When I was studying and training to do this work, I did free readings for a year. It was great practice for me because there was no pressure. But I noticed that the people I read for didn't really value the information. I'd get emails months later expressing something like, "I didn't believe you when you said I'd be changing jobs, but I just got a great job offer." It was as though they weren't valuing the information from the reading because they didn't pay for it. It reminds me of what I learned in my Reiki training and that is: there must always be an exchange of energy in order for balance to be achieved.
When I did start charging for my readings, I didn't charge much. And then I heard flack from other intuitives! One asked me if I was trying to be "the social worker of psychics."
So, yes I charge for my readings because it's how I make my living and because I want clients to value the reading and honor the messages that come through.
People have said to me, "It's a gift that you have, given to you by God. So you shouldn't charge." And I always retort, "Tiger Woods was given the gift of golf. So should he play for free? Bono was given the gift of music, so should he offer free concerts and not charge for his CDs?" We pay our counselors, our pastors, our psychiatrists, our ministers and our life coaches, so why is it wrong to pay our psychic?
So that's my soapbox stand. If you have an opinion on this, I'd love to hear it.
I view the exchanging of money for services and goods is a form of being in the flow, in the stream of giving and receiving, and supporting the "good" and well-being that shows up in my life.
ReplyDeleteFor those that hold that belief that psychics ought not to charge, does that belief serve them? It feels like a scarcity mentality, I could be mistaken.
I wish more of us felt relaxed when we part with our dollars especially when we value another being's gifts, whether they are mediums, artists, writers, poets, or any other non-traditional vocation.
It is curious to me to hear parents and grandparents discourage children to pursue the arts and non-traditional fields because "you can't make a living" in those pursuits. This thinking perpetuates within our culture. I for one would love our culture/world to balance itself out with more creatives and intuitives.
If we supported these pursuits, we could lovingly encourage young people to follow their dreams and express their creative pursuits knowing that the universe supports them.
And if folks still cannot feel good to support you, the individual, maybe they can imagine themselves inserting money in the "well" that represents their wellbeing.
Blessings to you and all.
Ana, what a beautiful comment and so well said. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Samantha,
ReplyDeleteI cannot express fully the insight and the comfort that your readings have given to my family. In less than one hour with you our lives are forever changed. When my reading was over - I felt happy to give you your fee. You truely are a teacher...
Wow Debra, I am in tears reading this. Thank you so much for your words. I am very grateful our meeting had such a meaningful impact for you and your family.
ReplyDelete