Shamanic Grace Book -- Intro

WHERE DO I BEGIN? There are so many beautiful souls and beings who have  supported me in my work and life. To name them all would fill a book as long  as this one. 
 

My dear MiMa was a Pacific Islander who served as the local healer of the  neighborhood outside of Sydney where I grew up. Since she was my first teacher, I will start by honoring her and offering my gratitude to all the grandfathers  and grandmothers of my ancestral lineage. I also acknowledge all the spiritual  and shamanic teachers from many traditions around the world with whom I  have studied, including, early in my shamanic career, Sandra Ingerman, and,  later, my shamanic community in Peru, particularly Alonso del Rio, his wife  Waldi, and their children, who have become my family as well.  

I offer my profound gratitude to the beings and teachers of the natural  world, both seen and unseen. I honor the elements, the Elementals, the  Clans, the Kingdoms, and, in particular, plant medicine for all they have  taught and continue to teach me. And, I honor and offer my eternal gratitude to the luminescent beings and teachers of the Celestial Realm, whose  continuous guidance, presence, love, and grace humble and awe me every  day. 
 

To all my students who have supported me over the past 30 years, you are  the reason I keep moving forward. Without the generous efforts of many  students, this book, which is my legacy, would not have come into being. I offer it in the hope that this knowledge will continue to serve my students,  their clients, and their loved ones as powerfully and purposefully as it has  served me in the sacred work of supporting, healing, and reawakening others to the Light within them. 
 

I want to thank dear Sonia Dantaz, who sat in every one of my trainings  in Australia scribing my teaching for hours and hours. It was her idea to create this book, which sat waiting to take form for many years. Elana Langer  gathered these notes and those from my U.S. trainings into initial rough  chapter content and Daniel Nichols offered some early thoughts. Elizabeth  White wrote and edited the book, ensuring that my teachings were shared  in a clear, accurate, complete, and accessible manner. Karen List partnered  with me for the final read-through and edits. Wendy List helped to create  the cover. Katherine Rowland performed the final review, proofing, and  formatting before shepherding the book through the publication process.  To my many midwives and a stalwart gnome, I bow deep to your generosity  and kindness. Thank you for birthing my book into the world. 
 

My gratitude goes out to my Elder family, the Warriors of Light, who  have stood with me all these years – Marie Müller, Karen List, Sara Home,  Sharyn Gordon, Daniel Nichols, Nancy Orsi, Elizabeth White, Mei Mei  Woo, Edward Kraucunas, Michael Zaruches, Dana Bird, and especially my  beloved Hermann Müller. How I wish you were here, my dear friend, to  witness the birthing of this book, but I know you are everywhere and that  you are honoring this achievement.
 

To my beautiful, kind, generous Clan in Australia, you are my reason  for being. Finally, I want to thank all those who have trusted me to take them on  journeys with no idea of the destination. Together, we have traveled many  countries, many seas, and many worlds. My students, my friends, my Clans,  you are my heart. I pray our work together and this guide will serve you  well as you continue forward on the journeys that lie ahead. 

AHO!  

Kerry Henwood