In this enlightening episode, Angell Deer converses with Sandra Ingerman, a world-renowned teacher of shamanism, about the profound journey through darkness and how suffering, loss, and pain can serve as powerful vehicles for transformative growth. With decades of wisdom distilled into her latest book, "Walking Through Darkness," Sandra shares her insights and personal experiences on navigating the difficult terrains of life.   **Main Topics Discussed:** - **Origins of "Walking Through Darkness"**: Sandra opens up about her inspiration for writing the book, rooted in her own life filled with initiations and transformative experiences. Growing up amidst suffering and witnessing the hardships of others led her to explore how pain and loss can act as rites of passage for spiritual awakening.   - **Personal Journey and Initiations**: Sandra recounts her own harrowing experiences, from being struck by lightning to grappling with a rare brain disorder. These events pushed her into the depths of despair, teaching her the tough lessons of ego dissolution and the power of the spirit to navigate through the darkness.   - **The Role of Elders and Spiritual Teachings**: Highlighting the absence of guiding elders in modern times, Sandra emphasizes the importance of having roadmaps provided by wisdom keepers to navigate life's challenges. She shares how past cultures embraced the teachings of elders to move through tough times with grace.   - **Healing Through Nature and Self-Discoveries**: Sandra finds solace and guidance in nature, teaching her the importance of small, forward-moving steps, and the significance of self-love and worth in the healing journey. Her work reflects the need for connection with the natural world and the practice of sacred reciprocity.   - **Navigating Collective Suffering**: Addressing the current global challenges, Sandra discusses the collective suffering and loss the world is facing. She believes in the power of individual actions and spiritual practice to contribute positively to the collective, highlighting the importance of appreciating life's simple joys and the beauty of the planet.   - **Advice for Those Walking Through Darkness**: Offering practical advice, Sandra emphasizes starting with small, manageable steps towards healing. Whether it's performing simple ceremonies, connecting with the elements of nature, or practicing gratitude, these actions can significantly alleviate the burden of suffering.   Throughout the interview, Sandra Ingerman's insights serve as a beacon of hope and healing, encouraging listeners to find strength in their spirit and the natural world. Her book, "Walking Through Darkness," not only offers a comprehensive guide through personal and collective suffering but also illuminates the path towards a more connected and spiritually awakened life. For anyone navigating their dark night of the soul or seeking deeper understanding of life's trials, this episode is a must-listen, offering practical tools, wisdom, and the assurance that transformation is within reach.   About Sandra Ingerman: Sandra Ingerman, MA, a world-renowned teacher of shamanism, is recognized for bridging ancient cross-cultural healing methods with modern culture. She’s taught for 40 years, including workshops worldwide on shamanic journeying, healing, and reversing environmental pollution using spiritual methods. Sandra is a licensed marriage and family therapist, professional mental health counselor, and a board-certified expert on traumatic stress. Watkins Body Mind Spirit magazine honored her by including her in their 100 Most Spiritually Influential People of 2020. She was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Spiritual Leaders of 2013 by Spirituality and Health magazine, and was awarded the 2007 Peace Award from the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine. She’s authored 12 books, including Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self… Medicine for the Earth… Walking in Light… and The Book