Humility

Brant says, “Don José… …always emphasized to be humble, that humbleness is such a high quality, to have humility, to be humble in front of nature. To be humble and have humility in front of The Great Spirit is such an important part [of shamanism].” We explore the connection between humility and self-confidence, and how this can help us from being held back in our lives.

Surrendering to Nature, to the beauty of life, allows us to embrace who we are and our place in this world. This allows us to experience pure joy and laughter.

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Brant Secunda

Shaman & Healer

Brant Secunda is a shaman, healer, and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico. He completed a 12-year apprenticeship with Don José Matsuwa, the renowned shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110. Brant Secunda is the adopted grandson of Don José and was chosen by Don José to take his place to help carry on Huichol Shamanism. He is the co-founder of the American Herbalist Guild, and the founder of the Huichol Foundation. Since 1979 Brant Secunda has been the Director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation Center for Shamanic Studies and leads seminars and pilgrimages worldwide. His work has been documented on television, radio, and in articles and books throughout the USA, Europe and Japan. He is the co-author of the award-winning book Fit Soul Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.

Transcript

Mark Allen Humility seems to be an important aspect for a person to foster in Huichol shamanism. Can you explain a little bit more about humility?

Brant Secunda During my apprenticeship with Don José, he always emphasized to be humble, that humbleness is such a high quality, to have humility, to be humble in front of nature. To be humble and have humility in front of The Great Spirit is such an important part. He always emphasized and he always told me that the most powerful shamans are the most humble shamans. They didn't have to prove anything to anyone. They knew what they had. He really emphasized that to be humble and to have humility was an important part of our spiritual growth.

Mark Allen In essence, is that a type of self confidence?

Brant Secunda It's exactly a type of self confidence because you're so confident you can be humble and vice versa. You are so humble, with that humbleness and humility you are confident in your life's direction.

Mark Allen Is being humble a quality necessary to learn in shamanism?

Brant Secunda It is because if you're not humble, if you don't have humility and think that you have everything and you know everything that will hold you back.

Mark Allen In other words, you have to say, "Hey, I don't know everything or maybe I don't know anything."?

Brant Secunda Exactly. That's very hard for people to say, "Hey, am I better than a flower? Am I better than a tree? Am I better than an eagle?" It's difficult for people to get to that point.

Mark Allen How does that relate to surrender?

Brant Secunda It's very much connected. When you surrender to the spirit of nature, when you surrender to the power of The Ancient Ones then you have humility because you're saying, "Hey Creator, hey Ancient Ones, here I am and I surrender to you and let's see what you will give me," not that you have to take take take take take, that you are surrendering to the beauty of life. Therefore you're filling your life with beauty and with love and laughter.

Mark Allen Surrendering to life's plan.

Brant Secunda Yes.

Mark Allen Beautiful. Thank you.