There is evidence from archaeology and anthropology to show that the practice of shamanism is a worldwide one, and has been undertaken ever since humans have walked our earth. It is therefore understood to be the oldest spiritual practice and method of problem solving. Here we are today, and the practice of shamanism is still with us. This says something very profound about its effectiveness and power. It has been observed that the practice of shamanism across the globe is linked by many common threads - distinct similarities which mean that it's possible to give a general description of the core methods used by countless communities worldwide. The shaman has an essential role in the health and well-being of the community. He or she would work to empower and rebuild harmony in the individual and in the community, and also to rebuild the community's balance  with nature, for indigenous peoples fully understood that as humans we are very much part of the living natural world and not separate from it. This is an important lesson for us to understand at this time. Shamanism is a spiritual practice and a set of methods. The practice of these methods can enable the shaman to bring forward healing and information to bring health, harmony and support for a person's life, once this is done it is for that person to embrace and bring the healing into his or her own life. This practice has the potential to not only connect deeper within ourselves but also with the world that we live in. The shamanic journey is central and unique to shamanism. When your attention is focused on a monotonous beat with drum or using rattle and voice it is possible to connect and travel through the shamans' map. The reason for this is that your brainwaves are slowed down to a speed similar to a state of meditation. It is in this state that the shaman is able to move his or her awareness, with discipline and a clear intent for the work, into that which Dr Michael Harner (Foundation for Shamanic Studies) has termed the “shamanic state of consciousness”. In this state the shaman is able to journey into Non Ordinary Reality, which is different to our everyday Ordinary Reality. It is here that the Shaman is able to meet with helping compassionate spirits who gift us freely with healing and information to support our everyday lives.