| MANY
OF US ARE ON AN INWARD OR OUTWARD PATH - TO ENLIGHTENMENT,
to our Higher Selves, to our eternal connection with Source. We are
called to this for reasons only the individual can describe, or more
often, just know, and in the course of this Path, we often connect with
other like minded (Light minded?) beings. And because we all have chosen
specific areas of Service, we alternate roles of healer, teacher, guide
and leader. We each can offer Service to others, often by our presence
and energetic state. Sometimes, we may be drawn or called to provide
Illumination through insights we have received on our personal journey,
or in CoCreation with nonphysical Beings of Light, or aspects of Spirit.
All are valid and vital aspects of our experiencing and expressing ourselves
as Source. The "teacher" and the "student" offer
each other great gifts of Spirit, and Lessons beyond what is recognizable
in physical manifestation. For the purpose of this offering, I refer
to those beings recognized as, or offering structured format or experience,
as spiritual teachers. While many are called to be spiritual teachers,
a Teacher of Spirit is a powerful Illuminating Force. We "know
them when we se(ns)e them", and more importantly, by the virtue
of their Service, our lives change, and we GROW into our fullest spiritual
potential.
On occasion,
the lessons meant to be learned together manifest quickly, and each
must move on to continue learning. This moving on can be difficult,
for we have attached to the teacher. For some, this teacher-student
experience may have been our clearest and closest encounter with our
Divinity, with our Source. To leave this experience behind is unthinkable,
and yet something has changed, we have changed, the lesson has been
learned, and the relationship no longer serves us. What then do we do?
Following
are questions to ask yourself when considering entering, and during
the course of, this very special relationship. Remember that you are
also teaching and providing lessons, and that your contribution is significant.
Know also that growth can be challenging and painful for those who choose
this pattern of education. Keep in mind that we have chosen to learn
together as Spirit Incarnate, with compassion for all who engage in
this Experience. While we strive for perfection, our learning continues.
There are so many spiritual teachers because there are so many learners;
the Path must always challenge and illuminate, and we may have agreed
to connect with many in the energetic flow of Light. As you review these
questions, consider what is best for you, at this Perfect Timing. Know
that you are choosing well in each moment for your highest Purpose.
1. Do
you resonate with the teacher and/or teachings?
That is, do you find something within you that harmonizes with the teacher's
energy or message? This often occurs at first connection, whether someone
tells you or you happen upon an upcoming class, or website, or book,
or the person, and you think, "Hmmm that sounds like it's for me,
or I need to do this". Often this feeling statement
is preceded with "I don't know why, but"
- A Teacher
of Spirit's energy may often be discerned without any form of physical
or visual contact. At times just the thought or introduction of the
thought of the Teacher initiates this resonation, which may be intense
or extremely subtle.
2. Are
all students--including you--treated with great respect and compassion?
You are entering into a sacred trust, individually and collectively.
- A Teacher
of Spirit enters every encounter of this type--no matter how brief--with
respect for the individual and the commitment each has made. This
respect is demonstrated whether or not another individual is present;
any discussion of students (former included) with anyone is respectful
and uplifting. This holds true regardless of personal issues or disagreements.
3. Do
you find the teacher humble?
This
is not excessive self-deprecation or an obvious lack of self-worth.
This is the ability to be clear in message, and not be affected by,
or attached to, the Brilliance of the Light or any form of the message
being delivered.
- The
Teacher of Spirit speaks in Truth, valuing each encounter, and one
feels more valued, not less, to be in such a presence.
4.
Are other spiritual teachers and Paths regarded with
respect?
Many
divergent Paths and belief systems exist, and all are part of the Expression
of Source. It is not necessary to believe, and not humanly possible,
to participate in all Expressions of teaching, faith, or other belief
systems. As each is part of the All That Is; however, all are worthy
of respect--even if comprehension is missing. Needing to "always
be right" is a pattern not found in the Teacher of Spirit.
- The
Teacher of Spirit may be unfamiliar with some Paths, does not resonate
with others, and may state this freely. The Teacher of Spirit often
offers the observation that the Many lead to the One, and chooses
to respectfully refrain from judgment.
5. Is the energy exchange balanced, or does
money seem to outweigh the mission?
This
is a Universe of energy exchange, and quite obviously we use the currency
of money for most of our exchanges. Many are guided in the amounts that
are fair exchanges, which may be regarded as too little or exorbitant
depending upon another's attachment to money, or lack of funds. This
is individual, and all responses usually occur in a cross section of
potential students, so this is not an indicator of an imbalanced energy
exchange. At times, "zero sum thinking" is demonstrated by
spiritual workers, with the feeling that there is "only so much
of the pie to go around", so there may be great demonstrated need
to get what is thought to be enough. Consider if there is a preponderance
of talk on money and the teacher's need, the lack of it, any feelings
of energetic "stickiness". Is the energy exchange complete
with one encounter, or is the student required or strongly advised to
agree to ongoing individual sessions or classes for any particular rationale?
It is understood that many teachings are built on foundational lessons,
and there are constant upgrades to knowledge; you in this experience
as student may consider your current state and path and how the next
steps of the teacher fit your next steps. Many student/teacher paths
last a lifetime, and often many lifetimes, with the roles experienced
by each participant. Be open to this!
Other
energetic considerations:
Does the
teaching or other products or services feel "doled out", not
freely offered and exchanged? There must be a positive flow of energy
in both directions, and you can sense the impact this attachment and
fear can have on your experience just by an uneasiness or other manifested
feeling. Check in with your inner knowing for guidance.
- A
Teacher of Spirit is clear and without emotional attachment in setting
and communicating energy exchanges.
6. Do you feel you are participating in an inclusive gathering,
if attending classes?
All
teachers are human, and optimally will have friends they may interact
with, sometimes during the course of a class. And being human, we enjoy
what is familiar. A teacher may prefer to commune with smaller groups
within the group. In large gatherings, it may be difficult to engage
in discussion with the teacher. In any gathering however, one should
never feel "less than" any other participant.
- Any
encounter with the Teacher of Spirit is positive and affirming.
7. Do you have a sense of the teacher's integrity?
Do
the teachings ring true? This does not mean that they are everyone's
truth, but can you discern the teacher's commitment to the teaching
and the process? Do the teacher's actions hold the truth of the words?
For example, if the teachings are of compassion and Light, one would
expect these attributes to be manifested in the teacher. Again, we are
all human, but the teacher's actions should be reasonably (more so than
not) congruent with the teachings. This of course recognizes the fact
that teachers are also learning the lessons they provide and articulate.
- A
Teacher of Spirit demonstrates integrity through consistent congruence.
8. Is the teacher truly present with you - is the focus on the
student or on the teacher?
Again,
every teacher is human, with concerns, physical, emotional, and spiritual,
and may be distracted from time to time, and yet--the student and the
teaching must take precedence. Also, being human, the attention and
focus received as a result of stepping forward into the teacher's role
can have a variety of internal and external effects, including a type
of celebrity status (both "mini" and "major"). This
ability to be present parallels with and is congruent with the teacher's
humility.
- A Teacher
of Spirit recognizes that the center of all teaching is the student,
and is complete with contributing to this Divine Purpose, recognizing
the reward in this great spiritual gift of Service.
9. Are the teachings accessible to you?
Or so
you find them so esoteric you are left to wonder? An unfoldment of information,
of Technology of Spirit is often accompanied by feelings of wonder and
the need for contemplation. Comprehension is individual, and this is
not a reflection of ability or inability for teacher or student. It
simply addresses your understanding of the teachings, and your assimilation
of the new information. A feeling of overwhelm due to lack of immediate
memorization or "knowing" is not expected to accompany your
perfect teaching. Many revelations are often discovered in days, weeks,
and even years after the teaching, so it should not be expected that
all be revealed immediately. Spirit works in concert with your Highest
Self so that you may open to expansion in your Perfect Timing.
- A
Teacher of Spirit encourages questions and offers insights. If the
teaching must be worked with by the student (and virtually all teaching
is); the Teacher offers the recognition that all is received and understood
on an energetic level, and may offer approaches to bring this information
into physical understanding when appropriate.
10. Do you find yourself wondering if you are worthy to attend
or participate?
This
is no reflection on the teacher, unless there are overt or subtle indications
that tell you are not worthy to participate. Ask yourself why you would
still want to engage in any activity in which you are not considered
an equal, and trust your inner knowing. There is a universe of difference
between readiness and worthiness, and this topic will be addressed in
a future article.
- A
Teacher of Spirit does not consider issues of worthiness, for all
are worthy. This is a fundamental (which does not need to be spoken)
principle of Spirit.
11. And finally, when in the presence of this Teacher, this
Fellow Master, do you feel that you are being treated as Buddha, Mohammed,
Jesus or Sananda, or any expression of MotherFather God would treat
you?
- A Teacher
of Spirit holds the energy of inclusive love, respect, honor, and
acceptance, without emotional attachment or reward expectation. Loving
kindness and compassion are experienced in every encounter. This is
the greatest Service of the Teacher of Spirit, to offer the experience
of connecting with, and embracing, our Divinity and our Source. The
individual teaching is but a variation on this theme. The Teacher
of Spirit is a Student of Service, and through this Service, Illuminates
the Path to the Experience of God.
© JoAnne Scalise, 2003
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