By: Jamie Allen Bishop
Do you love (or hate) being asked what you do for a living?
My husband, a pilot, avoids that conversation like the plague. The funny thing is he loves his career with a passion like nobody I've ever met, but he doesn't like talking about it. Truth be known, he doesn't like talking about it with people who don't know what they're talking about.
We must make a good team because I love talking about what I do. I revel in the idea of engaging my audience. To me, it's exciting to answer that sometimes boring question because I never know where my answer will take the conversation - to the inquiring mind, to the deer in the headlights, or to the search for the nearest exit. I excitedly answer (probably with a knowing smirk) using my intriguing, attention-grabbing elevator speech, "I teach women to love their lives through toe reading."
The inevitable response is, "Toe, what?"
The hardest part about being well known as a toe reader is when someone introduces me, especially someone who has not experienced a toe reading (yet). Naturally, s/he makes assumptions, often introducing me by saying something like, "Jamie's a toe reader, you know, like a palm reader" - which (not that there's anything wrong with palm reading) is not remotely similar to what toe reading is all about.
It's funny how people assume without asking or clarifying. Has this ever happened to you? How do you handle it?
I try my best not to correct the person who introduced me because I know they are interested in what I do by the way they introduced me. They wouldn't have said anything about me being a toe reader if they weren't curious. I take it as an invitation to sell my service.
The definition of a toe reader, as described in the first of my 200 hours of Master Toe Reader certification coursework, is as follows: toe reading is the idea that thoughts, feelings, and emotions show up in the shape, direction, and color of toes.
While this definition is the essence of how toe reading can be used as a tool to help our clients, I have learned that toes are a profound way to look at the soul stories we carry. To me, toes show the connection between our conscious thoughts and our subconscious belief systems. The toes paint a very clear picture of how a client's life experiences have led them to where they are today, and the toes illuminate the concept of being "on track" (or not) with one's desires and goals. When we can check in with our toes to make certain our thoughts are in alignment with our goals, we can reach our desired outcome faster and with less challenge.
The attached image is my version of the Toe Reading Map, adapted from SWIHA/KC Miller's classroom version. I hope it comes in handy for anyone ready to walk down the path to self-awareness.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or if you would like to receive a toe reading.
My business, Soul Heart Entertainment: Event Talent Coordination (SHE: ETC), empowers people to live their highest purpose path through holistic entertainment speaking engagements, parties, and events. You can like us on Facebook: Soul Heart Entertainment to see inspirational quotes, fun surveys, and upcoming events.
Warmly,
Jamie Allen Bishop, MA, CR, MTR
Website: Soul Heart Entertainment
Email: Jamie@SoulHeartEntertainment.com
Twitter: @JamieABishop
(First published in 2012. Revised and republished 2019.)
