10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Making Spirituality My Career

Jun 27, 2025

I now have 7.5 years of experience being a professional spiritual practitioner, and 3 as a OneSpirit Interfaith Minister. As far as a career in spirituality, linear time is a poor measure of how experienced someone is. That all depends on marked occasions of initiation—lessons learned, along with the rituals that maintain the lesson and ceremonies that document them—and a willingness to receive wisdom as fully as we give it. As far as that measurement goes for me, I have gone through a whole lot of initiation and ceremony, with a high likelihood (universe willing) that I have many, many more ahead.

This is a great point along my timeline to share what I’ve learned so far, in hopes that if you, reading this, are deciding to pursue a career in spirituality, you can:

  • Receive some assurances from my own experience
  • Know that you’re not alone
  • Avoid some of my pitfalls
  • Receive some encouragement, too

1. The calling happens both suddenly and gradually.
You’ll find yourself gravitating toward matters of spirituality more and more as the calling beckons you forth. When it arrives as a dawning, foundation-rocking realisation, you’ll look back on a lifetime of being pulled toward it. The very obstacles and discouragements you faced may have been the very things that shaped your path.

2. Paradox is the greatest holder of deep, powerful truths.
You’ll be pressured to both transcend wealth and materialism and prove your value by achieving them. You’ll be praised and criticised no matter your level of success. Wisdom lies in holding both sides of the paradox.

3. Embrace alchemy.
Failures will hurt—but they’ll also teach. That beautifully marketed course that didn’t sell? It laid the foundation for your next success. Transform disappointment into wisdom, and offer that to your clients.

4. Build and maintain careful boundaries.
Not everyone offering advice has your best interest at heart. Some may be projecting, selling, or simply not listening. Set boundaries with those who speak in absolutes, or try to diminish your worth.

5. Avoid toxic positivity.
It’s okay to feel scared, stuck, or unsure. Emotions are part of the process. Reject advice that shames your experience. “Positive vibes only” thinking can become a form of spiritual bypassing.

6. Watch out for the greed you find, within and without.
Some people in the spirituality space are motivated more by wealth and admiration than by service. If something feels unsafe, listen to that. Check in with your intentions often, and release judgement around success.

7. Ideally, as spiritual practitioners, we are making ourselves obsolete.
We teach our clients to do for themselves what we do with them. This keeps us grounded and in integrity, even as we still have to market ourselves.

8. Constantly, consistently, and clearly market yourself and your work.
Effective marketing is about storytelling, authenticity, and patience. Avoid jargon. Meet people where they are. Build real relationships.

9. Seek support.
Whether for marketing, money, or your own healing, you’ll need people who listen and reflect with care. The right mentors will hold space while respecting your path.

10. You need supervision.
Being your own boss doesn’t mean being your only point of accountability. Supervision protects you and your clients. It creates a safe container for your growth and theirs.

There’s so much more I could say, and these bits of wisdom really only scratch the surface. Your journey may be slow and steady, or it may be sudden and visible. Either way, take in the lessons. Embrace the paradox. Let yourself be held.

With love and great support,
Rev April

– Written by OneSpirit Minister, Rev April Kling

Reverend April Kling: Reverend April Kling is an interfaith pastor, peace scholar, sacred activist, writer, artist, and musician residing in rural Ireland, originally born and raised in San Angelo, Texas. April was ordained as an interfaith minister with OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation’s interfaith seminary in 2022 and is a current graduate student finishing her Master’s Degree (MPhil) at Trinity College Dublin in International Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution. Find her on Instagram here

What if my life was an act of reverence?

What if your whole life was an act of reverence? In this poetic reflection, OneSpirit student Andrew Jones explores how deep attention, presence, and love can transform the everyday into the sacred.

Women’s History Month: Indigenous Women Leaders

Indigenous women have long been central to the spiritual and cultural life of their communities, yet their leadership has often been overlooked. From ancient traditions to contemporary movements, women are reclaiming spiritual authority and revitalising practices passed down through generations. In communities such as the Lakota and Haudenosaunee, women have historically held positions of spiritual leadership, and today, figures like Winona LaDuke and Tiana Ngata continue to lead efforts to preserve and strengthen Indigenous spiritual practices. As these women reclaim their rightful roles, they ensure that Indigenous spirituality remains a powerful force in today’s world.

Women’s History Month: Women in Spiritual Traditions

Women have played a crucial role in shaping spiritual traditions, from revered figures like Kuan Yin and Táhirih to trailblazing leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Phyllis Curott. Despite facing exclusion, women continue to reclaim leadership roles and push for gender equality within spiritual communities, ensuring traditions remain inclusive and vibrant. This Women’s History Month, we honour their resilience and lasting influence.

Month of Ministry ‘War’ Reflection

In Day 21 of #MonthOfMinistry, the prompt "War" reflects on the internal battles we sometimes fight, between our true selves and the identities imposed upon us. The author of this post, Birch Pathway Student Justin, shares a personal struggle, likening the inner conflict to the external wars that ravage our world, both born from the destructive belief that peace can only come through conquest. The message encourages finding true peace not through domination, but through understanding, justice, and love, reminding us that we must first reconcile with ourselves to end the wars we impose on others.

The Power of Inclusive Storytelling

In a recent interview with MysticMag, our Communications and Marketing Lead, Kailee Smart, shares her insights on creating marketing that is both peaceful and inclusive. She discusses the heart of OneSpirit’s approach to communication — fostering connection, clarity, and a sense of belonging for all. From shaping the tone of our messaging to ensuring accessibility, Kailee highlights how communications can be a bridge for understanding and community.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

We’re thrilled to mark the commencement of enrolment for our Spiritual Development and Ministry Training. This year, we are proud to introduce the Cherry Tree Pathway - which is a new offering that continues to be an entirely online curriculum, with optional in-person opportunities, designed for your convenience. Enrolment is officially open NOW – and will close on the 30th of September, with the training beginning in October!

Wednesday Wisdom: Bali

In this first student reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, a member of Aspen Class, Andrew, shares a deeply personal ceremony held at a local beach, marking the transition from year 1 to year 2 of their Interfaith Minister training. The reflection weaves together themes of gratitude, self-discovery, and connection to nature, as the student honours the sacredness of everyday moments and the role ceremony plays in their spiritual journey. This intimate experience offers insight into the evolving relationship between the student and the Earth, celebrating the sacredness of place and the power of ritual in marking life's pivotal moments.

OneSpirit Staff Reflections: Kailee

In this first staff reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series and the first reflection of 2025, Kailee shares her journey to becoming the Communications Lead at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Driven by a lifelong passion for global cultures and inclusive communication, Kailee reflects on her diverse experiences—from teaching English abroad to advocating for marginalized communities in Washington, D.C. She explores how these experiences have shaped her work at OneSpirit, where she is inspired to create content that fosters connection and empowers individuals in alignment with the foundation's interfaith mission.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

The Cherry Tree Pathway is our new blended learning programme, offering a mix of online and in-person experiences for those seeking a flexible approach to spiritual development.

Redefining Interfaith

We celebrate a new, inclusive vision of interfaith, one that welcomes all spiritual paths, honoring the richness of personal experience beyond traditional religions.

Demystifying Interfaith: Moving Forward

Interfaith dialogue goes beyond religious boundaries, embracing diverse spiritual and secular perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and respect for all paths.