5 tips to help you figure out if a spiritual teacher or entrepreneur is trustworthy
A friend recently asked, "How can one tell a real spiritual teacher from a fake?" and as I reflected on the definition of fake, I felt it would be more accurate to ask...
How do you know if you can trust a spiritual teacher or spiritual entrepreneur?
There are many reasons why people "fake" things. Sometimes it's because they lack integrity, and sometimes it's because they're trying to save face.
There’s much less nuance when you put it in the perspective of trust.
For the rest of this article, I’ll be using the term spiritual teacher to encompass the experience of someone who devotes themselves to understanding and communicating with the spiritual realm, and who teaches the wisdom they hold. They could also be called a spiritual mentor or guide.
Sometimes the role of a spiritual teacher includes supporting others on their healing path. In this case, we could also call them a healer or energy healer. Not all teachers are healers. And not all healers are teachers.
Also, not all spiritual teachers or healers are entrepreneurs. However, I wanted to include this concept because this question of trust often relates to an exchange of money.
If you are a spiritual teacher, mentor, or healer who offers a service in energetic exchange for money, then you’re also a spiritual entrepreneur.
The question that often arises about trust and spiritual entrepreneurship is:
Can I trust this person to be in integrity when it comes to my financial investment as well as my energy?
This is a valid and important question to ask oneself before entering any exchange.
The tips I share below should help you discern whether the spiritual teacher you’re thinking of working with is worth your time, money, and most importantly, trust.
They understand that the present and future are alterable.
I feel more at ease and trust spiritual teachers who understand humans have free will. While we all can see possible outcomes, we're the authors of our own stories. You can make decisions that change the course of your future.
If a spiritual teacher claims absolutes about the present or future, you might want to reflect more on the information they are sharing.
And the first way through that would be to explore your perspective on free will.
They empower you to heal and trust yourself.
Spiritual teachers with integrity do their inner healing work and personal work to develop their skills. This is one reason why you might want to see a spiritual teacher rather than going it alone.
But know you also have that power within. And here's a secret:
it doesn't always take years to attain this power; it simply requires intention and self-trust.
Work towards self-trust, and you’ll find your way to the intuitive superpower that’s in all of us.
Question someone who wants you to be dependent on them.
If a spiritual teacher subtly (or overtly) claims your healing is based on their practices, this is a sign to take a step back. We all have the power to heal ourselves and to gain our own insight.
They do their inner healing and shadow work.
At first glance, this might be hard for a potential client to measure. So don't be shy to ask a spiritual teacher, "What does your inner healing work look like?"
If they're offended by the question or don't know how to answer, that’s a sign you might want to keep shopping around.
Aside from the positive energy that comes from going through a healing experience, the self-healing journey gives spiritual teachers a personal relationship with the spiritual experience.
In other words, this is one way they develop an intimate experience with the energetic forces effort I mentioned in tip 4.
They understand that spiritual work is a co-creative effort and that they’re only a part of the equation.
Spiritual teachers, especially if they facilitate energy healing, work with universal energetic forces (i.e.: spirit guides, Divine Source, energy, the Universe, ancestors...). They wouldn’t be able to do what they do without that energetic support.
A questionable spiritual teacher claims to be solely responsible for the healing you experience as a result of working with them.
I also realize that when spiritual teachers talk about their work, it’s easy to slip into the habit of using the “I” pronoun. They’re the face and the voice of the channel after all. And while some might disagree, a person’s grammatical choices aren’t a measure of their character. 😉
Get to know the spiritual teacher, and after a while, you’ll be able to discern what they’re implying about their healing powers.
They recognize their approach or insight as one out of many.
If a spiritual teacher claims their approach is the best way or that their insight is the only truth, well, come on now. I don't think I need to elaborate. 😜
Above all else, trust your gut. If you get an icky feeling, go with that. It’ll never steer you wrong.
So, why is it important to even consider this information?
Your energy is precious. It’s what moves you. It’s who you are. You must do what you can to protect it. When you work with someone who understands this, it makes all the difference.
Sidenote for the spiritual teacher reading this and thinking, “Awww shit. This is me.”
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Part of our growth comes with being able to see our limits and improve upon them. No one starts any type of work understanding the nuances right from the beginning.
Take this time to reflect on these tips and make your own conclusions about what it means to be in integrity and truly help the people you want to work with.
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