Shaman Jon Rasmussen's Post-Session Homework Practices

Shaman Jon Rasmussen's website details post-session homework for clients, focusing on integrating energetic changes through various rituals. These include creating mandalas to release old patterns, building ancestor altars for healing ancestral connections, using salt baths for energetic cleansing, and engaging in dialogues with soul parts retrieved during sessions. Additionally, the site offers guidance on shadow work to address personal challenges and a method for making significant life choices based on love rather than fear. Follow-up sessions are encouraged for continued support and integration. The overall aim is to empower clients toward personal freedom and wholeness.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:24

Welcome back for another deep dive. Yeah. Today we're going to be looking at Shaman John Rasmussen and specifically his post session rituals. Yes. Which I have to say are they're pretty out there. Yeah. They're not your typical like meditate for five minutes and journal about what you're grateful for.

SPEAKER_00 0:43

Yeah. Shaman John really emphasizes that like the work doesn't stop when you finish the session.

SPEAKER_01 0:49

Right.

SPEAKER_00 0:49

Like showing up for the session, that's only part of it.

SPEAKER_01 0:52

Yeah.

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It's the work that you do afterwards that's really gonna solidify any changes.

SPEAKER_01 0:57

So it's like taking that experience and like weaving it into your actual life.

SPEAKER_00 1:01

Yeah, exactly. And it's you know, he's not working on just one level.

SPEAKER_01 1:05

Right.

SPEAKER_00 1:05

He's working on the energetic level. He's working on the mythic level. Wow. He's working on the psychospiritual level. Okay. And even like the physical aspects of a person. Okay.

SPEAKER_01 1:15

So it's multi-layered. Yes. Yeah. Very much so. And so the rituals help to bridge those different layers.

SPEAKER_00 1:22

They do think of it this way.

SPEAKER_01 1:23

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 1:24

Like during a session, you know, shifts are happening energetically. Right. But how do you actually process those and make them tangible in your life? Okay. In your thoughts, in your beliefs, and even in your actions.

SPEAKER_01 1:36

Oh, that's interesting. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 1:37

And he even encourages people to be playful with it, to be creative with this homework.

SPEAKER_01 1:43

Aaron Ross Powell That's cool. I like that. It kind of takes the pressure off, you know. Exactly. Of having to do it right.

SPEAKER_00 1:48

Yeah, you don't have to do it perfectly.

SPEAKER_01 1:50

So where do we even begin? Let's dive into this mythic toilet.

SPEAKER_00 1:54

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 1:55

Which is a very intriguing concept.

SPEAKER_00 1:57

Yeah. It's all about letting go of your old story.

SPEAKER_01 2:00

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 2:01

But not just like metaphorically. You're actually gonna build a physical representation of that outdoors using natural materials.

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So you're actually bringing the energy into the physical world.

SPEAKER_00 2:14

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 2:15

That's cool.

SPEAKER_00 2:16

It's incredibly powerful.

SPEAKER_01 2:18

Okay. So how does this work?

SPEAKER_00 2:19

So you choose objects, you know, stones, sticks, leaves, whatever you feel drawn to. And each piece will represent something from your past. Okay. It could be a person, an event, a limiting belief.

unknown 2:34

Right.

SPEAKER_00 2:34

Whatever you're ready to let go of.

SPEAKER_01 2:36

Aaron Powell So as those things come up over the next few days, you add to it.

SPEAKER_00 2:40

Exactly. You keep adding to it. And as you place each object, you blow the old energy into it.

SPEAKER_01 2:46

You're literally like breathing it into this physical.

SPEAKER_00 2:49

Yeah. And that breath work.

SPEAKER_01 2:50

That's interesting.

SPEAKER_00 2:51

It seems to be a recurring theme with a lot of these shamanic practices.

SPEAKER_01 2:55

Using the breath to really clear it out.

SPEAKER_00 2:59

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 2:59

So after three days of contemplating this mandala, do you call it a mandala?

SPEAKER_00 3:03

You can call it a mandala.

SPEAKER_01 3:04

Okay. So you contemplate this mandala.

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You can even ask it questions for insights. Oh. Wow. And then after three days, the ritual culminates with what's called a death arrow.

SPEAKER_01 3:14

Death arrow. Okay. Now you've got my attention.

SPEAKER_00 3:18

Yeah. It's symbolic, of course.

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Okay.

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But you're going to choose one object from your creation.

SPEAKER_01 3:24

Uh-huh.

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You're going to imbue it with the intention of letting go.

SPEAKER_01 3:28

Okay.

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And you're either going to bury it or burn it. Signifying the death of that old story.

SPEAKER_01 3:33

Aaron Powell Wow. So there's a lot of symbolism.

SPEAKER_00 3:35

A lot of symbolism.

SPEAKER_01 3:36

Yeah.

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And you know, Shaman John says there's no right or wrong way to do it. Right. You can personalize it.

SPEAKER_01 3:42

Okay.

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You can let your intuition guide you.

SPEAKER_01 3:44

I like that. So it makes it accessible to anyone.

SPEAKER_00 3:47

Exactly.

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Even if you've never worked with a shaman before.

SPEAKER_00 3:50

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01 3:51

So now let's talk about this ancestor altar.

SPEAKER_00 3:53

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 3:54

You mentioned that it's used in specific situations.

SPEAKER_00 3:57

Aaron Ross Powell So it's usually recommended after cutting energetic ties to ancestors or extracting their energy during a session.

SPEAKER_01 4:04

Now I have to ask. Isn't creating an altar like inviting those energies back in?

SPEAKER_00 4:10

It's not about inviting anything negative back in. It's more about creating a respectful space where that energy can settle. Okay. Think of it this way. Okay. Like there's an invisible cord connecting you to your ancestors. Yeah. And sometimes that cord can get all tangled up.

SPEAKER_01 4:26

Okay.

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Which can drain your energy or influence your emotions in a negative way.

SPEAKER_01 4:31

So the altar helps to like smooth out those tangles.

SPEAKER_00 4:35

Smoothing it out. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 4:36

Okay. So it's less about worship.

SPEAKER_00 4:38

Exactly.

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And more about just creating a a healthy boundary.

SPEAKER_00 4:42

Healthy boundary, yeah. So you might include pictures or pictures, objects that remind you of them, candles, offerings.

SPEAKER_01 4:50

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 4:51

Whatever feels appropriate to honor them. Right. While also acknowledging that their energy doesn't need to directly influence you anymore.

SPEAKER_01 4:58

Aaron Ross Powell I imagine this could be especially helpful if you've had a challenging relationship with certain ancestors.

SPEAKER_00 5:04

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 5:05

And speaking of peace, Shaman John also suggests salt baths after a session. He compares the session to like energetic surgery.

SPEAKER_00 5:15

Yes, he does.

SPEAKER_01 5:16

Which I gotta say sounds intense.

SPEAKER_00 5:19

It can be.

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So salt baths are like a soothing balm.

SPEAKER_00 5:23

A soothing balm, exactly.

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For your energy body to help you recover.

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To recover, yeah.

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Integrate the work.

SPEAKER_00 5:28

Yeah, he recommends three baths within two weeks of the session.

SPEAKER_01 5:32

Okay.

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Just to help smooth and soothe your energy field.

SPEAKER_01 5:36

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 5:36

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 5:36

It does sound intense.

SPEAKER_00 5:38

Yeah.

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I could see how that would be helpful.

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Some gentle energetic cleansing afterwards.

SPEAKER_01 5:42

Right. Okay. So you mentioned earlier that if someone's had like a soul retrieval or a destiny retrieval, there's specific rituals for that too.

SPEAKER_00 5:51

Yes. That's where the dialogues come in. Okay. It's a way to further understand what came through during the retrieval.

SPEAKER_01 5:57

So this is where you like get to talk to your soul part?

SPEAKER_00 6:00

Not quite talking, it's more of a written dialogue. Oh, okay. So you divide a piece of paper into two columns, one for you and one for the soul part, or the gift, or the power animal, or even your destined self.

SPEAKER_01 6:11

Uh-huh.

SPEAKER_00 6:11

Depending on what the retrieval focused on.

SPEAKER_01 6:14

And you just start writing?

SPEAKER_00 6:15

Pretty much.

SPEAKER_01 6:16

What kind of things do you write?

SPEAKER_00 6:17

It can be very intuitive, but Shaman John offers some guiding questions.

SPEAKER_01 6:21

Okay, like what?

SPEAKER_00 6:22

Like, who are you? Why did you leave? What do you represent in my life? How can I best express you? That sort of thing.

SPEAKER_01 6:30

Aaron Powell So it's almost like having a conversation but on paper.

SPEAKER_00 6:33

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01 6:34

I could see how that would be helpful in like integrating those.

SPEAKER_00 6:37

It allows for a deeper level of communication and understanding. Right. And especially if you've had a destiny retrieval. Okay. This dialogue can help you understand how to step more fully into that future version of yourself.

SPEAKER_01 6:50

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 6:50

And take concrete steps towards it.

SPEAKER_01 6:52

So we've got mandalas, we've got altars, we've got salt baths, we've got soul dialogues. It's all very hands-on, tangible practices.

SPEAKER_00 7:01

Yeah, it is.

SPEAKER_01 7:02

What else does Shaman John recommend?

SPEAKER_00 7:04

Aaron Powell Well, speaking of that future self, if you've had a destiny retrieval, creating a destiny altar can be a powerful way to anchor that vision into your life.

SPEAKER_01 7:15

So it's like a vision board, but more spiritually focused.

SPEAKER_00 7:20

Yeah, it's about creating a tangible representation of your desired reality. Right. Using images, samples, objects, anything that evokes that feeling of that destiny.

SPEAKER_01 7:32

Because it's not just about seeing it, it's about like Exactly. Feeling it.

SPEAKER_00 7:37

Feeling it, yeah. Tuning into that energy.

SPEAKER_01 7:39

And this ties back into the concept of manifestation.

SPEAKER_00 7:42

It does.

SPEAKER_01 7:42

Shaman John talks a lot about that.

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He does. He often talks about how the universe responds to our dominant thoughts and vibrations.

SPEAKER_01 7:50

Right. So it's about choosing thoughts that feel good and align with the reality you want to manifest. So the destiny altar is kind of like this energetic magnet.

SPEAKER_00 7:59

Yeah. Think of it like a spiritual compass that's constantly pointing you towards your truest north.

SPEAKER_01 8:05

I like that. Yeah. Now we've talked about ancestors, we've talked about destiny. There's one more aspect of Shaman John's work that I'm really curious about, and that's the shadow work.

SPEAKER_00 8:14

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 8:14

I gotta say, it sounds a bit intimidating.

SPEAKER_00 8:17

It can be challenging, but it's also incredibly empowering.

SPEAKER_01 8:20

Okay.

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Essentially, shadow work is about acknowledging and integrating the parts of ourselves that we usually try to hide or deny.

SPEAKER_01 8:29

So the negative quality. Exactly.

SPEAKER_00 8:32

And here's where it gets really interesting.

SPEAKER_01 8:34

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 8:34

Shaman John suggests that these shadow aspects often get mirrored back to us through challenging relationships.

SPEAKER_01 8:43

This shadow work concept is really intriguing. But I have to ask, aren't some people just jerks? Like, how do we know if it's really our shadow that we're seeing?

SPEAKER_00 8:54

That's a great question.

SPEAKER_01 8:55

Or just someone else's bad behavior.

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It's important to discern.

SPEAKER_01 8:58

Right.

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And it's not about condoning hurtful behavior, but rather recognizing the potential for learning and growth that these challenging relationships often present.

SPEAKER_01 9:09

Okay.

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They can hold up a mirror.

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Instead of blaming or resenting these people, we can try to see them as like teachers in a way.

SPEAKER_00 9:16

Exactly.

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Okay.

SPEAKER_00 9:17

And as we do this inner work, we often find that the dynamic in the relationship shifts as well.

SPEAKER_01 9:24

Interesting.

SPEAKER_00 9:25

Either the person's behavior changes or we find ourselves less reactive to it.

SPEAKER_01 9:30

Aaron Powell So if I'm constantly annoyed by someone who's always late, does that mean I have a hidden part of myself?

SPEAKER_00 9:37

It's possible.

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That struggles with punctuality.

SPEAKER_00 9:40

Or perhaps it triggers a deeper fear of like losing control or feeling disrespected.

SPEAKER_01 9:45

Oh.

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Shadow artwork is about exploring those connections.

SPEAKER_01 9:49

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 9:50

It's not always a direct one-to-one correlation.

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It's about looking at the deeper meaning behind our reactions rather than just taking them.

SPEAKER_00 9:58

Exactly. We actually change the energy of the relationship.

SPEAKER_01 10:04

Oh wow.

SPEAKER_00 10:05

It's like we're removing the fuel that was feeding the conflict.

SPEAKER_01 10:08

That's incredible. It makes so much sense.

SPEAKER_00 10:11

It must.

SPEAKER_01 10:12

We're so quick to blame others for our unhappiness or frustration.

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We are.

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But what if the answers lie within ourselves?

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That's the empowering message at the heart of Shaman John's teachings.

SPEAKER_01 10:22

Yeah.

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He encourages us to take responsibility for our own energy and recognize that lasting change starts within.

SPEAKER_01 10:30

So how do we actually go about embracing our shadow?

SPEAKER_00 10:33

It's a process that often involves self-reflection, mindfulness, even journaling. Okay. And when you find yourself triggered by someone, Shaman John suggests asking yourself a few key questions. Like what? Well, first, what specific behavior or quality in this person is bothering me? Okay. Then have I ever exhibited this same behavior or quality, even in a subtle way? Okay. And finally, can I find any compassion or understanding for this aspect of myself, even if I don't condone the behavior?

SPEAKER_01 11:02

So it's about getting honest with ourselves.

SPEAKER_00 11:04

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 11:04

And acknowledging those hidden parts. Those hidden parts that we usually prefer to ignore.

SPEAKER_00 11:09

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01 11:09

It sounds like a journey in itself. It is a journey. And as we bring those shadow aspects into the light of our awareness, then we can start to release the judgment and the shame.

SPEAKER_00 11:20

The judgment and the shame, exactly that we've attached to them. Yes.

SPEAKER_01 11:23

And that's where the forgiveness comes in.

SPEAKER_00 11:24

Exactly. It's about recognizing that we're all human. Right. We all make mistakes. We all have aspects of ourselves that we're not proud of.

SPEAKER_01 11:31

Yeah.

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So instead of denying or suppressing those parts, we can choose to embrace them with love and acceptance.

SPEAKER_01 11:37

Okay. My mind is officially blown.

SPEAKER_00 11:39

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 11:40

This shadow work concept is deep.

SPEAKER_00 11:43

It is deep.

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It makes me realize that relationships can be incredible opportunities for growth and healing if we approach them with the right mindset.

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Aaron Powell That's the beauty of Shaman John's work.

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Yeah.

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It empowers us to see the potential for transformation in every aspect of our lives.

unknown 12:01

Right.

SPEAKER_00 12:01

Even the most challenging ones.

SPEAKER_01 12:02

Aaron Powell Speaking of challenges, Shaman John also mentions a fire ceremony.

SPEAKER_00 12:08

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 12:08

And a decision-making tool involving love and fear. What can you tell me about that?

SPEAKER_00 12:13

Well, he doesn't go into detail about the Four Winds fire ceremony itself.

SPEAKER_01 12:17

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 12:17

But he does offer a very simple yet profound tool for making big decisions.

SPEAKER_01 12:23

Okay. I'm intrigued. Tell me more.

SPEAKER_00 12:24

It's called the Love versus Fear Tool.

SPEAKER_01 12:27

Love versus fear.

SPEAKER_00 12:28

Yeah. And he suggests taking a piece of paper, dividing it into two columns.

SPEAKER_01 12:33

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 12:33

One labeled love and the other fear.

SPEAKER_01 12:36

Okay. So far so good. I'm following. All right. What happens next? So you have your piece of paper with your two columns.

SPEAKER_00 12:41

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 12:41

Then what?

SPEAKER_00 12:42

Then you look at the decision you're wrestling with. Okay. And you just list all the reasons for and against it under the appropriate column.

SPEAKER_01 12:49

So like if you're considering a career change, for example.

SPEAKER_00 12:52

Right.

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Fear of financial instability would go under fear.

SPEAKER_00 12:56

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01 12:56

But then passion for this new field would go under love.

SPEAKER_00 12:59

Yeah. And often you'll find that your initial impulse is driven by fear.

SPEAKER_01 13:04

Right.

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But as you dig deeper, you might uncover a more heart-centered desire that's been masked by that fear.

SPEAKER_01 13:13

Okay, so let's say I'm using this, and both columns seem equally compelling. How do I break the tie?

SPEAKER_00 13:20

That's when you have to go a bit deeper. Okay. Ask yourself which path feels more expansive, more aligned with your soul's purpose. Right. Which one lights you up inside?

SPEAKER_01 13:30

Okay.

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Even if it also makes you a bit nervous.

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So it's about choosing growth over comfort.

SPEAKER_00 13:36

Exactly.

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Even when it's scary.

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Fear is a natural part of life. Yeah. Especially when you're stretching yourself and stepping outside of familiar territory.

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But it doesn't have to be the deciding factor.

SPEAKER_00 13:47

It doesn't.

SPEAKER_01 13:48

This is such a simple yet powerful tool.

SPEAKER_00 13:50

It is.

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It reminds you that you always have a choice.

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Yes, you do.

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You can choose to act from a place of love.

SPEAKER_00 13:57

Yeah.

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Even when fear is present.

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And as you practice making decisions in this way, you become more attuned to your intuition. Okay. You learn to trust that inner compass.

SPEAKER_01 14:06

This has been an incredible deep dive into Shaman John Rasmussen's work.

SPEAKER_00 14:11

It's fascinating stuff.

SPEAKER_01 14:13

And it seems like these rituals are all about bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness.

SPEAKER_00 14:19

Exactly.

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Whether it's old stories or ancestral energy or shadow aspects, or even your soul's purpose.

SPEAKER_00 14:26

Yeah. It's about shining a light.

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It's about shining a light.

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And those hidden parts of yourself.

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And becoming a more whole and integrated person.

SPEAKER_00 14:33

Exactly. And I think what's so appealing about Shaman John's approach is that he offers very tangible, practical ways to do that. Right. These aren't just abstract concepts. They're tools you can actually use to create real change in your life.

SPEAKER_01 14:51

What I'm taking away from this is that true transformation starts with facing those parts of ourselves. We'd rather keep hidden.

SPEAKER_00 14:58

It's a challenge, but it's also incredibly empowering.

SPEAKER_01 15:01

It is empowering.

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And it's a journey that's available to everyone.

SPEAKER_01 15:04

Right.

SPEAKER_00 15:05

You don't have to be a shaman or a spiritual guru.

SPEAKER_01 15:07

Right. You don't have to be an expert.

SPEAKER_00 15:09

Yeah. Anyone can do this work. It's about taking responsibility for your own Your own energy, your own growth, your own healing.

SPEAKER_01 15:17

Thank you for taking us on this deep dive.

SPEAKER_00 15:19

It's a pleasure.

SPEAKER_01 15:20

It's given me a lot to think about.

SPEAKER_00 15:21

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 15:22

And I'm sure our listener feels the same way.

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I hope so.

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And to you listening, if any of this resonated with you, I encourage you to do some more research on Shaman John Rasmussen.

SPEAKER_00 15:34

Yeah. Or explore other shamanic practices that call to you.

SPEAKER_01 15:38

Remember the most profound transformations often start with the courage to look inward.