I sit here on this rainy cool morning, and contemplate this past year. It has definitely had its ups and downs, and its blessings in disguise. I have gone from nearly losing my job over petty gossip, to getting 3 promotions, making me now a supervisor over 2 regions. It has been emotionally draining, and exciting and scary, but change is just that way. All of this while trying to plan my wedding to the man of my dreams. He has been my constant through all of this, and I am truly blessed to have him by my side.
Throughout all of this, being a pagan has definitely come up a time or two in office conversation. And since it's not something I try to hide, I have quite enjoyed sharing my way of life with whomever is curious enough to ask. I have even made a mojo bag for a co-worker, and shared my favorite meditation techniques, and the best place to buy smudge sticks with my boss. But one thing that is always in the back of my mind?
how much information is too much??
Where do I draw my line of what is comfortable to share with fellow co-workers?? After all, the last thing I need is for them to think I dance naked in my backyard on full moon nights, chanting in tongues! (even though I wouldn't deny that!) ;)
Office friendships aren't intended to be deep or intimate, we are all simply there to work as a team, practice respect, and do our jobs to the best of our abilities. Therefore, when it comes to my true spirituality, I try not to go too in-depth on the specifics of my beliefs, mainly because non-pagans just don't understand, no matter how hard they genuinely try to.
Sticking to the basics
There will always be questions, even the most simple questions require some thought before you belt out your answer (can you say awkward elevator silence?!). Luckily for me, no one has come right out and asked me if I worship the devil, or sacrifice small animals and children. Most of the ladies I work with have been very respectful of my faith, and accepted my way of life without even batting an eye. I think that is mainly due to the fact that as a whole, most educated people understand that we all come from different walks of life, and we are all entitled to walk the different paths to God.
The age of my co-workers makes a big difference too. We are all the offspring of baby-boomers, so most of us grew up in more liberal households than those who are older in age, where they lived extremely more modest lives through childhood. Depending on the age of those you work with, will definitely determine the reaction you will receive when you step out of the broom-closet!
In the opposite way, the younger you and your co-workers are, the more persistent they could be, about asking you for 'favors'. Spells to get revenge, love or money should definitely be practiced with caution, and I honestly don't condone that at all. For your safety as well as those you work with! Explaining the karmic circle can help those pesky colleagues who just can't take a hint!
Dressing for success
Since my office requires me to don business casual attire, I'm exempt from the stress of which conical hat will go best with my shoes. I do, however, enjoy a more bohemian look, and am slowly building my closet inventory to reflect my eclectic personality, without looking like a carnival gypsy!
And although I have a lot of beautiful pagan-inspired jewelry, I try to only wear my smaller, more conservative pieces and crystals, and even then I rarely wear them, unless I feel like I need its energy.
I also keep my hair and makeup light and simple, because really, who can carry a mature conversation with someone who looks like they came out of a Marylin Manson video?!
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| "In today's staff meeting, we will compare relative statistics, in correlation to non-bilateral compositions, based on our quarterly reports and its findings" -said Marylin Manson never |
Now, don't get me wrong, if your work environment allows you to fully express yourself in that manner, then by all means, express away! But, thinking in a more office-related workplace, most people wouldn't understand what a heartagram is.
Choosing to freely tell your co-workers about your chosen spiritual path is only a choice you can make on your own, and shouldn't be one you make lightly, without knowing you can tell others and still work in a safe environment. Although we are blessed to live in a country that allows us to practice the faith of our own choosing, without persecution, it still doesn't safeguard us against the ones who don't care to understand, and would wish us harm. Use your self-guided intuition as much as possible, it will always point you in the right direction. And never be afraid to be yourself, especially around people who don't even get the pleasure of knowing the TRUE you to begin with ;)
Namaste, and blessings to you all!!
Melissa
