Surrounded By Teachers

Each of us is surrounded by great teachers, mostly without realizing it. Typically we all have one or a few people in our circle, in our "tribe", that are able to inspire us to greater visions of our life and its potential future, but we sometimes forget to acknowledge, recognize or give thanks for, the great teachers that surround us in less obvious ways.

In your day to day life, the reflections of yourself that you receive from those around you, demonstrates the degree to which you allow others around you to be themselves. Through your view of reality, to the extent that you allow the people around you to be themselves, to that extent will they allow you the same.

This can determine how much you benefit from the lessons that can arise from knowing them also. Failing to recognize that the person at the office you always argue with or clash with, is actually an opportunity for you to learn something about yourself, furthering your journey to self-knowledge; can hold you back until you no longer choose to be held back.

The simplest recognition of a teacher often happens when we spend time with children, they say the darndest things. But why do the things they say strike us so? Because the moments of clarity that erupt from a child’s mouth, ring true with our core. Yes, even children, your children, those of others, can be great teachers for you.

How about people you consider to be less spiritually evolved? Can they be messengers, teachers, in your life? Absolutely. Your perception (this is important) of someone’s place in evolution can leave you disappointed. Just because they may not appear to read the latest spiritual books, or meditate the way you do, will never imply their awareness, or their ability to teach you, or to be the agent in an event that increases your realization.

Look at your family, friends and acquaintances with fresh eyes. Consider the relationships you have at work, the gym, the guy at the store you get gas from, you are surrounded by teachers, and the potential to learn. Analyze your most difficult relationships. Why are they difficult? Why is it hard to relate the person? Why is it tough to perceive this person as having something to offer you? How can you change your relation-ship to this person, to give yourself permission to benefit?

Walk into every situation with an open question "What can I learn from this person?" Even if you are not able to perceive of any remote benefit, simply asking the question will create an opportunity for it to arise. Pay attention, in small ways you will notice things they say or do reminding you of aspects of yourself.

Many great books by wise authors tell us that we are not here to learn anything. Our purpose is to remember who we are, they say. Absolutely, the context in which Ive used the word learn is a familiar one only for your benefit, but consider the word re-member, in the sense of re-constituting parts of a whole. That is exactly what you are doing as you acknowledge the many great teachers you are surrounded with right now. The reflections of yourself that you receive from others, is part of your process of re-membering your-Self. Are you listening?

When considering why you find yourself surrounded with the people that you do, from your partner, to kids, family, friends, work colleagues and acquaintances; think about what it is you are learning right now on your path. Your situation is perfect and there people are in your life at this time, for a reason. Perhaps you have grander visions of people that you could learn from? That will wait, because one truth is "When the student is ready, the teacher appears". Your teachers are around you now, have you recognized them?

As you give to another, so shall you receive. Honestly, give those around you permission to be their authentic selves, without your perceptions and judgments. Lose attachment to who you think others should be and think of your-Self only. Give yourself permission to learn from your teachers.

An Affirmation for today: "I allow others around me to be who they are, and accept them as they are."

Be Beautiful :)
-Mikel