Waking Up to Wetiko: 10 Steps to Inner Healing

What is "wetiko" and how could it be contributing to anxiety, anger, and fear that is blocking your flow, fulfillment, and freedom?

Wetiko is an ancient indigenous term that refers to a destructive, parasitic force or energy that can consume individuals, communities, and even entire civilizations. 

The term has been used in different contexts, but is often described as an evil spirit or demon that causes people to behave in selfish, greedy, and harmful ways. 

Wetiko and Material Attachment

Among the many reasons, wetiko can lead to stress and anxiety caused by material attachment. 

Wetiko can lead to material attachment in several ways. First, wetiko often manifests as greed, which is a deep-seated desire to accumulate wealth and material possessions. When this desire is driven by wetiko, it can become an all-consuming force that leads to a preoccupation with acquiring more and more material possessions. This can result in an unhealthy attachment to money and material goods, which can become a source of identity, validation, and security.

Second, wetiko can create a sense of scarcity and fear, which can drive people to cling to material possessions as a way of coping with their fears and anxieties. For example, someone who is driven by wetiko may believe that they need to accumulate as much wealth as possible in order to protect themselves from perceived threats. This can lead to a cycle of never feeling satisfied with what they have, and always seeking more material possessions to feel secure.

Finally, wetiko can lead to a distorted view of reality, where material possessions and wealth are seen as the primary markers of success and happiness. When this view becomes prevalent in a society, it can lead to a culture of materialism and consumerism, where people are encouraged to believe that the more they acquire, the happier and more fulfilled they will be. This can result in a distorted sense of priorities, where material possessions become the most important things in life, and other values and relationships are neglected.

Healing from Wetiko

Paul Levy is an American author and spiritual teacher who has written extensively about the concept of wetiko. In his work, Levy draws on indigenous wisdom traditions as well as modern psychological theories to explore the concept of wetiko as a manifestation of the collective shadow of humanity. According to Levy, wetiko is a force that operates at the unconscious level and drives people to behave in self-destructive and harmful ways. He argues that recognizing and addressing wetiko is crucial for healing and transforming our society.

Levy believes that wetiko is a reflection of the collective unconscious of humanity, and that it is responsible for much of the suffering and violence in the world today. 

To awaken to wetiko and work towards healing and transformation, Levy provides ten pieces of advice:

1. Awareness: Increase your awareness of the ways in which wetiko operates in your life and in the world. This involves paying attention to the negative patterns and behaviors that you observe in yourself and others, and becoming more mindful of the underlying motivations behind these behaviors.
2. Self-reflection: Engage in self-reflection and self-exploration to gain a deeper understanding of your own unconscious motivations and tendencies. This can involve journaling, therapy, or other forms of introspection.
3. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and presence to develop the capacity to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of the ways in which wetiko influences your thoughts and behaviors, and can also help you to release negative patterns and cultivate a sense of peace and well-being.
4. Shadow work: Explore and integrate your shadow aspects, which are the unconscious parts of yourself that you disown and project onto others. Shadow work involves facing and embracing the parts of yourself that you may have been avoiding or denying, and integrating these aspects into your conscious awareness.
5. Relationships: Reflect on your relationships and the role that wetiko plays in them. Seek to develop deeper, more authentic connections with others by being honest and vulnerable with those you care about, and by setting boundaries to protect your well-being.
6. Inner work: Engage in inner work, such as therapy or spiritual practices, to help heal the wounds of the past and integrate your unconscious aspects. Inner work can help you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the ways in which wetiko influences your life.
7. Gratitude: Cultivate a practice of gratitude to shift your focus from the negative to the positive and develop a sense of connection with others and the world. Gratitude can help you to cultivate a sense of joy, peace, and well-being, even in the face of adversity.
8. Service: Seek out opportunities to serve others and make a positive impact in the world. Service can help you to connect with others in meaningful ways and to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life.
9. Community: Connect with like-minded people who share your values and support your growth and healing. Having a supportive community can help you to feel seen and heard, and can provide you with the encouragement and guidance you need to make positive changes in your life.
10. Courage: Have the courage to face the challenges and obstacles that arise on your journey towards healing and transformation. This may involve facing difficult truths about yourself and the world, and making changes that can be uncomfortable or challenging. But with courage and determination, you can overcome these obstacles and make meaningful progress on your journey.

Wetiko is a powerful and destructive force that can have a profound impact on individuals and society. Recognizing and addressing wetiko is essential for healing and transformation, and Paul Levy's ten pieces of advice can provide a roadmap for individuals who are seeking to awaken to this concept and work towards a more conscious and harmonious world.

Whether through self-reflection, mindfulness, inner work, service, or community building, each of these steps can help you to overcome the negative influences of wetiko and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Curt Mercadante is a CEO and author of Five Pillars of the Freedom Lifestyle. His content is designed to help you live your life of flow, fulfillment, and freedom.