Hi my friend.
Today I'm feeling really called to talk about guru energy and how we can really collectively burn the pedestals in our lives and in this talk we'll explore healthy and unhealthy teaching dynamics.
So what is guru energy?
It refers to an imbalanced relational dynamic in which authority,
Wisdom,
Or spiritual power is projected onto a teacher or a guide.
Gurus elevate themselves onto a pedestal while they diminish their students inner authority.
Seekers may look outside of themselves for validation,
To be saved,
Or to find the answers that they are unaware are already within.
Teachers who run guru energy carry unhealed wounding and become attached to these roles of specialness,
Influence,
Or control.
This imbalance can be subtle or overt,
Is often unconscious for all involved,
And creates dependency rather than empowerment.
We don't just see this dynamic in teachers and students.
Look at people in positions of power,
Especially in systems of hierarchy.
We may also see elements of this pattern in personal relationships.
History has repeatedly shown how unchecked guru dynamics can lead to ethical issues,
Boundary violations,
And even predatory behavior.
Healthy teaching honors equality,
Transparency,
And shared humanity.
A true leader does not strive to hold power over others,
But reflects,
Supports,
And strengthens each person's connection to their own truth and inner authority.
The wonderful news is that gurus cannot take our power unless we let them.
Damn have I danced this toxic tango a time or two.
For me they were painful lessons I needed to learn as a student that would come with me as I stepped into my path as a teacher.
Now I can smell guru energy from a thousand miles away.
Seeing people give away their power and others happily receive it lights a potent fire in me.
I am a recovering guru slayer.
I am learning to be more neutral to this energy,
Even finding amusement when I see people leading from their guru pedestals.
It is weakness and wounding,
Not strength.
This energy wants to appear as all-powerful,
But it's really a pesky fly or a puffed-up chihuahua.
See it for what it is.
We do not need to fight this energy.
We need to starve this energy.
We do this by calling back our power and attention,
Validating ourselves,
And focusing our awareness on what is healthy and true for us.
Here are some breakdowns of unhealthy and healthy dynamics that I hope will help us burn the pedestals in our lives.
And yes,
I am a big fan of metaphorically burning stuff.
So here are some unhealthy guru dynamics that I often see.
In this dynamic,
Power flows primarily towards the teacher.
Students' authority is diminished.
The common emotional tone here is idealization,
Intimidation,
Codependency,
Self-doubt,
And invalidation.
The teacher is placed on a pedestal or encourages special status.
Students defer to the teacher over their own knowing.
The teacher positions themselves as uniquely gifted or chosen.
Boundaries are blurred or selectively applied.
Criticism or questioning is discouraged or invalidated.
Students feel dependent on their teacher for growth or clarity.
The teacher receives admiration,
Devotion,
Or validation from the students.
Hierarchy is emphasized.
I know you don't.
The teacher's wounds often show up as control,
Saviorism,
Or a need for attention.
And in these unhealthy guru dynamics,
Leaving the teacher or path is framed as regression or failure.
So what are some healthy teaching dynamics?
In these healthy dynamics,
Power is returned to the student.
The teacher supports sovereignty.
The common emotional tone is safety,
Respect,
Empowerment,
Clarity,
Self-trust,
And validation.
The teacher holds the space with awareness and accountability.
Students are encouraged to trust their own experiences.
The teacher owns their humanness,
Wounding,
And limitations.
Boundaries are clear,
Consistent,
And mutual.
Questioning and discernment are welcomed.
The teacher is not needed for ongoing growth.
The relationship supports autonomy,
Not dependence.
Equality and shared humanity are emphasized.
Students feel more of themselves,
Not less than.
A healthy teacher helps you come home to yourself.
An unhealthy teacher invites you to orbit around them.
If anyone is okay taking your power and any capacity,
Get the hell out of there.
The age of the guru is over.
Honoring you and your glorious power,
My friend.
Hope you have a beautiful rest of your day.
