Finding your Guru
Finding your guru could be a lifelong journey. In my lifetime, I’ve had two. Yes, two. How do I know that and what was I looking for? For most Westeners, “guru” is somewhat of a mysterious concept. What is a guru, and why would I want one? I’ll try to simplify the meaning of guru in this blog.
For someone to be your guru, first, you must recognize him or her as giving you inspiration, knowledge and guidance. Gurus will not come to you and say “I am your guru.” This recognition will come from within yourself.
For me, I have always looked for someone who will effectively reset my direction when I am trotting down the wrong path, while at the same time deliver to me an optional path or two that will generate growth. My 2 gurus have been mentors in my career. They have taught me people skills though various mechanisms, and have placed me in growth situations that I would not venture into without their gentle prodding. They’ve helped me with career knowledge, domain expertise, personal confidence, and taking pride and grace with my work.
It’s interesting, my career and mentor path have gone hand-in-hand. I have an emotional block that disables me from working for an organization that does not bring me potential mentors. When I interviewed for my current position and they asked me what type of boss I was looking for, I said, one that is smarter than me. This proved to be double-edged, because my interviewer, who happened to be my future boss said, “well, I look for people who are smarter than me.” I thought I blew it at that moment. What I was really thinking was that I was looking for my mentor, my guru through my employer. I was looking for mental and spiritual growth, as well as an opportunity to learn, through each precious moment of life. Why would I want to spend 8-9 hours a day working for someone that I could not learn from? And why would they hire someone who could not bring talent and knowledge to their organization?
Yesterday, my heart opened to a new mentor, who could very likely be my third life mentor.
Open your heart and find your guru. Hunble yourself and acknowledge that another person could shine light into your life, and your spirit.
Namaste