Called to Spiritual Service, Part 2
{an extrapolation of a twitter thread}
If I were to update this post, I'd add "there are a million ways to be a healer."
The flashier, sexier parts of spirituality and healing work are ripe for social media - and there's nothing inherently wrong with that. I’ve always believed the Divine uses any willing vessel - if only for a moment - to get Its message to the masses. Perfection has never been required, only presence, willingness, and enough audacity to make it work. Authenticity is often sorted out later.
The thing about Healers is that they heal wherever they are, whatever they're doing. That energy doesn't need an audience, it simply is, and anyone in the presence of it will be moved by it in some way.
All of your spiritual gifts can and will serve you, whether or not anyone knows what’s in your toolbox. What you're led to do and share today may not be how you move next month or next year. Technology aside, this is still the spiral path; there are very few straight lines to walk, and things can turn on a dime. Be prepared to change, often. Watch where you place your bets, and your valuables.
Understand and accept the roots of your desire / need / compulsion to "help." Remember: this work will not fill you; self care will always be your responsibility.* The needs are great, people can be ungrateful and demanding, and you will always always always be called back to your own healing.
Be honest about why you think you need to help, and what you think (in)validates your contributions. Excessively externalizing the work can be a sign that you're masking something that needs healing. Martyr or god complexes, expecting perfect reciprocity, codependency, and similar patterns are all excellent ways to facilitate a breakdown.
Finally, there is always someone doing the work. The world will not stop because you do. If you feel that way, know it’s your ego / wound talking, not reality.
It's completely possible to bring things to natural conclusions, refer folks to other reputable practitioners, and move into your next phase. People who have a problem with you taking care of yourself or shifting your trajectory, temporarily or otherwise, have their own issues to contend with. Leave them to their work.
The people will be there. The work will be there. Make sure you're doing right by your star player.
.:.
Related Blogs
Dueling Destinies
No Country for Energy Vampires (2014)
To Whom Much is Given (2016)
.:.
*If being openly available to the community is your role, that will become clear to you, and your blessings will flow from that place. On the other hand, if you find yourself consistently exhausted, burnt out, resentful, or can't find a comfortable niche, maybe you're meant to integrate your gifts into your life and use your magic for yourself - at least for now. Trust: whatever you're doing, you can learn to do it from a Divinely centered space, with or without recognition and validation from the masses.
