Things to Consider Being New to Spirituality

You are curious about spirituality as an outlet for self evolution and growth? Exciting! And?

It makes sense. I am a believer science can only take us so far and spirituality will eventually surface in times of chaos when we’ve exhausted resources. And vice versa, science will be incorporated when spirituality has exhausted ITS resources.

I know vulnerable people can be and are targeted in certain healing communities by certain people. We think of religious trauma, cults, and scams. This isn’t to fear you away. It’s to recognize the reality. The same is true in science. People will use their degrees and SEO experts to target populations. Again: don’t fear this or avoid researching help. It means there are things to consider to protect yourself. Be aware, not avoidant.

In science and healthcare, patients have rights. Some include the right to ask questions or bring in a treatment you heard about to ask about it. You have the right to second and multiple opinions. You have the right to know what you’re treated for and how. You have the right to refuse treatment or rescind.

In spirituality? There is no governing body or board who oversees the work as a whole. And that comes with its territory. I can’t tell people what to do or think, not only because it’s not right and I don’t believe in it. Gatekeeping is damaging to communities and encourages us vs them mentality. There is also a lack of evidence based research on tools people use in this work. There are historians, theologians, spiritual psychology work. There are those like myself who are working to combine science and spirituality. That there is a place for all beliefs, truly.

I did want to take some time for a small checklist for some things to consider if you’re new to spirituality:

Take Time to Research

Watch many spiritualists and for an amount of time. The internet and maybe even in your city is saturated with new wave work or alternative forms of healing. Take some time to research someone, and multiple people. No impulsive purchases or readings. If anyone is pressuring or pushing purchases, I’d consider this a red flag. 🚩

Ask: What am I seeking or targeting?

Think about what you’re trying to target in your life. Whether it’s an area you’re wanting guidance or an area of interest. Align your values with the spiritualists and see if it clicks. Again: there is no rush. Slow healing ❤️‍🩹. The way spiritual inertia works is the same as scientific inertia with different words, similar concepts.

Be Aware, Not Avoidant.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers because there are no ethics boards or formal certifications in this work. There ARE degrees in theology, spiritual psychology or related. You often learn about the history or contribute to potential research. Anyone can say they are a healer. So that means it’s in our hands and our responsibility to research and take care of ourselves. I know that’s hard to think about when you’re burnt out or executive functioning is on low. Yet it is our jobs. Look up reviews and ask for references.

Again: Research.

Do your background research on these individuals. Look at their websites and look for their mentors. It is not required to have a mentor but I’m always unsure how people can grow or become informed with just themselves and books. They’re not required to disclose it, but it’s ok to ask! See how they respond to you asking about their knowledge and how they gained it. Ask them about their mentors, length of working with them and those mentors information. Yes, you have every right to confirm and validate mentorship.

Consider testimonials.

Ask about testimonials. You have every right. And no one has 💯 % satisfaction rates in anything. See if they have some questionable experiences or ask them if they have and how they handled it. I think building a relationship with a spiritualist is delicate, and must be honest on both sides.

Multiple Opinions and Views are ENCOURAGED!

Get second and third and fourth opinions. Never take one person’s word as law in this work. If the healer becomes upset or makes it about them? Red flag 🚩. People have the right to information and seeing anyone they choose. On the flip side, they may have boundaries once you start a line of work with them, not having 2-3 other healers you’re seeing for the same thing. Just like in therapy we don’t recommend it unless it’s different specialties because it can easily confuse and affects sustainable change when you have 4 people doing deep shadow work on the same thing but telling you different things. Take some time to research, one at a time and get multiple opinions before you decide to jump into the deep work with one.

Target Audience 101.

Observe their target audience. Are they promoting being being “lost” “broken” or related? People who target vulnerable populations are predators. Lots of them exist in this field. Recognize the pros and cons of this work and the reality of this work. That is for another post!

Those are JUST some things to consider and think about. I’ll be making videos and courses soon on how to incorporate ethics of working with people. Although there’s no “board” or monitoring body? There’s lots of research on working with humans. I hope to be a part of a movement where it’s less on “certifications” that are man made by not credible sources and backed up by some research. Yes, I believe in combining science and spirituality.

And for you healers and spiritualists? Consider encouraging these. These are human beings with souls and if they honored you with choosing you? Don’t take that lightly.

Thanks for hanging out. And as always? Evolve and heal on, my friends.

#spiritualgrowth #spiritualawakening #spirituality