We imagine what we choose to imagine and what is chosen for us to imagine. Our imagination is a model or map of our reality. No matter what we choose we will have reference points. Landmarks. Where would having resentments for our landmarks lead us?

Hating our life?

Down a narrow path afraid of side roads?

Or towards general misanthropy?

All true. Does this not describe most people’s lives? How many people do you know, my friends, who genuinely like their life?

I think we all have good and bad things in our lives. I agree.

Now if we imagine that people who we admire or respect have insight and vision to offer us, even if other’s do not, what sort of life would this lead to?

Growth.

Enthusiasm.

This is why the best leaders influence us so much. It has nothing to do with whether they are literally right or wrong. It’s because they fill our imagination with ideas that we feel positively about even if that positive response is masochistic.

If those people we have determined have insight and vision let us down, it can hurt us all the more deeply as well. Yes. So there is a third option.

Since we are inherently open and connecting creatures, we can see that there are patterns and processes in life that we can focus on. Let the “mysteries” of the universe inspire us. What sort of life would this lead to?

Hopeful.

The personality or lack of it that these broad forces of life literally have is irrelevant. They can affect us in the same way people do.

So, I guess a lesson we can take from shamanism is this. Choose your allies wisely and be open to your full range of choices. I can’t think of any better answer to liberation. Any surer freedom from resentment.

Your thoughts are welcome. Be well friends.

Travis Saunders
Dragon Intuitive
~science,mysticism,spirituality~