Practical Magic as a concept and tool for life

For me, this is Practical Magic:

The Magic (energetic) comes in the form of fresh perspectives, designed to create new openings, liberating your energy and increasing your freedom and agency.

The Practical (strategic) comes in the form of simple, easy, actionable steps you can implement to re-orient your system and embody change.

It is even more than the sum of its parts. It is the endless process of integrating our core dualities, leading to imperfectly perfect harmony, balance and flow. When we practice the recognition and appreciation of the complexity and interdependence of all things, we live the fullest richest life.

Let’s dig a little deeper

Beauty without obvious utility does not mean it is without actual utility. The pleasure and joy that beauty generates can energise us, move us, heal us, inspire us. It is “useful” for the soul, for the mind, for our connection with ourselves.

Utility without beauty does not mean it is without pleasure. If something works well and eases our movement, makes life easier and less laborious, saves us time, it can generate both the pleasurable satisfaction of completion or achievement, and the added pleasure of more space and time for other (pleasure-bringing!) activities.

Whatever gets made is both suffused with an original intention and has been created using energy. The output is in itself a form of flow.

(Of course there are shallow intentions (e.g. single-use plastics) and negative energies (e.g. child labour), which manifest in the felt sense and quality of the output. And that is a waste and a shame).

We can't truly separate practical and magical. Both aspects are intrinsically linked parts of the whole. But we so often don't recognise and ultimately respect the inherent partnership between the magical/energetic and the practical/utility in all things. If everything contains the seeds of both, and if we can consciously recognise both in everything, we can appreciate the holistic truth and access the fullest spectrum of experience.

Practical next steps

Instead of a cost-benefit analysis, try out a practical-magical analysis (do you like what I did there?).

Here's an example scenario. You're considering signing up to an online fitness class.

Practical considerations:

Will doing this allow for smoother running of your day? E.g. Will it save time not having to drive to a gym?
Will it fulfil all of your fitness needs? Or are you going to need to do other workouts that will take up additional time?

Magical considerations:

Will the class increase or smooth out your energy? E.g. Will it boost you before work, or calm you at the end of the day?
Will you miss the energy that comes from working out in the same room as others, and connecting with them?

Depending on who you are, the balance of practical and magical in that (and any) scenario will vary.

Now it’s your turn

Take some time to think more broadly about your life, a scenario or decision you are facing. This can be in your relationships, creative work, business, health, career.

What is working for you on a practical level?

What is not?

What is missing?

What is taking up too much space?

What is working for you on an energetic level?

What is not?

What is missing?

What is taking up too much space?

What changes could you make that might increase balance / flow?

If this was useful to you or could be for someone you know, please share. The ripple effect is real.

P.S. Here are three more ways you can experience my work...

1 - You can sign up here for my monthly newsletter "Practical Magic".