~ B.A.. International Studies
~ Suluk Academy: A two-year, intensive study of Universal Sufism with the Inayatiyya Movement on the teachings of Indian mystic & classical musician, Hazrat Inayat Khan
~ Coordinator Training: A multi-year training within the Inyatiyya’s Inner School leadership training tract
~ Chaplaincy Institute of Maine: Two-year interfaith education/training and ordination
~ Reiki level I & II trainings
~ Astrology: beginner’s study with Bronwyn Simons Astrology
~ Notable, well-respected business training & courses, including: Marie Forleo’s B-School & The Copy Cure; Carol Tice’s The Freelance Writer’s Den Mastermind group/coaching; Mark Silver’s Heart of Business marketing trainings; Stu Mclaren’s The Membership Experience; Coastal Maine Enterprises’s (Brunswick, ME) entrepreneurship advising services

Because we’re made of and for many things, I find I’m a contradiction of multitudes: Are you?

1. I’m an ordained interfaith chaplain, but I’m not the kind most people think. I don’t officiate ceremonies or stand behind a pulpit.
   My form of chaplaincy is creating presence and a safe space for listening, whether in everyday life — or “in business.”

2. I’m a mystic but not the kind that lives in ashram. I find my mystical ways in worldly and otherworldly connections with nature and people — and with myself, by looking inward through the lens of various mystical teachings. Yet, Universal Sufism is my foundation.

3. I like business, in general, and marketing, especially. But not the kind of marketing that suggests you contort yourself into someone you are not in order to follow someone else’s outward-focused “rules“ around how to be successful. To me, being in business and marketing your work starts as an “inside job.” And then from that place you move outward more purposefully into the world.

4. I’m a nature lover who is often quite content to commune with the trees and birds outside my window. From my comfy blue floral chair. With a hot beverage in a pretty mug in hand.

5. I’ve been told I’m a great listener who likes to talk! In my defense, it’s to process what’s going on with me. We don’t need answers; We need others to listen so we can hear ourselves.

6. I’m a full-blown cat lady with no cat, who shares the couch with a dog. He claimed “my spot” and hasn’t given it back. I bow to these more-than-humans beings.

7. I’m an introvert with bold extrovert tendencies, and to pull that off, I need lots of contemplative, still, quiet time. That’s my business secret — do “nothing” to do something.

8. I’m a creative who for decades believed that I wasn’t that at all. Until I realized that creating a business is a grand creative act — as is growing and sustaining it.

9. I’m spiritual-but-not-religious, though I was raised in the Catholic Church. I respect those who find their truth in churches, temples, and mosques, even if I do not.
   
   And last —

10. I love Mondays. When I worked in a corporate office cubicle {she shudders}, I bucked the norm by taking off Mondays when I could. Mostly because I’ve always liked this day, but also because my co-workers were at their worst on Mondays and most tolerable on Fridays (why take off then?)
    Later, as I casually studied astrology, I learned Monday is the moon’s day: a perfect day for deep reflection, connections, and nurturing. Need I say more?

What’s with the name?
Spirited: Lively, full of life, spirit or courage.

Purpose: A result that is desired, an intention.

Project: A planned endeavor, usually with a specific goal & accomplished in several stages.

This is the place for spirit-fueled, courageous women to meet and grow together in a safe space, with intention (or goals) — whether that be to discover or grow a business, get clear on one’s purpose, or to connect more deeply and meaningfully with themselves and with others.

How do you define a spiritual solopreneur?
By our “definition,” a spiritual solopreneur is a woman who runs her business independently, bringing her whole heart and soul into every aspect of her work. Unlike traditional business owners or even conscious entrepreneurs, she weaves spirituality and perhaps even her own spiritual practice seamlessly into her business offerings - there's no separation between her spiritual life and her work life. What makes her unique is that she gets to define this spiritual connection in her own authentic way, whether that means incorporating meditation, energy work, intuitive practices, or whatever else resonates with her.

At the core of her business is a genuine desire to create positive change, knowing that her work, her spirit, and her impact on others are all beautifully interconnected.

She's not just building a business; she's creating a sacred space where her gifts can serve the greater good.

People doing spiritual work don’t expect to be compensated for their services, do they?
Ummm, they sure do!

Spiritual practitioners, like all professionals, deserve fair compensation for their expertise and services. It’s no different than paying a doctor or therapist or any other teacher or guide.

When you pay for spiritual guidance, ritual or ceremony for your life event, help in creating the book of your heart, or holistic healing work, you're acknowledging both the value of what you receive and the time, training, and dedication required to provide these services.

And here's something to consider - that money you spend? It creates this amazing ripple effect. The spiritual worker might use it to take more courses, help their kids through school, or support other small businesses in their community. It's like dropping a pebble in a pond - the waves keep spreading outward.

Why do you only work with midlife + women?
Mainly because these are the people who have been most attracted to and most helped to date by the work here. And, quite honestly, we’re of this demographic — so we walk the talk. We know that women in their second and third acts have wisdom and gifts to share that are so needed during this time.
Let us celebrate and support you.

What do you mean by “spiritual-but-not-religious?"
For our purposes and in our minds, these are the people that are not likely part of any organized religion. They define their faith or their spirituality — as well as a “higher power” (for example, be that god, goddess, diety, nature, source, the-all-that-is, etc.) — for themselves. We might say also that they are curious, open-minded seekers.

I don’t have or want a business. Is this space for me?
Definitely!

Do you long for deeper connection and conversation with other similarly-hearted seekers? Then check out our Conversation Gatherings HERE.

Are you in need of spiritual- and spiritually-oriented, as well as creative and healing services?
Check out our provider list HERE.

This project is growing and expanding! So please get on our list to be notified of added offerings and services.
CLICK HERE and we can take care of that!

What’s with “we” when it seems like it’s about you, Dana?
Excellent question! The Spirited Purpose Project is bigger than one person (aka, me, Dana). This is a budding and growing collaborative effort. Though I am the one who initiated what you find here, it is not about me — it’s about all of us.

I’ve read enough.
How do I work with you and your project?
Contact us HERE.