What is “woo-woo”?

When I talk to clients or students about language, we usually have a unit on what words mean to us as individuals and what they mean to us as a group of people (what we can agree on words mean).

If I were to say, "Think of a chair", you would have some idea of what I was talking about. We both agree, for the most part, what a chair is. It's got 4 legs that touch the ground, a flat spot in the middle that humans usually sit on with their butt, and then a back of the chair to support the human. This chair can also be used to hold your pile of laundry, your cat, the groceries you brought in, and many others. But what color is it? What is it made of? Where is it supposed to be in your house? Do you like it? How much did it cost? Your chair is likely different than mine - but still a chair.

Let's bring this concept of language to the "woo-woo". What I consider woo-woo might be different than what you, your neighbor, or the barista think. If I were to ask you what "woo-woo" meant to you - how you know what it is, your description would likely be different (we call this a complex equivalence).

So, realistically, I can't tell you what woo-woo is or is not.

You can tell yourself.

Now onto what I think it is and why it's beneficial (or full of shit).

On a super basic level, I think "woo-woo" is a sense of oneness, spirituality, and practices that are more holistic that not many people practice. So in my mind, it's beneficial because I'm practicing things that are holistic (good for my mind and body) that brings me closer to my purpose and my higher self by using a sense of spirituality.

I believe "woo-woo" is not beneficial or full of shit when people have a negative feeling about it. If "woo-woo" morphs into spiritual bypassing (ignoring the responsibility in your purpose, feelings, or actions), if it means isolating yourself or harshly judging others' practices, or if it assumes that you're not where you're supposed to be.

"Woo-woo" is what you make it. And if it helps you develop, learn, and bring fulfillment into your life, then dive into it! Change the name of it if it fits better for you, as being more spiritual, more purpose-driven, or more congruent. Make your journey more meaningful for you by being curious about what you want, what you don't want, and committing to bringing more positive experiences into your life.