Many people these days are becoming more aware of their own personal power and opening up to their intuitive abilities, self-development, and spiritual exploration. Many are eager to jump in and immerse themselves in this new world of spirituality, but where to start can be confusing. With all of this exploring, there is a need for mentors, coaches, and teachers. Usually these are the ones who have already forged ahead on the path. The wish to teach comes from remembering their positive experiences and supportive community, or lack of, and a want to help guide or light the way for the ones who’s eyes are just now peeking open. So much happens rather quickly during an awakening, it can feel overwhelming and so reassuring to have a teacher there guiding you and answering the questions you may have.
There are as many types of teachers as there are spiritual modalities, so one might not know who or how to choose when faced with the decision. The great news is you are getting your very first lesson in using your intuition! But, just in case you are not fully trusting this built-in wisdom you have inside of you, it is my hope that this article will give you three key components to consider when choosing a mentor who will serve you best.
- Personality. Your potential mentor’s personality is important because it undoubtedly will come out when they are in the classroom. If you are someone who is very gentle, quiet, and private, then it may not be the most helpful to you and your growth if your teacher is an in-your-face type who calls you out in front of the class. I once had a teacher publicly humiliate me when I got nervous and broke out in hives. That method might work for you as a student, but for me, it only made me want to close up even tighter. Personality is definitely something to consider since you will be in a learning, practicing, environment. Will the teacher see you struggling and encourage you, or will they see a weakness and point it out to everyone in the room? Some helpful ways of getting a feel for your potential teacher’s personality can include observing them while they interact with others, videos they may have available, or asking others who have worked with that mentor before. Which leads me to the next point.
- Teaching Style. Does your potential teacher practice acceptance and compassion in the classroom environment or is their use of power harsh and non-flexible? How does the teacher react when their advice is questioned or challenged? Are you allowed to ask questions at all in the classroom? Do the topics they teach allow for different opinions and possibilities, or do they take the stance of “my way or the highway”? Do they let you come to your own discoveries and conclusions along the way or tell you what to think? Now don’t get me wrong, not all teachers are going to have light and airy personalities. Some teachers may be “no-nonsense” and disciplined; Their classes highly structured and not free-flowing, but they should still be operating from a space of humble insight and hopeful encouragement. After all, this is one of the precepts we practice under when being in service to our clients. Our students should receive nothing less. Some students learn differently than others so both points I’ve mentioned so far are helpful elements to consider before going into a learning environment with someone. This work, mediumship and intuitive training, is highly individual. Don’t choose someone who will discourage you from moving forward in your growth because it may differ from the way their mediumship practice may look. And on another note, even if you do have a bad experience, let that be a lesson to grow through rather than being a stop sign. Which leads me to the last topic of discussion today.
- Experience. While credentials in the traditional sense are not as vital in mediumship training as say, maybe a surgeon’s, they do play a role. Even though no one needs a certificate to validate who they are in a spiritual sense, Advanced or professional training is highly encouraged. It tells you that your teacher takes their commitment to their work and education seriously, and further expresses the professionalism they demonstrate in their business. Not only is it wise to look at your mentor’s professional training, but also what personal experience they have had. Life experience is priceless in this game on Earth, so what do they have to offer from that arena? What challenges have they come through to assist you with yours? Has your mentor studied other topics outside of intuition and spiritual philosophy? Do they have credentials in another area such as law, psychology, hypnotherapy, science, or business, only to name a few. This is a good sign that they have vast array of interests and are much the explorer themselves. A huge part of growing your mediumship and intuitive abilities is living life, experiencing many different things, peaks and valleys included. To have a mentor who coaches you from a wide heart and expansive life is a gift. While you are in their space, they have no need to make you feel small when their world is so very big. These are just a few of the things I think about when looking for a mentor and I hope they help you along the way too.
Last but not least, if you still are unsure about your spiritual development teacher, you can ask them to tell you three things they want to be known for. If you feel good after listening to their answers, then you’ll know you are in the right place.
