In the modern world, time is often treated as a straight line—a never-ending race of minutes, hours, and days marching forward. We divide it into past, present, and future, always striving to make the most of what feels like a scarce resource. But what if time wasn’t linear? What if it were more like a vast, interconnected web, where every moment—past, present, and even future—was accessible and alive?
This is how many shamanic traditions understand time. Rather than a rigid, one-directional stream, time is seen as cyclical, multidimensional, and deeply relational. Embracing this perspective can transform how we live, connect, and heal.
Time as a Cycle
In shamanic practice, the cycles of nature—the changing seasons, the phases of the moon, the rhythms of the sun—are deeply honoured. These cycles remind us that life moves in patterns of growth, decay, and renewal. There is no rush, only the ebb and flow of energy.
When we tune into these rhythms, we stop seeing time as something we fight against and instead experience it as something we flow with. By aligning ourselves with the cycles of the Earth, we can live with more balance and intention.
Reflection:
How does your energy shift with the seasons?
What cycles, big or small, do you notice in your life?
Time as Connection
Shamanism teaches that time is not just cyclical—it is also a bridge, connecting us to ancestors, future generations, and the spirit world. Through practices like journeying or dreamwork, shamans access moments beyond the immediate present, seeking guidance from the past and planting seeds of intention for the future.
This perspective offers profound opportunities for healing. Traumas or unresolved emotions aren’t left behind in a distant past; they exist in the “now,” waiting to be acknowledged and transformed. Similarly, the dreams and visions we hold for our future are alive in the present moment, influencing the path we walk.
Practice Idea:
Try a simple meditation where you imagine stepping into a timeless space. Picture yourself meeting an ancestor or your future self. What wisdom do they offer you?
Time as Sacred
Viewing time through a shamanic lens encourages us to treat it as sacred. Each moment carries potential for insight, transformation, or connection if we’re present enough to notice. Instead of rushing through our days, we’re invited to slow down, honouring the present as the meeting point of all things—where past stories and future possibilities converge.
A Challenge for You:
This week, try to let go of the clock. Choose one day to live by your natural rhythms, following your energy rather than a schedule. Notice how it feels to honour time as something expansive, not limiting.
Living Beyond Linear Time
When we shift from a linear understanding of time to a shamanic one, we open ourselves to deeper insights and relationships. We’re no longer bound by what was or what might be—we become co-creators of our experience, weaving the threads of time with intention and grace.
If this way of thinking resonates with you, shamanic practice offers tools to explore it further. From journeying to ancestral healing, the wisdom of timelessness is accessible to anyone willing to listen.
Would you like to dive deeper into these teachings? Reach out or explore our upcoming workshops to discover how shamanism can help you transform your relationship with time here.