Smart Consumer or Snob? GUEST POST FROM BRAINY
September 26th, 2007 by Rose RosetreeA dynamic conversation was started here on the topic of self-teaching vs. using other resources. With several comments, the topic has been gaining energy, and BRAINY WOMAN weighs in anonymously. As with all GUEST POSTS, the blog-site records this as coming from me–but that’s just because I haven’t managed the technical skills yet to show it comes from an anonymous writer.
Are spiritual teachers necessary? I do think it’s important to have skilled teachers but haven’t wanted to come across as elitist.
Nobody would want a physician who got his degree online or taught himself only from reading books or looking at information from Google. Chefs learn how to cook by going to culinary school, not just from downloading recipes off the Internet.
In the past, before the advent of professional schools, people learned how to do things by being an apprentice for many years under a master teacher. Why some people think they can get the same level of skill now from any online source or person is beyond me.
I understand there is no formal licensure for spiritual healing in the way that medicine has it. But that doesn’t mean that all who call themselves teachers are the same — for any field, whether it is regulated or not.
Dear Bloggers,
I happen to agree with anonymous Brainy Woman that a teacher/mentor is important. I apprenticed with the late Felix Klein for my graphology lessons.
In a previous post, I said that I have to maintain my nursing skills and certification. You would not want me to take care of your child if I was not properly trained, would you?
I do wish, however, to make another point. If empaths were prepared in the way that some medical intuitives have been, then the issue of testing might come up (already discussed on this blog). That is a whole other can of worms!
It has been invaluable for me to come across and utilize Rose’s information because it is so d…good. She is a model of how an empath can function with skill and integrity (built-in safeguards with her techniques, etc.). She has gone forward and blazed a trail.
The “tests” in this case, are the confirmations that she receives from her clients, information that comes to light later, after she has done a reading with consciousness and skill.
When I have a passion about something as well as a talent for it, I want to find someone who can help me with it, who knows the ropes and can teach me. It is a good basis for practice, a source of support, and someone to ask my questions when unexpected things come up, as they always do. Even when a student like me goes out on her own, a good teacher has shown her how to be the best that she can be, not a copy of that teacher. Then the former student becomes a model for others as she (or he) teaches or mentors down the road.
Just because I have learned from Rose’s books (I would like to do her mentoring sessions, too), that does not mean I am only learning from her. I think it is helpful to have a community for support.
I think this question of independence is really important. Any other comments?
I agree with the viewpoints that have been expressed here. I can think of several people who do healing-related work who have, in my opinion, not done a very good job of establishing their credibility. For example, their website has basically NO information about their background, who they have studied with, what books and other materials have been useful to them, life lessons they have learned, et cetera.
However, I am curious what the intentions of the author of this guest post are. Is this post the result of any specific experiences or observations? Was it written with anybody or anything particular in mind?
Well here I go puttin my two cents in. *Grins*
I have not actually finished reading everything yet, but I wanted to first touch on the questions or comments in regards to the necessities of spiritual teachers. I personally believe anyone who has a passion to reach out is being a spiritual teacher, I myself land in that category. Part life experience, part passion to give light.
Anyone who has a passion to teach can teach in any way they choose. There, to me, is no rule.
I am currently helping a lady on another site who is drownding in depression because she is very overweight and learned she has aids from a partner she has been with for 10 years. I instantly felt a deep need to reach out to her, I did not even know her story, I felt (INNER GUIDANCE) I might be able to add some light here, nowhere near qualified to do social work, or had no teachings so to speak in spiritual beliefs.
All I know is, simply giving others bunches of positive light and love, support, and a touch of wisdom I am blessed with and I can make a difference in someones life. And I can say since I have been interacting with her back and forth I sense she is soaking it up like a sponge and I sense hope, oh how wonderful that makes me feel!!
So I am saying the floor is open for all kinds of teachers, to me there is no rules, we are all here and put in peoples lives when we need to be.
I received an email from Rose and she mentioned how she told three people about my story. I was speechless, “who me?” Little ole me? But she made me feel like a million bucks lol, but I also believe everyone has a story, mine is just a different one, and if I can share my experience and help others then I AM IN!!
Now personally, as I have explained before, I live in a very old fashioned Christian Reformed Community, and support for me in the area of spiritual growth has been, well let’s just say NILL. I am currently 44 years old and I always felt the learning was so slow, and hated it to be honest.
But deep inside I knew it was for a reason, I was going to have to learn on my own and through my own experience. I had time after time proven that inner guidance IS there, and the minute we ask out loud for answers, they come. Yes I could be more intellectually trained and more informed of many things I still have questions about, but I also know when it is my time to know, then it will come.
I thank you, Colleen, for your input you have given me in the posts I have put up. I am also a nurse aide, which is a whole nother talk show! ha ha
And the healing in that area is so great for me. I do what ever I can in my spare time to reach out where ever I feel lead to. As I happily trot to the store to make what money we have work for groceries!! *smiles* It takes all kinds to make this world go round!! *HUGS* to everyone! CindySue (Mstic44)
Dear Mystic,
Oh, I loved your insightful comment! I have been a part of a loving non-traditional spiritual group for almost 20 years, but as I said, the work being done there is a different vision for which I have compacted.
I needed someone to help me with empathic skills and I came across Rose and have stuck with her because of her talent and integrity.
I agree that we are all teachers (and students) for others.. just as you said. I have found in my long and sometimes winding spiritual path that there are no quick fixes as far as knowing oneself, however.
On the other point you made…giving light where called to. Even the traditional healing professions are great for that, too. There is so much need. I just have to stay in balance with that one. It does not have to be the big things, either, basic kindness…what I call, “living love”. You got it girl!
I find your question very interesting and felt a need to respond.
I am a professional medium, and have had little or no “professional” training. When you are given a spiritual gift, you develop in non-traditional ways. Did Mozart’s mom take him to piano lessons? No. He figured it out himself! I would say that the same premise applies to many spiritual healers in the US because there aren’t a lot of “accredited” spiritual schools. Learning through books, online, and through workshops has been the modern day apprenticeship process, followed by practice on friends and family. When a spiritual healer is ready to become a professional, the clients will appear. (Think about current Mediums John Edward, James Van Pragh, etc. They all were self-taught, for the most part, and are very successful.)
There is only one way to choose a spiritual healer, and that is through your intuition. If you are pulled to that person, it doesn’t really matter what their credentials are. Your spirit and soul are telling you that this person can help you. If you are still having ‘egoic’ based doubts, then ask the healer for some references from satisfied clients. Excellent healers will always comply!
It’s also evident in the posts above that there are many “healers” out there who are helping people while serving in other professional capacities. I know, because I was one of them! I spent nearly 20 years as a professional executive in corporate America. So, never underestimate the person in the cubicle next to you…they may be the next Carolyn Myss, Doreen Virtue, or Esther & Jerry Hicks!
Thanks Colleen!!
It has really helped me so much interacting on here with you and talking with Rose, I just been on my own tip tappin on this computer I had gotton only by chance, my only connection to the world and other like minded souls, and I just love the inspiration and interaction, does so much for me as I have been on my own so long. Thanks to you both!! From the depths of my heart. *HUGS* CindySue (Mystic44)
Dear Tamara and CindySue:
I appreciate your comments. I do agree with Tamara about choosing a teacher the intuitive way…that is the only way I make the choice, initially. I have used my discernment, however in that process. I have only stuck with any teacher based on the inspiration and practical effects it has had in my life.
I have had much of the lovely airy-fairy and esoteric teachings, (love that), but for me it must be blended with the practical or it doesn’t help much with the living of it, now does it:-)
That means, it needs to be of some use in my life or the lives of those I touch, (service), This is true for a medium, empath, or any other healer. This is a great discussion and I am thrilled to be in the presence of such wise, spirited beings!
I had another inspiration and had to weigh in, again! (Please indulge me!)
In my earlier post I mention that I am primarily self taught as a medium. However, I am really grateful to Rose Rosetree for her teaching brilliance - and for helping me to become a SKILLED empath.
I used to walk into hospitals and would pass out. I was clueless as to why this happened! Well, I found her book and read it and it was really helpful. I didn’t even know that I was an empath! LOL! I was then fortunate enough to be able to take her Empath’s Intensive course, which was AMAZING! I have also attended Rose’s face reading classes in Los Angeles, and working with a teacher and other students will always beat a book, hands down. (This comes from a self confessed book-a-holic!)
I use the skills I have learned in Rose’s classes in conjunction with my other skills when I give readings. All of my gifts work seamlessly to deliver the right message to the right person at the right time. The important thing to note is that I do not get exhausted when working with my clients as a healer because I have learned how to “turn down” my empathic abilities to get enough information but not blast me across the room. This was an important skill that I learned from Rose’s class!
So, back to the question…is it important to have skilled teachers? Absolutely! I count Rose as my one and only teacher and I am so grateful for her guidance! She is the top instructor for empaths and physiognamists (face readers) and I recommend her books to my clients all of the time. If you can attend one of her classes or workshops, consider yourself lucky! It can be life changing, for sure!
Oh! : ( But how to FIND a teacher. If teaching is one-on-one, then that can be a very difficult thing to find! I can read, both in printed text and on the internet too - but finding someone to teach is so difficult where I live! And travel… expensive and not so easy for me.
To find a reputable clairvoyant or psychic in the area is…. dire.
So… sometimes one just has to do what one can. One reads and learns - but surely… this is ’self-teaching’ too? I have taught myself many things from text and video-instruction, etc.
But when I go into the world I will only be ’self-taught’ in spirituality and psychic knowledge - just as I taught myself to play the piano. I learnt the piano to a high standard and then ‘took the test’ and passed. What would I do as a medium to offer as an equivalant, I wonder? I think the only way would be to have been taught ‘under’ someone.
I feel that because there is no ‘guidline’ or ‘exam’ (heavens!) I will only be as good as I prove myself to be.
Self-taught. And the exam? The exam… is living it.