Guiding the Way as a Spiritual Expert

If you run a spiritual business, you’ll often be considered a spiritual expert -- even if you don’t claim to be one -- and expectations surrounding your behavior will be sky high. Can you be seen drinking a margarita? What about showing up in a swimsuit at a pool party? People will watch your relationship to see if you and your sweetheart get along well. Heaven forbid you have a visible disagreement!

Every spiritual leader will confront the “put-on-a-pedestal” issue at one time or another. But we’re only human, right?!

Yes and no. We’re human but our work requires deep trust from those we serve so the bar is higher when it comes to our behavior. Most spiritual business leaders teach spiritual principles, use healing modalities, perform rites and rituals, and offer spiritual products. You will be expected to be an authority in your field and others will look to you for spiritual guidance. They’ll sometimes forget you’re human. It’s up to you to set realistic expectations by being very open and honest about what you know and what you don’t know. It’s also up to you to have a set of values you live by – and to live by them as much of the time as is humanly possible.

What values can people expect you to demonstrate? Here are a few to get you started:

Integrity: The Pillar of Trust

Integrity stands as the cornerstone of spiritual leadership. It involves aligning one's actions with their core beliefs and values, fostering a sense of trust and reliability. Spiritual leaders who exhibit integrity are consistent in their words and actions, creating an environment where others feel safe and supported. Integrity means wholeness. When matched with compassion, it’s a game-changer.

Compassion: The Heart of Leadership

Compassion is the heart that beats within every effective spiritual leader. It involves understanding and empathizing with the experiences and emotions of others, whether you agree with them or not. By demonstrating genuine care and concern, spiritual leaders create a nurturing environment where individuals feel valued and understood. Compassionate leadership often provides a sense of belonging and connection, encouraging individuals to share their vulnerabilities and grow collectively.

This is a “do your best” value. Folks who really need your compassion are often struggling and sometimes hard to help. Over the years, I’ve learned to gently be who I am. I’m careful to combine compassion with authenticity.

Authenticity: The Expression of True Self

Authenticity involves embracing and expressing one's true self without pretense. Spiritual leaders who are authentic inspire others to be authentic, creating a culture of honesty and openness. Authenticity builds genuine connections based on mutual respect and understanding. When leaders are true to themselves, they encourage others to take their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

Remember, there’s a difference between authenticity and arrogance. The difference is humility.

Humility: The Foundation of Service

Humility is a vital value that reminds spiritual leaders that they are servants of a higher purpose. Key word – “servants.” It involves recognizing one's limitations and being open to learning from others. Humble leaders prioritize the well-being of their community over their personal accolades, creating a culture of service and mutual respect. This humility informs collaboration and empowers others to contribute their unique gifts and talents. To live into humility, one must be constantly mindful.

Mindfulness: The Path to Presence

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Spiritual leaders who embrace mindfulness cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, enabling them to make thoughtful and deliberate decisions. This presence allows leaders to respond to challenges with equanimity and insight, developing an environment of stability and resilience. Mindfulness practice includes seeking wise counsel when you need it.

Wisdom: The Light of Guidance

Wisdom is the ability to discern the deeper truths and insights that guide effective leadership. Spiritual leaders draw upon their experiences, knowledge, and intuition to navigate complex situations and provide meaningful guidance. They also need mentors and guides of their own. Who supports you? Who can you call for wisdom and compassion? Be sure to express gratitude for these people and let them know you appreciate them.

Gratitude: The Attitude of Abundance

Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the blessings and opportunities in one's life. Spiritual leaders who embody gratitude raise their frequency and generate a positive and uplifting atmosphere, encouraging others to focus on the abundance around them. This attitude of gratitude nurtures a sense of contentment and joy, enhancing the overall well-being of the community

And gratitude will lead you back to integrity, where we began. Seeing the gifts and blessings in our lives invites us to live fully into the spiritual principles we hold dear – because they work! And when we embrace these principles, we create a world where thoughtful, heart-centered spiritual leadership makes the world a better place.