In life, there are constant compromises made, priorities arranged and re-arranged, and shifting goals. And so it has been for me and my educational experience, the upshot: Graduated with a BA cum laud in Psychology from a great school: University of Florida.
Then made my way to another town and my grad school dreams: Chicago and University of Chicago. Divorce of first husband + life diversions took me to other educational sources: Loyola University, then worked and attended grad school at DePaul University, plus 2 years of lessons from my first shaman-teacher.
A move to Seattle with 2 classes to go for my M.A ended up in in-completion: DePaul U would not accept 2 classes from Seattle U. After arguments about not moving back to Chicago (this was in 1983, pre-everything), I let it go, and moved on in my career as a counselor and healer anyway, having been grandfathered into a Washington State law that issued counseling licensure to folks with BA's in certain majors.
Then the rest of life happened: 2 more marriages, last one to my true love and dad of the boys; the boys and full time mommy-ing along with part time counseling work; the years of Jim's disability and health issues--and my corresponding years as caregiver and partner; financial decisions leading to financial disaster; and so on. My priorities did not include a graduate education on the top of the list...not even near.
Yet, over the years, I checked out grad schools anyway--with lots of longing and sighing--all the while listening to words from well-meaning family and friends: "You don't need it." or "You are already a master." or "People love you (and your work) just the way you are." Well fine, and...
The longing continued through more circumstances than I can list. And the longing grew stronger in me as I noticed something: In my profession as an inspirational teacher, minister, and author, NOT having the grad school credentials closed some doors of opportunity to me: teaching at a college level, for instance, or higher paying jobs as a speaker, or not being considered an expert in certain circles, EVEN THOUGH I had more experience than others in, say, exploring and understanding the aura (most of my life), or training people in shamanic practices or healing (at least 35 years worth of training in dozens of modalities). Now some of you may say: "Bah! You still have what it takes to do your job and do it well." Yes, this is true. And...
I've felt the crunch of my head against a glass ceiling of sorts--the credential ceiling--and that has felt limiting. Recently though, I took a good look at said glass ceiling and decided to use my significant magical powers to vaporize it, leaving a sparkle of fairy dust in its wake. What the heck, I'm a shaman right? (Come on, play with me here)
I then took my dream of attending graduate school off the dusty, neglected shelf I placed it on, and re-looked at an online school I had been checking out for years. And I committed to applying by last month's end in order to take advantage of some significant discounts in enrollment down-payment and tuition. And the month rolled on by. And I worked some, enough to pay bills for the month. And the end of the month loomed, and I thought, "well, if this isn't meant to be, so be it. It can go on the shelf a little longer." But my spirit did not want to put it back on the shelf. The time had come to pursue the dream.
Miracles ensued: Some work came in, and a few friends kindly and anonymously gifted me with enough to make a down-payment and Voila! I am now enrolled in the Masters Program in Holistic Theology at the American Institute of Holistic Theology, with plans to go on ot earn my Ph.D. Right now awaiting textbooks and final papers to sign and class materials. I am cleaning up my calendar to make space for this.
I am excited to be enrolled in classes on theological topics such as Studies of the Kaballah, or African Theology, or Christian Mystery traditions. I've always had a fascination with the worlds' belief systems; now I'll get a closer look at how they operate. I feel like my horizons will expand with each piece of knowlege. I know I'll be a more educated speaker and teacher. And I know this will enhance my service in the world: no more glass or any kind of ceiling!
I'll keep you posted as to how this all goes. Meanwhile, I will continue to teach what I know and learn (tele-class in Journey through the Chakras). I will support you anyway I can (Talking stick monthly support group, private check in coaching sessions, aura portraits and more), and I will share what I learn on the grad school road. See my activities page for the full range of learning opps.
Take your dreams off the shelf, dust them off, and, with your significant magic powers, bring them to life, OK?
Blessings, Elke.