Guidance

When it comes to guiding people on the spiritual path or providing life coaching, most people think that we have to lead perfect lives with all our stuff in place, all sorted out, at all times. This is the ‘guru’ trap. A guru has to be perfect! Those who buy into this trap, stay stuck in it, until they remember that there is no end to learning.

Everyone, at whatever space in their own journey, can find someone who can learn from their experience and vice-versa. That is why I prefer the term ‘sharing’ to ‘teaching’. All teachers actually share their knowledge and wisdom; how much of it gets across to a student depends upon that student and his/her inclinations! Similarly, all teachers continue to learn more and more, not only about their own subject but many other subjects as well. Any teacher who stops learning stops growing; and that is next to impossible!

There is no stage when we can declare, ‘Now I have arrived. Now there is nothing to learn. I know everything. My life is all fixed. Now I can be of service to others.’

The fact remains that while we may master certain areas of our life, we still remain students in some other areas. This is a beautiful and sacred process of helping and seeking help. On this journey, we can offer support and guidance to someone who has not yet travelled on that path, and seek support on the path that we are yet to travel.

Putting the pressure upon ourselves (or others) of being perfect and ‘knowing it all’ before being ready to share is nothing but a self-sabotaging trap. We all are works in progress. And it is okay to be incomplete/ vulnerable/ fearful/ uncertain while sharing our gifts with others.

It helps to remember that perfection is a mirage; and yet, we are perfect the way we are in the present moment. And it is fun to share our journey with others; even when we are struggling with our own baggage!