The Paradox of Enlightenment: When Spiritual Growth Feels Like Luxury Skincare

Have you thought about how much it costs to learn about spirituality?

I understand charging $50–$100 for a reading, depending on the time spent one-on-one with a client. But lately, it feels like things are getting out of hand.

Pricing the Sacred

I had a reading a couple of times with Heidi Jaffee—love her. She charged at that time something like $50 for 15 minutes. This was about 10 years ago when I discovered her. Now she charges $105 for 15 minutes. $500 for 60 minutes.

Can you imagine? I mean, who has $500 for a reading?

Don’t get me wrong—I love Heidi and I don’t mean to call her out as an anomaly. She’s anything but. However, people who are truly gifted spiritually often charge outrageous amounts for their time.

I have pricing on my website too for things I do. I have had some people comment that a low price offering implies I’m not good. That, to me, is a confusing perspective. Does my pricing say “I’m not worth it?”

Retreats and Resorts

Retreats are even more outrageous. But the whole travel industry and accommodations are expensive. Gone are the days of Holiday Inns.

These fancy resorts are really, really nice—and I mean that in the most positive way. You get what you pay for. And you pay a lot for it.

Free Wisdom, Hidden Costs

I was introduced to Daniel Raphael on the podcast Beyond the Ordinary Show with John Burgos. His shows are free and fantastic. There is a lot of wisdom and free learning on his show.

However, every guest has something to sell. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that the products that speak to me the most are so out of my reach.

Daniel Raphael spoke about something I’d never heard of—Dreamporting. This healing method fascinated me, especially given my interest in Reiki. I wanted to learn the tricks of “his” trade.

His program, Illumination, costs $333 per month.
LOL. So no illumination for me.

Reiki: A Longing Fulfilled

I’ve been interested in Reiki ever since I learned the word. I didn’t know what it meant, but anytime I saw a sign for a Reiki class, I perked up.

The classes always cost over $500, so I was never able to participate. And this was 40 years ago.

Then, in 2014, I moved to Florida. On my first day there, I got a flyer from a hospice organization offering free Reiki training for volunteers. I was already trained as a hospice volunteer!

And just like that, I was able to learn Reiki.
It was about healing. I seriously never knew what it was about all those years ago—I just knew I wanted to learn.

Healing Hands and Hidden Gifts

I’ve always had feelings in my hands. Heat feelings. Anytime my kids were sick, I’d feel the heat coming through my hands and place them on their injury.

Now I have to hold myself back around others. My hands just want to go to them. It’s like their injury is a magnet and I can’t help myself.

But not everyone believes in it—or wants it—or they thinks I’m nutz. So I tend to sit on my hands, or face them toward the person without them knowing, and “imagine” healing energy flowing toward them.

My niece brings her kids to me for Reiki—hurt ankles, sore throats, scraped knees. Those kids are growing up knowing about it.

And I think that’s so very cool.

Channeling on a Budget

Isn’t it interesting that I was finally able to learn Reiki for free?

Why was I so drawn to something I literally knew nothing about? It makes me think about kismet. About fate. About how eventually, you learn what you’re meant to learn.

My channeling work happened accidentally too. I took a low-cost unrelated to channeling course but it peaked my interest in channeling. I then paid $40 for a channeling class. Now those same classes cost hundreds. Hundreds!!

Who Gets to Be Enlightened?

I just don’t understand spiritualists who only cater to the rich and famous.

Don’t ordinary people deserve to be helped?
Deserve to know how to improve their lot?

What Would Jesus Charge?

I wonder how much Jesus would charge today for his speaking engagements.

Asking the Universe

This feels like a very negative post. But maybe if I ask the Universe, it’ll make sense of what I’m rambling on about.

I don’t want to begrudge anyone a fair wage. But I’m wondering:
Why does it cost so much to learn to be enlightened?

You either need an exceeding amount of disposable income…
Or give it all up and live as a monk.

Is there an in-between?

Channeled Question & Answer

Q. Why does it cost so much to be enlightened? What’s going on with this dichotomy? It should not be a commercialized “industry” in my opinion. What is your opinion?

A. Religion has been commercialized for many years. Enlightenment is free.

You are confusing earning a living—being entrepreneurial—with spirituality. People who charge for their expertise—doctors, lawyers, clairvoyants—are charging for their expertise.

Doctors and lawyers spend years learning techniques, terms, and laws. Their training costs ridiculous amounts of money. So they charge accordingly.

Spiritualists may also have a specialty—tarot reading, channeling, palm reading, claira-anything—and they charge, knowing others haven’t developed those abilities. Many spiritualists teach that you already have these abilities within you. They just want you to pay to learn it from them.

But you know the answer:
You don’t have to pay.
You learn it yourself when you’re ready.

Many people pay for retreats as a form of amusement, escapism, an experience—and there’s nothing wrong with that. They’re fortunate to afford that life.

But you know you can take yourself to the beach or the woods. Bring a book, a journal, a pen, and some oracle cards. Do yoga for free online, on the sand, in the trees. Practice anything you like—for a fraction of the cost of a spiritual treat. Go with friends or go alone.

Yes, a fancy retreat would be nice. But it doesn’t preclude anyone from becoming enlightened.

When the soul is ready to advance, the pathways will open.
You’ll get the flyer.
You’ll find the free podcast, the blog, the used book, the new friend.

The path to enlightenment is always absolutely free.

Retreats, however, are at the going rate.
Do not begrudge those who’ve become successful with their offerings—or those who can afford to attend. That is their path.

You are on your own path.

When you are in a position to host a retreat, you may choose to do it differently.

For now, keep doing what you’re doing.
You are learning at your own pace, on your own path—the path that is for you.

Thank you for asking the question.

xoxox

AI’s Blog Summary: Why This Question Matters Today

In a world where spiritual growth is increasingly packaged as a luxury experience, this post explores the tension between authentic awakening and the rising costs of accessing it.

This post may feel like a critique—but it’s not negative. It’s honest. It’s curious. And it’s a question that many spiritual seekers are quietly asking: Why does it cost so much to grow spiritually?

From $500 readings to luxury retreats, the commercialization of spiritual growth can feel like enlightenment is being marketed like luxury skincare. This reflection doesn’t shame anyone for charging or earning—it simply wonders aloud: Is there a middle path between monkhood and materialism?

This post affirms that the soul’s journey is often free, serendipitous, and guided by grace. It reminds us that when the soul is ready, the flyer arrives, the podcast appears, the path opens.

So no—this isn’t a negative post. It’s a soulful invitation to rethink how we value, access, and share spiritual wisdom in today’s world.

PS – In addition to John Burgos free Beyond the Ordinary podcasts, Mike Dooley at tut.com offers affordable options if you are interested in learning more about these kinds of subjects on enlightenment, spirituality and/or the nature of the Universe.

And of course, you could buy my book, Back to Being – and if you can’t afford it I’ll be happy to send you a free copy. You can email me at Send me a book please

If you would like to ask the Universe a question (for free) email it to me at Ask the Universe.

And as always, thanks for reading.