7 Principles of Shamanism--or Just More Positive Thinking?

During the shamanic workshop the other weekend, the instructor reviewed what he called 7 principles. Sort of the top things a shaman should know or follow. I'll list them here briefly, but if you want to see a few more details, click here. They were developed by Huna practitioner and writer Serge Kahili King.

What? Who? Patience, possums, I'll get to that.

And I hope you enjoy the photos, taken during our workshop activities in the state park.

• The world is what you think it is. In other words we create our own reality, a truth that reveals itself more to me every day. Manners, routines, systems--it's all arbitrary. Even "shamanism."

• There are no limits. We either limit ourselves or we don't through our own imaginations. This is so true for me.
  

• Energy goes where attention flows. Concentration fuels our ability to manifest ideas, goals or whatever. This doesn't always happen as we plan exactly, but it is true.
  

• Now is the moment of power. Attempting to forget the past and stop obsessing over the future has helped me be much more content.
  

• Love is to be happy with someone/something. Rather than a feeling that takes us over, love is more a choice to connect in some way. Very different perspective than what we typically hear.
  

• All power comes from within. Sounds great, right? Everything around us--the sun, wind, color, radio waves, sound--has power. We "create" power when we eat, breathe, drink or take in the sun. Sounds very simple, but this is all we need to do whatever we desire.
  

• Effectiveness is the measure of truth. Not sure I completely understand, but it seems that flexibility is key for a shaman. Problems may have more than one solution. Not that the end justifies the means, but that the focus should be on what works.
  

It sounds like just positive thinking, right? Yet I would say all these resonate with me as true--or, simply, they work!--so that's not so bad.


I mentioned Serge Kahili King developed these, and he's written on Huna or ancient Hawaiian shamanism. Of course, there's controversy (when is there not controversy?)!

Some say Huna is ancient Hawaiian religion, a tradition of aligning oneself with "mana" or life force energy. The origin of the word "huna" is, of course, in question, with some native Hawaiians questioning it while others embrace the word. Still others see Huna as a system of positive thinking, sort of like Dale Carnegie wearing a lei.

Hmmm, always more to learn, no? From what little I've read, this form or approach to shamanism resonates more with me. There doesn't seem to be as strong a focus on achieving power (ego, anyone?) as in some other traditions. As far as what huna means or doesn't mean, it's at least refreshing to get a glimpse beneath the tiki torches and hula dances we have appropriated from the Hawaiians.

Aloha, ya'll.