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Monkey Business: Diane Melone spent three weeks in Peru this summer.
Photo courtesy of Diane Melone
Local Notebook
Campbell woman initiated as shaman
In the mountains of Peru, Diane Melone of Campbell learned volumes about herself as she participated in physical and spiritual challenges on her path to being initiated as a shaman.
Melone traveled to Peru for three weeks in June on a spiritual pilgrimage with six other women. They were led by a shaman and his wife through sacred areas, such as Machu Pichu and ancient Incan burial grounds. Melone said she felt the trip was something she had to do.
"I've been on a vision quest, looking to be able to do more healing in the world," Melone said. "I really feel I was guided to do it."
During the trip, Melone said there were challenges to overcome on many levels. The group used basic survival skills, sometimes hiking at high altitudes without eating. Melone said the physical challenges stripped away any inhibitions, making it easier to experience the spiritual aspects of the trip.
"Without inhibitions, it was easier to go into altered states, and I saw things I probably wouldn't have seen," Melone said. "I've really learned to trust my intuition more."
A shaman is considered to be a spiritual healer. In many cultures, the healing skills are passed down through families.
Melone said the trip will help her in her work as a spiritual counselor. She said it is important to heal the spirit in conjunction with the body.
"This helped me to see that people are more whole, to encourage them to connect with that part of them that is more confident then they think they are," Melone said. "The trip had a big impact on me and will continue to."
Melone said the next step in her professional life will be in leading women's Renewal and Rejuvenation weekends, based on the things she has learned. She said that the weekend sessions are still in the beginning stages.
Melone runs women's spiritual groups and works as a marriage and family counselor in Campbell. She can be reached at 408.866.7946.
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Campbell, California
