SPIRITUAL GAMES: “Criticism & Competition “

By Craig Junjulas

First Published In Sedona’s OPEN MIND

I have heard many comments about the sense of competition and criticism in the new age community from my students in New York who had come to Sedona as seekers and tourists. The people within this community also spoke of their concern about the same issue. And it is a problem that may occur in other spiritual communities around the world as well.

One center was accused by another of working from the base chakra. My response was that since all chakras are needed to perform fully on this planet, and each group has its job to do, this could actually be a compliment. Another group was called “space cadets.” To this, I replied that since they had been doing it for so long, they really should at least be called ‘space captains’ and honored for working on such a difficult level of thinking. Another group was said to just sit around getting high on bliss. I suggested the critic should sit with them and meditate on how to direct that wonderful energy into the problems of everyday life.

What my eyes saw were loving spirits with good intentions hoping to serve humanity. Yes, I noticed they were also human beings struggling, in varying degrees, with survival and acceptance issues. Aren’t we all?

The key is to see the spirit within each person or group working toward fuller expression. Give credit for the striving of the human to release old negative patterns, rather than measuring how far they still have to go in that endeavor. We all are reaching toward Higher Consciousness and trying to live according to spiritual principles. We all aspire to represent the spoken word of the ascended masters and serve the angels of light and love.

If you believe that we are all brothers and sisters, then it becomes your responsibility to send them light and love to support them while they grow – without even a hint of disappointment or criticism. Otherwise we are acting like high school seniors criticizing other social groups, thinking only our click dresses right and listens to the correct music, and making fun of the latest batch of freshmen in total. Some of these ‘younger’ ones will be our teachers and healers. That quiet one in the back seat, who dresses funny, may be the next prophet for humanity.

A very high number of metaphysical seekers pass through this town. Back in New York, I received many calls because of the degree of public exposure I had (weekly radio program, adult education class, etc.). If it is about serving all humanity, then how dare I try to capture all who pass by my door? That would be like erecting a net across the whole stream that passes through your property, because you fear not having enough fish to eat. This would not only cause your good neighbors famine, it would deplete the stream of fish for the future. I tried to remain aware of the other professionals in the area, and their particular forms of service, so spirit could guide me to refer people to the right professional.

What is the solution to this problem of criticism and competition? How do we not set up a force field of negative energy that eventually repels the very people we want to attract and help?

Simply use your talents as sensitives who are connected to the higher realms. When a person stands before you, ask spirit who they seek and what service you are to perform for them, if any. It may sound like a poor business tactic, but if this person is in town to meet the healer who they once held as a child in a past life, think of the potential harm which can come of you casting a net which captures this person and diverts him or her from their appointed hour with this soul mate. Hand them your card or brochure, inform them of the wonderful services offered by you or your group, AND tell them of the many other wonderful individuals and centers in the area. Let them know it is their soul’s development that is important, and help them fulfill the mission they were drawn to this area for in the first place.

In time we will heal that perception many have of the negative criticism and competition, of psychics and healers on every corner trying to pull in the ‘marks’ and elevating themselves by devaluing others.