Episode 12
Opening up to a spiritual or more mindful path is a life-changing experience in big and subtle ways, but does it actually require a guru, spiritual teacher or mentor? Or can you use books, classes, music, energy work and deep emotional experiences to awaken intuitive inner knowing and find your unique spiritual path?
On this episode of Flirting with Enlightenment, Jamie and I dig into how we think it’s all of the above – and more.
A spiritual guide and teacher can come in many forms. However, it’s the terminology people use (guru, spiritual teacher, mentor, coach, intuitive guide) that can become a bit confusing and diluted. Each role has a specific meaning that’s essential to knowing what you need, or desire, along your own path.
When people are “awakening” and connecting with their spirituality on a deeper level, they often look for someone or something as a guide, connection or beacon. As a result, they can sometimes be susceptible to clever marketing that has little substance. For those who’ve been on the inner growth path for a while, they may confuse their growth, strength and progress to a specific person or spiritual teacher, not realizing their evolution is always an “inside job”.
Learning to hear and trust to your intuition and gut feelings when finding new connections, especially spiritually-oriented ones, is all part of your learning path. Listen to the podcast to hear our tips on how to honor yourself first and pick connections that guide with integrity. We also cover definitions of these various influential positions, what to look for when searching for a teacher or guide and ways to explore your inner dimensions and divine path through self-guidance.
No matter how spiritual you think you are, there’s always something to learn. Share your thoughts on the blog or email us with questions. We would love to hear from you!
Want more insight on this topic? Listen to our previous podcast on Spiritual Charisma. Like what you hear? Rate us on iTunes! Don’t want to wait until we promote the podcast to get access? Subscribe on the right hand sidebar to receive our latest episode directly to your inbox.
September 13, 2015 at 7:30 am
Hello,
First of all “congratulations and thank you for your podcast”.
I am totally agree that a physically “mentor” is not mandatory. Many people can feel more confident thinking that that person is going to lead them by the good path but unfortunately in the real life things don’t work that way. I have experimented that a guidance can be found absolutely everywhere. In the most unexpected place, word, scene or whatever. Even I have realized myself highlighting words from people everything but espiritual. Words that have made me stopped my train of thoughts. It can happen that he or she has an interesting point of view about something or just the opposite, they can say such a tremendous disappointing opinion that shake you to an answer that shows you a new path founded behind your own words.
I listened the four sentences conversation that I have never had with my father in a movie. I am so thankful. After that I could understand so much from our harmful relationship.
A few weeks ago I also listened an interesting conversation on the radio about leaving away the past to be light and enjoy where are you know. I have heard that so many times but I don’t know why, this person told his story and his words resonated differently in my mind.
Many of the times, when you see a video from an spiritual person, writer, coach or what ever, and you think “this is the person who can help me”, many of the times you have already listened or read from him all what he had to tell you. Next lesson will come from anywhere else!.
Regards
September 15, 2015 at 5:54 pm
Thanks so much for listening and sharing your insightful comment Noemy!
I agree, people sometimes rely heavily on input from others like gurus or mentors because they are fearful or aren’t sure how to trust themselves. This may take them on a road that’s not meant for them.
The perspective others can provide as a mirror is a great tool, but cannot replace the act of tuning into yourself and listening to the message in your own heart : )
I love that you had a wonderful experience of connecting with a message that was meant for you through the story of another. As you say, hearing insight over and over can help, but sometimes a personal story helps things to “click into place” so that you finally internalize the message in a way that can heal you or open your eyes to the bigger picture.
Thanks for taking the time to share your beautiful insights here with us Noemy!
September 16, 2015 at 11:26 am
Hi Noemy,
I think you summarise that nicely. For sure if we are open to listening and learning then everything around us can become our guru or our teacher. From my own experience of having a guru I have found that I see and hear him all around me. But in reality the guru is just an expression of the Divinity that is inside us. So I feel the presence of my guru in people and nature, but actually it is the presence of the Divine. I think the more we connect that within us then the more we experience it externally it around us.
I especially love the point you make about how we can hear a message many times through different things and people. But we will only truly “hear” it when the time is right, when we are ready to accept what it has to teach us.
Thanks for sharing that personal experience and your thoughts! It’s en eye-opener to read about other people’s perspectives.
😉