Conscious Career
April’s newsletter went missing. You might imagine some grand, luminous reason—perhaps I was off on a profound, transformative yoga retreat deep in Costa Rica, emerging renewed and radiant. The truth, however, is far more...basic. I was working. And by “working,” I don’t mean the soul-stirring “Reiki/yoga/sound healing/breathwork” that truly lights me up. That never feels like work. I mean the other work—the one steeped in corporate vernacular demanding you “calendar” meetings, “circle back,” “touch base,” and navigate endless “action items.”
At the close of 2024, I stepped (or perhaps trepidatiously leapt) back into the high-stakes, fast-paced current of event production. “Producing” an in-person event can be as uniquely intricate as sourcing the exact pyrotechnic special effects for a 15-foot blaze, or as hilariously mundane as squeezing furniture pads onto attendee chairs to prevent a squeak. (Both are real scenarios. Too real.) It’s a world where the client’s vision dictates the hour, the day, and often, the very fabric of your weekend.
Though my re-entry into the realm of 10 PM email replies might seem miles away from my usual newsletter themes, I promise you, it holds surprisingly potent insights for your own journey.
The Lesson
Because here’s the thing: we are both on a path of spiritual development. Your unique journey might unfold through dedicated yoga practice, deep dives into Reiki, committed meditation, or simply an expanding curiosity about a more mindful existence. Whatever your chosen path, something essential has sparked within you—a profound desire to truly inhabit the present moment with greater contentment and presence. This quest for deeper understanding has likely led you to rich literature, immersive workshops, inspiring classes, transformative trainings, and perhaps even certifications, all designed to unlock deeper layers of spiritual awareness. It’s an intoxicating time of absorbing new wisdom, mastering new techniques, and weaving daily rituals into the tapestry of your life.
As spiritual seekers, this initial phase feels nothing short of magical. And in this exhilarating new landscape, our former selves—particularly our professional lives—can suddenly feel mundane, almost meaningless. It becomes genuinely challenging to reconcile the relentless rhythm of eight-hour spreadsheet days with your newfound emphasis on conscious breathing, expansive stillness, and profound purpose.
This visceral disconnect makes absolute sense. Mindfulness and spiritual practices are designed to elevate our consciousness; they are glimpses into our divine connection, our higher calling, and the boundless power of deep presence. So when the jarring ding! of an inbox message shatters our bliss, or a supervisor casually informs us that overtime hours are mandatory, our two worlds don’t just clash – they collide, smacking us back into the often-unyielding practicalities of daily life. That deadline reminder to submit your PowerPoint presentation can feel like fresh torture compared to the serenity of a deep meditative state.
But here’s a crucial truth: your spiritual growth remains absolutely valid, powerful, and authentic, regardless of the rift you might feel between your demanding work life and your ever-expanding inner world. It is essential to be gentle and fiercely realistic with yourself if you find yourself caught in that space between earning your income and wishing every day miraculously allowed for two yoga classes and a glorious, hour-long savasana.
The Practice
The beautiful truth is, these multifaceted layers of ourselves are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can, and should, profoundly impact each other. Remember that the deep expansion you experience in your wellness classes, workshops, and trainings is not meant to be confined to the studio or the treatment room. Your mindfulness practices are designed to integrate seamlessly into your everyday life, especially within the professional sphere. Imagine the quiet power of anchoring yourself with a simple breathing practice before a high-stakes meeting or a difficult conversation. Or how channeling self-Reiki before a draining work trip can instantly cultivate a tangible sense of peaceful calm.
Consider the immense gift it would be if our country’s hard-working teachers, doctors, nurses, firefighters, and pilots were all dedicated practitioners of mindfulness. We wouldn’t wish for them to abandon their crucial roles because their jobs feel “too corporate” – we would all infinitely benefit from their profound integration of well-being into incredibly stressful, yet absolutely vital, responsibilities.
My recent journey back into event production, while appearing outside the realm of spiritual pursuits, serves as a constant, potent reminder of how these practices are not separate, but are meant to be woven into every single aspect of life. It’s not about escaping into a constant state of ethereal bliss, but about consciously bringing the groundedness, wisdom, and mindful presence we cultivate in our spiritual practices into the very fabric of our every day.
And that, my friends, is why it’s all connected.