I received an email from a reader named David who attended the 2007 Conscious Life Expo. I learned one major lesson in the 1990's while taping some of the episodes of my TV talk show 'The Metaphysical Experience' at the old Whole Life Expos here in NYC. Vendors, healers, etc. are often all about money, issues, and ego. Many are also there for sex and most having a partner at home. And yet these people think of themselves as spiritual - you know, the helper healer wounded soul people who still live in drama and can't be without it. These are the people with issues who think they are healed, create a system which is recycled information, a book and generally a CD,and think they are gurus. Trying to make a living this way doesn't work! Speaking to them, and listening to conversations behind the scenes, really brings my point home. I realize they have overhead to cover and hope to make a profit. There are many sincere people as well as duality exists in everything. But you'll never find me at these events, because of the energies. Every person I know who was part of the expos and such in the old days (1980's and 90's), says it's all gone commercial. Why ... because everyone wants to earn a living in metaphysics though most also need a day job or another source of income. I still get invitations to rent a booth at the last remaining annual expo in NYC, but have never done that nor intend to.
From David, a school teacher ...
Got back Monday from the Conference in LA. It was a great time; the weather was wonderful, mid 60's and sunny - better than the cold snow here! The conference was okay. Not exactly what I expected, but definitely eye opening. So many of the people are rude and seem to be in it for themselves only. It was amazing how they would try to get you to buy their product or service.
A friend who went with me, who is skeptical about metaphysics, said he went to a booth and the lady there said she was a celebrity pet psychic. She said that she is a 'true' psychic because she has a degree, and she's not like the other fakes. He, being the smart ass that he is, asked her where she got her degree? She didn't respond.
Now, you have to try and picture this. LAX Hilton FILLED with new age gurus, psychics, alien researchers, and everything else imaginable. It was huge and such a mixture of people. My friends were surprised at how silly some of this was. We all expected it to be more serious. But what amazed me the most was how rude most people were. They didn't really practice what they preached. A lot of ex-hippies trying to feel important about themselves. The energy was off and uncomfortable. I heard someone in the elevator talking about aliens at war with Mexico - whatever! It seems people would rather shroud themselves in conspiracy and mystery than to try to seek the truth within themselves. I think they would be disappointed if they did learn the absolute truth!
As I walked past many rows of booths, I realized that everyone was promoting the same thing. Whether it be Ph water that cures or vitamins, it all essentially does the same thing. I think itąs the belief in the product more than anything. Everyone had their own 'cure' and believed everyone else was wrong. Most seemed disconnected from one another; instead of coming together to learn something from one another, they spent their time promoting their agenda. It was the most disconnected bunch of people I have ever met.
I am glad I went because it opened my eyes up to the metaphysical/new age community. I donąt think you would have enjoyed it much. Couldnąt even stop at a booth without being pressured to try or buy a product. It wasn't much more than a bunch of dysfunctional people gathered together in the same hotel - CHAOS! There were a few wonderful, genuine people there, but the most were there to feed their ego.
LA was neat but I like San Francisco much more. Different type of people there. See you are going to be in San Francisco - would love to go!
David
The pet lady psychic must have one of those metaphysical PhD certificates anyone can get on the internet. Hell ... I got mine from the Rev. Maria in Long Island when I used to work the psychic fairs with John Edward. Cost me $25 and I did nothing. For another $5.00, I got a parking sticker to put in my car window, "Minister On Call", which was worth the money. Did I ever tell you I was a reverend? Yup! She made me a Jewish Reverend!
When people put a lot of initials, representing degrees, after their names, they are usually lost in ego and probably never got past high school. I know there are schools where people study for years to get such a degree, but for most it's just a statement ... "I am smart!" I got my metaphysical PhD because everyone else got one, along with their Reiki certificates ... now you figure out the patterns. Chokurei Baby!
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