«I am reminded here of a story told by John O’Donahue about a young anthropologist who had traveled to the rain forests of South America. The anthropologist wanted to interview and study shamans (tribal healers), and he learned of an elder shaman who was considered the most gifted of the group. The anthropologist asked one of the junior shamans to approach the elder and ask if he would be willing to be interviewed. The young shaman went into the forest to convey the message respectfully. He returned some time later with a response. The old man said that he would consider an interview, but first he would have to spend time with the young man. The anthropologist agreed and was told to follow the messenger. They walked for several miles, until they came to where the tiny gray-haired healer sat under a towering tree. The old shaman motioned for his would-be interrogator to sit across from him. The young man sat down respectfully, ready to respond to questions such as “What is your name?”, “Where do you come from?”, “Why are you here?”, “What do you want from me?” But instead, the old man sat there and simply looked at him. Several minutes passed and the anthropologist felt so uncomfortable that he began to say something. The shaman motioned for him to remain silent. It was torture for the young man, who sat there under the direct and relentless gaze of a very wise and perceptive spiritual healer. After more than 2 hours of this, a welcome sense of peacefulness began to fill the young man, and he later said that he had never felt so “known” by anyone before. The old man then began talking.»
