Exploring Life & Business with Mara Bishop of Whole Spirit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mara Bishop. 

Hi Mara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I told people the kind of work I did twenty years ago, many people here didn’t know what to make of it. Now it’s more available. Really, it’s very old and part of cultures around the world: working with the energy of the body, recognizing that the places we live in have spirit, communing with nature for healing, and connecting to spiritual help that’s personal. I’ve worked in education from preschool to the graduate level, and I’ve started two organizations that focus on emotional and spiritual health, Whole Spirit and Whole Nature Inc. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When the road is smooth, we don’t pay as much attention to it, do we? It’s easy to take a smooth path for granted. Struggles stand out in our minds. Sure, I’ve had challenges along the way, but I try not to focus there. I’m very fortunate too. Meaningful work helps. And the wonderful humans and animals in my life! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Whole Spirit?
Whole Spirit began over two decades ago. My sessions have a spiritual (non-religious), intuitive, and energy-based focus. The differ from traditional therapy, but I often work on referrals from therapists and other providers. Although consultations can focus on many things, I specialize in helping people develop personalized spiritual practices, avoid burnout by creating healthy energetic boundaries, and engage with nature for better health and well-being. 

I have several books that focus on these topics as well. The world can be such an overwhelming place, especially for people who are empathic or sensitive. Having the tools to adjust what we take in increases our stamina and resilience, and we’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and burn out. My audio book Shining Bright Without Burning Out is about that. 

Shamanism for Every Day: 365 Journeys seeds a journeying or meditation practice with ideas to keep it interesting but without being too rigid. Clients and students have shared experiences where someone told them that they need to do things precisely one way, for a certain number of minutes, or every day. It can be oppressive and lead to a sense of overload that causes people to give up on practices that could be joyful and helpful. 

I created the Enatured™ method to help us develop better relationships in our local environments (and with ourselves) anywhere, regardless of whether we have access to beautiful private nature. One of my favorite classes is with Columbia University Teachers College, working with graduate students at an incredible animal sanctuary. My passion is nature, personally and professionally. Some of my happiest days are simply watching or interacting with the animals inside and outside at home. 

Part of how I live, and what I encourage people who work with me to do, is honoring existing systems (avoiding appropriating) while finding what is authentic to who we are. Practice direct revelation and find approaches that work with our lives and responsibilities. As much as possible, our daily lives can be our spiritual lives. We don’t have to keep adding more things to our schedules until we feel burdened by everything and don’t enjoy anything. 

Whole Nature Inc. is the nonprofit I recently started, which focuses on communing with nature and how important that is to us individually and collectively. I’m thinking about new partners as that organization starts to build. 

We can work together in person and online. If you have any questions before booking an appointment, you can schedule a short session without cost to see if we are a good fit. Or you can join one of my free monthly circles. WholeSpirit.com has all the information. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Great question and not an easy one. We’re bombarded with other people’s ideas about what success means. It can be hard to discern what’s meaningful to each of us individually. For me, it’s about time and peace of mind. If I feel at ease with who I am and how I treat others. If I have time to enjoy my loved ones. Then I’m good. I don’t feel successful all the time, but I work hard, appreciate my life, and let the details sort themselves out. That feels like a good strategy. 

It’s also lovely when people tell me how much better they feel after working together. And when animals trust me. Come do an Enatured™ session outside with me, and maybe we’ll have some visitors! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.WholeSpirit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marabishopwholespirit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaraBishopWholeSpirit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-bishop
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaraBishop