In the Pause and Listening to the Little People

A folk healer named White Bear describes spiritual healing as a mobile, in-the-moment diagnosis requiring a mental 'pause' where the healer stops being absorbed in emotions. He believes healers benefit from aligning with spirits called Little People to achieve anonymity and nonjudgment. The article uses a qualitative case study approach, citing psychological research to support or question White Bear's mystical wisdom without validating or invalidating it.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article employs a qualitative case study approach to describe the views and perspectives of a folk healer (White Bear) regarding spiritual healing. White Bear argues for a mobile, in-the-moment form of diagnosis and a “pause,” in which the mind ceases to tyrannize and the healer is no longer absorbed in his or her emotions. He contends that a healer can benefit from aligning with spirits (he calls them Little People) who can help achieve the necessary states of anonymity and nonjudgment required for healing work. Throughout the study, theoretical and empirical findings in the field of psychology are cited in an effort to support or question rather than validate or invalidate White Bear’s mystical wisdom.