In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host Furkhan Dandia welcomes Mark Weisman, a self-proclaimed shaman with ancestral roots in the ancient Norse and Celtic traditions. They explore Mark’s profound spiritual journey from ordaining as a Christian minister to embracing a shamanistic path influenced by his Norse heritage. Mark discusses overcoming societal programming to find spiritual and mental freedom. He shares insights on shamanism, integrating spirituality into everyday life, and the significance of small, incremental steps in personal transformation. Mark also emphasizes the need for a compassionate understanding of different spiritual perspectives and the hope at the core of human existence. Additionally, Mark promotes his show ‘Whispers of the Norse’ on Ethereal TV and his weekday morning affirmations on YouTube.

Mark is a modern-day Úlfhe∂inn sworn to his ancestral God Ó∂inn. As a former minister with the Christian church, he has studied extensively throughout the world and arrived at his cultural, spiritual home. With several advanced degrees, he has developed successful methods of dealing with PTSD and helping his friends build coping mechanisms to get back to their lives. As a sworn Úlfhe∂inn, his primary mission is to use his gift from Ó∂inn to help friends and family overcome their obstacles and see their way to success. Mark’s easy-going personality has made him a favourite of young and old alike, as he never condemns anyone for what they believe and shows a way to help get through tough times. Offering a personal Security platform and a spiritual understanding, he produces a simplistic message of peace and hope.

02:55 Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:28 Mark’s Spiritual Journey and Ancestral Beliefs

04:17 Transition from Christianity to Shamanism

06:57 Understanding the Role of a Shaman

09:01 Personal Transformation and Spiritual Calling

16:22 Exploring Different Spiritual Practices

24:25 The Importance of Perspective in Spirituality

33:24 Origins and Misuse of ‘Heathen’ and ‘Pagan’

34:39 The Problem with Labels and Boxes

35:14 Shifting Focus: Personal Experiences with the Church

37:22 Defining Religion vs. Spirituality

41:23 The Human and Spiritual Journey

50:53 Generational Trauma and Ancestral Context

55:28 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠

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Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.