We become addicted to thought patterns. Those thought patterns generate intense recurring emotions, and those emotions become instructions for the subconscious mind. Because the subconscious can assess the present far more comprehensively than the conscious mind, it constantly scans for possibilities that reinforce those addictive patterns. This continuous cycle gradually creates a lifestyle, which eventually becomes a purpose built upon beliefs and a reality that is both created and perceived. In essence, human beings continually choose what they experience through the attention they repeatedly give to particular situations and energies.

This addiction to thought creates an energetic inertia of thoughts, emotions, and energy that eventually becomes the individual’s perceived reality. All of this is possible because the soul, through its Divine free will, is content simply experiencing. It is happy to go along for the ride. Much like a dog riding in a car, the joy is found in the experience itself rather than the destination.

The conscious mind, however, often feels very differently. Its experience is bound by time and space, living only in the present while constantly harvesting the consequences of past thoughts, emotions, and energetic expressions. It experiences the fruits of its previous points of attention. The subconscious mind faithfully serves the soul and remains largely indifferent to the preferences of the conscious mind.

To understand the mechanics behind this process, we first need to revisit two concepts I have introduced before: the three levels of reality and the hierarchy of the five bodies of the human being.

For shamans and mystics, reality exists in degrees of proximity. The closer something is, the more real it becomes. If something is seen a mile away, the probability of it being real is perhaps only fifty percent. As it approaches the shaman’s personal space, that probability increases to around ninety percent. Physical contact makes it completely real. Reality, therefore, is not simply what exists, but what is experienced directly.

The second concept concerns the five bodies of the human being.

In our tradition, every human being possesses five bodies, each with its own purpose and preferences. The first is the physical body. This body is lent by Pachamama, Mother Earth, allowing the soul to move, learn, and experience life within this world.

The second is the mind. Its purpose is to protect the physical body and help it navigate away from danger. It is also where much of our confusion begins. In carrying out its protective role, the mind develops an identity. Over time, that identity often forgets that it is only one aspect of the human; it is not the human. It begins to believe it is separate and independent, becoming increasingly self-centered and, in some cases, narcissistic.

The third body is what many traditions call the Higher Self or, in more familiar psychological language, the subconscious mind. This aspect of ourselves remembers our true origins and our true purpose. It quietly guides the course of our lives according to the original blueprint, contracts or plans with which we entered this world.

Some traditions also recognize a fourth body: the energetic body. This body is not limited by time or space. Its role is to continually reorganize conditions within the physical world so that life remains aligned with the direction the Higher Self never forgets.

The fifth and final body is the Soul itself. This is the aspect that originates directly from Source. The soul’s purpose is beautifully simple: to experience and to expand. Merely existing is enough. Everything else unfolds naturally through its own luminosity.

Within the shamanic tradition, we understand that after many cycles of life, the soul eventually returns to Divine Source and reintegrates with it. It does not return unchanged. It returns carrying a richer light, one that has been cultivated through every experience, every challenge, every relationship, and every moment of awareness accumulated throughout its journey.

If this perspective resonates with you, I invite you to continue exploring this wisdom with me and discover your true purpose. Whether you are seeking greater clarity, deeper self-understanding, or practical ways to transform long-standing patterns, these teachings are meant to be lived, not simply understood intellectually. It would be an honor to accompany you on that journey. You can learn more about my work or schedule a private session by visiting HealerShaman.com, emailing Flavio@HealerShaman.com, or calling (305)735-1043. Wherever you are on your path, know that meaningful change begins with a single moment of conscious attention.