Category: Teaching

• Truth Telling

  It’s after four and afternoon light is flooding our office. There is just the hint of sunset in the western sky, even as the shadows are lengthening over deep snowpack. The outside temperature has warmed to a balmy 27 degrees.  The warmth is soothing, if transitory.

  Michael Watson PhD

  February 26, 2015

  First Nations, Stories, Teaching

  Ariel Smith, healing, Native American, trauma

• Ancestors In Conflict

  The other day I found myself in renewed conversation with a few Native friends, discussing the presence of the Ancestors in our everyday lives. There was shared agreement that the Ancestors are often close at hand, offering perspective and advice, although the frequency and immediacy of contact was wildly variable amongst those present. All of…

  Michael Watson PhD

  February 23, 2015

  First Nations, Nature, Shamanism, Teaching

  ancestors, conflict, psychotherapy, Shamanism, trauma

• Two Cultures

  Last night my good friend, Susan Grimaldi, came to my class, bringing stories from her life as a Choctaw shaman, and new ethnographic video from her work in Mongolia. Lucky students were able to engage in conversation with a highly respected shaman who has, over the past twenty years, conducted groundbreaking work with remote shamans…

  Michael Watson PhD

  February 18, 2015

  First Nations, Shamanism, Teaching

  Indigenous, Native American, Shamanism, world view

• Teaching “Shamanisms”

  Tomorrow I begin teaching on campus for the first time this year. I’ve enjoyed time off, and am looking forward to teaching. I’m teaching an upper level seminar on shamanism. Last night, as I was thinking about, and planning, the course, the rain came down hard and fast for hours. This morning there is an…

  Michael Watson PhD

  January 19, 2015

  Shamanism, Teaching

  Shamanism, teaching