Ever since I opened Storm Wisdom, one of our visions and values has been collaboration and cooperation with other heart-centered businesses and practitioners. For us this means that we avoid the energies of competition and isolation, especially when it is based on fear, scarcity or lack.
Early on, when a client or friend would mention another business or practice that offered similar products or services, I would go to these locations and introduce myself. I would see what they carried or what they offered. I would ask them what they wanted to be known for… their specialty so to speak.
This way, when a client walks in (or calls for that matter) and we don’t have what they are looking for, we can refer them to someone who does. We have a resource book that we use and frequently share addresses and phone numbers for other local businesses or practitioners. We even keep other business’s cards on hand so that they can be shared with someone in need.
For us, this makes good business sense. And, if Spiritually based businesses don’t model this way of operating.., who will?
So what happens when this vision or value is not shared, even with those who are a regular part of your referral base?
I can tell you for me it hurts, I get disappointed and maybe a little angry. Then my wounded ego begins to distort what is happening and I move into being entitled, martyred and a little victim-y. Then I have to catch myself and bring my thoughts and focus back to what we are trying to create. If our goal is to create a center for ‘Intentional Living’, then we must focus on what we want, not what we don’t want.
I must admit, sometimes when I am in this distorted place; it feels like it would be easier to abandon this vision and value, and just take the same position of ‘Every man for himself’! Or who cares about another business…? Isn’t it our success that we need to focus on? The answer is No!
We are in this together. It is actually NOT about these spiritual businesses and practices. It is about the people who are looking for the right product or service that assists them where they are. Not where we want them to be. If what we offer is different than what they are looking for, then – send them where they can get what they want! If we don’t carry something they need – refer them to someone who does.
We make many referrals in a weeks time. We do it to support the other business; but mainly, we do it because it is right for the client.
So what is the lesson in this for me? Why would I encounter situations where we try to create open collaboration and communication only to be met with silence or resistance? Why is this important right now? The answer for me: frequency.
Not frequency as in the number of occurrences… But as in the vibrational frequency. We are not all vibrating at the same frequency or energetic signature. So, for as many of these people who I imagine I am aligned with, the truth is, I’m not. Just as important, they are not aligned with me and/or perhaps even Storm Wisdom.
We all have a range of frequency that we operate in… And of course sometimes we spike up or below this normal range. But what happens when the situations and circumstances of our lives change enough so that it changes our ‘range’? When this happens, we no longer register with one another! We have memories of when our frequency ranges were aligned; but the connection or strength of the energetic exchange is no longer there.
As individuals, we experience this all the time with the relationships in our lives. The ebb and flow of friendships. Some are strong and seem to last indefinitely. While others wax and wane. It is not good or bad. It just is.
It is our egos that want to make something out of these situations. Our egos jump to judgment or stimulates an emotional response that it thinks will protect and serve us. These of course isolate us and create a sense of separation from all that is around us. Believing the ego (especially the Negative Ego) is what gets us in trouble! Hang in there too long, and your frequency starts to shift!
This week has been a great reminder that as disappointing as this situation feels at time… Turning it over to my ego is never in my best interest! I think I will hold on to my own values and vision; and not make that a requirement for anyone else!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Great reminder, Charles. Sounds familiar. But things happen. It is all about what we do with it, and how we allow what happens to be part of our growth and therefore benefit the whole. That sometimes takes effort. Once we shift, it all feels different.
Amayra
Boy, did you say a mouthful Amayra! Things do happen that require us to take that extra effort.., even if sometimes it ends up being a renewed commitment to the particular path we are on! I have to remind myself that these emotionally charged situations are happening for me.., and not to me! Thank you for your wisdom and insight. Your support means a lot!
Great In sights. I always have appreciated the opportunity to see what else is going on in the world of spirituality at Storm Wisdom. It’s generous of you to share the space you dedicate to other businesses and like minded people. If those people don’t share, it’s their loss. Eventually it will come back to them. Thanks for all your sharing and caring.
Thanks Sandy! As someone who is a networker and connector of people, you know the power of community! Thank you for always being a part of Storm Wisdom and sharing your beautiful jewelry creations with us!
Charles,
Thank you for your clearly written experience of being heart centered as a business.
Cooperation in business is a lifestyle that is much more fulfilling than the alternative. Cooperation is infectious and spreads with its joys and laughter.
You and Storm Wisdom are beacons of peace joy and happiness.
We always refer people and give them directions to help them find you.
May I have a big stack of your store rack cards?
Love and Gratitude,
Michael
I have known we were kindred spirits and aligned since the day we met Michael! You and Laurelle have been supportive and inspirational. And you have always modeled community, collaboration and cooperation! You’re the best! And yes, we too tell people about Peace Place, The Crystal Enlightenment Center and your amazing Sound Healing center. I feel very connected to you guys, even when we go for months without speaking. You two ROCK! Of course we will send some cards… Maybe even deliver them!
Kudos to you for stating what others are missing! I agree: Everything is about frequency….and when others don’t “play”, it’s a reminder that you are still leading the way & being a Light-filled example. And for all who are BEING the change we want to see IS making a difference. Thank you for this awesome &well – written post, Charles! ~Andi
Thanks Andi… Sometimes when I find myself in the thick of it… I have to intentionally pull myself up and look for the message, lesson or what I need to learn! And it all comes back to energy! Thanks for your support and encouragement!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful words of insight and wisdom. Many blessings to you and your business Charles ♥
Thank you Cleo! Your support means a lot!
I love love this blog, kudos!
Thank you Betty, so happy you found us!
Are there any particular crystals that help reinforce and strengthen the ability to remain focused during situations where you find yourself going to a negative place?
There are several ways to approach this Kristin. You could work with a crystal like Amethyst or Lepidolite to help you stay connected to your Higher Guidance and the present moment. You could use Black Tourmaline or Smokey Quartz to help clear away unwanted, un-needed, unnecessary energies, while also helping you stay connected to your physical body (which is important if we are trying to manifest something different in our world)… Or you could try Citrine for strengthening the mental energy body while acting as a shield to other people’s energies that are not aligned with yours, while strengthening your connection to your full-range of emotions, through the Solar Plexus energy center. Take a moment to think about these three approaches and see if one of them resonates more than the others. Then trust your intuition! Hope this helps!