by Richael Faithful
An important lesson I've learned is to trust the Universe at life's crossroads. This advice is common but hard to follow! Over the years, I realized listening to my deepest intuition often goes against my desire for certainty. Taking big, potentially life-changing risks can feel nearly impossible. Yet, every transformation in my life happened when I got out of my own way. I've been reminded again and again that valuing my inner-knowing, which connects me to greater forces, will always guide me where I need to go.
An example of trusting the Universe led me to divinity school two years ago. My path there was winding. Some decisions felt more fitting for a future divinity student than others. When I graduated law school 13 years ago, I thought I was done with school forever. After leaving legal practice after four years, I became a consultant doing meaningful social justice work. When divinity school came up, I was a comfortable, established consultant with no need for radical changes. By most standards, I was in an ideal professional position.
“I’ve been reminded again and again that valuing my inner-knowing, which connects me to greater forces, will always guide me where I need to go.”
I left legal practice because I had a deeper knowing something essential was missing. While on a promising track, having won a big campaign, part of me still didn't feel complete. I sensed a vocational calling - life's work beyond a job or status. No matter how great an attorney I was, I knew there was more meaningful work for me. This knowing led me to leave law without a plan. I worked tough jobs to support my family and complete a shamanic apprenticeship. After, I randomly asked a healing center if I could practice there, which accepted my offer and started my healing practice. Since then, I've guided thousands through life's difficult questions like navigating grief, finding purpose, recognizing gifts, and accepting change. I feel grateful supporting so many and having dual roles as a consultant and traditional healer serving social justice movements.
Looking back, divinity school made sense because I already had a sacred vocational role as a traditional healer for ten years. But the path presented itself to me, rather than me seeking it out. For two years, I reflected on deepening my healing work, feeling something was missing once again. In May 2022, I revisited my college for a memorial dedication event I had advocated for years ago. My mentor, Dr. Joanne Braxton, was also invited. Before the event, she casually asked, "Have you thought about seminary [divinity school]?" I honestly replied, "Absolutely not. But because you mentioned it, I will reflect on it."
After that day, I sat with the question for weeks, and doors seemed to open. First, I learned about a truly multi-religious, anti-oppression, student-centered, and fully remote school. Second, they were eager to welcome me, valuing my experience and knowledge. Third, the application process went smoothly, and the program was more liberating than law school. After a few months of saying "yes" to each next step, I became a divinity student! I finished my first semester earlier this month.
I feel deeply blessed by what I've learned so far through seminary and the people, communities, and opportunities it's already brought. I'm undeniably in the right place, one I would have never dreamt of or chosen on my own. This story reminds me that trusting my deeper knowing is always worth the risk. I have enough experience to know when I let go of my ego, invite the Universe to move me, and allow myself to be moved, I'm already transformed.
