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In Search of a Teacher of Spirit: Eleven Conscious
Considerations
by JoAnne Scalise
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 howY 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 theY 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.
(c) JoAnne Scalise
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