Sandra Ingerman is the author of several books including Soul Retrieval and Awakening to the Spirit World. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and teaches workshops internationally on shamanic journeying, healing, and reversing environmental pollution using spiritual methods. She was awarded the 2007 Peace Award from the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine. Visit her at www.sandraingerman.comsandraingerman.com and www.shamanicteachers.com. See more about her in our profile for the Living Spiritual Teachers Project.

Given the catastrophic condition of the environment and the economic tensions around the world, a large amount of negativity is afoot in both America and abroad. Ingerman believes that it is time to shift our thoughts:

"If everyone channeled the energy that is created from our complaining about what is not working to positive thoughts and intentions, we would see a great deal of positive change on the planet."

Limiting beliefs like "I am not a creative person" and defeatist views on the world such as "We will never achieve peace in our lifetime" drain our energy and drag us down. These blocking beliefs can be overcome by ceremonies. Ingerman presents one dealing with the elements. She then goes on to salute the transformative value of the spiritual practice of gratitude, supporting our core beliefs, revitalizing disappointment and grief, and making the most of the global community. The Shaman's Toolkit makes a good case for seeing human beings as caretakers of the earth.