Service as Dharma

Back in high school, my English teacher, Mr. Brandley, advised that it may be wise to choose a life serving others. I don’t think it was a Catholic school guilt trip, but more of an encouragement toward natural inclinations he spotted. It’s one of the few things I recall that was said to me by a high school teacher. And I’ve often wondered if Brandley was an intuitive. How’d he see that?

I went on to hold an assortment of service-related jobs, titles including: Convention Services, Membership Services and an undergraduate degree in the service-related field of Hospitality Management.

I found joy in service as a community breastfeeding support leader when my kids were younger.

I saw my creative handmade soap business as an act of service by providing clean, natural products to my amazing customers.

I presently serve others as a retreat host and workshop leader, envisioning myself as a friendly guide along our entangled paths.

Today I also serve by helping people excavate their inner landscape through introspection and astrological consultations.

As a vulnerable teen, a teacher helped me feel seen. Vision and sight are valuable and rare but, when encountered, a noetic light illuminates. That’s the same motivation for the work I do today. Whether it’s sitting with clients and privately discussing life purpose within the framework of the ancient philosophical model of astrology or leading introspective practices in small group settings, my work centers around the question of “What is possible?” for each unique individual.

What is possible? For me, that question brings me back to guiding fellow seekers inward as we consider what it is we are here to explore. It’s my act of service.

Go ahead and ask yourself the same question: What is possible?