We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Corey Roush. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Corey below.
Hi Corey , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in my life experiences and the strength of my inner will. In my blog, I’ve shared my journey through trauma, and I’m currently working on the third section. The way I was raised has shaped my identity and the story I tell myself. I recognized early on that I had the power to choose how I would navigate life’s challenges. Despite the difficulties I faced, I always had the ability to shape my own path and treat others the way I wish to be treated.
Each time life knocked me down, both literally and metaphorically, I chose to rise again. I allowed myself to rest, to cry, and to feel, understanding that these moments were crucial for my growth. I learned that I am worth more than my circumstances or my past. My identity is defined by me and my choices.
I dug my heels in, stood up, and took steps forward, learning more about resilience with every moment. Just like in the newer Rocky series, where Stallone teaches his son that it’s not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can be hit and still keep going, I believe that resilience and willpower are intertwined. It’s essential to have an unwavering will to move beyond anything that doesn’t serve me emotionally, mentally, or physically.
This journey helped me overcome past abuse and unhealthy relationships I found myself in, often due to lingering effects from my history. When I embraced emotional sobriety, I began to see that I could be both the source of my pain and the catalyst for change, recognizing that I had been holding myself back. Acknowledging my role in my suffering required facing myself honestly and committing to change.
While my life has had its challenges, it has also been filled with joy and positivity. I cherish the good moments and strive to see the best in every person, place, and experience. However, I’ve learned to balance that perspective to avoid disappointment, especially when negative feelings arise. Emotional resilience means shifting from cynicism back to a more balanced state of thinking.
I once believed that I could force and will negativity away simply by embracing and focusing on positivity, but that approach often left me feeling more overwhelmed and self-dismissed. I’ve come to understand that it’s not about extremes but finding balance. Every experience, good or bad, is temporary—it, too, shall pass. I realize now that no matter the storms or sunny days, I will be okay. Neutral or better is key.
I’ve survived 100% of my bad days, and I trust that each challenge I face will also pass. To me, that’s the essence of resilience, and it’s a lesson I continue to embrace.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Master Shaman and the proud owner of Shamazinghappens L.L.C. In addition to my business, I serve as a clinical instructor at a local community college and work in a hospital setting. I have had almost 11 years of medical hospital experience as an X-ray technologist and CT technologist prior to becoming a teacher of that art. It has been a rewarding career that has taught me more about myself and how much I love to connect with people in their worst moments. It is the same mentality and principles I try to impart on all of my students that no matter how bad their life is, the patients you are caring for are literally facing death and life altering circumstances. Finding a way to connect with them emotionally as well as doing your job of providing quality patient care and diagnostic imaging, is a massive return on investment. That is how you define and show your character to your employers and people in general. This applies in life where you network and grow your circle. In both of these roles, I have the privilege of helping others recognize their potential and discover their purpose. This work brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Through my teaching, I guide students in the shamanic arts, encouraging them to become the best versions of themselves and to support others in doing the same. I am also a grateful father to my wonderful daughter, Emma, who is turning 9 this year. Most importantly, I am married to my amazing partner and friend, Jenny. Investing in my family to foster a safe, healthy, stable, and joyful life has been incredibly rewarding. This positive return on investment stems from my commitment to personal growth and transformation.
The essence of my journey and my brand, Shamazinghappens, is rooted in resilience and an unwavering will. From a young age, I felt an overwhelming sense that something significant and positive was on the horizon for me—something that would make all my past experiences worthwhile. I can truly say that realization began when my daughter was born, which set me on the path to find my original teacher in the shamanic arts. This connection brought enriching relationships into my life and allowed me to embrace my truest self.
Through Shamazinghappens, I strive to empower others to reach their full potential through self-healing and personal actualization. I provide a safe and neutral space for individuals to explore all aspects of themselves, including their shadows, and discover the blessings within that exploration. My aim is to help them release the past and shift their lives in ways that resonate with them.
I teach the profound significance of free will and personal choice, guiding others to uncover their purpose, gifts, and highest destinies, helping them navigate towards these goals step by step. It is an honor and a privilege to accompany them on their journeys, offering guidance and accountability when needed. I apply the same principles to my own life, as I understand that I am defined by my choices, actions, and integrity—just as everyone else is.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience / Indomitable Will- Having the grit to keep moving forward, regardless of how many times life attempts to knock you down, is essential. This foundational skill is something I’ve learned and recognized within myself, a strength that was always there, just like it is in everyone else. Many people overlook this inner resilience, accepting their current circumstances as the entirety of life. I choose to view my limitations as opportunities for growth and strive to push beyond them.
I confronted my reflection in the mirror, peering deep into the unknown. With a mix of fear and courage, I delved into that darkness. While I faced struggles, feelings of isolation, and hopelessness, each step brought me unexpected discoveries. In embracing hopelessness, I found hope; in isolation, I discovered community; through fear, I uncovered courage; and in suffering, I found contentment and gentleness. This journey within the darkness led me to my internal light. All of this came not from external sources, but from my own choices, will, and inner power. It was through this process that I truly experienced spirituality, recognizing the divine presence within each of us.
Compassion / Grace-
Compassion and grace emerged as natural byproducts of resilience and unwavering will. Every mistake or unexpected turn on my path is not a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity for growth—a chance to turn those moments into meaningful stories. Each challenging encounter, whether with difficult patients or trying circumstances, served as a lesson, guiding me to understand my identity, origins, and my journey forward.
Practicing compassion means recognizing that perfection is unattainable and that’s perfectly okay. It’s about showing kindness to yourself during tough times, even if getting out of bed feels monumental. It encompasses those long nights of heartfelt tears, yet holding onto the belief that better days are ahead, even if they’re not visible right now. This experience isn’t just mine; it resonates with everyone around us. We all possess the ability to embody compassion and grace, especially when we haven’t received it from life. By doing so, we begin to see ourselves and the world differently. You are not a failure, you are not defined by your past, and you are absolutely worthy of love and happiness. You are enough.
Humor and Openness-
Humor and openness are what keep life flowing smoothly. Finding laughter amidst the darkness and pain can transform difficult moments into shared stories. Reflecting on our blunders—whether it’s acting foolishly or saying the wrong thing at an inopportune moment—can often lead to a humorous revelation. Sometimes, not landing that job was a blessing in disguise; perhaps it spared you from a situation that wouldn’t have served you well.
Just like in Garth Brooks’ song, “Thank God for Unanswered Prayers,” closed doors often lead to better opportunities. When you look back at the challenges you faced, it’s amusing to realize how sometimes we complicate our own lives unnecessarily. Those irate patients or difficult encounters may have caused stress in the moment, but they also provide great stories to share with students, reminding them to find humor amid the chaos.
Openness fosters a mindset that life is about lessons, not punishments. Life offers us medicine, not poison, if we remain receptive and attentive. By being teachable and observant, we learn to cherish even the smallest, meaningful moments that propel us through tougher days.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
If you’re reading this and it resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out! You can contact me directly at 252-717-5830 or via email at shamazinghappens@gmail.com. I warmly welcome students and trainees in the shamanic arts who are eager to learn how to heal themselves while also helping others.
In our journey together, we will collaborate to co-create personalized treatment plans for clients. During your training, any referrals that come my way will involve you, providing valuable hands-on experience that will prepare you for your own practice in the future. I guide my students not only in the skills necessary for facilitating healing and growth in others but also in recognizing and nurturing their own unique magic. This personal journey will help you uncover your potential and inspire you to carve your own path in this field.
Together, we will build a supportive community of healers and collaborators, where we can all lean on one another for guidance and shared experiences. Each student also has the opportunity to work closely with their peers, fostering healing and support within our group.
This school of shamanic arts is about more than just learning healing practices; it is a transformative process aimed at awakening and ascending to your true self. By peeling away the layers of who we are not, we can discover the light that exists within us. With each layer removed, that inner light shines ever brighter.
If this message resonates with you, please reach out so we can discuss the training, expectations, and set a time to embark on this meaningful journey together!
Contact Info:
- Website:www.shamazinghappens.com
- Instagram: @SHAMAZING_HAPPENS
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wayfinder222
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-roush-916521319?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: @ShamazingHappens
- Other: Spotify Podcast Channel: Shamazing Happens
Image Credits
Personal Photos Google Image Search and Free source AI