Spirituality is not for sale
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Spirituality should never be viewed as a product to be packaged and sold. This is a recurring theme I’ve noticed within the spiritual community and on social media, where many, including myself during my initial exploration of social service, engage in this practice. It has been rewarding to see how openly sharing my experiences has offered support to others on their healing paths. However, I’ve also observed that some individuals have misrepresented or taken advantage of the sanctity of this work. I have explored various healing trends, invested in numerous self-help books, and sought guidance from a diverse array of healers, only to realize that I fell into the trap of overconsuming spirituality, which led me to consider marketing similar concepts. I am now recognizing that this is not the path I want to pursue. I aim to honor the sacred nature of spirituality and respect the rich traditions and practices of other cultures.
As well-intentioned as this movement is, I find myself increasingly disenchanted with the idea that my training in reiki or my comprehensive studies qualify me as an expert healer. The reality is far more complex. I have contemplated the idea of pursuing training in shamanism, yet I am concerned that the tradition has been extensively misused and appropriated. While I hold great respect for those who genuinely aim to support others on their journeys, I have that some individuals within the community may act from a place of ego, prioritizing their own power or financial interests over true service. This often shifts the focus away from those who genuinely require assistance and onto themselves. Ultimately, I do not wish to commodify my abilities or present myself as a mere product. I believe that each individual discovers their spiritual essence in a unique way and at their own pace, making it a profoundly personal journey, as it is intertwined with their own narratives and lived experiences.
I am currently in the process of defining my approach as a future clinician, but definitely with a strong inclination towards mental health, shaped by my personal experiences with depression, anxiety, and trauma. My intention is to share my journey authentically, highlighting varying beneficial tools but not prescribing any one way. I see myself more as a facilitator than an authority, as I do not wish to impose my beliefs or experiences on others. When I write, it serves a dual purpose: it is a means of self-reflection and a way to offer guidance to others who lack support, such as I did in my formative years. While I can share my perspective, I do not expect anyone to follow my path; rather, I aim to create a space for exploration. My hope is that my artwork, writing can inspire or provide insights, along with the creative healing resources I wish to offer to others.
In today's world, it seems that everyone is trying to sell something, particularly within the intensely focused wellness culture. A quick scroll through social media reveals this trend, which is largely influenced by a Western capitalistic framework. There appears to be no true standard of health that aligns with a society that is fundamentally unwell. The paradox lies in the fact that we inhabit a culture fixated on health, yet 60% of adults grapple with chronic illnesses or disorders. Furthermore, mental health has emerged as the most significant health crisis of the 21st century.
I genuinely do not wish to become that person. My aspiration is to sustain myself through my passions while maintaining integrity and humility, ensuring that my focus remains on the individuals I aim to serve. This situation brings to mind a memorable scene from the 1980s film "Say Anything," featuring John Cusack. During a dinner at his girlfriend's home, when asked about his life ambitions, he responds:
“I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that.”
I distinctly recall a powerful feeling of “Absolutely! That’s it!” Even at just 14, I knew I didn’t want to pursue that path as a career. Now, many years later, my stance remains unchanged, despite the overwhelming influence of social media and technology that often promotes a capitalist, individualistic, and relentless hustle culture. I reject that mindset, particularly the urge to compete or compare ourselves, which social media amplifies, creating a false sense of grandeur and an idealized life. I often need to remind myself success in the western sense or prestigious titles are mere illusions, and I have the ability to redefine what self actualization means to me, concentrating on what truly matters. I’m cheering for the 14-year-old version of myself who faced so many challenges in finding her path. What inspires me today is honoring her beautiful truths and her unique perspective on healing.
