About Me
I am a healer, spiritual adviser and teacher. “A woman
of spirit, power, compassion and vision.”
Born in Sydney, Australia, I have travelled extensively with, and been
trained by, a Shaman and Ceremonial Leader of the Huachuma Tradition of
Shamanism in the Andes of northern Peru.
Through my learning's and experiences, I have earned permission to be a
healer and conduct workshops, retreats and ceremonies in the west.
With a degree in Psychology, I have worked in government and
non-government mental health services in my quest to guide people in
finding well-being and meaning to their lives.
I have also been ordained a reverend of the Madonna Ministry in the UK
and have recently joined the Australian Spiritual Association.
In my own words ...
I can remember feeling that I didn’t belong anywhere
when I was growing up. By the time I was thirteen I believed I was
adopted. I became involved in chasing pop groups around, and in my
search to be loved and to feel a part of some human unit, I became
pregnant and married young.
It is no-one’s fault, I am proud of my ‘tribe’, my two wonderful sons,
daughters and 8 grandchildren – they and my parents, brother and sister
and their families
have all been a great part of my life.
Over the years in doing the ‘work’ on my-self, I became aware that my
thought processes were merely interpreting each and every incident,
comments or looks from people. My perceptions for many years were simple
illusions about my-self, thoughts that continually told me I wasn’t
worthy of having joy and happiness. Of course by not recognising the
mind’s potential, such thoughts limited all aspects of my life.
Traditional cultures, like the Huachuma and eastern philosophies have
for many centuries been leading by example with disciplined minds that
focus on our ultimate potential. It is western cultures that have taught
us to judge ourselves and others, to analyse each and every situation,
and to value reason over compassion.
Don’t get me wrong. Scientific practices and businesses, particularly
medicine, have their place in our world, however not to the detriment of
Pachamama [Mother Earth] and the whole human race. We have forgotten our
connection to the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, the plants – particularly to
each other. Once I fully experienced my connection to everything, I gave
up smoking, sweet foods and alcohol. We are taught to value the purchase
of land, use of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs [in our search for
the spiritual], a prestige car, and for the kids these days, computer
games – things outside of us rather than remember that as humans we are
pure energy and light.
How I first Met Tony Samara
I first met Tony Samara in a dream in 1994. In the
dream I was sitting in one of the lecture theatres at Macquarie
University, about halfway up on the right side, looking down towards the
front of the room. There are two doors into this particular theatre,
either side of the blackboard at the front of the room. The lecturer
hadn't arrived, so students were in groups, chatting, a gentle murmur of
anticipation. Then a man came into the left-hand doorway. He had long
darkish hair and was wearing a long white cotton robe. No-one else
appeared to notice him as he stood in the doorway, looking around, as if
searching for someone in particular. As I watched him search, his eyes
found mine, and then he beckoned for me to follow him. Not a word was
spoken. I immediately got up and as I started down the stairs to leave
the lecture theatre, I woke up!
That same week I had a group of friends gather at my place. We met on a
fortnightly basis to do meditations and used to have some great debates
about life, philosophy and the Universe. One of the group suggested we
meditate on a 'Gate Keeper' as a protector for us all. During the
meditation I remembered the guy who had been in my dream. After the
meditation we always talked about our individual journeys. And yes, they
had all visualised the 'Gate Keeper' - the same character in my dream
earlier that week!
A year later I studied a new subject at Macquarie Uni [at that stage I
was doing the BA in psychology]. The subject was called 'Drugs across
Culture' and we looked at legal and illegal drugs around, as well as the
politics underlying the trafficking of illicit drugs. One Friday
afternoon the lecture was on cocaine from South America, particularly
the drug lords of Columbia. We were shown a video on Eduardo Caulderon,
San Pedro Shaman from Peru. I found his practices and beliefs
fascinating.
That same afternoon I met a friend at Parramatta. We were doing the meal
and picture deal at the Roxy Cinema. I had half an hour to spare so
popped into Aquarius Rising Bookshop. And there on the counter was a
flyer for a workshop with Tony Samara, San Pedro Shaman, South American
Shamanism. The workshop was for the following Saturday.
Of course I went to the workshop. I arrived and walked into the room
where Tony was sitting on the floor - and I went cold when I saw him -
for this was the man in my dream the year before! We were each asked why
we had come to the workshop. I think I mumbled something about finding a
way to heal people with a mental illness and I thought the shamanism
might give me a key.
I sat and listened to Tony's quiet, gentle voice. We did some breathing
exercises. He talked about coming back to the simple things in life, how
we live and what we eat, remembering who we are and where we belong in
our world. Tony talked about the beliefs of the South Americans, how we
are all connected to each other, the elements, other beings, plants,
etc. We chanted ancient songs and danced ancient dances. It all made
perfect sense to me.
During a break I told Tony I had seen him in a dream. Tony just smiled,
"That's interesting."
About a year later Tony came back to Australia and held a workshop in
the August on sacred Aboriginal grounds in the Blue Mountains. He was
talking about a 10 day Intensive in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile.
If anyone had of told me then I would be in South America that October
[1996], I would have fallen off the chair laughing! However, my friend
and I went and had some amazing adventures - with Tony and on our own.
With Tony we stayed in a little town San Pedro de Atacama, an unique but
charming little village in the middle of the Atacama Desert. Friendly
people, dusty streets, no street lights at night, electricity only from
7pm for an hour or so - and millions and millions of stars!
We explored our bodies through drinking special herbal remedies and
eating specific foods to cleanse; a re-connection with Mother Earth,
Nature; a time to go deeper within ourselves - to let go of our past
fears, reflecting and listening to our dreams each night; and Tony's
healings and teachings.
My next trip was in early 1998, this time to Lake Titicaca for another
10 day Intensive with Tony. We flew into La Paz - an amazing city, the
highest in the world, nestled in the side of the Andes mountains. It is
a busy, bustling city. I love returning there. We stayed at Copacabana
on the edge of Lake Titicaca, and spent a night on the Island of the
Sun. One night Tony gave us a herbal concoction. When I looked out
across Lago Titicaca and to the mountain beside us, and Mother Earth, we
all breathed as one. Our heart beats also beating together. And then I
noticed the wind blowing across the lake and I breathed with its flow. I
felt connected with everyone and everything as I danced a traditional
dance.
Since then I have travelled extensively with Tony and his family. I was
his 'assistant' at workshops, retreats, intensives - even getting to dig
the latrines on Vision Quests! And over time I was initiated. Tony had
said that I was to come back to Australia to teach people - and this is
what he trained me for.
Now I am doing the 'real work' in Australia.
Read more about Tony and his work at
www.samarafoundation.com