Meet Starr Shontere | Shamanic Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Starr Shontere and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Starr, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Risk! I love unpacking this question, because this question also implies a certain fear of failure. The word risk itself means to expose ourselves to inherent dangers.

As a wellness specialist and shamanic teacher, I see this as a huge trigger for many people in their lives. This fear of failure, (and even the fear of success) becomes an emotional and energetic block to the very success they are aiming for!

The real questions become: Are we really ready to be exposed? Are we really ready to be Vulnerable?

As I help guide people through their fears, we begin to recognize that within that sacred space of vulnerability, also lies our strengths. It’s in that vulnerability that we get real with ourselves, and we find the courage to stand in our Truth. Once we arrive at our true north, or that inner knowing, all risks are off the table. We just know, “this is what I am meant to do.” It is within that knowing that we become friends with, “Trust”.

We learn to trust ourselves, even as we stand on shaky legs and move forward. Yes, we learn to trust ourselves and we learn to trust the process. We remember that there really is no such thing as failure, therefore risk is obsolete. There are only stepping stones and empowering life lessons from this point onward. We learn to ebb and flow in this natural dance of life.

The ability to take risks, in life, in love and in business all comes down to excepting that everything unfolds for you and your highest good. Everything!

Perception is a key factor! Once we clear those old imprinted stories and gnarly blocks of fears, we can fully step on this magical path and express our unique genius. We expose our fears and realize that vulnerability and risk were powerful allies on this beautiful trust-walk called life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Well, my Shamanic Practice has certainly evolved throughout the 20 + years! I actually feel, that the evolution, has been part of Dream Tree Wellness’ success.

We can’t be afraid to change, that’s for sure! The ability to morph and grow as a medicine woman, has been essential when navigating the needs of my clients. I suppose that must be true for all businesses.

I began my practice 22 years ago as a massage therapist and meditation guide. The problem was, my intuitive abilities were constantly taking me out of my scope of practice. In other words, I could sense and feel what was happening in people’s bodies. In fact, I found it absolutely amazing that clients would tell me that the knots in their physical body were, in fact, their emotional stories.

This led me into the deep dive into energy medicine and my shamanic path. This is where my life began to shift, and things got super interesting.

I began to incorporate guided meditation into my massage therapy practice and developed the Meditation Massage, which eventually branched into meditation classes and publishing guided meditation CDs.
Seeing and feeling the emotional stress and traumas that are held within the body, I began a deeper quest into epigenetics, and the various modalities used to release these imprinted traumas.

Of course my journey continued, which ultimately led me to my long studies in indigenous medicine and shamanism. I reached deep inside myself, beyond all comfort zones, and traveled from the Hopi Mesa to the jungles of the Amazon and the Sacred Valley of Peru, studying the ways of the Shaman.

First I studied trance states of being, and became a certified Trance Dance facilitator. Then continuing to morph in my authentic practice, I developed my own approach to Somatic Trance, and now add Somatic Medicine Dance to the many playshops, retreats and gatherings I teach.

The long quest continued with indigenous medicine, and after many years, I humbly received my initiation rites as a Master Shaman with the Q’ero elders on the Holy Mountains of Peru. A proud moment indeed! Why you ask?
Well through this intense training with the Q’ero, I now had the protocols to help my clients on the energetic/emotional level and the physical level. This was a beautiful evolution in my practice that made a ton of difference. It truly changed my life.

Then, I went back into the evolutionary cocoon, and received my 200hr Yoga Teaching Certificate. This was another game changer in being able to offer my clients a well rounded practice. Now I add yoga and medicine dance to our Wellness Gatherings, as a somatic experience.

However, through all of the evolution in my practice, I will have to share with you, that my apprenticeship with the Shipibo Tribe in the Amazon Rainforest was/is the the biggest shift in my soul and in my practice.

To experience, to live, to understand the ways of the Amazon Rainforest, is to expand in consciousness. It is to go through the eye of the needle and find that you are the eye itself.

The soul of my business has always been to help community to expand in their wellness: to feel at home and safe within themselves. The mind, body and soul must be in balance for us to live that joy filled life. My honor, has been to help guide people on that epic journey to wellness.

The challenges? Well, we have all seen the challenges over the last 2 years in a pandemic. The thing I have learned about challenge is, that whatever those challenges may be, we must face them with love, and learn to rise up. We must continue that metamorphosis.
Here we grow again!

It was mentally easy for me to pivot. I already had an on line presence, as most of my client sessions are offered on line. However, one of the most amazing things happened. During the pandemic, I took the outreach and education programs on line too!
This was a game changer.
So now, our community is growing. I can now offer the Mentorship Program, Mindful Monday Meditations, Virtual Ceremonies and workshops on line! We are growing with such amazing support! It’s a beautiful thing

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so honored and humbled to walk this shamanic path. I have trekked the sacred spaces from the Amazon Rainforest to the top of Machu Picchu, and beyond. My teachers have been many, including shamans, plant spirits, and star beings. I would stand on the top of Mount Shasta and shoutout each of their names in honor and thanks. However, the true shoutout today, goes to each and every one of you who are willing to rise up into your most empowered selves. My shoutout is to those of you who have the courage to stand in your heart space, knowing that you are making a difference in this world. And My shoutout is to those of you who are struggling today. May you breathe into your big beautiful heart, and know that you are worthy!

Aho!

Website: dreamtreewellness.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starrshontere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starrshontere

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRkEs1UbjbiHmx8IzM_-HMQ

Other: starr@dreamtreewellness.org