In several social-networking communities, in this case Zaadz.com, there are ongoing dialogues regarding many things -- so-called 'conscious capitalism' (see the post in the CENet blog), spirituality and commerce, and other very topical issues of our day.
In one dialogue, participants were sharing concerns about various spiritual teachers, healers, psychics, self-proclaimed (and possibly legitimate) wise persons operating full-out marketing 'machines' and charging extremely high fees. Those specifically mentioned, or taken to task, included psychic, Sylvia Browne; and energy medicine guru, Carolyn Myss.
The dialogue raises some of the core questions that we're living into as one era begins to overlap with and replace or alter another, not the least of which is the uncomfortable marriage of spirituality and commerce, which can surface all sorts of tensions and beliefs, as well as the whole host of proverbial 'temptations in the desert'.
I'm sure we've all experienced the pressures of the dominant consumer culture (in which, you've probably noticed, we go from being 'citizens' in our democracies, etc. to being 'consumers'). We're taught that we can buy how we want to feel, rather than being responsible for how we feel and the choices we make. How could we not feel this way, when we're surrounded by these messages being made very effectively by so-called 'neuromarketing' -- neuro-psychology based marketing?
And yet the responsibility rests with each of us to become aware of our agendas and underlying motives and yearnings, and to observe how we've expected or sought 'solutions' or 'instant fixes' from external sources.
I know that I certainly have, over the years, purchased a book or explored some sort of additional credential and so on, in order to gain something that can only come from within. Slowly, whether through a 'dark night of the soul' or some other evolution, we all learn that while messages from Spirit and guidance can come from others (through books, workshops, web sites, discussions, etc.), we ourselves must do the work. We move from being 'outside in' to being 'inside out' -- we're centered in our core, and 'being in the world but not of it.'
One of my own real-world 'heroes' in this regard is A.T. Ariyaratne, founder of Sarvodaya - a world and community change through heart-centered change. As many wise people have said over millennia, to change what we see and experience, we must have a change of heart (this is the original meaning of the word 'repent').
Many express understandable concerns about the burgeoning 'spirituality industry', replete with the sale of card decks, totems, amulets, crystals, essences, 'mystery schools', and so much more -- with the more commercially oriented promising grand claims that the item itself will solve all of your problems.
Some of these may be well-designed, spirit-connected or inspired, and shared with a truly generous and integrity centered Heart. In some other cases, well, there are completely different, often very Ego-feeding (or worse) agendas at work.
I actually do believe that mindfully selected (and created) totems, crystals, amulets, and essences can actually be useful; a brilliantly done 'deck' (or whatever) may indeed stimulate one's connection to Intuition or higher guidance; and there really are legitimate and gifted psychics, intuitives, healers and wise persons -- but not if the intention of the seeker is for an 'outside in' quick fix. There is no replacing the inner, personal work that must be done on our journeys. Those things, and other people, can simply be tools and messengers (respectively); they don't do the work for us.
And it doesn't lessen the need for those who are called to share wisdom, share their experiences and gifts, through the means we have available to us, for the healing of hearts, souls, people, the planet, etc. Walking the line consciously, being in the world but not of it. It really is a discipline and a practice.
Thank you for walking with me!
Until next time...
Jamie
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