different settings is a helpful skill to use periodically , but changing significantly and frequently is not healthy . The clients I see who use this coping strategy lose touch with themselves . If they were not valued as children , they devalue themselves as adults , the voices of criticism lodged in their psyches .
When children receive the message from parents , teachers , or society that their preferences and personalities are somehow undesirable , they learn to disconnect from what is meaningful to them to fit in . They sacrifice what is true and inspiring to them to be accepted . This may lead to high levels of stress , depression , and anxiety , which research has shown can increase many other physical ailments .
Tending the Whole Child
In additional to psychological interventions , these issues can be tended from the shamanic perspective by addressing the influence of energies that don ’ t belong and by recovering the client ’ s natural self from under that thick skin . Removing what doesn ’ t belong and returning what should be present . Many people don ’ t see the full effects of how they were treated as children until they are adults . Preferable to addressing these issues in adulthood , however , is creating environments that support our children in loving , respecting , and honoring their whole selves — body , mind , and spirit .
MARA BISHOP , MA , CSC - Mara has over 25 years of experience helping people find spiritual health and well-being . Her Personal Evolution Counseling™ method blends shamanism , psychology , intuition , energy healing , and nature-based practices . Mara ’ s work includes
Shamanism for Every Day ,
Inner Divinity , and
Shining Bright Without Burning Out . Mara ’ s books , sessions and courses help people connect to innate sources of guidance and healing . She lives in Durham , NC with a beloved family of people , animals , and plants . For more information about Mara , her books , classes , and individual sessions , please visit
WholeSpirit . com .
“ Empathic children are more vulnerable to what is communicated to them directly and indirectly than children who don ’ t possess this heightened state of energetic perception .”
Mara Bishop , MA , CSC