Integrating Your Spiritual Practice with Professional Identity: Coming Out of the Broom Closet at Work

BY NICOLE LAU

You live a double life.

At work, you're the competent professional—rational, strategic, grounded in data and deliverables. You speak the language of metrics, deadlines, and ROI.

At home, you're the spiritual practitioner—pulling tarot cards, meditating, working with crystals, tracking moon phases, talking to your guides. You speak the language of energy, intuition, and alignment.

And you keep these worlds completely separate. Because you're afraid that if your colleagues knew about your spiritual practice, they'd think you're:

• Unprofessional
• Irrational
• Flaky
• Unserious
• Weird

So you fragment yourself. You hide half of who you are. And it's exhausting.

This article is about integration—bringing your whole self to work without apology, without performance, and without sacrificing your professionalism or your spirituality.

It's about coming out of the broom closet. Not because you have to, but because fragmentation is unsustainable—and wholeness is your birthright.

Why We Hide Our Spiritual Practice

Legitimate Professional Concerns

• Discrimination: In some industries/companies, being openly spiritual could genuinely harm your career
• Credibility loss: You've worked hard to be taken seriously—you don't want to undermine that
• Boundary violations: You don't want to be the office "witch" everyone comes to for free readings
• Misunderstanding: Most people don't understand what modern spirituality actually is

Internalized Shame

• Rationalism supremacy: We've been taught that logic is superior to intuition, science to spirituality
• Religious trauma: Past experiences with dogmatic religion make us wary of being "too spiritual"
• Imposter syndrome: "Who am I to claim spiritual authority?"
• Fear of judgment: We judge ourselves before others get the chance

Both are valid. And both can be worked with.

The Spectrum of Integration

Integration isn't binary (fully hidden vs. fully out). It's a spectrum. You get to choose where you land based on your context, comfort, and goals.

Level 1: Stealth Integration (Invisible to Others)

What it looks like: You practice spiritually, but no one at work knows. You use spiritual tools privately to enhance your work.

Examples:

• Pulling tarot before big meetings (privately)
• Keeping crystals in your desk drawer
• Using moon phases to plan projects (without mentioning it)
• Meditating in your car during lunch
• Setting energetic boundaries (invisibly)

Pros: Zero professional risk, full spiritual benefit

Cons: Still requires hiding, can feel inauthentic

Level 2: Subtle Integration (Hints, Not Declarations)

What it looks like: You drop subtle hints or use neutral language that could be spiritual or secular.

Examples:

• "I use intuition a lot in decision-making."
• "I'm really into mindfulness and meditation."
• "I track natural cycles for productivity." (Moon phases, but you don't say that)
• Wearing crystal jewelry (most people think it's just pretty)
• Talking about "energy" in meetings (could mean enthusiasm or literal energy)

Pros: Authentic without being vulnerable, tests the waters

Cons: Still somewhat guarded, not fully expressed

Level 3: Selective Integration (Out to Trusted People)

What it looks like: You're open with specific colleagues you trust, but not the whole office.

Examples:

• Telling your work friend you pulled tarot this morning
• Sharing your astrology knowledge with a curious coworker
• Offering to do a reading for someone who asks
• Mentioning your spiritual practice in one-on-one conversations

Pros: Connection, authenticity with safe people

Cons: Still managing who knows what, potential for gossip

Level 4: Open Integration (Publicly Spiritual Professional)

What it looks like: You're openly spiritual at work. It's part of your professional identity.

Examples:

• Mentioning your tarot practice in team meetings
• Sharing astrology insights in presentations
• Having crystals visibly on your desk
• Talking about moon phases or energy work openly
• Your LinkedIn mentions your spiritual work

Pros: Full authenticity, no fragmentation, attracts aligned people

Cons: Potential professional risk, requires thick skin, not safe in all environments

Level 5: Spiritual Work IS Your Professional Work

What it looks like: Your job is your spiritual practice (healer, coach, astrologer, spiritual teacher, etc.)

Pros: Complete integration, no separation

Cons: Different challenges (monetizing spirituality, boundaries with clients, sustainability)

You get to choose your level. There's no "right" answer—only what's right for you, right now.

How to Integrate Without Compromising Professionalism

Principle 1: Lead with Results, Not Woo

Don't say: "I pulled tarot and the cards said we should pivot the strategy."

Do say: "I've been reflecting on this, and I think we should pivot the strategy. Here's why..."

Your spiritual practice informs your insights. You don't need to explain the source—just deliver the value.

Principle 2: Use Accessible Language

Translate spiritual concepts into professional language:

• Spiritual: "Mercury is retrograde, so expect communication issues."
  Professional: "This is a high-risk period for miscommunication. Let's over-communicate."
• Spiritual: "I'm setting energetic boundaries."
  Professional: "I'm protecting my focus time."
• Spiritual: "The new moon is perfect for launching."
  Professional: "The timing feels right for a launch."

You're not hiding—you're translating.

Principle 3: Demonstrate Competence First

Earn credibility through your work before revealing your spiritual side. Once people trust your competence, they're more likely to be curious than dismissive about your practices.

Principle 4: Respect Boundaries (Yours and Theirs)

• Don't proselytize or push your beliefs on others
• Don't offer unsolicited readings or spiritual advice
• Don't assume everyone wants to hear about your practice
• Do share when asked or when it's relevant
• Do respect that some people won't get it—and that's okay

Principle 5: Own Your Authority

If you're going to be open, be confident. Apologetic spirituality invites dismissal.

Don't say: "I know this sounds weird, but I kind of do tarot..."

Do say: "I use tarot as a decision-making tool. It's been incredibly valuable."

Confidence is contagious. Own it.

Navigating Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Someone Asks What You Do for Fun

Stealth response: "I read a lot, spend time in nature, practice mindfulness." (True, but vague)

Subtle response: "I'm really into tarot and astrology—it's like psychology meets symbolism." (Frames it intellectually)

Open response: "I'm a tarot reader and astrologer. I love exploring consciousness and symbolism." (Direct, confident)

Scenario 2: Someone Notices Your Crystal

Stealth response: "Oh, I just like how it looks." (Deflects)

Subtle response: "I'm into crystals—they help me focus." (Neutral, could be placebo or energetic)

Open response: "It's citrine—I use it for manifestation and abundance work." (Full explanation)

Scenario 3: Someone Mocks Spirituality

Don't: Get defensive, try to convince them, or take it personally

Do: Stay calm, set a boundary, or disengage

Responses:

• "It works for me. You don't have to believe in it."
• "Different tools work for different people."
• "I'm not here to convince you—just sharing what I do."
• (Or simply change the subject)

Scenario 4: Someone Asks for a Free Reading

Boundary response: "I don't do readings at work, but I can recommend some resources if you're interested."

Or: "I offer paid readings outside of work if you're serious about it."

Don't let people exploit your gifts. Your spiritual work has value.

When NOT to Integrate

Sometimes, staying in the broom closet is the wise choice:

• Toxic or conservative workplace: If your job/industry is hostile to spirituality, protect yourself
• You're in a vulnerable position: New job, probation period, unstable role—wait until you're secure
• It doesn't feel right: Trust your intuition. If your gut says "not yet," listen
• You're doing it for validation: Integration should come from wholeness, not from needing approval

There's no shame in strategic privacy. You don't owe anyone your full self.

The Spiritual Practice of Integration

Shadow Work: What Are You Really Afraid Of?

Journal on:

• What's the worst that could happen if people knew?
• Is that fear based on reality or projection?
• What part of me believes I have to hide?
• What would it feel like to be fully seen?

Worthiness Work: You Don't Need Permission

Affirmations:

• "I am whole. I don't need to fragment myself to be accepted."
• "My spiritual practice is valid and valuable."
• "I can be professional and spiritual—they're not mutually exclusive."
• "The right people will appreciate my authenticity."

Ritual: Coming Out Ceremony

If you're choosing to integrate more openly:

1. Set intention: Light a white candle. Say: "I step into wholeness. I integrate all parts of myself. I am seen. I am safe. I am free."
2. Write your declaration: "I am a [professional title] and a [spiritual identity]. Both are true. Both are me."
3. Visualize: See yourself at work, fully integrated, confident, accepted
4. Take action: Make one small move toward integration (wear a crystal, mention your practice, update your bio)
5. Release outcome: You can't control how people respond. You can only control your authenticity.

The Gifts of Integration

When you stop fragmenting yourself, you gain:

• Energy: Hiding takes enormous energy. Integration frees it.
• Authenticity: You're the same person everywhere. No code-switching.
• Magnetism: Wholeness attracts aligned people and opportunities.
• Integrity: Your inner and outer worlds match. This is power.
• Permission for others: Your integration gives others permission to be whole too.

Real Talk: The Risks Are Real

Let's be honest: some people will judge you. Some might dismiss you. In rare cases, it could impact your career.

But here's the deeper truth: the cost of fragmentation is higher than the cost of integration.

Hiding yourself creates:

• Chronic stress
• Disconnection from your power
• Resentment
• Burnout
• A life that doesn't feel like yours

Integration might be risky. But fragmentation is guaranteed suffering.

The Deeper Truth

You are not "professional you" and "spiritual you." You are just you.

Your tarot practice doesn't make you less competent. Your meditation doesn't make you less strategic. Your crystals don't make you less credible.

If anything, your spiritual practice makes you more effective—because you're accessing intuition, energy awareness, and alignment that most people ignore.

The world doesn't need more fragmented professionals pretending to be one-dimensional. It needs whole humans bringing all of themselves to their work.

You don't have to come out of the broom closet. But if you do, know this:

Your wholeness is not a liability. It's your superpower.

Integration Practice: The Daily Wholeness Ritual

1. Morning: Before work, affirm: "I bring my whole self today. I am integrated. I am enough."
2. During work: Notice when you're fragmenting. Breathe. Reconnect to wholeness.
3. Evening: Reflect: Where did I show up whole today? Where did I hide? What do I need?
4. Weekly: Assess your integration level. Is it serving you? Do you want to adjust?

The Final Word

This series has taken you through 20 articles—from protecting your aura at work to quitting your job as a spiritual initiation to integrating your full self.

The through-line is this: Your work life and your spiritual life are not separate. They never were.

You are a spiritual being having a professional experience. And the more you honor that truth—whether quietly or loudly, privately or publicly—the more aligned, powerful, and free you become.

Come out of the broom closet. Or don't. But whatever you choose, choose it consciously. Choose it from wholeness, not from fear.

You are not too much. You are not too weird. You are not unprofessional.

You are whole. And wholeness is your birthright.

Welcome home to yourself.

This completes the 💼 Workplace Spirituality Series (20 articles). Thank you for walking this path with us.