A Spirit Whispered Into My Ear

I guess that I asked a question, silently,
of the spirits in the void.
For I did receive an answer,
one that I’ve employed.

The simplicity of the wisdom,
that entered into my soul,
is testament to the truth
that we are but one part of the whole.

So, I as I inhale atoms
moving through time and through space,
I take into my lungs
the warmth of the gods and their grace.

And when I prepare to release them
to those that are dear,
I recall the words that
a spirit whispered into my ear.

“Ev’ry inhalation’s a blessing,
ev’ry exhalation a prayer,
be thankful for what you receive,
breathe love into all that you share.”


© 2001 Michael J. Richard

I began walking the healing path through my personal experiences, both good and bad, and with the guidance of the spirit of my Great-grandfather Robert Birch, who was a master gardener. On the second day of my shamanic training with Sandra Harner, I visited what are known as the "Upperworlds." My Great-grandfather's spirit performed an emotional healing utilizing the branches and leaves of the sacred Birch Tree -- and by placing me into what appeared to be a human-sized pizza oven. The original "Birch Leaf Healing."

This experience, and many other shamanic experiences I've had since, take place in what is called "non-ordinary reality." Non-ordinary reality is common to all Shamanic traditions as well as many Eastern Mysticism traditions such as Taoism and Zen. All my experiences have been as "real" in my mind as any "ordinary reality" experience, i.e., day-to-day life. None of my experiences have been drug-induced; they all occurred with full awareness and lucidity. What the ulitmate source of these non-ordinary reality experiences have been, I cannot say; I'm an Agnostic, I don't pretend to know the nature of "God" or any other higher power -- or that such does, or does not, exist. I have no way of knowing, no way of not knowing. I'm fully open to the explanation that I'm actually tapping into my own subconsciousness. That doesn't change a thing. I claim validity for all my experiences -- no matter their source.

Listen to "Birch Leaf Healer Man" inspired by my experience with my Great Grandfather's spirit, composed by singer & performance artist Jesse Richards.