Jamie Vida, originally from New Zealand, has been Meditating and Teaching since 1985. He enjoys lifelong learning with his students, clients, and guides, shaping his commitment to meditation. His love for sport and adventure, combined with a passion for health, fitness, and well-being, has led him to emphasize these aspects in his teachings. Jamie believes in conscious living and the importance of a safe, supportive, and peaceful community for meditation practice. MysticMag has the opportunity to chat with Jamie.
Jamie, can you share a transformative experience from your own spiritual journey that has shaped your approach to teaching?
Yes, without question, my journey into shamanic work began many years ago with a man named Aaron Eldon in Canada. He had studied with the North American Indians and was also a druid, which I found quite intriguing. Through this work, I gained valuable experiences and insights. I embarked on shamanic energy medicine trainings and went through the wheel, which represents the journey through different stages of healing and transformation.
The first time around the wheel was a powerful and emotional experience, cleansing me of tears and pent-up emotions. It became clear to me that what I was going through, others were also experiencing. I felt a strong calling to share this work with others in a way that would awaken them to the need for change. So, I went around the wheel two more times, each time with different archetypes and healing processes. This journey made me realize that the beginning of any spiritual work is the recognition that change is needed, which can often be triggered by health, relationship, or financial crises.
It’s about taking small steps and guiding people gently through the process, rather than diving straight into advanced techniques like past life regression. My spiritual journey began at a very young age, as I could pick up messages from as early as 14 months old. I remember warning my brother about a potential accident, which turned out to be true, and this early intuition and communication with the unseen world shaped my worldview.
At that time, talking openly about spirituality was still taboo, but now, as people become more aware, I aim to meet them where they are in their journey, providing support and guidance without pushing them into major healing crises. My approach is shaped by understanding the need to be cautious and caring, especially in a world where spirituality is becoming more prominent yet still requires a delicate approach.
How do you see the role of shamanic energy healing in today’s world, especially in the context of our current global challenges?
Over 40 years ago, I began training in natural therapies, working with people ever since. Initially, I practiced Q12 energy healing, which was not widely understood. As Reiki gained popularity, I completed a course in it, as people were more familiar with this modality. My journey into shamanic energy work started with massage and evolved to include Clinical Hypnotherapy, crystal therapy, psychotherapy, working with animals, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and shamanic energy healing. Today, my practice integrates all these modalities. When clients come to me, I ask them to verbalize their concerns, not just to express it to the universe but also for them to hear it from a different perspective. Shamanic energy healing addresses mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, focusing on the lower chakras initially and then progressing upwards. It encompasses awareness of the food we consume, the water we drink, and even our sleep patterns. A 30-minute session of shamanic energy healing can often achieve results that might take other therapies three months to three years to achieve.
How do you approach bridging the gap between modern evidence-based discoveries of science and the experiential discoveries of mystics in your teachings?
Modern research and evidence-based discoveries are increasingly aligning with what indigenous peoples have known for centuries. Concepts such as working with spirits, past lives, and energies, once dismissed as “woo,” are now being supported by scientific findings. However, it’s essential to approach scientific results with caution, as only 13% are deemed true, with many studies being influenced by funding sources. This highlights the importance of intuition and gut feelings when evaluating information. It’s crucial to conduct our own research and consider both scientific and indigenous teachings with an open mind to gain a holistic understanding.
What are some key principles or practices from your various forms of meditation that you find most beneficial for individuals seeking personal growth and healing?
Most people, much like in the old Matrix movie, are looking for quick fixes, symbolized by choosing between the red pill and the blue pill. However, the key principles of personal development involve realizing the need for change. Meditation is a great starting point, and I often begin with a simple practice of three breaths. This approach helps people ease into meditation without feeling overwhelmed. It’s important for them to go easy on themselves and not get discouraged by distractions or racing thoughts. I encourage them to find a comfortable position, whether sitting on a chair or cushion, and focus on their breathing. Once they’ve established this foundation, we can explore more advanced techniques like visualizations and grounding exercises. Grounding involves visualizing a cord connecting you to the center of the earth, while universal light visualization helps in clearing and energizing your chakras. These practices, along with regular meditation, can be transformative in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
What advice do you have for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and connect with higher consciousness in their daily lives?
I believe in starting slowly and being consistent in your practice. It’s okay if you miss a morning or evening; life happens. The key is to be as consistent as possible. You can deepen your practice through meditation, which is one of the easiest ways to listen to your intuition and act on it. When you receive a message from your intuition, whether it’s about going somewhere or speaking to someone, follow through. By listening and acting on these messages, you build trust with your spirit guides or loved ones in the spirit world, and they will send more messages. Connect with your spirit guides and nature. If you can’t be in nature physically, you can bring nature to you through videos or images and immerse yourself in them. This connection with nature and like-minded people can deepen your practice and lead to a sense of community and family. As you deepen your spiritual practice and believe in yourself, your higher consciousness will become more present in your life, guiding you in your journey.
If you would like to find out more about Jamie Vida, please visit https://www.jamievida.com/
