Wilbert Alix Passed Away

A few days ago, on December 18th 2020 Wilbert Alix passed on from this earth, moving into the realm of the ancestors. Wilbert had earned international recognition as a contemporary healer and teacher of progressive psychology and neo-shamanism. Working in this body-centered field his presentations offered a unique insight into the relationships between traditional shamanic healing, progressive psychology and modern science.

Although I was surprised and didn’t expect his passing so soon, I’m not struck with grief. Rather I feel like taking this time to joyfully remember who he was. I learned a lot from Wilbert, in the early 2000’s, especially because I apprenticed with him so intensely for so many years. Similar to how Wilbert apprenticed with Frank Natale, next to everything I learned from him directly and by being present in many of his groups, we mostly just hung around a lot, and had a great time. At a major cross point in my life, hanging out with Wilbert Alix for a couple of years, was awesome, and created the perfect launching platform for my personal endeavors. We laughed a lot. That’s how I will remember him mostly, as an inspiring friend with a great sense of humor!

One of the things Wilbert taught me, is that many people worship dead teachers, but that’s too easy. A dead teacher is not real, it’s just your projection. That’s one of the great things about an alive teacher; alive relationships change, transform, and involve real people that can make mistakes, or have different perspectives. We also had our differences, through the years, and went our separate ways after 2008. It happens. Things change. People grow. As one of my friends put it, “every chief has to make his own bed”. At some point a bird just needs to be kicked out of the nest, sometimes violently.

Of course, Wilberts teachings, some very profound, will always live on in many of mine, and my students. But most important, all the teachings and knowledge aside, above all Wilbert inspired me to dare to be me, and to pursue my passions. He showed me that it’s possible, and real, and an authentic path to choose.

Thank you Wilbert, for sharing so generously. Many blessigs on your way…

Aernoudt