January/February 2005 Living Now
Finding Right Livelihood

by Victoria Marihart

Right Livelihood can be both an enticing and a confusing notion. There are different perceptions of exactly what Right Livelihood is; some consider it only doing work that is "Right" for Society, others view it as only doing work that is Joyful for the individual. The important question is, what is Right Livelihood for you, and how do you get there? To begin with, Right Livelihood is not necessarily a single destination; it is a path one chooses to follow. This path most often unfolds in phases involving a number of different vocations and avocations. In truth Right Livelihood is not just about what work you do but also how, where and with whom you do it.

From my perspective the one primary step that needs to be taken by anyone attempting to walk the path to Right Livelihood is to eliminate all work that is out of alignment with your personal sense of integrity. Note: this is your personal sense of integrity, which may or may not be limited to what you have been taught through family and church. The internal struggle that ensues from doing work in opposition to your inner knowing can create a block to, or drain of, your physical, emotional and soul based energy, in shamanic terms this is called your power. Once this drain or block is eliminated from your life you will find more freedom and personal insight lighting your way forward.

Let's look at what might lie in the way of your path to Right Livelihood. Often, first and foremost on the list is turmoil and fear. "How am I going to live, how am I going to maintain my lifestyle, pay the mortgage," and on and on. Of course you can produce great prosperity on the Right Livelihood path, but it may take time to develop. So the path might ask you to make some adjustments, to release some notions of how you live. Most of us have layers of cultural and family teaching that encourage us to earn as large an income as possible and to constantly escalate upward. There is great pressure to not step "backwards" and to maintain the life style and image that you have created. If you do find it necessary to leave your current employment to regain some of your personal power, take a creative approach. How could you adjust your lifestyle, what demands could you release, and what intermediary work could you do while your way unfolds? This may take some introspection, trust and belief in the road you have chosen.

Once you have aligned you work, there are a number of ways to move forward.

Some of you will find that the type of work you are currently doing is still relevant, it might just be the how, when and with whom that needs to change.

For those that have a calling to do creative or service work that is not necessarily income generating, Right Livelihood might remain a two pronged effort. Work that is in alignment with personal integrity to pay the bills, along with your personal passion on the side.

For others the energy and strain that is released by taking this step into aligned work will allow you to move inward and seek your sense of soul purpose and the work that coincides.

There are most likely some of you reading this article that opened a private practice or business to fulfill your Right Work and are struggling with the Livelihood part. Have you taken steps to learn about business? To explore what is needed to prosper in your chosen work? If needed take yourself out of the struggle by taking a personally aligned job to pay the bills, while you learn and explore options.

What ever your path may be, know in your heart that Right Livelihood is a joyful possibility.

Victoria Marihart works as a Shamanic Coach in both Heart Centered Business and Right Livelihood. Coaching and many Shamanic Practices can help you gain strength, power and clarity. Victoria uses her 25 years of experience in Large and Small Business to help her clients clear blocks, gain clarity and form a forward path. Contact her at 503-807-6303, www.transformbusiness.com.