My Teachers

Wk 2- September 14: A Special Teacher. Who has most inspired you in your craft? This may be an individual you have trained with or someone who you know only from the efforts and great works they have modeled. Tell us a bit about who this is and how they have made a mark in your own pursuit.

As we walk our path in life, the teachers we need appear when we need them. For some, a teacher stays for a lifetime, or for a long time. Sometimes, a teacher is with us for just one issue, one day, or one moment.

Other times, a teacher is not someone great; in fact, they might be terribly flawed. They may not appear to be teachers at all. These people teach us about what not to do, how not to be. They often mirror our darkest traits. I've had a few of these; out of respect for their privacy, I will not list them here.

As for me, I can’t say that any one teacher has inspired my craft the most. It would be convenient, but I don’t walk that sort of path. In some ways, I feel like my path is more akin to that of an oyster. The oyster is fed by the endless flowing of the waves, nutrients coming from points across the ocean, all integrated into its being. Day by day, year by year, the oyster slowly accretes more shell, millimeter by millimeter growing larger. Inside, hidden from view, a pearl grows the same way around a single grain of sand.

So instead, I’ll talk about a few of my teachers. I feel very blessed to have been given so much by so many gifted people. People of all nations, people with different skill sets; like me, my teachers are a diverse and eccentric group. I’ll try to keep this list to the spiritual teachers, but it’s all of a piece.

The Medicine Man at the Retreat Center

I don’t remember this man’s name, nor do I remember the name of the retreat center somewhere in the NC mountains. I think it *might* be Isis Cove, but it may have had a different name back then. At any rate, this man did a healing on me that changed my life. I had a transformative night of visions in a teepee by the river after he healed me. It was a turning point, and I am grateful to him.

The Dalai Llama

I’ve never met him in person, but I have read his writings and followed him through interviews. What I love most about the Dalai Llama is his acknowledgement and support of all spiritual paths. He is a teacher not stuck on dogma, but rather focused on the connection between all human beings. I have a great deal of respect for this teacher, and he certainly has influenced me.

Chong Bhakti

This woman is a hoot and a half. She’s a tiny Korean dynamo of many skills – massage therapist, acupuncturist, shaman, excellent healthy cook and more titles can she claim. Chong taught me to express my emotions and let them go. She shared a Korean folk teaching – don’t reuse your tissues; they hold your sadness. Maybe the most important thing she ever told me was not to marry her son. I was in love with his potential, not his actuality. I make her sleep tea blend to this day.

Randal the Malcontent

My mentor, my sensei, my guitar and singing teacher. He taught me so many things that I couldn’t begin to list them all. With him, I achieved things that I never dreamed. His teachings were instrumental in my growth, and though not spiritually focused, they helped me to heal as a human being, which is the same thing. I carry an on for him that will never be repaid.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

I bought an Apple computer many moons ago, and on it is the dashboard, which is a screen of little apps you can choose. I found Sri Sri's app and downloaded it. At the time, I'd never heard of him. The app is simple; it has a photo of him, and each time you view it, you get a different quote. This is a humble, high tech way of finding a guru, but these teachings have supported me for a decade now. I hope to meet him one day in India. I love the joy that shines out of his heart! You can see it in his eyes...and I bet he gives a dynamite hug.

Saunook

A mighty, hearty Cherokee soul…Saunook is a teacher who teaches by existing. He counseled me during a difficult time in my life. One thing he said sticks out – “Get up early in the morning and talk to the spirits. More importantly, LISTEN to the spirits.”

Autumn Pulstar

Autumn is the High Priestess of the first real coven I ever joined. I learned so much from her during my time in the coven, and I continue to learn from her today. She has a beautiful way of leading a group without ego that allows everyone to shine. She is so generous with her time and expertise. She’s a mentor to so many people in our region – a true elder.

Gauri Johnson

Gauri was one of the facilitators of my Yoga teacher training program. She was the teacher that opened my eyes to the possibility of fun and laughter in Yoga. She really helped me in finding my own voice as a Yoga teacher. She gave me permission to make the practice my own.

Sangoma Oludoye

Sangoma is a priestess in the African village of Oyotunji. Not only is she a faith leader in this important work of cultural regeneration, Sangoma gives of her time and her teachings around the southeast region of the US. Her guidance in ancestor work has enriched my practice. Her example has inspired me to fully empower myself, without looking for outside validation.

To all of my teachers, whether you are listed here or not, I thank you. To my peers, who teach me all the time, I thank you. To my students, who teach me as I teach you, I thank you. To the teachers of my future, I thank you. To the Gods, who send me the help that I need, I thank you.