13 Things to Consider When Choosing a Guide or Mentor
In the realm of our life experience, we are constantly growing and learning no matter if we are consciously aware of it or not. This is as it should be as we expand and align more and more with our truth and how it coordinates and co-creates with Divine.
Just as in any growing and learning, surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and stretch us is a huge part of our journey. As they give us just the right amount of new knowledge or an appropriate challenge they know we can rise to.
A guide and/or mentor is truly valuable in our steady and significant progress.
It took me a long time and many teachers to find the ones that I could truly connect with; the ones who had accumulated so much wisdom and knowledge in their lives, beyond what I already knew or had studied on my own, that they could take me further. At this point, I am very fortunate to be able to easily decipher information and continue on my journey of growth and learning, as I truly do feel that I have studied with some of the best teachers out there who have taught me deep insights which are rarely given to the public.
Yet, even as I say this, my life-long journey of growing and learning is never going to be completed! I continuously keep stretching myself through making time to be mentored as well as continuously tapping into other resources with which to grow further.
In the past year, I have experienced a major ‘growth spurt’ and have been doing my best to fulfill each inspired idea I’ve received through tuning in to my guidance.
Stepping into my ‘own’ as a guide and mentor
After having been an Artist, Spiritual Teacher, Energy Healer, and Hypnotherapist in my local community for many years, I decided to stretch myself at the beginning of this year. I took everything I’ve learned, and expanded on my vision to grow in an online space while simultaneously figuring out my own role within the worldwide web.
Fast forward to the present moment: I have achieved goals that seemed unattainable at the beginning of the year. While it has not been a linear path, for sure, my focus remained steady because my intention was to combine what I had been learning and practicing for so many years into a vehicle for serving others.
I’ve been guided and mentored this year in growing and expanding that vision by those who are already moving in this online territory, and as this process has unfolded, I have learned that my guides/mentors may not always be a perfect fit; but as long as I make a point of tuning into my guidance, I can honor what internally feels right for me.
By doing this when I needed to, I discovered what I always knew to already be my truth: In my ideal learning process, I honor what guides and mentors have to offer, and cherish deep connections with peer groups while giving myself the space and grace to know when it is time for me to make the next leap forward.
In fact, this realization really influenced the way I structured my own online membership for women, Beauty Flourishing. The value I found in the peer group connections during my own training showed me how valuable it is to not only be guided by a mentor, but also to be encouraged by and connected to people who are on the same path as I am.
I have also learned that from our current vantage point we often cannot see beyond our situation until we step outside of ourselves into a bigger realm of what potential others can see in us.
We thus become the person who will fulfill the future goal or vision of what we are capable of being by collapsing the gap between ‘here’ and ‘there.’
“Guides and Mentors really do make an incredible difference in helping us shift our thinking because they can see the potential for expansion that lies within. ”
The possibilities of a relationship between yourself and your guide/mentor
Through my exposure to different teachers who have been my guides and mentors over the years, I have experienced many different forms of relationship between the student and the teacher.
In my training in the Curandera Lineage, for example, the tradition was very much that the teacher is seen as the revered leader. That position of authority within the group is honored by the students through serving the teacher in a variety of ways.
In my other training, and studying with teachers one-on-one, I have experienced the student and the teacher being considered equal by both sides; one is not considered superior to the other as both are co-creating and expanding through each other.
There are a variety of student/teacher relationships, and choosing what works for you is most important. It is important to always honor the knowledge being received and the process of being guided, but remember that both student and guide/mentor are in a co-creative dance with each other in the journey.
“If the student is ready,
the teacher appears.”
Choosing your own guide and mentor
Before looking at someone outside yourself who could help you with an expanded vision, there is a great value in taking the time to go within by writing in your journal.If mentorship is something you want to pursue, ask yourself these questions so you get a clearer understanding of your true intentions and aspirations.
1. What do I desire?
2. What are my highest aspirations?
3. What does my soul long for?
4. What feels nourishing to me?
5. Who do I need to be now to become the person I want to be?
6. Am I ready to truly do what it takes to move beyond my current limitations through doing the internal and external work involved?
“A spiritual director will help you explore and make space for your passions, talents, and God-given calling.”
When you are ready to actively seek a guide and/or mentor, use these questions to ensure the most positive experience!
1. Does this mentor/guide have a sense of compassion and kindness for where I am in the process?
2. Does this mentor/guide allow me the space and time for introspection before implementation?
3. Does this mentor/guide push me beyond my boundaries through encouragement and accountability?
4. Is this mentor/guide far enough ahead of me to inspire and show me the way?
5. Can this mentor/guide see and hold space for my expanded soul path?
6. Does this mentor/guide allow me to bring in my own personality and guidance so that I am able to trust my intuition in the process of growth?
7. Does this person feel truly invested in me and my growth or more in their own validation?
“Surrounding ourselves with people who do encourage and uplift us, as well as cultivating relationships which are mutually enriching so that we can elevate each other, is one of the most important things we can do in our lives. ”
Once you’ve chosen someone to teach you, always remember that a Guide should be responsible to you once a commitment has been made, but not responsible for you.
You always hold full responsibility for yourself! And don’t forget that YOU are a guide and mentor to others. You have gifts to share, even if you are not fully aware of them.
Honor your own presence as if you are a PRESENT to others!
All great things on your journey!
Love, Silke
