Let’s take a look back at 2018.

First, at the dawn of the year Linda and I had one major preoccupation and that was how on earth we would raise the money to get us out to California for the shaman training we both felt very deeply we were called to attend. For nearly 30 years my soul had been signaling me to explore shamanic practice, but I could not find a venue that really inspired confidence. Finally, I came upon Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D, and was immediately drawn to him. Linda was equally excited about the potential of shamanic practice overlapping with her Breathwork Practice. We began attending Alberto’s weekend workshops at Kripalu and Omega. From there, we decided we would not continue to grow without going to his 28-day intensive in March in the Mojave Desert. A longtime friend of ours in another state wired us out of the blue, to say she would be happy to loan us the money. It was no small sum. It was so amazing, that we renewed our faith in the spiritual Law of Attraction.

Second, as 2018 unfolded after our Mojave experience, we began to introduce shamanic methods into our respective practices. In particular, we practiced Illumination and Soul Retrieval. Going into details of what our clients have experienced these last nine months risks breaking confidences, but it has been genuinely inspiring.

Third, this same interest drew us to a current novel called “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. It’s the story of several people drawn together by the power of trees. I put it on my list of the most influential books of my life. Linda is still finishing it. It changed my relationship with trees at a profound level. We tried to buy copies for Christmas gifts. Four Seasons Books was sold out. They checked with their supplier who said they had 1,500 copies on back order.

Fourth, some friends of ours, in our age group, decided they would refurbish their van and set out on a journey to Alaska. They left in May and returned in August, filled with enthusiasm for their adventures and no regrets for their undertaking. They are an inspiration to us, as we continue our lives of risk-taking hope.

Fifth, there was the 2016 election. We were greatly relieved at the outcome, since it offers the hope of putting the brakes on our president. The environment is of major concern. We cannot keep on treating Mother Earth like a sewer system. More than any other single issue, climate change demands our attention in the coming year.

Finally, we join with all who knew her, in mourning the death of the very special Martha Young, wife of her beloved Jack. May her memory continue to inspire us all, and may she rest in peace.

Wise Guyde wishes everyone an extraordinary, energetic 2019.

Bill O’Brien is a consciousness coach and shamanic practitioner. He and his wife Linda have lived in Shepherdstown since 2005. He can be reached at billobrienconsciousnesscoach@gmail.com.