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.