I Got a Reading! Now What?!

This resource was compiled to help you get as much out of your reading as possible! You can choose a few things that resonate with you or try them all! First, you’ll see my suggestions for actions (or non-actions) to take immediately after, a few weeks after, and a month after. Then, you see suggestions from other clients & e-cousins. Enjoy!

IMMEDIATELY AFTER

• Make space for stillness & quiet.

  Remember, you don’t have to have it “all figured out” as soon as your reading ends. The new (or confirmed) information you’ve received from the reading will work itself out in its own time. It helps to remember that you have free will & choice. Readings bring out a variety of responses. Know that whatever you are experiencing is okay. Take some time to be still, relax, drink water, or engage in any other activities that bring you joy.

• Take a few deep breaths & scan your body.

  Ask yourself, “Where am I holding tension (in my body)?” Once you notice, see if you can make slight adjustments to relieve any tension you may be holding in your body. Ask yourself, “Where am I feeling joy or happiness (in my body)?” Once you notice, see if you can breathe into that space - imagining this energy expanding.
  Ask yourself, “Where might I need comfort (in my body)?” Once you notice, see if you can breathe into your belly, imagining comfort flowing around you. You can also add any of these self-holding techniques if you find yourself feeling overstimulated and / or in need of deeper support.

2-3 DAYS AFTER

• Revisit any “homework” you may have received from the reading.

  • Ask yourself, “How can I complete the ‘homework’ with the most ease possible? What has the potential of stopping me from doing the homework? What are the obstacles & how can I be strategic about them?” Being honest and real with yourself about this will help you to strategize ways to incorporate your follow through in ways that make sense for you. For example, if you felt like you should journal but have identified limited time as an obstacle, consider logging things in your phone’s note section or leaving yourself an audio message / reflection.

  • Choose a deadline for to complete any “homework”. (Some folks find it easiest to schedule the next reading and then work backward to identify a homework deadline). If you like, you can even tell a trusted friend or confidante what you are up to & invite them to hold you accountable to your process. Either way, make it easy for yourself!

2-4 WEEKS AFTER

• Revisit your notes or recording (if you’ve received one)
  Revisit the reading about a month after OR after any significant change of events which pertain to your reading topic. It can be super validating to see how far you’ve come, how things played out, and what information feels “fresh” even after time has gone by!

• Consider when you’d like to schedule your next reading
  Many folks prefer to have a reading each month and / or to vary the types of readings they get so that they can experience a range of healing services. Other folks receive readings for larger life decisions, at the cusp of transitions, and / or for personal holidays. In that case, feel free to schedule for another time that makes sense. There’s really no wrong way to follow up. Ready to schedule? Let’s go!

CLIENTS & E-COUSINS SUGGEST:

“Being still and then journaling.”
- Ashley Burton, Mental Health Advocate, Educator, & Speaker | IG: @aburton214 / @the_break_room_for_you

“After my last reading, I asked myself, “What are my strengths? How can those strengths expand my awareness of what I need to pay attention to in this season?"
- Misty Major, LMFT, Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor

“Listen AGAIN AND AGAIN over time.. meditate on it.”
-Maya Gobara, Mystic, Reverend, Spiritual Teacher, PhD Candidate

“Add the notes from the reading to a journal that you regularly write in and / or return to. Date it. Reflect. Remember. Trust the word.”
- Ahmad Greene-Hayes, Scholar, Writer, Consultant, & PhD Candidate / Princeton University’s Department of Religion

“STFU and listen to see if the Spirit is trying to emphasize anything further. Something that has helped my chatty ass mind & soul is asking ‘Why and how was that true (if at all)? What was holy and right about you hearing that right now?"
- Jené Colvin, Minister, Interfaith Programmer, College Student Advocate

“Be quiet and sit with it. And revisit those recordings.”
- Lauren Ashley, Founder, Her Future Empowerment

“1. Listen twice. Once to hear and twice to understand and digest.
2. Revisit previous readings. Ask, ‘Are there themes between them? Where have I grown? What areas of opportunity exist?’
3. Find a mantra from the reading and use it to meditate for a few sessions post-reading.
4. Curl into fetal position and cry over your snatched edges. LOL!”
- Danyelle Thomas, Creator of The Unfit Christian, Writer, Orator, “Voice of Millenial Faith”

Take what works for you & leave the rest! <3

Blessings on your journey,
Jade

Deck Pictured: Threads of Fate Oracle