It is not everyday that you have the chance to meet a Shaman. We are deeply honored to introduce you to Jeff Firewalker. He and his wife are leading a Yoga and Shamanic Healing Retreat in March/April 2015.
What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?
For me, ‘being something more’ has always been a rich theme for reflection. So many of us connect this statement to the trappings of an I-centered culture … more power, more money, more sex, more pleasure, etc. But when I think about this in the context of the collective awakening that is occurring all around us, these thoughts and aspirations arise: being something more means: increasing your capacity for service, awakening spiritual warriorship, facing the shadow and the woundings of the past, gratitude, feeling your connection to the sacred web of life and finally — somewhat paradoxically — being something more ultimately means being something less. Less individuated, woven deeply into direct experience, the drop of water in the sea, the hollow bone thru which the great mystery can speak.
Who has been your greatest influence and why?
I really don’t have a single greatest influence. I have been deeply inspired by so many teachers and guides.
Beatrice Bruteau – encouraged me to become a bridge builder, uniting my understanding of science and spirituality.
Richard Feynman – demonstrated to me that being a great scientist doesn’t mean diminishing awe and wonder and adventure.
Cat Matlock (my beloved) – for teaching me the importance of Faith
His Holiness the Dalai Lama – for showing us the path of balancing compassion, personal power, humility and humor
Wade Davis – for his passionate and powerful articulation of the need to protect cultural/ethnic diversity
If there was a yoga pose or mediation practice that described you – what would it be and why?
The channeling of the Medicine Song and spoken prayer. For me the Spiritual path is a Verb; it is about showing up with clear intention and it is about surrendering yourself to be a channel for the Great Work.
Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?
Sacred music, indigenous and sacred healing practice, the nature of consciousness, internal martial arts, parenting.
What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”
I would like to fully experience the people, the spirits of the land, the jungle, the coast and the waters.
For more information about Jeff’s retreat, click here.
