What do spiritual teachers and leaders do when no one is looking?
Out in public they lead, worship, support and teach. But what are they up to when home and alone?
Over the decades I have hosted and met many of them. From experience I know that they all do the same thing. Away from their audiences, their students and congregations, they take quiet time to connect more deeply with their spiritual source.
It does not matter what their tradition is — mainstream religion, pagan, shaman, healing, yoga, meditation, dance — they take time day by day to deepen their spiritual connection. Without exception this is done quietly and humbly, with an appreciation of how small they are in the context of the cosmos.
Yes of course, after the outbreath of public service, they need to regenerate and fuel themselves. And Yes their legitimacy as a spiritual leader comes from the authenticity of their own spiritual practice. But this is not their primary motivation for ongoing spiritual practice.
Their primary motivation is their own inner calling. The core of their spiritual lives is not public outreach, though being of service is crucial. The core is their private and internal vocation — to greater connection with all that is, more love and compassion, expanded consciousness.
Think of any spiritual teacher you like and contemplate their life at home.
Be realistic. Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Amma, the hugging saint, is not hugging everything in sight but is quietly allowing herself to be hugged by spirit. The shaman is not continually transported by plant medicines and trance-dancing but sits quietly in landscape. The Dalai Lama spends hours in meditation. The Pope is not ceremonially processing around his apartment in robes and mitre but is in contemplation and prayer.
This was always their real calling. Release all the teaching and leadership. They are solid in their spiritual practice.
Some of their ambitious followers and students may seek to be like them, also leading and teaching. But they may be missing the point, the essence. All the different spiritual paths and styles lead to the same thing — the individual’s personal spiritual calling and practice. Repeating myself now, that essence is:
— Deeper connection with all that is
— More compassion and love
— Expanded consciousness
Spiritual growth may sometimes happen serendipitously or with a wave of grace. In reality it requires dedication and daily perseverance, a rhythm of quiet opening and connection.
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So I wonder if for some of us there has been a silver lining in this Covid crisis. It has provided a time and focus for spiritual practice. We do the same then as all the teachers and leaders. We are called to an ever-deeper relationship with the wonder and energy, with the awe and mystery of all that is.
Beautifully said, dear William. Perhaps that’s good about the streets being empty. Everyone has opportunity to sit in with themselves, to feel and experience LIFE deeper (unless one gets lost in Netflix, LOL). I “advertise” and promote this practice with everyone I meet out there in the street. Hopefully more people will eventually discover the joys that it brings. A happy, healthy and bliss-filled 2021 to you!
Absolutely agree the pandemic is festooned with silver linings, harsh though it has been in some ways the time out has been restorative for many and for our planet. May many more people find their recharging points in these times.
Thank you William. The time to contemplate and pray does help us to become closer to God, Source, and to our spiritual guides whatever tradition we come from. Your words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Very affirming, thank you William
Thank you William, so beautifully put! I find myself looking back at the year with so much gratitude. Think how the natural world bounced back in the absence of cars in May, taking a breather from the onslaught of our consumerist frenzy; birds nested in places they wouldn’t have previously because there were so few people around. We are a part of that same nature, needing time to contemplate and connect to the deeper rhythms of planet earth. Many of the incessant cultural diversions we are surrounded with can also be lost opportunities for the communion you describe;the opportunity to surrender to the greater breath that lives through us and all things. Blessings to you J and Pippa
Thankyou so much William for your liberating reflections.
The treasure of the silent silver lining has indeed been both nourishing and revelatory-
Deep peace.
wisdom
Feeling quite vulnerable these days, your letter reminded me and helped me in such a beautiful way to again focus on my inner life. Thank you very much.
Thanks for sharing this piece. My husband and I are experiencing an even deeper version of this since his stroke a few months before the virus hit. He is still recovering and I just have to thank Spirit for this strange new life and world. Such beauty and grace. Your words are very healing. Wishing you much joy.
This is a beautiful reminder of my purpose and meaning in life Thankyou
Thank you so much, William! Very, very pertinent at this time. There is no need for us to feel sorry for ourselves, that we “can’t”/”aren’t allowed to” go out and shop, go out and party, travel in groups… or any of that (frenetic?) activity that has kept us so BUSY and occupied, – that we have literally spent our precious time on, when life was “normal.” What do I need? What do you need? – You have answered the question: What does a spiritual teacher need? – Thank you again! Wishing you everything good and whole.
Thank you as always. So gratifying to read. Keep safe, I always need to read your thoughts!
Thank you, thank you, thank you William
A wonderful reflection, revelation and insight.
Thank you William for many guiding wisdoms this year.
Truly inspiring and appreciated.
Peace and Love to all.