Engaging the Spiritual Art of Business
“Seven Practices for Your Holistic Career”
Like the rest of the world, business is changing. “Busy-ness” and spirituality appear to be contradictions; two concepts, seemingly, not compatible. With the increasing high vibrational energies, what once was inconceivable is now possible, even in the world of business.
For twenty years, I lived in this world. Success was measured in monetary value and balance in life was a dream. Because of the high stress environment, my health and home suffered. Internally, I was in pain; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Connecting to the outside world, and the requirements to exist in this environment, left me drained and empty. Listening to the tiny inner voice, I ended my career and changed my path.
While starting a lifestyle business, centered on health, holistic-living, and spirituality I brought attributes and learnings from my previous accomplishments in corporate America. The following seven practices are both business and spiritually oriented, blending the two separate worlds.
- Tune in
- Think clear
- Act mindful
- Collaborate often
- Measure results
- Adjust frequently
- Practice Joy
TUNE IN
The first practice, “Tune in,” is a spiritual tool that is critical in starting and running your holistic business. If you are attune to the spiritual world you understand and know the importance of listening to your inner guidance. In today’s world, where chaos reins, and quiet is hard to find, this is essential. I placed this in the first position, because I believe it is the most important. If we ignore our internal compass, and listen to outside influences, our business may never even start, and it certainly will not thrive. Whether you tune in at the end of the day or first thing in the morning, it needs to be a practice; regular and consistent. Ideally, tuning in can occur throughout a given day just by focusing on breath.
THINK CLEAR
With the influx of information in the current digital age, “Think clear” can be one of the hardest practices. We are bombarded with messages and requests for our time and thoughts. How do we even begin to think clearly? It begins with the first step, listed above, which helps to quiet the mind. For me, walking in nature is another way to stay grounded in reality. Designate time to work on projects without interruptions. Set boundaries with friends, family, and phones. My phone is off by 8PM. Mornings are my best time to work, so I dedicate this period for my plans that need clear thinking. Know yourself and what works for you, then set your limits, and begin to clear the space for your thoughts.
ACT MINDFUL
Understanding yourself by dialing in, and reducing distractions to focus your mind will point you in the right direction, but action is key. We have all heard, “Go with the Flow”. I want to say, “Go and Flow”. In corporate America, emphasis is placed on the action. As an international business woman, I was rewarded on my actions that led to results. What was happening internally or in my head was little concern to the bottom line, or so was the thinking at the time. Action was king.
Mindful Action brings a holistic approach to the “go.” Mindful action includes the previous steps, but involves moving. Do something for your business every day. Action is energy. When energy moves it grows and expands, when it is stagnant, it withers. Choosing mindful action for your business brings life to it. Place an intention in your mind. Incorporating the highest and greatest good, for the best outcome possible for all, adds the “mindful” element to the action.
COLLABORATE OFTEN
Holistically, we understand that everything is related and intertwined. Nothing happens in a vacuum or solo. The fourth practice involves “Collaboration”. Collaborating with mentors, peers, and customers is vital in business. Wisdoms gained, ideas shared, and feedback received helps to grow your business. Meetings are frequent in the business world, for a reason, they facilitate collaboration. In your own business, working with peers and mentors helps lessen your trials. Listening to customer needs allows for fresh perspectives. Collaboration spiritually can be accomplished by calling on your guides and angels for help. All beings of Light are here to offer assistance; all you need to do is ask.
MEASURE RESULTS
Spiritually speaking, “Measuring results” is a hard topic. In the business world, results are most often measured by financial success. In a holistic business, money is not the focus, but because we live in a third dimensional world, it is important. What I want to discuss here is the measuring aspect. Reviewing and understanding the impact of your business is challenging when it is subjective and non-linear. Often, you do not know the effect you have on a client or customer. The healing may not be immediate or even in this lifetime. Measure where you can, but know that following your heart and helping others is immeasurable.
ADJUST FREQUENTLY
Change is constant in business and life. We talked about the action, now we will discuss flow. Adjusting frequently is a standard concept in business. There is no time to stagnate. As a buyer merchandiser in the Toy business, adjustments were made to our selection every six months. We made changes before the products hit the shelves. Balance is key here. In a spiritually oriented business, time is needed to “go within”. Physical action does not take place until clarification is confirmed. The challenge is, we may not receive such clarity, yet we need to act. Clear your mind, and check internally, but adjust as needed in order to benefit all.
PRACTICE JOY
Ultimately there is only One World, both of which include spiritual and business aspects. Merging the two brings joy. Joy in knowing you are honoring your soul. Joy in knowing you are serving the greater good of humanity. Joy in knowing you are fulfilling the will of Creator and Creation, as you create your business.
Practice Joy.
Susan J. McFarland
www.susanjmcfarland.com
www.amway.com/susanmcfarland
www.susanjmcfarland.blogspot.com
susanjmcfarland@yahoo.com
Susan worked twenty years as an international business woman after receiving degrees in Business Communications and Spanish from Michigan State. She is a Holistic Health Practitioner, HHP, an ordained minister, and writer.
She is an Independent Business Owner, offering Nutrilite Health Products through Amway.
Susan teaches clients holistic and spiritual living guidelines.
She is available for talks and workshops.
