6 Qualities to Seek in a Spiritual Mentor
Navigating the spiritual realm can feel daunting,
And with so many self-proclaimed guides and gurus,
It can be difficult to know who to trust.
Working with a spiritual mentor can be helpful. It’s like having a trusted guide while climbing a mountain - they help navigate unpredictable terrain and provide wisdom to overcome challenges. They also create a supportive space, helping you to discover new heights, gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your world.
When I started my spiritual journey, I struggled to find the right mentor.
Entrusting someone with my experiences felt vulnerable, and I was wary of being misled or worse, ending up in a cult. I was seeking someone who could genuinely guide me without seeking self-glorification.
Someone who could help me decipher signal from the noise.
I realized there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a spiritual mentor.
Mentors come to us from books, podcasts, and formal mystery schools. What remains consistent is that the universe, or Spirit, is always communicating. It’s important to screen for key qualities that reflect God’s love, and to be in a state of receptivity to truly receive what the teacher has to offer.
Reflecting on my journey, here are six mentor qualities that have stood the test of time:
1/ They embody surrender:
True guides just don’t talk about surrender; they embody it. They live with unwavering trust that everything unfolds for the highest good. By modeling surrender, they demonstrate it’s safe to trust the natural flow of life.
2/ They live in integrity:
Find a mentor that aligns their walk with their talk. A trustworthy guide will not claim to have all the answers; but rather, will acknowledge their limitations. Observe how they treat the most vulnerable, this reveals character and capacity for compassion.
3/ They are students before teachers:
A good spiritual guide understands learning is continual and invests in their growth. They approach life with curiosity and humility, and are willing to say "I don't know". They encourage students to share insights and welcome questions and even challenges.
4/ They empower students
A genuine spiritual guide not only imparts wisdom but empowers students to establish their direct connection with Spirit. They do not create dependence on themselves but offer students tools to cultivate their own relationship with Source.
5/ They teach from wisdom
A good guide will have “done their work”. They alchemize their pain and share their journeys from a place of healing rather than hurt. They never instigate fear.
6/ They unite and embody oneness
In a polarized world, it’s easy to be tribal and exclusionary. Look for guides that build bridges, promote unity, and embody oneness. Seek those who recognize the interconnectedness of life, for we are all made of the same divine fabric.
