The Fiery Truth About Spiritual Teachers
The Wisdom 2.0 Conference is a place where people who are passionate about technology and spirituality come together. At the 2013 conference, there was a lot of talk about compassion and mindfulness, in the workplace, in technology, and even in wars and congress. The attendees were inspired.
At this conference, Marianne Williamson gave a speech which was rather unconventional. Specifically, she showed a fiery kind of passion and she called upon the audience to go beyond meditation — and really take action in the world.
Some people were taken back by the delivery of her message. Ultimately, the following question was asked:
“How do you feel about wisdom teachers who aren't always calm and mellow in public?”
The question arises because many people carry a misperception that spirituality only shows up “calm and peaceful” the way people perceive Eckhart Tolle.
And…
There's also a very important need in our world for teachers who are relatable in a very personal and real way that connects with where we are…
People like Marianne who are willing to engage the more challenging aspects of our world and simultaneously challenge the parts of ourselves that feel wisdom teachers “should” look a certain way.
If true wisdom is being Present and in the moment, then there's no reason why it can't (and shouldn't) include moments of passion, as well as compassion, moments of challenging the ego and status quo as well as appeasing the ego and status quo (IF that is what the moment calls for), moments of owning one's abundant nature as well as giving one selflessly.
All of these things Marianne demonstrates by walking her talk — her entire message was filled with the deep love she teaches and lives by — it just “looked” a little different than some people were expecting.
If all our spiritual teachers looked / talked / walked the same, then a LOT of people would never become interested or engaged (or stay interested / engaged)…
Because most of us still walk around with our egos fully intact (even if we wish or pretend that's not the case), and our egos (as well as our True Nature) resonate with certain kinds of people and personalities…
And the variety of ways in which wisdom teachers can express themselves is a real gift to our world.
To lose that is to lose parts of ourselves that can be most precious, beautiful, supportive, and engaging in our world.
For example, if a spiritual teacher can't swear (can't is different than won't) then that teacher still has a LOT to learn about being human…
About being a teacher…
And about the Divine.