Episode 26: Harm Reduction & Looking Inward
Synopsis
In the last few episodes we've focused on subtle differences in service structures, marketing approaches, and sales strategies. This subject is close to me because of the ways in the past that I've unconsciously benefitted from methods that were not in the highest good. While I realize I was doing the best that I could at the time, given the information that I had, and the beliefs I had at the time, I also recognize today that I'm in a position of authority around these meta-topics of healing, and so I'm the perfect person to reveal in plain language some of the subtle ways we can give our power away! Ironically, this can even happen in the process of trying to claim freedom for our selves, and elevate ourselves out of difficult circumstances by accepting the help of others. The type of help we accept, and the way it's offered and received, has everything to do with how quickly the life we desire comes into view. Today's episode is a vignette about reducing harm by not plucking at others' pain to achieve any goal or outcome - no matter how good the intention behind your greater vision may be.
Show Notes
Today I reflected back on all that has transpired in the last year. I’ve been discerning for about 8 weeks about re-opening a free but private community in June with a new intention. It’s called Strong Like Water - its so interesting because the community’s birthday was Jan 29 2020.
When I pulled up the group, I was seeing what I shared 12 months ago like it was yesterday - but also like it was another lifetime! It took me to another place and time, even to another way of being.
I believe we go through transformations in our lives – whether or not we intend to.
I like to say,
Change is not hard. It is inevitable. It is perpetual. It is constant.
You are going to change – the question is not whether you are going to change, but HOW.
In what direction? In what way? At what speed? And how difficult or easy will that change be?
What degree of control will you experience over the way those changes unfold. This is the variable.
Raising your consciousness to the process of change itself– essentially creating self awareness, is the plainest way to describe how we can exert more positive control over our lives: in both our inner experiences and our outer worlds.
But self awareness itself is a process of looking INWARD.
My entire mission is to help people look inward.
And so… today I want to be honest with you, and share what I’ve been struggling with for a very long time.
You see, I don’t mind doing things side by side with others. I don’t mind being recognized by others either. I am so happy to share that after many long years without, I have healthy self esteem and actually love myself for who I am.
But attempting for recognition, or to gain attention – seeking to garner others’ attention (for whatever reason, without qualification), actually feels very much mis-aligned with my very purpose.
I want to shout it from the rooftops, but the message is: “LOOK WITHIN!”
I’m saying this to reinforce anyone who senses or sees the same but questions themselves first:
Most of what I see isn’t service. It’s marketing! There are exceptions, and I love sharing those exceptions with others. And I don’t have any issue with marketing that is appealing to the highest of our values and desires!
But when marketing is done by plucking at the part of anyone that’s hurting, and speaking perceived problems further and further into existence, I dislike it a great deal.
Does the end justify the means? Maybe. Probably for the individual proffering a “solution”.
But in the big picture – my belief is that it’s one step forward, one step back.
Some gain, many stay stuck or regress in the wake of others progress.
Is there a value judgment in this? There certainly is. There are value differences that matter.
Not in the way of this is right and this is wrong, but regarding integrity with what is being promised.
The origin of our desires, and the intention behind them matter when it comes to whether actions or choices consistently create joy – individually or collectively – or not.
The rest isn’t wrong, it’s just not of the highest timeline.
The rest isn’t going to create the vision you REALLY hold for your life.
This is how we experience highs, but not fulfillment that lasts when we go down certain roads.
When it all comes out in the wash, the lower desires just don’t create sustainable happiness.
Speaking personally, sustainable happiness is the only thing I’m interested in helping others create.
The faster you can distinguish and sort our higher desires and intentions from the rest, the more fulfilled you will be. The more that you will experience joy despite circumstances. The less you will struggle, no matter the conditions.
Words are powerful. And when we speak to the awareness that’s hurting, we amplify problems.
That’s why I’m sharing this today, If you’re looking for freedom, the process itself must be free. And to me, part of that means not hooking into the wounded part of each other to “make sure we connect”.
When you see this happening all around you, and wonder why the things you’re attracted to buying or investing in sting a little – could this dynamic be the reason?
There’s another layer to this too: I know there’s a lot of noise out there for anyone helping others heal. There’s a lot of styles of marketing going on, but many approaches skirt the questionable, and it can be really challenging to discern how to operate within these dynamics and reach people who need help in a way that feels high integrity. It can feel lonely, and it can feel confusing.
Not speaking pain into existence through marketing is the most difficult high road to take, because “logic” and almost all professional advice out there indicates you must. I don’t agree.
As nurturers, healers, coaches, and service providers, I am seeking to see more of us stay in integrity together with the collective and individual outcomes we are striving to create. Marketing to the Light.
What does this subject bring to mind for you? Maybe you can see versions of the same in your own industry. What has it stirred up in you right now? Would you like to have a moment to answer that question for yourself?
Before we jump off today, the community that I created last year called Strong Like Water is open again with a new intention of support for personal transformation, meditation, and personal responsibility. It will still be free (without cost) just as it was, but there will be a tighter intention and purpose that we can gather around than simply compassion.
Truth be told, I want a to reclaim Strong Like Water for MYSELF, because I have been craving community, and am excited to finally be the person holding the space.
As I sat down this morning to re-open the community with the new intention, all of this is what spilled out and needed to be said before I do 😊😊😊
I hope that if you know anyone who could use the support of an unequaled visualization tool for creating transformation and positive change, you will invite them to this community. It’s a space to be, not to be sold to. It’s a place for self healing, building readiness, acquiring information, and experiencing connection. Allow them to receive that free resource right here, and they’ll gain access via email: bit.ly/4foundationpractices
And I hope you will share this with someone you love who has ever struggled with meditation or with relaxing – this is the way I can support you or a loved one at no cost; part of my professional training is to help others experience relaxation and establish inner control (both mentally and through re-regulation of the nervous system / emotional conditioning).