CULTIVATION
When I think back on my time spent as a practicing psychotherapist, I am surprised by what stands out.
I was lucky enough to work at some of the most interesting and challenging locations, from high schools and colleges, to psychiatric units and in private practice. Every opportunity shaped my skills and I continue to call upon lessons from each and every one of my past positions while working with current Mentorship clients. The road to licensure was long and hard, and expensive. There are a multitude of certifications and programs that exist today that enable one to work in similar ways with clients that do not require the huge commitment of time and money that an advanced degree and licensure require. And generally I think this is a good thing. This diversification is largely positive. We are experiencing a mental health crisis, which I do not foresee improving anytime soon. The more people we can get trained to help whether it is as a counselor, guide, coach, etc., the better. There’s room for everyone.
These less rigorous paths do not lack in knowledge or skill and offer a more accessible route to meaningful work. Quick action is needed in the mental health field, and these programs provide that. Some argue that programs without board or state licensure lack ethical standards and accountability, and yes, that may be true, but I have learned that a code of ethics is only as good as the clinician who abides by it.
A critical aspect of my licensure journey was gaining a deep understanding of ethics. Ethics are vital in this profession because of the real danger of causing harm. Patients place immense trust in their therapists, and this trust should never be taken for granted. Explicit guidelines on staying within one's expertise, avoiding conflicts of interest, referring out, seeking consultation, and effective treatment are essential. Over the years, I have developed stringent ethical guidelines based on my clinical experience. I hold myself to a high standard, always honoring the important rule of do no harm. Adhering to these standards has benefited not only my clients but also my own growth as a clinician and practitioner.
As my work has evolved to include spiritual practices, I have noticed a troubling lack of ethical focus in the spiritual and wellness realms. This is concerning. I do think that the mystical and spiritual have real clinical value. Where things get murky for me is the lack of agreed upon ethical standards particularly in the astrology, Human Design, energy work and psychedelic integration space. Specifically in the psychedelic space - but that is an entirely separate essay in and of itself.
One of the most important ethical standards in therapy is to honor the vulnerability that is part of the work. Therapists absolutely need to be in therapy themselves. This is a crucial question clients should ask potential therapists. In order to help others with their big bag of emotional bullshit, one must take out their own trash first. Engaging in therapy as a clinician helps illuminate concepts, grow skill sets, and ensure neutrality in treatment by addressing one's own emotional issues. The hours your therapist spends on continuing education, consultation, and their own therapy should be substantial. If not, they are not fully fulfilling the job's requirements, which is an ethical violation in my view.
The wellness, spiritual, and healer community is expanding, and while this is wonderful, it lacks agreed-upon ethical standards, especially in areas like astrology, Human Design, energy work, and psychedelic integration. Energy practitioner Chris Bale refers to this deficit as a lack of cultivation, and I agree. Bale wrote a brilliant piece about what he calls a lack of cultivation. It is floating around in the internet ethers. I highly recommend reading it, you can do so here. He also uses the word vitality, which I really like. In the therapy realm we might use the word neutrality, but I really appreciate how taking a perspective of vitality opens up the conversation. As when it comes to wellness, spirituality, and healing, cultivation is really, really important. It is often in any helping profession to find a group of practitioners who lack cultivation and vitality. It happens. Yet, it is the responsibility of the practitioner to put the ethical checks in place to ensure the safety of their clients. Without a standard set of ethical guidelines set forth by a board with clear consequences, this can be difficult. Bale outlines how important having an ethical standard is when it comes to any kind of healing modality, specifically energy work.
Cultivation requires dedication to one's practice and continuous learning. Cultivation is a practice. One must keep exploring, investigating, and learning in order to do no harm. In therapeutic terms, it means consistently addressing one's emotional baggage. This practice is ongoing and essential for ensuring no harm is done. Bale's concept of cultivation and vitality resonates with me, as it opens up the conversation about maintaining ethical standards in wellness and spiritual practices.
I do think it possible to be an effective healer/guide/practitioner/clinician with little hands-on experience. However, this requires a commitment to filling in gaps and building a strong foundation of ability. Few take responsibility for this. My own cultivation has been crucial to my learning and ethical standards. Bale’s recommended 2-4 hours of daily cultivation is routinely supported and practiced by my community of fellow practitioners. Our group averages about 2 hours of instruction per week, followed by 8-9 hours of clinical practice. This has never felt burdensome but rather the right thing to do. My community’s support and shared dedication have been instrumental in this process.
I am hopeful that practitioners in the wellness, spiritual, and healer space can adopt ethical standards through continued education, accountability, and client demand for cultivation. However, as a therapist, I know that ethical guidelines alone do not prevent poor practice. Ultimately, it is the practitioner's responsibility to cultivate and adhere to the principle of doing no harm, and clients must be proactive in asking about this.
Bale concludes his article with a set of questions to ask potential practitioners, which I believe we should all ask ourselves. Dysfunction often begins with those in positions of power. By regularly reflecting on these questions, we can better fulfill our purpose of doing no harm:
- How calm are you inside?
- How peaceful are you?
- How at ease are you?
- How much spaciousness do you have for others?
- How do you feel in the presence of others?
- How do you feel when you hear your own voice?
How do you cultivate?
xxx
LAS
SOLAR TRANSIT
8-11-24
Gate 4
Gate of Formulization
On August 11, the sun gracefully transits Gate 4, the Gate of Formulization. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of problem-solving and structured thinking. Gate 4 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to develop solutions and create systems that bring clarity and order to complex situations.
The energy of Gate 4 advocates for embracing the power of logic and the structure that comes from analytical thinking. It is a time to honor your capacity to formulate ideas and to recognize the importance of developing practical solutions. This gate emphasizes the importance of intellectual clarity and the wisdom to approach problems with a methodical mindset. By allowing yourself the space to think critically and systematically, you gain the ability to navigate challenges with precision and insight.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 4 may struggle with feelings of doubt or fear of inadequacy. The urge to overthink or to become overwhelmed by complex problems can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 4 lies in its ability to foster logical thinking and structured problem-solving. By resisting the urge to get lost in details, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 4, cultivate practices that support analytical thinking and problem-solving. Engage in activities such as brainstorming, strategic planning, or any method that helps you organize your thoughts and develop solutions. This period is ideal for reflecting on your approach to problem-solving and the steps needed to enhance your intellectual clarity. By embracing your capacity for formulization, you create a space for practical solutions and effective decision-making.
Gate 4 tasks you with the opportunity to develop intellectual clarity and a strong sense of structure. It is a reminder that true solutions often require logical thinking and that maintaining focus on practical outcomes is essential for resolving complex problems. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your analytical skills to support and inspire others. Consider how your ability to formulate ideas can positively influence those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your relationship with problem-solving: How comfortable are you with developing solutions and creating systems? Consider how analytical thinking can enhance your ability to navigate complex situations.
2. Explore your intellectual clarity: Are there areas in your life where you tend to overthink or become overwhelmed by details? Reflect on how you can cultivate more structured and logical thinking.
3. Contemplate your approach to challenges: How can you use this period to refine your ability to formulate practical solutions? Consider the steps you need to take to enhance your problem-solving skills.
4. Consider your impact on others: How does your ability to think critically and develop solutions influence those around you? Reflect on how you can support and inspire others with your intellectual clarity and structured thinking.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 4, you can enhance your capacity for logical thinking, intellectual clarity, and effective problem-solving. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of formulization and use it as a foundation for practical solutions and effective decision-making.
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though it makes me anxious to develop solutions and create systems, I now trust that logical thinking and structured problem-solving bring great moments of clarity and order, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
SOLAR TRANSIT
8-17-24
Gate 29
The Gate of Perseverance
On August 17, the sun gracefully transits Gate 29, the Gate of Perseverance. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of commitment and follow-through. Gate 29 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to dedicate yourself fully to your endeavors, emphasizing the importance of resilience and unwavering determination.
The energy of Gate 29 advocates for embracing the power of perseverance and the strength that comes from staying committed. It is a time to honor your capacity to see things through and to recognize the importance of following through on your commitments. This gate emphasizes the importance of dedication and the wisdom to persist even when faced with challenges. By allowing yourself the space to persevere, you gain the ability to achieve your goals with steadfast determination.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 29 may struggle with feelings of overwhelm or fear of overcommitting. The urge to abandon projects or to become disheartened by obstacles can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 29 lies in its ability to foster unwavering commitment and the belief in the value of seeing things through. By resisting the urge to give up, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 29, cultivate practices that support resilience and follow-through. Engage in activities such as goal-setting, project planning, or any method that helps you stay committed to your objectives. This period is ideal for reflecting on your ability to dedicate yourself fully and the steps needed to maintain your perseverance. By embracing your capacity for perseverance, you create a space for sustained progress and enduring success.
Gate 29 tasks you with the opportunity to develop resilience and a strong sense of commitment. It is a reminder that true success often requires dedication and that maintaining focus on your commitments is essential for achieving your goals. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your perseverance to support and inspire others. Consider how your ability to stay committed can positively influence those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your relationship with commitment: How comfortable are you with dedicating yourself fully to your endeavors? Consider how perseverance can enhance your ability to achieve long-term success.
2. Explore your resilience: Are there areas in your life where you tend to abandon projects or become disheartened by obstacles? Reflect on how you can cultivate more dedication and unwavering commitment.
3. Contemplate your follow-through: How can you use this period to refine and focus on your ability to see things through? Consider the steps you need to take to stay committed to your goals.
4. Consider your impact on others: How does your ability to persevere and stay committed influence those around you? Reflect on how you can support and inspire others with your resilience and dedication.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 29, you can enhance your capacity for perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of follow-through and use it as a foundation for sustained progress and enduring success.
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.
"Even though it makes me anxious to stay committed to my goals and follow through on my commitments, I now trust that perseverance and dedication bring great moments of progress and success, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.."
Have a great week exploring this transit! Ready to learn more about your Human Design? Hit the buttons below to schedule a reading with me and download the free Human Design information sheets to learn more!
Q + A
Welcome to my exciting monthly feature: Q + A! I'm absolutely thrilled to be diving into your thought-provoking inquiries about Human Design, Astrology, creativity, and Energy Work. Your curiosity fuels my passion for sharing knowledge, and the process of answering your questions continually enriches my own understanding.
Consider this space a welcoming sanctuary for curiosity, self-discovery, and expanding your horizons. Here, you can explore the intricate world of Human Design, Astrology, and Energy Work, and discover how they can profoundly influence your creativity and success as a creative professional. It's a journey of enlightenment and empowerment, and I can't wait to embark on it with you.
Don't hesitate to send your questions my way by simply clicking the button below. I'll be selecting one or two to address in the upcoming first newsletter of each month. Your inquiries drive the conversation, and I'm eager to provide you with insightful answers.
Q: So is that it?
A few weeks ago, during a meeting, a colleague asked me, "So is that it?" They were referring to their Human Design chart, specifically focusing on Energy Type, Strategy, and Authority. They assumed that having a copy of their chart and understanding these basic features was all the guidance Human Design could offer. This made me realize that many people are unaware of the depth and complexity of Human Design. It’s a system designed to take at least seven years to fully integrate into your life. I’m currently in my fourth year of living my design, and there are still aspects of my chart I haven’t even explored.
Human Design is a layered experience, requiring a long-term commitment to truly understand. However, the beauty of this system is that while there is much to learn over time, you can start benefiting from it immediately. I believe that guidance is essential when it comes to Human Design. Having a knowledgeable reader highlight the most pertinent information for you at the moment is crucial to quickly leveraging the system's benefits. There are endless ways to utilize the insights from your chart. I find that guiding my clients bit by bit, building on a strong foundation, helps them integrate the more complex concepts as they delve deeper into their charts.
So, to answer the question: yes, that kind of is it, if that's what you want. How you explore your Design is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to skim the surface or dive deep into the more nuanced aspects of your chart, the approach is yours to decide. While you can experience benefits quickly, deeper changes take about seven years. Guidance is key to navigating this journey effectively.
