing that their medicine is needed to make tinctures. Truth is they're pleased, and have even let me nibble on a leaf here and there....