One of the greatest challenges facing spiritual individuals is to transcend two thousand years of societal conditioning that has inadvertently programmed us for failure. We have come to believe that money corrupts. We have been taught that living a spiritual life requires austerity and forsaking the material world. We have been told that ego is a very bad thing, that being humble is a virtue.

As a result, many spiritual people are unable to integrate their idealistic values with those of the material world. Conditioned to detach from their egos, to be humble and selfless, they unwittingly repress the self-worth and assertiveness necessary to effectively promote their exceptional talents. Caught between charlatans and quacks that have fractured the public's confidence, and health professionals who have traded their deeper values for wealth, there seems to be no reconciliation between the dichotomy of success and selfless service.

As idealists, spiritual individuals trust that the universe will look after them as long as they offer their healing gifts. Not understanding that they are showing disrespect for their healing art and diminishing their own credibility, they neglect to foster a professional image and work environment. Without a healthy ego to foster appreciation of their own skills, they may undercharge for their services or give their talents away. They are reluctant to advertise or promote their services.

In consequence, only a fraction of the people that really need their services ever find them. They fail to make a living as healers. The credibility of a legitimate and valuable industry becomes tarnished. Thousands of people unnecessarily remain sick and in pain. And these loving healers end up frustrated and unable to see how they can be of true value and service to the world.

How can anyone expect to be taken seriously, to gain respect, or to raise the level of consciousness of the planet, if they are not, themselves, an example that others wish to emulate? What we often forget is that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. The human part of the experience is the main tool to our ultimate spiritual growth.

We have been taught that ego is a negative thing, and, indeed, it can be if used for self-glory or self-interest. But, by strict definition, all "ego" really means is "self-awareness."

In a humanitarian individual, ego will foster more altruistic motives. It will create drive and ambition to achieve for the betterment of community and humankind rather than for the self. When balanced with healthy self-acceptance, it instills positive qualities, such as self-worth and individuality, that allow us to confidently share our talents and abilities.  Mother Theresa was the epitomy of thse virtues. 

Many alternative health practitioners believe that humility is an important aspect of helping others. While this is true to a certain extent, a positive and accurate self-image is also important. Without strong self-awareness a person lacks confidence, self-esteem or belief in their ability to be of real and practical value to the world.

Humility will prevent you from promoting your services aggressively and effectively. It also prevents you from being rewarded appropriately for your services and the value you provide to others.  And that prevents you from sharing your wonderful talents and gifts. It also denies others the benefit of your abilities, because, if they don't know about you, they will have to patronize the services of someone else.

Therefore, you must allow yourself to feel good about what you do, to feel proud of your talents and abilities. When you begin to believe strongly in yourself, your confidence will inspire the trust and respect of others. That, in turn, will foster success.

Without strong self-awareness to motivate, bolster confidence, and clearly define your individuality, you cannot expand into community and be truly effective. We each make our greatest contribution to the whole through our individuality. It is our uniqueness, our individual experience and perceptions, and our talents and abilities that are our greatest gifts to the world.