How to Remake Stories We Tell Ourselves Using the Power of Shamanism & Buddhism

You wake up one morning, the sun’s gentle rays casting a warm glow on your room. You’re ready to seize the day, and your mind’s filled with aspirations and dreams. But as you go about your routine, a nagging thought creeps into your mind – one you’re all too familiar with. It whispers, “You’re not good enough. You’re a failure. Success is for others, but not you.”

It’s a relentless narrative that’s been etched into the fabric of your consciousness for years. A persistent tale rooted in self-doubt and fear. This is the power of the stories we tell ourselves. Because these stories (or limiting beliefs) shape our decisions, influence our relationships, and even dictate the course of our lives. 

But we can reshape these stories – and let go of the limiting beliefs that negatively impact our lives. 

One way to do this is through the ancient healing techniques of shamanism and Buddhism. Drawing on these transformative practices can help you rewrite your stories, start a journey of self-discovery, and learn how to heal yourself.

Understanding the Origins of Shamanism & Buddhism

Shamanism is a profound ancient healing technique and one of the world’s oldest spiritual practices. Its goal is to offer you healing, guidance, and transformation on your journey. 

The practitioners of shamanism, known as shamans, harnessed the power of the mystical. Shamans bridged the gap between the human and spirit realms – and were often revered as healers, storytellers, and wisdom keepers within their tribes. 

Whereas Buddhism is a practice of many layers that include philosophy, science, and religion. Its goal is to understand the human condition, suffering, and the nature of the mind. 

Founded over 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama (also known as the Buddha or Enlightened One), Buddhism rigorously looks into matters of the spirit. Its practitioners often explore the meaning of life, using meditation as their primary technique to analyze their own experiences.

While these ancient practices seem wildly different, they both have relevance in modern times – and can help us reshape the stories we tell ourselves. 

How Do These Techniques Help Us With Limiting Beliefs?

Shamanism offers a unique approach to addressing limiting beliefs and attachments. It doesn’t dwell on the origins of these beliefs. But focuses on changing the narrative and creating a new story instead. The storiesStories we tell ourselves we tell ourselves hold immense power over our lives. So, shamanism provides a framework for redefining these stories and limiting beliefs. How? 

By working with a shaman to enter an altered state of consciousness (a.k.a. guided meditation). In this altered state, you can connect with your internal guide, who offers helpful insights. Then, you can transform your limiting beliefs by co-creating new narratives with your internal guide. This forward-looking approach empowers you to let go of attachments and rewrite the stories that no longer serve you. 

Buddhism, on the other hand, approaches limiting beliefs with a different focus. The goal is to understand the causes and origins of your suffering (a.k.a. trauma or pain). Knowing the root causes of your suffering helps you understand the source of your limiting beliefs. So you can gain profound insights into the beliefs and attachments that hold you back. 

Just like shamanism, Buddhism also provides a structured framework for you to break free of the stories you tell yourself. Rather than work with another practitioner, you’re encouraged to use meditation, mindfulness, and introspection to explore your limiting beliefs. This process of self-discovery allows you to uncover the deeply rooted patterns and behavior that contribute to the attachments you’re holding onto – which leads to healing and transformation.

But how do these techniques help you heal in modern times?

Rewriting the Stories We Tell Ourselves

At the heart of shamanism and Buddhism is a shared recognition of the stories we tell ourselves – and their profound influence on our lives. But each practice takes a different approach to help us redefine our limiting beliefs and the stories we tell ourselves.

The goal of shamanism is to empower you to rewrite your life narratives. Rather than dwell on the past or source of these attachments, it takes a more forward-thinking approach – similar to modern-day coaching practices. 

Shamanism encourages you to ask, “How can I change my story or create a new one?” So you can focus on taking action and moving forward on your journey – rather than get hung up on the source or root cause of the stories you tell yourself. By entering an altered state of consciousness, you can work with your internal guide to discover what stories you need to change. This process requires you to shed attachments to old stories that have outworn their purpose.

Buddhism takes a more introspective approach. The goal is to explore the origins of your suffering and the stories that contribute to it – similar to modern-day therapy practices where you look into your past experiences and choices to comprehend your present reality. 

Buddhism encourages you to ask, “How did I get here?” So you can shine a light on the stories and attachments holding you back. Then, with meditation and self-discovery, you gain insight into the patterns of attachment that cause your limiting beliefs to form. By understanding the root causes of these limiting beliefs, you can begin to change your relationship with these stories – and ultimately transcend them.

Shamanism and Buddhism can empower people to rewrite the stories we tell ourselves – but what if these approaches were combined?

The Intersection of Shamanism and Buddhism

Shamanism and Buddhism use similar healing methods. But they can be combined into a spiritual counseling model known as Depth Hypnosis. Depth Hypnosis uses shamanic healing techniques, Buddhist psychology, and hypnotherapy to provide holistic healing when you’re grappling with the challenges of the modern world. 

A spiritual counselor (like me) guides you into a meditative state so you can quiet your conscious mind. Then, you work with your internal guide to discover the source of your suffering (Buddhism). Once you understand this, you can work with your internal guide and counselor to let go of attachments you’re holding on to (shamanism). So, Depth Hypnosis uses the best techniques from both practices to help you reshape your stories. 

After five years as a spiritual counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how shamanism and Buddhism offer my clients a powerful means to address spiritual distress and rewrite the stories we tell ourselves. 

We Are More Than the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Shamanism and Buddhism are ancient healing techniques that remind us that our stories are not fixed – we can transform them. By embracing both the empowering shamanic perspective and the introspective insights of Buddhism, we have the tools to redefine the stories we tell ourselves.

In a world where limiting beliefs and attachments can hinder your growth and happiness, combining these two practices offers a path to greater self-awareness. So you can explore the narratives that shape your life and rewrite them with intention.

If you’re ready to redefine your limiting beliefs, book a discovery call with me today. You can start your journey towards greater self-awareness, healing, and inner peace.