In the quest to understand the human psyche and its complexities, numerous concepts have emerged from diverse cultural and philosophical systems. Among these, Eckhart Tolle’s concept of the ‘pain body’ and the indigenous concept of ‘wetiko’ hold a distinctive place. The parallels between pain body and wetiko are numerous. Both offer profound insights into how our consciousness is shaped by past traumas and how this impacts our behavior. But when viewed through the lens of Concrete Shamanism, these two concepts share intriguing similarities and differences.
Eckhart Tolle’s Pain Body and wetiko : Two Sides of the Same Coin
Eckhart Tolle’s ‘pain body‘ concept, drawn from his groundbreaking book, “The Power of Now,” refers to the accumulation of old emotional pain that most individuals carry in their energy field. This pain body, Tolle suggests, can activate and ‘feed’ on negative experiences, thus perpetuating a cycle of suffering.
On the other hand, ‘wetiko,’ a term rooted in the Algonquin family of Native American languages, refers to a cannibalistic spirit or a malignant psychic force that can infect the mind of a person or community. This psychological disease drives people to act destructively towards themselves and others.
Though derived from different philosophies, both concepts essentially symbolize a form of self-perpetuating pain that can distort perceptions and actions. They imply that our suffering can be internalized, developing into a ‘force’ that encourages further suffering and harmful behavior.
Concrete Shamanism as a Common Ground Between Pain Body and wetiko
Concrete Shamanism, a modern interpretation of ancient shamanic practices, offers unique perspectives on how these seemingly diverse concepts intersect. This approach emphasizes direct, practical applications of spiritual wisdom and psychological understanding to everyday life.
In the context of the ‘pain body’ and ‘wetiko’, Concrete Shamanism recognizes that healing starts by acknowledging the existence of this psychic pain or force. Both phenomena are seen as reflections of unresolved traumas, unmet needs, or unexpressed emotions, manifesting as destructive patterns or cycles of suffering.
Practical Healing: Treating the ‘Pain Body’ and ‘Wetiko’
In Concrete Shamanism, the treatment of both the ‘pain body’ and ‘wetiko‘ involves embracing self-awareness and cultivating presence. By noticing when the ‘pain body’ is active or when one is under the influence of ‘wetiko’, one can begin to disidentify from these harmful patterns.
Similar to Tolle’s teachings, Concrete Shamanism suggests that awareness is key to dissolving the ‘pain body’. When one can witness their pain without judgement, they no longer fuel it with attention, and it begins to subside.
Likewise, in indigenous traditions dealing with ‘wetiko’, healing involves acknowledging its influence and reclaiming power from it. Awareness, coupled with the decision not to feed into the cycle of suffering, can help in freeing one from the ‘wetiko’ influence.
In Concrete Shamanism, various practices such as mindfulness, meditation, journeying, and energy work may be employed to cultivate this necessary self-awareness. These practices encourage individuals to tap into their innate wisdom, fostering healing and transformation.
A Most Vicious Cycle
Eckhart Tolle’s ‘pain body’ and the indigenous ‘wetiko’ concept offer profound insights into the self-perpetuating cycles of suffering within the human psyche. Seen through the lens of Concrete Shamanism, both phenomena can be understood as manifestations of unresolved emotional traumas that can be healed through awareness and presence. By integrating these perspectives, we can find a path to self understanding and resilience, helping us navigate our internal landscapes more effectively.
Though the pain body and wetiko are conceptualizations of internal struggle and suffering, they are not to be feared. Instead, their acknowledgment signifies the beginning of a journey towards wholeness. The true power of these concepts lies not in the suffering they represent but in the potential for transformation they offer.
Beyond the Individual: The Collective Impact
Interestingly, both the ‘pain body’ and ‘wetiko’ are not merely individual phenomena. Tolle speaks of collective pain bodies, such as cultural or racial pain bodies. Similarly, wetiko can infect an entire community or society, leading to harmful societal patterns and destructive behaviors. Here again, Concrete Shamanism offers a pathway to healing. By raising collective consciousness and fostering community healing, these negative patterns can be recognized, addressed, and transformed.
Implications for Society
The integration of these concepts – the ‘pain body,’ ‘wetiko,’ and Concrete Shamanism – has profound implications for modern society. They call for a shift from a pathologizing view of mental health to a more holistic understanding, one that recognizes the spiritual and cultural dimensions of wellbeing.
By acknowledging and addressing the impact of unresolved traumas, unmet needs, and unexpressed emotions, we can work towards healthier individuals and societies. The transformational potential of these concepts could pave the way for new paradigms in psychology, spirituality, and social justice, leading to more compassionate and understanding societies.
Final Thoughts
In the labyrinth of the human psyche, the ‘pain body’ and ‘wetiko’ serve as signposts, guiding us towards areas that need healing and transformation. Through the practical and grounded approach of Concrete Shamanism, we can navigate this labyrinth with greater ease and confidence. These seemingly esoteric concepts can become powerful tools for personal growth and societal change, reminding us that within every challenge lies the seed of transformation.
As we continue to explore these ideas and apply them in our lives, we may find that the ‘pain body’ and ‘wetiko’ – far from being foes to vanquish – are catalysts, propelling us towards a more conscious and compassionate existence.
