What the Heck is Sacred Commerce Anyway

When I began Soul Space Studio, many years ago, I was lead to rethink financial exchange. I'm not gonna lie, this has caused me a great deal of turmoil, loss of business, disrespect, mmm yeah many things. Even still, I have held firm and strong to what I've been spiritually, intuitively directed to do. 

Systems are being called to change. This is a topic much larger than this post, my livelihood, or me. However, for me, the system of financial exchange, within the offerings of my little business,  is a small part of this bigger conversation. It was spiritually brought to me that this 'work' is for everyone, is on going, and each individual who comes to me in alignment to do their 'work' should be able to do so without a financial tug-of-war. And, (yes, there was more ;) in association to the change in systems, I was being called to provide an opportunity for individuals to take responsibility on how they are in relationship with their money. Like the opening sentence of this paragraph, there is so, so, SO much more to this, which isn't necessary at this time or even needed in order to express my definition of Sacred Commerce.

Before I go on, I want to share an example of being in relationship with money as far as an exchange of commerce. A gentleman called the studio to schedule a time for his daughter's birthday. He mentioned how much his daughter wanted her party at Soul Space Studio. As we discussed the details of the party, how many guests, the theme, etc. the conversation remained light and fun. There was an excitement building for his little girl. Then he asked, "How much?" I responded, "How much do you want to spend on your daughter's birthday party?" The lightness of conversation shifted as did his tone when he responded, "I don't know! You tell me!"  

Regardless of how much or how little he spent, the intention, for both him and me, was already established. His little girl and her friends would have a creative, fun time in Studio for her birthday. I preceded to tell him, "You get to choose how much you want to spend on this event and we'll create it." I wasn't asking him to put a price tag on his daughter's joy, but to be in relationship with his hard earned income and to have a say in how he wanted to spend it. While his tone was of authoritative aggravation, I knew it held an essence of fear around something uncomfortable for him. He was taken off guard by an unexpected twist. He didn't know what to say or what to do next. This isn't how the system works, for Pete's sake.

We're just not there yet, are we? As a collective, we're not ready to shift our relationship with money. Money, which is currency, is a form of energy. So buying and selling is an energetic exchange. Heck, most of us don't even realize we are meant to have a relationship with money. Again, another topic much bigger than this post.

To continue on....

The original definition of Sacred Commerce I worked with was, "Pay what you can based on trust and integrity." Over the years this definition lead individuals to take advantage and make judgment statements such as, "She (meaning me) doesn't need the money" or "She likes to do this stuff for free."  This further lead to a level of disrespect and disregard of, not just the 'work', but also of Spirit from which this was directed. Then there is the obvious, I too have been disrespected and taken advantage of, which for some, opened a door to more judgement statements. The greater violation truly is the decregaation of the 'work', sovereignty, personal transformation, and spirit.

When I began to feel burning resentment, I knew I had to make some changes, and change continues to come. The first wave of change is the definition of Sacred Commerce. It now is :: "A fair and equitable financial exchange which upholds and honors the work, each client, and me. Sacred Commerce is in connection to, and in harmony with, the transformation each individual is guided to receive through their efforts and our co-creative process."

I know the potency of this kind of transformation, and while it is for everyone, not everyone is ready. I also know one woman's $20 is another's $200, is another's $2000....and, without 'skin in the game,' transformation doesn't fully unfurl. Furthermore, transformative growth comes with a push from next level trust, an ask of investment, not just in currency, but of time, and a commitment that often makes one squirm. Please know, this call isn't only on the side of clients, I too must trust, invest, and commit the same.

Now, this leads to a word of caution. There is no way to dance around it anymore, on either side, mine or client. As a facilitator, way shower, guide I must call it out when I see it, otherwise I am inhibiting the unfurling wings of transformation. And, when a client chooses to ignore their role in Sacred Commerce, they bring upon themselves a lower karmic vibration which tends to ripple out to their own business, family, and relationships.

Sacred Commerce is of great importance from every angle. May you do a check in of your own relationship with money. May you reflect on the ways you exchange with those who serve and support you, as well as those whom you serve and support. If you have any questions or I can be a support to you, please reach out.

Reciprocity must  be in flow.
The energy channels must be open.
The systems are coming down. 

In case you're wondering, no, the sweet little girl didn't have her party at Soul Space Studio. It is my lingering hope, her birthday that year, was filled with as much magic as it would have been, had she celebrated in Studio. And, that her dad has entered into a curiosity of Sacred Commerce.