So often, I have clients telling me they believe they deserve certain things in their life now. Although I am very sympathetic when I hear this and understand where they are coming from, I also know that the dynamics of life don’t work that way. Thinking like that only sets us up for more frustration and anger when those things don’t materialize. There is a better mindset that fosters a very constructive ecosystem. It is based on how valuable you are, and your value is determined by what you contribute. In Andean Shamanic Tradition, we give in three dimensions: mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Mentally, this would be based on what we call Anya, your Truth. In the Andean Cosmovision, we understand and honor that everyone sees their reality from their own unique personal perspective. It’s simply not part of our existence to have a single truth. We can share our truth, but with the same legitimacy, the truths of others must also be acknowledged. We give this.

Emotionally, this relates to Munay. There are many ways to explain this concept, but over the years, for me, it has come to mean “Love in Action”. This means that from the moment you wake up, everything you do and interact with is done with a conscious and extra sense of reverence. Life is so beautiful when you feel that everything around you loves you because you’ve loved it first. To feel and want to share a loving feeling is a matter of decision.

Physically, we use the concept of “Llankay”. It signifies the linear result of directed effort. In the Andean Cosmovision, everything in nature is always working, and we consider this energy sacred. When we direct our efforts to create, work, or maintain something, the energy channeled through us for this purpose is acknowledged as a gift. Everything that physically “is” is the consequence of this energy previously synchronized. We pay close attention to everything we do (or do not do) to ensure it creates or maintains harmony.

The three concepts above are closely tied to “Ayni”, which can roughly mean “reciprocity”. It’s not about what you deserve, but rather about what you give; the rest happens automatically through reciprocity. You don’t inherently deserve anything, but you will absolutely receive based on the value of your giving. Your mental, emotional, and physical habitat will harmonize with the energy you put out. This is inevitable and pervasive in nature; nothing can grow without nourishment. What you put out will feed the corresponding energy that sustains the people and things you want—or do not want—in your life.