Shamanism - what is it?

The dandelions are gone for now.  Mowed on Friday.  It's hard to choose - but it is certainly nice to have both flowers and then newly mowed grass!  Last year the dandelions returned several times.  So, I expect them to return.  Many of you are aware I have been heavily into studying shamanism over the past year.  Just this morning I ran across a definition that might be of interest.   Shamanism is not an institutionalized religion; rather it is an attitude, a discipline and a state of mind that emphasizes the loving care and concern of oneself, one's family, one's community and one's environment (from Healing States by Villolda and Krippner) Great emphasis is put upon protecting the Earth.    A short definition is:  caretakers of the Earth or Earthkeepers.   Somehow, mowing the dandelions reminded me of this.  But then, I'm finding myself connecting much more frequently with Mother Earth in all  her glory.  Perhaps the soft rain  now falling and drawing tiny circles on the Pond surface  is giving me cause to see God in all her glory this morning.  In the rain, new-mown grass and dandelions.