Coming out of hiding
The great initiation for creative spiritual people
One of the challenges for creative spiritual people is connecting who they are on the inside with the world on the outside.
At the beginning of the creative spiritual journey, it can feel like you have two worlds, the inner world and the outer world.
The inner world is rich with ideas, symbols, meaning and inspiration.
The outer world is the material world of work, money, people and daily ‘to-do’s’.
Sometimes people retreat into one of these worlds because it makes them feel safe. They become so absorbed in their inner world that they don’t know how to connect with the world and support themselves financially. Or, they become so identified with the outer world that they forget the real source of nourishment within. Either way, when one aspect of their life is in hiding and their life is disconnected and off balance.
Usually for creative spiritual people they retreat into the inner world, because it is a place they trust and understand.
Financial struggle is a common symptom for people who are in hiding, because they are keeping a part of themselves disconnected from the world.
This is when the great initiation process begins…..
Coming out of hiding is the process of connecting who you are on the inside with the world on the outside.
This can be scary because it brings up all kinds of fears, such as:
-fear of being judged
-fear of looking ridiculous
-fear of connecting with people
-fear of being seen
-fear of not being loved
Those are lots of good reasons to stay in hiding. But, if fear is the leader your life will always be half lived.
Here are 5 tips for coming out of hiding
1. Decide
If you want to lead a rich creative life, you have to decide that you are going to. Are you ready and willing to make a decision right now to live your spirit?
2. Practice
Practice sharing who you are with people. This includes talking about your creativity, letting people see what you are doing, and creating opportunities for people to know who you are on the inside. Are you willing to practice talking about your creative expression with people?
3. Stay a minute longer
Classic hiding behaviour is to leave situations because they are uncomfortable. You know those moments at a social event when it is your turn to introduce yourself and you want to run and hide?! Rather than avoiding the situation, when you feel uncomfortable stay one minute longer. Trust me that will be enough time to break the cycle of hiding and give you an opportunity to practice connecting your inner world with people. Are you willing to stay a minute longer when you would typically want to hide?
4. Hand it over
You have to hand over the leadership role from your fear to your spirit. Let your spirit lead you, even if it doesn’t make sense, trust your inner guidance in the outer world. Are you ready to hand over the leadership to your spirit in your daily life?
5. Create a new vision
For creative spiritual people they often build their identity around being “An Individual”. To protect their identity they keep them Self separate from other people as a way to maintain difference. When you come out of hiding you need to create a new vision of yourself that includes people, that includes business, that includes the material world. Are you willing to create a new vision of yourself?
Take this even further, sign up for the free teleclass ‘How to transform your inner wealth into your outer wealth’


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July 11th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I so love and appreciate these reminders.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I am currently ACTIVELY coming out of hiding.
It is such an adventure.
And what a response!!!!!!!!
Indeed.
I feel supported, in fact lauded by the Universe for this act of courage.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I will tell a story on my blog! Coming very soon.
Visit sarahpriestess.blogspot.com
July 15th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Thank you for the inspiring article Laura. Beautifully written.
Dr. Robert Fenell
Repetitive Strain Injuries
July 16th, 2010 at 3:07 am
Oh! I love this sketch, Laura. And I love your words about how to stay on the “outside” a little more each time. That part about creating a new vision of connection rather than difference, that is so profound for creative folks. SO important. Sometimes the “specialness” is a cage one doesn’t even realize.
Sue Painter
July 16th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Yes and entrepreneurs are creative types too who suffer from all the same symptoms and need to connect and banish isolation! Love your art.
Linda
July 16th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Laura,
Wonderful words of wisdom so well written.
Thanks,
Mitch
July 17th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
This is great Laura! I just love the suggestion to stay one minute longer. I also love what you say about sharing who you are.
Trudy
July 18th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Simple, beautiful, thoughtful. Inspiring as always laura – and I love your sketch!
Hugs
Heidi Alexandra
July 18th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Such a beautiful way to illustrate the life of a spiritual creative! Your tips are SOLID and speak to me in a very profound way. Thank you. xoxo
July 19th, 2010 at 4:47 am
I agree with Trudy, I love the suggestion to “stay one minute longer.” I find that when I do, it gives me the opportunity to listen “just a minute longer” to other people and I’ve found that they truly value being heard.
Warmest aloha,
~Yvonne
July 20th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Laura – I always get so much out of your posts! Thanks for sharing your insight and wisdom and see you at CBI!
Phil
July 20th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Beautiful advice, Laura! XOXO, Katherine
July 26th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Hi Laura,
What a fabulous post! I love the steps for coming out of hiding. I need to use these big time!
Thanks for sharing!
Ellen Martin