Customer Reviews

Shapeshifting: Techniques for Global and Personal Transformation

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

SHAPESHIFTING is a real gem! Author John Perkins takes us with him on an amazing journey to comprehend the methods used by shamen around the world to vanish and reappear, transform into plants and animals, heal seemingly inoperable medical conditions, and travel through space and time. He tells fascinating stories of how he overcame his initial skepticism and doubt to became one with a chair, transform herbs into a newspaper, and travel through time and space as a blue ball of light. Perkins describes a method for discerning between creating something of lasting value (dream), and creating something of transitory relevance (fantasy). SHAPESHIFTING also details a powerful technique for taking a dream that you wish to manifest, focusing on it with your mind and heart, energizing it, and releasing it. Perkins explains that with energy, belief, and intent... anything is possible.

John Perkins has studied with shamans from around the world, leads workshops on shapeshifting and shamanism and has written several books. His approach is to use ancient shapeshifting techniques as a tool for societal as well as personal transformation....offer many practical exercises for learning shapeshifting techniques. Of course, this is a difficult and lifelong process and not something you can learn from simply reading a book about it. Traditional shamans are raised with a magical and holistic worldview that is very different from our modern technological, materialistic one. Shapeshifting is, however, an excellent introduction to this path and may motivate you to delve deeper into the subject. Shapeshifting is usually thought of in terms of transforming the physical body; shamans can supposedly (I believe it, but I realize many don't) literally shapeshift into plants, animals or spheres of pure energy (the latter is described in the book). As fascinating as this prospect is, the possibility that social institutions can shapeshift may be even more important. It has become almost a platitude to say that our present political and economic system is seriously damaging the environment. As tired as we may be of hearing this, and as much as we'd like to believe that it's all hyperbole, it seems hard to deny at this point. In addition to teaching shamanic techniques, John Perkins' Dream Change Coaltion works to preserve the rainforests and influence the thinking of large corporations. Projects of this kind are crucial today.

For those with a metaphysical bent this is a wonderful book. It not only explains shapeshifting it also provides directions on how to change what you perceive. Excellent book, well written and all in all a good read.

In John Perkin's book, he brought back memories of what I had learned in a series of exercises from a Peruvian Shaman on my spiritual journey/quest in Machu Pichu, and the Sacred Valley. I especially like the journey (exercise) into the stone. Find a stone that has touch the ground. "Go into the stone and feel it touch your heart," as you hold it in your hand. Use it as a focus point, and "see inside it something that needed to change," either in your personal life or community. "Shape Shifting" is compelling, and inspires the willingness as well as the ability to create the changes you need and want. It empowers you. It brings back the internal voice of who you are! It shows you how you can make a difference through insight and reflection. In my reflection, I'm ready to move on, create what I want in my life, and BE a master manifestor. In true regards, Nancy [...]

After reading this book I believe so. This book is a must read for all activists working for the full potential of humanity. From Mr. Perkin's own journey into the world of shapeshifting we learn and see how our societies have shapeshifted in the past, a real clue for how to influence humanity on a global basis today. I learned that the most basic tenent of shapeshifting is absolute non-judgment and I am now convinced I can individually impact the future of our world.

"Only a handful of visionaries have recognized that indigenous wisdom can aid the transition to a sustainable world. John Perkins' wonderful story of life among the shamans brings great insight for an industrial civilization consuming and polluting itself toward catastrophy." --- Submitted by Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D., Apollo 14 astronaut, Founder, Institute of Noetic Sciences

I admire Mr. Perkins' love for the Earth and he has an important message to share with the world. Many people feel that unless we are able to shift our perceptions, that we will further endanger the Earth and our very existences. His story is engaging and thought provoking. He opens our mind to the unlimited range of possibilities available to all of us. My only complaint is that if one is interested in the pursuit of the path he describes, no real direction is given in this book. For a more practical and hands on approach to shamanism, I would recommend Shaman, Healer, Sage (Alberto Villoldo) and The Path (Esmeralda Arana).

This book covers two areas that are important to me: Environmentalism and Spiritualism. It is a autobiography of one mans journey to learn to shapechange and how he comes out of it understanding the importance of changing the community around him. A book about a life story, about some tribal beliefs, not a book on technique.

I just finished reading this book for the second time. Having had a few more experiences in life than when I read it the first time, I appreciated the author's message more, during and after this reading.

Everyone who reviews this book, or any book, is obviously coming from a different perspective and from a different place in life. Many have had more experience in some areas, or have formulated opinions based on deep learning. This is one of the first few books regarding shamanic practices that I have read. It is also the second book by Perkins that I have read, the other being Psychnavigation.

Perkins very ably explains for us his own personal evolution, and makes his motivations clear. Thus, although we may not agree with everything he says, or with everything he has done and is doing, for me it comes naturally to respect him, and even to trust him.

The way Shapeshifting is written is quite interesting. It revolves around two conversations Perkins had with a friend, a Maya shaman. Particularly in the first conversation, Perkins does a great deal of reminiscing about his life experiences, particularly regarding the subject indicated by the book's title. These reminiscences woven into the conversation become chapters in the book. Direct quotation gives way to a fresh reocunting, for the reader's benefit, of seminal events in the author's life.

I think we can all take away from this book some basic philosophical lessons, and an adjustment of attitudes that will be beneficial for most.

My reason for stopping short of giving the book five stars is purely personal. I think it has to do with Perkins' style of presentation, which for me is not as powerful and engaging as I would like. My emotions were not sufficiently swayed into wanting to believe in the literal truth of Perkins' accounts. This is not to say that I think "he made it all up," but I wish I had gone to the place while reading where I didn't even care whether the stories were literally true or not; and I did not quite get there, on either my first or second reading of Shapeshifting. For me, Perkins' concern about whether the reader believes him or not is displayed to the point that it actually detracts from the accounts.

The longer I live, the more I realize the importance of supportive energy in our lives. "Shapeshifting" has inspirered me to examine the value of the way we live our lives in our culture. I recomend this book for anyone who has the instinct to realize that our culture could live a more sustainable life. This book is for people who are ready to stop complaining about the things wrong in our lives, and instead, shapeshift into a positive future.

Kevin Bethel MD CM