Like many others, I spend time reading the daily articles on LizianEvents News. I love getting other people’s perspectives on what they see from their maps of the world what makes them tick etc. Ian writes a lot about where you invest your life hours and what you can realistically get back in return with how much effort you put into things. This: in my eclectic mind has got me thinking and has opened up thought avenues for exploring.
I am an ordinary guy who I believes he has been given a wonderful gift of communication. And a spiritual knowing about what makes the average person tick. Why? Because I have been there, experienced the highs and the lows. And I convinced I am here to help people see their power and lead them along the road to self-empowerment. This is where my life hours have been invested during the last three years.
I am now into my 2nd season with LizianEvents, and my 2nd of exhibiting at other events countrywide. This takes considerable effort and time. The objective is building a reputation from doing what I do.
At times people pigeonhole and put labels my work. And because medium X works one way: this does not mean I’ll follow the pattern. It is essential clients do not compare my work with that of another. For example, I’m sometimes asked the question: “Do you talk to dead people and can you guarantee that you will bring spirits through?” Of course, this is a clients perspective and is an expectation of my gift and the reason why communication with the client is paramount.
In my previous life as a prison officer when dealing with prisoners, we used to call this way of preconception ‘the structuring expectations’. In other words: what they thought was going to happen and what happens is based on their actions. This wisdom is probably the only thing transferred from the previous very ‘earthy’ life into today’s spiritual life.
I have spent hours pondering where my path will lead. Should my focus be in readings working with spirit? Or do I take on more platform work and attend other evening demonstrations? I sense the future is a blend of both! One thing is for sure: The connection to people and their understanding of my work is essential to the future.
Part of my choice is feedback from clients, peers, friends, family and mentors. I respect all feedback good, bad or indifferent: because it keeps me grounded (no room for a massive ego in my world). Listening to feedback has worked for me, and the support received is at times overwhelming. However, this doesn’t answer the question about what I do. Being spirit worker requires a label, psychic, medium, counsellor, motivator, or any number of others, I don’t fit neatly into any of them.
I am not a great lover of either conformity or labels, and I am aware this can put the potential client in the position of indecision. They see names on the banner and interpret what they are expecting based on their perception of the words and imagery.
Again my communication skills will always clarify what I can do and also what I cannot. This method is based on numerous readings: and the messages that I have been passed on. I do my utmost to evidence the information: after all, confidence comes from repetitive success. What works is kept and what does not is discarded. I will use every tool in my toolbox to bring across uplifting messages and this cannot be labelled.
I never make outrageous predictions or claims of an ability etc. All have to be worked in and alongside my faith in the spirit world. This is my promise to the client. And I am sure in my belief that I work in truth and integrity, what could be better? My work is client-centred, and I give what is best for them at all times.
Time and again this way has worked well. I take the first few minutes of the reading to find out what a client is looking to receive. When I cannot meet their level of expectation, I advise that they could seek another reader who is better placed to deliver the desire. Often: People sit in shock after listening to the message. Expecting one communication, and spirit have given another. Spirit never ceases to amaze me: I’m very privileged to work with their energies.
My reason for writing this piece was based on feedback I received at an event. The client was disappointed with the reading. And because I was surprised at the comment, I asked for more information. She explained the message was too broad and too general. My answer was energy presented is all which is available. And I work with spirit and can only pass on the message given. Furthermore, I never make anything fit and my belief is always going to be that spirit will bring through what is necessary.
I then asked: ‘What did you expect from me?’ The reply was to bring through a recently departed person. So they could communicate through me as I am a “medium”.
This is why I have titled this essay ‘Expectation versus Reality.’
If the client had said, her expectation was for me to be a conduit, I wouldn’t have started the reading. My guidance would have been this: Loved ones entering the spirit realms will leave a sign of their presence if necessary. It is unlikely the spirit will communicate so soon after departure.
My work is to pick up the essence of the spirit’s energy: It could be mannerism, a unique word or the most common with me – a memory-link. I believe our loved ones always surround us. My loved ones in spirit do not connect with me when I am working with the client. This knowledge leaves me free to work with the client and their issues. The ultimate desire is to motivate them forward, give them that self-empowerment and often provide a different perspective in their life.
The reality is, I will work from the heart, I make no promises. I cannot control a client’s expectation: but please note where my intent lies. Look carefully where you invest your money and time. Weigh up your choice of reader carefully. If you choose me for a reading, I am very grateful. If you select another as long as you get what you are expecting, then I am equally happy.
I feel spiritual well being is very much part of mental wellbeing. Anyone who can close issues, suggest spiritual alternative or offer healing amazing transformations happen. I am not writing from an ego centre. The words are about all who use spiritual development to help others.
There will not be a reader who has not listened to the question: ‘Am I going mad?’ and after an hour consultation the client says: ‘You have put this into perspective’ or ‘Now I understand’. Our work is not only connecting and using the gift on a connected basis. We ask for guidance and pass the guidance to the sitter. Sadly, the reality is sometimes not the expectation.
When the client revealed she needed me to be a conduit for a conversation with a relative in the spirit world: the expectation was too great. It is not the way spirit works. They cannot be earth bound and continue with the same ways of the living. Spirit is most concerned with the wellbeing, peace and contentment of those who were close to them during life My concern is she will continue to search and eventually grasp any straw. Although this concern is a subject for another time.
Health and healing is very much part of the spiritual practician’s work. And there will be times when issues of the mind are considered. However, it is important for the client to make their expectations clear, in this way they receive the best of spiritual help and guidance.
All my written work is from my perspective, and I offer thanks love and bright blessings to all who have chosen to read it.
Thanks, Rick.
The first rule of sales and service is “find out what the customer wants – then give it to them”.
Mediums within our community provide a vast array of services and have a wide range of skills. Ensuring that the right clients front up to the right mediums is important.
You do a great job Rick, and you cannot be everything to all people. The fact that you ask for feedback at the end of a consultation does you great credit
Thank you Gary, I always endeavour to find out how I am best placed to help a client, perfection isn’t reality but it won’t stop me trying to reach it for the people and energies I work on behalf of. Thanks for you comment.
Feeback was only requested because the client was disappointed, if the client had just walked away, Rick would you have still requested it?
(you know what I’m getting at here 😉)
I will stick by what I’ve always said Jack of all trades 😂
Its about time you became a Master sir 👍
Answering the first part my friend the simple answer would be yes if I felt I hadn’t made myself clear or if I felt the mark hadn’t been hit, the clients welfare is paramount to what I do. I will repeat all day long this work is not about me or my needs or my ego.
The Jack of all trades comment not quite sure how to reply to that one, I can only work with what energies are shown to me and that is the same with opportunities, I can only work with what is presenting in front of me.at the time.
In regards to the Master comment I feel that everybody is always learning the path takes many twists and turns , to truly master anything takes time developed to it and even then you don’t stop learning. I give 100% to all the spiritual work I do, I do my best to offer something different in presentation, appearance and perception but I return your volley back across the net and say Master what? Always open to feedback whatever the circumstances 😉 Thanks for you comments best regards Rick.
Not questioning your commitment at all. I know its 120%
Master the path you are on, working with the guide you have (you know the one 😉)
While the temptation is to via off your path and go learn other “tools”
I think these hinder rather than enhance.
This we have spoke about many times.
You have your view which I totally understand.
My view hasn’t changed, due to what I “know”
It takes less effort to be pious and you can get fat on ugliness. Everything is subjective, therefore contradictory and we all work differently. Best use of time, to concentrate on your grammar.
I think that there is a distinction to be made between personal development, and public perception.
Personally, most of us are curious, enquiring individuals. That quest is forever.
In securing business, clarity as to what we are is important. If my water pipes in my house are not working, I call a plumber. If my electrics are down, I call an electrician. I would not expect a plumber to fix my electrics, or vice versa.
Rick, you have established a visual identity with your waistcoats. As time goes on you will hone your professional identity, as the “go to man” for specifics. Let that take its course.
Great observation Gary: Rick has made amazing progress over the years and no doubt we will enjoy watching his bright future with interest. It is not an easy or simple task to be a Spiritual Counsellor. Many think it is only the “image” which makes success. The fact is clients see the whole picture and to keep them requires immense wisdom and experience. Something which takes YEARS to accomplish. Ian
Thank you Ian for you wisdom clarity and advice, I think that anything worth having takes time to develop, there are no microwave fixes in that you set up for five minutes and come out with 20 years experience, that’s not reality. All apprentices hone their craft over time before they are the “finished product”. I am loving the journey and I also look forward to what spirit are bringing in and how that brings about my bright future but everybody who reads this know that I will remain grounded and humble whatever happens. I know that where I have come from to where I am now has took considerable effort , I have earned the right to say I am proud of not only myself but of every bit of spirit work I have done and that I consider myself immensely lucky that I have the backing of so many people . Thank you to everybody for the comments.
Thank you Gary points to take on board. I care passionately about every clients welfare that I come into contact with., there are no absolutes in the work that I am doing so I do my best with the energies that present to me from the individual. My part is minimal I just aim to equip the client with the tools for self empowerment. My waistcoats as you so rightly say are my visual identity but they are a prop as well another character another persona but spend time with me and you soon come to realise there is a lot more to me than that. It has been an interesting few years journey and what I can honestly say is I have loved it for the most part and look forward to the development and ongoing evolution. Happy to share my energies with all those that need it. Thanks as always for your input cheers Rick.
Sadly over my many years of doing Clairvoyance work and working with clients on Shows and privately you can never make every Client happy often they will leave after you have asked them if there happy and have any further questions they might say yes happy and all questions answered but may go away later and then think nope not happy then you will get a client who is maybe not happy but goes away later and then become happy you can only deal with that client while there with you and do your upmost while there with you to make sure there happy with your Reading then least they have gone away just understanding you have not connected with there energies and you have done what you can normally within 10 minutes of a reading yourself and your client know if the energies in the reading are connecting sometimes you have to ask yourself is it professional to question yourself after a reading myself I would only question whilst I am doing the reading..
There comes a time when you need not to stop asking what the client was not happy with and trust in your readings and Guides.
I have to agree with Gary many Clairvoyants make the mistake of having sadly to many skills and then they weaken the good skills they have ..
Before anyone makes a comment on my grammar I am dyslexic but in any work you will have negative and positive the bad and the good and you certainly can’t walk on water for people in any work its hard to be 100% correct to be honest its impossible in this kind of work Rick you work from a good energy with a good heart concentrate on guides listen to the skills they wish you to work with they will guide you the hard part is listening to them and then been brave enough to follow it.
There comes a time when you have taken a decision to become a professional reader you need to not question your work because this can off balance your guides have belief in what you have given to a client if they can’t connect with your reading then OK you can get a professional builder who has built a perfect wall 1000 people may look at that wall 999 people love it one does not does that builder pull the wall down no he doesn’t he has faith in all the people who are happy with his work.
Jewel-Marie Recchia
Very relevant comment Jewel. Thank you 🙏