Spiritual writer and Mayan scholar, Aluna Joy, once wrote in a newsletter about what to look for in an authentic teacher. I have included many of her ideas down below and mixed in some of my own. An authentic teacher will not tell you how to think, which path you should take, or what to do. They won't preach and there is no “my way is the only way” bullshit. They’re not impressed with gifts, titles and metaphysical phenomenon, nor do they care all that much about attracting a large following. Their guidance might make you uncomfortable sometimes, but their guidance or presence does not invoke fear. Compassion is always present, even when truth hurts. They laugh. A lot. They want you to laugh. A lot. They will not limit your possibilities, but they will be realistic. They’re not into shortcuts, but they appreciate a universe that likes to surprise, recognize that people are not cookie cutters, and therefore, sudden awakening and true transformation can happen in a nanosecond. They encourage you to be open to change, but they also see you as whole and god-like, as is. They will not make your choices for you or carry you down the path. They encourage you to learn how to carry yourself, to develop such strength and courage so you become completely independent of them. They teach through a variety of ways, but with the same ultimate intention: they want to boogie with you, not have you watching their ass shake from behind. |
