“A Shamanic View of Mental Illness—Somé” on August 12 Why Shamanism Now with Host Christina Pratt

Portland, OR, August 10, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Streaming live on the Co-Creator Radio Network on Tuesday, August 12, at 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern on "Why Shamanism Now? A Practical Path to Authenticity,” shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt notes that when we look at mental illness through a different cultural lens, we can see something entirely different than the standard allopathic interpretation of the situation. There are other ways to look at what is actually happening to someone who has been diagnosed as “mentally ill.” Pratt tells listeners about Malidoma Patrice Somé, who is committed to helping contemporary people to see that we can use ritual, albeit adjusted rituals, just as the Dagara people do to relieve the suffering at the core of “mental illness.”

In this week’s episode of “Why Shamanism Now?” titled “A Shamanic View of Mental Illness—Somé,” Pratt explores the current work of Somé that shows that a different perspective opens up very different possibilities. According to Some, ritual can open the way for the individual’s healing relationship with helping spirits that supports a cure or definitive movement out of the “mentally ill” state of being and back into the world as an individual better equipped than most to give their gifts to the world.

Christina Pratt is a contemporary shaman specializing in mending the soul and transforming the parts of life that feel impossible. A teacher of exceptional clarity, humor, and inspiration, Pratt brings the power of shamanism into the practical grasp of anyone willing to take responsibility for improving the quality of their life. Her book An Encyclopedia of Shamanism clearly discusses the basic concepts of shamanism, methods, and traditions of over 50 different shamanic peoples. Pratt is the founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, creator of the original Foundations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing course at the University of Minnesota, and a frequent and honored speaker for the American Holistic Medical Association.

"Why Shamanism Now? A Practical Path to Authenticity," a live internet talk radio show with host Christina Pratt, airs Tuesdays at 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern time on co-creatornetwork.com/hosts/shamanism/host_bio.htm. Each week host Christina Pratt and guests explore the practical application of shamanic skills in our contemporary lives to create robust well-being, strong and clear community connections, and life enriching spiritual maturity. Listeners can ask questions by calling 512-772-1938 or via Skype. Prior episodes from "Why Shamanism Now" can be downloaded for free by visiting whyshamanismnow.com. Pratt also talks about Shamanic Healing on YouTube.

Upcoming Last Mask Center events include a Shamanic Journey Circle on August 20 and a Last Mask Community Teleseminar on August 27. A new session of Pratt’s four-year training – Masks of Illusion and the Authentic Self – begins on August 20 in Portland, OR. For more information on these and other events, see the monthly calendar on http://www.lastmaskcenter.org/calendar/. For more information on Christina Pratt, the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, or to order An Encyclopedia of Shamanism at a special discounted rate, visit www.lastmaskcenter.org. For additional information or to arrange an interview with Pratt, please contact Linda Woznicki, 845-417-8811, marketing@lastmaskcenter.org