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Searching for a Spiritual Teacher: Eleven Conscious Considerations




There is a teacher for you...
Are you on an inward or outward path towards Enlightenment, to your Higher Self, to your eternal connection with the Source? Many are called to this for reasons only the individual can describe, or perhaps, more accurately, just know.

In the course of walking this Path, we often connect with other like minded beings. Within our chosen specific areas of Service, we may play the alternating roles of healer, teacher, guide and leader. We each can offer Service to others, often just by our being present and sharing our energetic state.

In interaction, the "teacher" and the "student" offer each other great gifts of Spirit. The Lessons shared maybe beyond what is recognizable in physical manifestation.

For the purpose of this essay, I refer to those beings recognized as, through some structured format or experience, as spiritual teachers. While many are said to be spiritual teachers, a real Teacher of Spirit is a powerful Illuminating Force. We "know them when we see or sense them." Most importantly, by the virtue of their Service, our lives change, and we expand further into fullest spiritual potential.

Sometimes, the lessons meant to be learned together, manifest quickly... The teacher and student must move on to continue learning. This moving on can be difficult, for we may have formed attachments to the teacher. For some, this teacher-student experience is the first, clearest and closest encounter with our Divinity, with our Source. To leave this experience behind appears unthinkable, and yet, something has changed, we have changed.

What has happened? The lesson has been learned. The relationship no longer serves us. Time and the Universe pulls us elsewhere. But first, how do you know if you have found a spiritual teacher? And how can you tell if the teacher-student relationship is still of use?

Following are questions to ask yourself before entering into, and during the course of, this very special relationship. Somethings to keep in mind are:  You are also teaching and providing lessons, and that your contribution is significant. Growth can be challenging, and painful for those who choose this pattern of education. The teacher and student have chosen to learn together as Spirit Incarnate. Maintain your compassion for all who engage in this Experience.

1. Do you resonate with the teacher and/or teachings? Is there something within you that harmonizes with the teacher's energy or message? This can occurs at the very first connection... whether someone tells you of a lecture or you happen upon an upcoming class, or website, or book, or the person... and a thought runs through your head:  "Hmmm that sounds like it's for me, or I need to do this". And this feeling statement maybe 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 very intense or extremely subtle.

    2. Are all students - including youself - treated with real respect and compassion? The bond between the teacher and student is made by entering into a sacred trust.

  • A Teacher of Spirit enters every encounter of this type - no matter how short - with respect for the individual and the commitment each has made. This respect is demonstrated whether one is in public or in private; any discussion of students (former ones included) with anyone is respectful and uplifting. This holds true regardless of personal issues or disagreements.

    3. Is the teacher humble? I do not mean excessive self-deprecation or an obvious lack of self-worth. Humility means 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, knowing that the source comes through him and not from him. 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 the teachings, faith, or other belief systems. Yet each is part of the All That Is - a path for someone. Each is worthy of respect - even if the "other truth" is not understood. A need to "always be right" is a pattern not found in the Teacher of Spirit.

  • The Teacher of Spirit may be unfamiliar with some Paths and may state this freely. The Teacher of Spirit often offers the observation that there are many ways 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. An obvious example is the use of money for most of our exchanges. Many are guided in the amounts that are fair exchanges. You may feel you are paying too little or an exorbitant depending upon your 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. 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 encouraged to ongoing individual sessions or classes for any of a number of reasons? One should ultimately Feel that the exchange of onney or eneryg between the student and teacher is fair to both - A win-win situation.

    Other energetic considerations:  Does the teaching or other products or services feel "doled out", not freely offered and exchanged? Energy must flow positively in both directions. Check in with your inner knowing for guidance.

  • A Teacher of Spirit is clear and has not emotional attachment when setting the value of and communicating energy exchanges.

    6. Do you feel you are participating in an inclusive gathering, if attending classes? All teachers are human. They will have friends they may interact with, sometimes during the course of a class. A teacher may prefer to commune with smaller groups within the group. In large gatherings, it may sometimes be difficult to engage in discussion with the teacher. But in any gathering, one should never feel "less than" any other participant.

  • Any encounter with the Teacher of Spirit is positive and affirming.

    7. A teacher has integrity. Do the teachings ring true within you? This does not mean that they are everyone's truth. Buy you should be able to discern the teacher's commitment to the teaching and the process? Do the teacher's actions match 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. Of course, do remember that teachers are also learning the lessons they provide and articulate.

  • A Teacher of Spirit demonstrates integrity through consistent congruence with actions Thath armonize with the teachings.

    8. Is the teacher truly present with you - is the focus on the student or on the teacher? Teachers have concerns - physical, emotional, and spiritual, and may be distracted from time to time. Yet the student and the teaching must take precedence. Sometimes a teacher receives attention and focus to the point of becoming a type of celebrity (both "mini" and "major"). Does the teacher retain humility?

  • A Teacher of Spirit recognizes that the center of all teaching is the student.

    9. Are the teachings accessible to you? Or are they so esoteric you wonder what it is all about? Unfoldment of information, of the Technology of Spirit, is often accompanied by feelings of wonder and the need for contemplation. The pace of comprehension is individual, and this is not a reflection of the ability or inability of the teacher or the student, necessarily. A feeling of being overwhelmed due to lack of immediate memorization or "knowing" is not unexpected. Many revelations often blossom many days, weeks, and even years after the teaching. It should not be expected that all is revealed immediately. Spirit works in concert with your Highest Self so that you may open to expansion in Perfect Timing o your readiness.

  • A Teacher of Spirit encourages questions and offers insights.

    10. Do you find yourself wondering if you are worthy to attend or participate? Unless there are overt or subtle indications that tell you are not worthy to participate, this is not about the teacher. Ask yourself why you would still want to engage in any activity in which you do not consider yourself an equal, and trust your inner knowing. You maybe ready, even if you feel unworthy.

  • A Teacher of Spirit does not consider issues of worthiness, for all are worthy. This is a fundamental principle of Spirit.

    11. When in the presence of this Teacher, this Fellow Master, do you feel that you are being treated as Buddha, Mohammed, Jesus or Sananda (name for the ascended Christ or a form of yoga), or any expression of Mother/Father God would treat you?

  • A Teacher of Spirit holds the energy of inclusive love, respect, honor, and acceptance, without emotional attachment or expectation of reward. Loving kindness and compassion are experienced in every encounter. Is there a greater Service of the Teacher of Spirit? 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.

    (c) JoAnne Scalise. She specializes in making Spirit accessible - and REAL - through workshops, group, and individual connections developed in collaboration with Source for Mastery - our Divine birthright, and always within us. As a Midwife of Spirit, she is committed to assisting in the Opening to Mastery for those who are ready to SEE themselves as this Light, as Spirit Incarnate. One of her most requested Services is a Mastery Meditation, recorded on CD, which contains information specific to the person requesting the CD as well as transformational healing and energy transmissions for the individual's path to Mastery. You are welcomed to www.CradleOfLight.com, and to contact JoAnne at CradleOfLight@aol.com with questions or support in your search for a Teacher of Spirit, which is within you.







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