When we think or speak of our addictions, it is almost always accompanied by guilt, shame, fear and embarrassment. This is understandable as it can be a heavy weight to bear and can feel taboo. When we can explore and connect to addiction from a place of curiosity, compassion and unconditional love then the light of love is shown upon those dark, hidden and sometimes scary places within us and we can find the strength to face them. The part of us that we label “the addict” is actually a protector part, an aspect of our being that was created to keep us safe from unbearable situations, memories and emotions. Join Shamanic Practitioner Johannah Hunter on a three-week series of exploration into our shadow part of “the addict”, to bring understanding and support to the part of us that we usually meet with anger and resistance - either pushing it deep down into the depths of ourselves where it festers, or trying to run from it. We cannot run from any part of ourselves because no matter where we go, there we are.

Addiction can be substance abuse, but it also shows up in many other ways. Food, shopping, scrolling and obsessive thinking (addiction to stress chemicals in the body). We can become addicted to anything in order to numb out our pain.

We will use the support of the group and the shamanic medicine to traverse our depths and learn to befriend this part of ourselves that so needs our presence and love to heal. We will look at ideas such as: How did my addiction/s save my life? How can we alchemize this part of us in our greatest power? What messages does this part have for us? What was this part protecting us from and how can we thank them?

We will be using tools such as breathwork, guided journey and cleansing in the sauna, journaling and group discussions. Community is integral in facing and healing our pain. Join us on this healing journey!