Why do I respond so passionately to the age-old conundrum of shaming that happens to spiritual business owners for conducting business in a spiritual capacity? Here are my TOP 5 REASONS:
1) SOMEONE HAS TO DO IT.
If we expect others to learn, we need people to teach us or to help us hone our craft. This creates integrity in our fields of practice. If you are in a place where you can do this for free, that's awesome! Not everybody can do that.
2) TIME IS VALUABLE.
If our teachers are opening doors and spending precious family time helping others, they deserve to be compensated just like anyone else. It costs a lot to run a business -- from business space rental to websites to get the word out, to paying taxes, to software to do online work, to supplies such as singing bowls, massage tables, and the like. It's not cheap once you dive in fully! Again ... unless you have other money coming in ... how will you expect to pay for these things?
3) MAGICAL THINKING IS NOT ALWAYS PRACTICAL.
The mortgage company does not take payment in bartered crystals. I really wish they did. I am all for bartering when it is the right time and place, but if this is the method you choose to work with all the time, please understand that you WILL continue to struggle to pay the bills unless you have another source of income coming in. That was really hard for me to swallow that pill, but think about the logistics of it. I will barter AFTER the bills are paid or for clients who cannot afford my services.
4) IT'S OKAY TO WANT MORE FROM YOUR LIFE.
When we get paid properly, we begin to live in a place of abundance instead of survival. Sure, you can live in abundance without money. Can you be happy there? Most spiritual people I know shame themselves for wanting more. This is another spiritual pitfall. Money can open opportunities for you like taking that trip to Mt. Shasta, attending spiritual events you find inspiring, and yes ... gaining more skills because you can afford more training, more books, and more ways to get your message out to the world.
5) BUSINESS CAN BE A CATALYST TO PERSONAL GROWTH.
This one is a bit personal. For me, working on my business is pulling me out of a trauma-induced freeze response. I've been in this state for many years. The business has ignited this passion within me that I have not felt in a long time. It brings purpose and a chance to be inspired again. I know I am not alone in this. So if I shame someone else for doing business, I am actively poo-pooing on their dream, their inspiration, and maybe even their healing! I'd rather be a supportive force.
What this business is going to be about is not only supporting those who have had to endure this shaming but bringing back the confidence that it may have stripped from you. My New Paradigm Entrepreneurship program will address this and teach you how to navigate doing business in a sacred way. Please continue to stick with me as I get this off the ground. It's coming! I am grateful that you are here to witness the process.
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