Breaking the Fortress: Exploring the Intersection of Money, Trust, and Spirituality
My approach to money and finances had always been organized and controlled. I had built practical knowledge, but I recognized that money was somehow ruling me and holding me back in some protective shell. I wanted to know more about how money and spirituality intersect to see if I was missing something.
Wanting to explore my relationship and beliefs around money, with the intent to open and explore indistinct, often troubling emotions, I had a sense that this would help release more of my potential financially, and allow me to build on my life’s purpose.
I found a group of other seekers—small group coaching with Karen at Clear Sky. A group, with concerns and issues around money. We dove in, and the group dynamics fostered trust and a space to look inward honestly. And I realized the role of money. I realized how my essence, behaviour and emotions were reflected in how I perceived and handled money in my life.
What happened?
The archetype studies (e.g. the Creative Artist, the Warrior, the Tyrant, the Magician, the Innocent, etc…) drew out aspects of my beliefs and history that had remained dormant, consciously unseen. For me, the Warrior and Magician factored large, which was heartening, but I realized that there were Tyrant elements surrounding me that were causing me to retreat and protect at all costs, out of fear, sometimes terror. The tyrants were past but very key relationships that had breached trust and love in very significant ways that were haunting me now. I could start to see that control over money was a means to feel in control.
There was some relief in that, that I could feel “safe” on some level. However, I was also pinpointing how this was keeping me captive and small. And, perhaps on some unhealthy level, I had adopted a self-Tyrant attitude and perception that had carried on, even though the tyrants were long gone now.
I also discovered that this fortress was limiting me from experiencing joy—and the archetype of the Fool was almost entirely missing. I realized that the Fool element was about risk taking and the very freedom I might need to face fears and re-balance. I was so used to being contained…. I realized I was preventing myself from receiving and experiencing joy that was available to me.
"Hidden, deep-seated beliefs had created their own path. These realizations reflected that I was moving along unconsciously; I had built a fortress of sorts."
Hidden, deep-seated beliefs had created their own path. These realizations reflected that I was moving along unconsciously; I had built a fortress of sorts.
The fortress was becoming known.
Suddenly my goal-setting became a bit topsy-turvy, as if I had lost my compass. While challenging, the experience led me to understanding aspects of myself that were protective but diminishing my inner strength, raising doubt, and creating worry that brought on more contraction.
It was shocking, really… All of my life goals were inextricably threading through this fortress of fear. I had to question and re-think and listen inwardly about how this upended my notions of my life’s purpose and plans. Facing such a discovery was not easy, but even at its most shocking moment, there was a freeing sense of relief, much more significant than any relief I felt from keeping things so organized and controlled.
This exposure, and building knowledge of myself, became freeing. I discovered that the control and fortress-building was a way to shield me from trust. In the distant past, it may have been about trust breached by Tyrants, but it became an issue of self-trust that was holding me back.
It became clear that recognizing this, and understanding how to build inner trust, was key. I realized I already have pillars of strength within, and I became more conscious of those strengths. This gave me confidence to trust myself more. As perspectives and perceptions shifted and expanded, there was a growing understanding and building of trust within.
Money and Spirituality was an important circle of relationships, and it fostered that inner strength and knowledge. It was a very personal journey, within a group, where we could listen, learn, and provide our own experiences, helping each other along the way. Doing this work requires commitment and presents challenges that are uncomfortable, but this is where the growth lies. We created a roadmap of why, what, how and when, and this frame set down a path that allows for adaptation and adjustment—as continuing discoveries unfold!
Money & Spirituality: Integrating Spiritual and Material
Four-Week Online Course with Karen McAllister
February 15 – March 8, 2025
This course is about healing the split between money and spirituality and integrating your vision and calling into your everyday work. Through this course, you will come to a place of peace, power, and care in your heart in your relationship with money.
It is about integrating the spiritual with the material, or the material with the spiritual, depending on where your journey begins.
2 thoughts on “Breaking the Fortress: Exploring the Intersection of Money, Trust, and Spirituality”
I’m interested in “Money and Spitituality” however, need to know the cost of the 4 week on-line course. Also, I would have to get my laptop set up.
Hi Bernice, the course is pay-by-the-heart, with a recommended range of $200CAD – $500CAD for the series. We look forward to seeing you at the course!