Setting Boundaries for Your Wellbeing
Exploring spirituality and meaning can be a beautiful and healing part of life. However, it’s also important to navigate this path with clear boundaries to protect your emotional and financial health. This is especially true when you are navigating a vulnerable time, such as a period of grief or uncertainty.
A Note on Grief and Synchronicity
When we are grieving, it is very common to look for and find signs that our loved one is still with us. Seeing their favorite bird, hearing their special song on the radio, or dreaming of them can be profoundly comforting experiences. These moments can be a vital part of the healing process, offering a continued sense of connection. Allow yourself to take comfort from these experiences. There is no need to question or analyze them. Simply receive them as a gift.
At the same time, be gentle with yourself. Grief can make us more vulnerable to those who might seek to exploit our pain. If someone offers you a “guaranteed” message from your loved one for a large fee, it is wise to be cautious.
Red Flags of Exploitative Services
Whether online or in person, be aware of these common red flags when seeking spiritual guidance:
Guarantees and Absolutes: No one can guarantee a specific spiritual outcome or predict your future with certainty. Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true.
High-Pressure Tactics: Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to make an immediate decision, tells you that this is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity, or uses fear to motivate you.
Large Upfront Fees: Reputable guides or counselors are typically transparent about their fees. Be suspicious of requests for very large sums of money, especially upfront, for vague or ongoing services.
Claims of Secrecy or Exclusivity: Wisdom and truth are not exclusive. Be wary of anyone who claims to have secret knowledge that only they can provide to you.
Your Health and Safety Come First
Exploring synchronicity should be an enriching addition to your life, not a replacement for practical and professional support. It is essential to remember that these personal, spiritual explorations should never take the place of necessary medical or mental health care. If you are struggling with persistent anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or overwhelming grief, please consider speaking with a licensed professional.
You can even bring these experiences into your sessions. Here is a simple way you might open that conversation with a counselor or therapist:
“I’d like to talk about something that might sound a little unusual. I’ve been noticing a lot of meaningful coincidences lately, and they are bringing up some strong emotions for me. I’m not sure what to make of them, and I would appreciate having a safe space to explore what they might mean in the context of what I’m going through.”
For trusted, evidence-based information, you can explore resources on grief and coping at the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For mental health support, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
