Our vocation requires us to grow.
There are parts of ourselves we are aware of that need nurturing as well as parts of ourselves we do not know about which rise into our awareness as we pursue the path.
These unknown parts inevitably cause us to find out new things about ourselves as well as our reality which can cause tensions.
One of the most common tensions I’ve witnessed is between the spiritual and intellectual self. Both of which need to be reconciled in order to properly proceed on the path without this schism.
A Common Path
I have been noticing a common trend whereby people are repressing their spiritual experiences because they don’t fit with their intellectual self.
Holding onto academic subjects at university that don’t have the soul they need underneath.
Continuing on with businesses that feel empty.
Working jobs that only allow them to practice their spirituality if they wake up early enough before work.
This neglect can stifle people’s growth and also, hinder them from reaching their exalted form.
Neglecting Your Spiritual Side
We all have a spiritual side of ourselves — connection to something deeper, a belief in what will happen after death and how the universe is arranged and an opinion on whether there is some higher power at work.
This side of ourselves requires nurturing and growth as much as our physical being needs water and sleep. In saying this it can often be neglected in our vocation.
The assumption is often that it doesn’t belong in our work or it’s not “serious” or “academic” enough. This view is misguided.
Imagine for a moment two master shoemakers hand-making beautiful shoes
They both know the techniques of the craft, are both deeply obsessed with the work and both have been doing it for decades, improving everyday.
One of the shoemakers has no spiritual connection to their work. They see it simply as something they do and enjoy.
The other shoemaker not only enjoys their work but also sees their creation as a devoted act to the service and development of their spiritual self and beliefs. As well as a pure dedication to a higher power that they believe in.
The question is, who makes the better shoe?
This example reveals something interesting.
That the spiritual side of ourselves brings something unspoken and yet deeply needed into our work. Without it we can’t attain the heights of what our work could be if this part of ourselves was in the work.
We need simply marvel at the art and architecture of the past to gain an insight into this understanding.
Neglecting the intellectual side
We also do not want to fall for the trap of neglecting the intellect because of our spiritual experiences. We need to remember that we also have an intellectual side of ourselves.
What’s been interesting for me, as someone who works with people on their vocations everyday, is that many see the intellect as some sort of rival to their spirituality—when it can be an aid and supporter of lived experiences.
In reading Dion Fortune, who was a British occultist, ceremonial magician, novelist and author, it was interesting to note her intense push for reason and intellect in the field.
She wasn’t alone either. Others also found that using the intellect could provide valued insight into spiritual work. This can best be understood by exploring the mystic and sorcerer dynamic.
The mystic and sorcerer dynamic can be thought of as two types of spiritual paths. The mystic seeks union with the divine by surrendering, humility and trusting the universe.
Whereas the sorcerer seeks to influence reality and will often use their intellect to do this. What’s most interesting is that both paths are often seen as two pathways to the same destination.
I bring this up for one main reason. Whatever our vocation is, intellect can help us to better do our work. Especially when we find ourselves in a spiritual domain. The more we learn this side the more it can complement our work.
The rearrangement of foundations
If you are overly intellectual I encourage you to explore what your life would look like if the foundation of your vocation was built on your inner “knowings.”
Rearranging what you have built your beliefs on in this way will create a solid base that you can ground into. You can still use and improve your intellect, but to keep intellect as the base won’t bring stability. Rather it will make life feel like air, ungraspable and unfelt.
Also, to those who have their spiritual life as the base of their path I would encourage you to continue using your intellect.
Let it grow life on top of the ground. Continuing to furnish and beautify that which you already know to be true. Ensuring the repression of either is no longer an option.
Join 365 students for the ‘The Brand Within’ masterclass—launching tomorrow
Tomorrow we will be launching our Brand Within masterclass which explores the deeper connection between your identity & personal branding.
With the introduction and evolution of online based vocations, branding is front of mind for many people. But the problem with ‘personal branding’ as we know it is that it’s often deeply misguided. In this masterclass, we’ll be exploring branding through the lens of identity.
In this masterclass we:
Explore personal branding in conversation with true personal identity
Help you reorient your relationship with branding
Understand why it’s important (and where it’s not)
Give you tips on how to approach yours
This class is designed to explore the topic of branding from a stance of depth and also help you feel excited and liberated by your own branding
How to join:
This pre-recorded masterclass will be hosted in our Career Archetypes Course + Community membership where we are currently running our Holiday Study Program
The price: $29USD/month ($58USD for the 8 week period)
If you’d like to sign up for the masterclass alone, you’re welcome to do that. Simply sign up for $29/month then cancel your membership upon completion of the masterclass
Joel will personally message you once you get inside—see you in there!
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