I posted something about this about a week ago in my private Facebook group, but I’m thinking that the topic is bigger than that.
Something I’ve been seeing a lot of in my spirituality group and spiritual business groups is something very much like a persecution complex.
While a certain amount of drama and ego is normal in the spiritual community (since it’s made up of humans being), this is reaching a level normally more associated with narcissists, master manipulators, and aggressive psychic leeches. That IS uncommon. While the spiritual community IS made of humans being, these humans usually consider themselves compassionate, open-hearted, and empathic. As such, they aren’t USUALLY given to wild conspiracy theories and such pervasive paranoia.
I’ve bee slowly withdrawing from my groups as a result, because my gentle suggestions of “hey, I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation” and “I’m sure this is just a miscommunication” and “that seems a bit elaborate to me” have been met with hostility rather than relief.
I am not BLAMING anyone for this and if it were one person, or a few, or a dozen, I wouldn’t mention it. But I get around the internet a lot and seems to be becoming pretty common. And I’ve been in the new age/spiritual/pagan community since I was young tyke at my mother’s hip, so I have a pretty reliable idea of what’s “normal.”
If this is you, or you think it might be you, there are some things you can do. First – no shame here. Something pervasive like this means that if you/we are involved, we’re probably picking up on some kind of group/community vibe or something and being carried along. But that doesn’t let us off the hook because now that we’re aware of what’s going on, if we have accepted the responsibilities that come with being a leader, healer, guide, 
, etc. than it is on us to start reversing this energy.
That is a simple process. Don’t just deny your feelings straight away – that is not something I would suggest. But DO take a moment to get in touch with them and explore where they’re coming from and what they’re connected to. Exploring their roots will help reveal where they’re coming from and whether or not you’re picking up on something genuinely concerning about the situation or if you’re tapping into a general vibe in the air or community. Then, if appropriate, counter that feeling with something healthier – compassion, security, safety, happiness, calmness, joy… whatever you feel is most needed in that moment.
Second, insert a momentarily pause between feeling and reaction just to give you a second to think about if you really want to follow the path you’re on. This is a good policy for life (if you ask me, which you didn’t) because this way you can always make sure that your thinking-brain supports your actions. Regret is a terrible emotion and I do whatever I can to avoid it, and this is one of those things. That split second of checking in with myself gives me the chance to reevaluate the situation before blowing things up. You may not know it, but I can be quite destructive.
Lastly, treat yourself with extra gentleness. Regardless of where it’s coming from, we’re all probably feeling extra vulnerable right now. Instead of being rigid and mean to yourself about it, be compassionate and understand. Compassion starts at home!
I’m curious to hear if any of you out there are seeing this too and if so, where you think it’s coming from.
