Making Peace with the Psychic job

[Radharani]

As mentioned previously, I will be teaching yoga on a non-profit basis when Lothlorien House opens in June.  But, I still need a way to pay the bills, and jobs around here are very few, far between, low-paying and a long commute from my home.

I work as a telephone Psychic and have had sort of an ego problem over my lack of a "respectable job."  After all, I'm supposed to be a Psychologist!  That's why I got my M.A., but my licensing is not valid in Florida.  So, the closest I was able to get was "Psychic."  I've been a bit embarrassed about that, especially since where I live (in the Bible Belt) "psychic" is considered at best "entertainment," and at worst, satanic.  When people ask "what do you do for a living?" and I say "psychic" they smile and roll their eyes, or else bite their tongue so as to restrain themselves from saying, "ok, you are going straight to hell!"

The cleaning & design business would have been more "respectable" simply because it is a "normal" occupation, but it failed despite massive advertising so apparently wasn't meant to be, and no other viable options have manifested.

Well, now I find myself finally coming to terms with my Psychic job. Although it doesn't pay enough, at least it IS a "job" of sorts, and many folks in my town are unemployed, so I am grateful to have something, especially working at home where I don't have to spend $$ on gas.  This job DOES give me the opportunity to practice counseling, which is what I am trained to do, and I enjoy it. Although I get bored with the "fortune telling" aspect, apparently I have the gift and therefore can use it to help others.

I recently examined my ego objections and realized that I haven't been giving 100% due to this attitude that, "I ought to have a respectable career."  I decided to let go of the resistance and put my whole heart into the job, rather than thinking of it as something embarrassing that I am doing in lieu of a "real job."  Why should I care if people think I am "respectable" or not?  The sense of "self importance" is so silly.  

I went online the other day and read my reviews, which I had not done in a long time, and was just blown away by all the love and gratitude my clients had expressed.  I love my clients and want to be there for them.  

[Bodhi Tree]

That's really good, Radharani. As soon as we start using the mainstream or status quo as our benchmark of spiritual progress, or spiritual authenticity, then I think we're reverting to a limited framework of being. We're riding on the edge, or at least that what I've gathered from my experience.

You're story makes me think of the book "Many Lives, Many Masters", which is the true story of a materialistic psychologist (Brian Weiss) that unintentionally discovered the validity of past lives when he was hypnotizing one of his patients. The data he gathered was undeniable, and he completely transformed into a spiritual teacher and now gives workshops on past-life regression/healing.

Anyway, it just proves that the truth is not found in Ivy League credentials, but in direct experience with the mysteries of life.

Glad you are working with what you've got, and not worrying about "popular opinion".

[Radharani]

quote:Originally posted by Bodhi Tree

That's really good, Radharani. As soon as we start using the mainstream or status quo as our benchmark of spiritual progress, or spiritual authenticity, then I think we're reverting to a limited framework of being. We're riding on the edge, or at least that what I've gathered from my experience...

Glad you are working with what you've got, and not worrying about "popular opinion".

Dear Bodhi,
thanks for your feedback!  I would just like to clarify that I was NOT "using the status quo as a benchmark of spiritual progress or authenticity."  My concern was specifically in regard to social standards and judgements about career from a material or worldly standpoint, i.e. being 50 years old and not having a "respectable job."  It doesn't bother me spiritually.

On the other hand, going through this process (letting go of concern about the status quo) has resulted in the spiritual blessing of not allowing my ego to interfere with the joyous performance of my (apparent) dharma.  I hope that makes sense.

[Bodhi Tree]

quote:Originally posted by Radharani

I hope that makes sense.

Makes total sense.

What I should have said is that what may be socially/materially held in high esteem will not necessarily reflect upon any intrinsic spiritual worth. So, for instance, there could be a pyschiatrist who is making lots of money by prescribing anti-depressants, but the inner condition of the same psychiatrist may be spiritually bankrupt.

I didn't mean to imply that you were using such material standards as your spiritual benchmarks. I was just referring to the often glaring contrast between material rewards vs. spiritual progress, as you so skillfully clarified in your response.

[Radharani]

quote:Originally posted by Bodhi Tree

quote:Originally posted by Radharani

I hope that makes sense.

Makes total sense.

What I should have said is that what may be socially/materially held in high esteem will not necessarily reflect upon any intrinsic spiritual worth. So, for instance, there could be a pyschiatrist who is making lots of money by prescribing anti-depressants, but the inner condition of the same psychiatrist may be spiritually bankrupt.

I didn't mean to imply that you were using such material standards as your spiritual benchmarks. I was just referring to the often glaring contrast between material rewards vs. spiritual progress, as you so skillfully clarified in your response.

oh, yes!  well I completely agree when you put it like that, and it has never been an issue for me - i.e., my whole life I have focused on the spiritual and believed that the material was unimportant.  BUT, paradoxically, that very attitude has been a big factor (although certainly not the sole factor!) in creating the material position in which I now find myself, namely, 50 years old, broke and without a "real job."  

I sometimes wonder, in retrospect, whether perhaps I should have spent more time and energy on my career, versus spending so much time and attention on yoga/ meditation, and maybe I would not be in this position?!  

BUT, on the other hand, as you and I both know very well, the ultimate purpose of human life is Liberation, Divine Union.  Given that, I now have Everything I always wanted and would be foolish to complain.  So what if I am broke and pathetic according to worldly standards?!  As you have pointed out, had I taken a different route I might be a wealthy, successful psychologist but spiritually starving.  

There is obviously no question, from where you and I stand, that it is infinitely better to have God, than all the material success in the world.  "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Thanks, bro, for your encouragement.  

[maheswari]

[Bodhi Tree]

LOL, Radharani. I share you pain. I majored in religious studies at FSU. I'm at romantic-mystical-poet-musician trying to make it in an industrial, profit-driven culture.

But, as the Grateful Dead said: "We will survive. We will get by. (Every silver lining's got a touch of grey)."

[Radharani]

quote:Originally posted by Bodhi Tree

LOL, Radharani. I share you pain. I majored in religious studies at FSU. I'm at romantic-mystical-poet-musician trying to make it in an industrial, profit-driven culture.

But, as the Grateful Dead said: "We will survive. We will get by. (Every silver lining's got a touch of grey)."

oh, dear.  I majored in Philosophy at FSU!  and I also attended my share of Grateful Dead concerts.  well, there you have it.

[SparklingDiamond]

Hi Rhadarani

I too have been wrestling with my 'role' in life too. Not feeling good enough, or that I do enough, or that it is 'credible' enough in societies eyes, and along with that, it is showing me how it's a reflection of my self worth, and where I need to do my personal work.

I wanted to share a link with you, that I found incredibly touching, but couldn't figure out how to do it.

It's called "I hate society, but love humanity". If you go to youtube you will find it, sorry couldn't figure out how to post it here for you

Namaste`

Maria

[Radharani]

quote:Originally posted by SparklingDiamond

Hi Rhadarani

I too have been wrestling with my 'role' in life too. Not feeling good enough, or that I do enough, or that it is 'credible' enough in societies eyes, and along with that, it is showing me how it's a reflection of my self worth, and where I need to do my personal work.

I wanted to share a link with you, that I found incredibly touching, but couldn't figure out how to do it.

It's called "I hate society, but love humanity". If you go to youtube you will find it, sorry couldn't figure out how to post it here for you

Namaste`

Maria

Dear Diamond,

For me it's not so much about "self worth" as being able to function successfully in society.  My self worth does not depend on money, but my survival does.  Like it or not, people do judge us based on our career or lack thereof, and the ego resents that.  But, I've decided to let go of the resentment and make the most of the situation, even though in an ideal world I would be able to legally use my Psychology M.A. to make a very good living.

[mr_anderson]

Hi Radharani,

Well those who roll their eyes or think you're going to hell are both rather silly and narrow-minded in my view, and it's a shame.

In other times and cultures, oracles and seers have often been the most highly valued and respected members of society.

I think that if you have a real gift for it, what you do is highly respectable. Psychic people (including, and perhaps most of all, my mom!) have been extremely helpful guides in my life.

Once a psychic had an intuitive sense to tell me to read Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, which completely changed my way of relating to the world, for the better. It's effects are in me til this day.

It was psychic experiences (like my Mom knowing to call me when I'm upset, even when she is thousands of miles away in the UK) that first opened my eyes to the possibility that there is more under the surface of life than what our sense perceptions indicate.

I think it's a deeply healing, valuable work and I hope you will feel this way too.

[HathaTeacher]

quote:Originally posted by mr_anderson
I think it's a deeply healing, valuable work and I hope you will feel this way too.

I agree. Logic and figures are often useful, but they're just simple tools and nothing more.

Little would ever be invented if everybody just followed suit, thinking the same way as everybody else.

[Radharani]

Thank you, my dear friends, for your support and encouragement!  Mr. Anderson, I had no idea your mom is psychic, that is so cool!  No wonder you understand.  HathaTeacher, of course you are right.  I've been enjoying my psychic job very much since I put aside my ego concerns and also, since I quit my transcription job, which I used to do at the same time (typing medical reports in between calls).  It was a bit tricky "switching gears" between calls and the oncology work really didn't put me in the best frame of mind for the psychic work.  Now that I have devoted myself to it 100% it's going quite well.  And I look forward to teaching yoga again when Lothlorien House opens in June!

[Etherfish]

Are you sure you need licensing to do all kinds of counseling there? Of course, I am in a different state, but I know someone who only has a bachelors in psychology and is allowed to do certain types of "family counseling", and she does that full time. She had to go through an internship.

[Radharani]

quote:Originally posted by Etherfish

Are you sure you need licensing to do all kinds of counseling there? Of course, I am in a different state, but I know someone who only has a bachelors in psychology and is allowed to do certain types of "family counseling", and she does that full time. She had to go through an internship.

Yes, I am quite sure.  Florida is very strict on licensing.  To do "family counseling" or any type of psychological counseling here I would have to go back to school, get a whole NEW M.A., and then 2 years of internship.  I can legally practice as a "holistic wellness counselor" but as mentioned previously, nobody can afford to pay for my services.