We live in a culture that idolizes individualism.  In such a culture it is a virtue to be entirely self-sustaining, i.e., always to be knowledgeable and never to be dependent.  There is no reward system for those who lack knowledge or are dependent.  In fact, we typically frown upon such people.  Consequently, we have increasingly come to reject mentors, guides, and teachers, even, or especially, in spiritual matters.
    This is unfortunate, for it is in spiritual matters that one most needs mentors, guides, and teachers, especially at the outset.  One needs people who have walked the path before one to advise one on the way.  One needs people who can suggest spiritual texts for one to read, depending on the point one is at in one's journey.  One needs people whom one can ask questions when one gets stuck in one's spiritual practice.  One needs people in whom one can confide when one faces the shadow side on the journey inward.  Such people have been indispensable on my spiritual journey.
    Contrariwise, left to one's own devices, which is precisely what happens in a culture that idolizes individualism and rejects mentors, guides, and teachers, one runs the danger of leading oneself down blind alleyways or mistaking certain forms of egoic satisfaction with spiritual attainment.  In short, it is a risky endeavor to go it alone on the spiritual path, if one's true goal is spiritual attainment.  Perhaps it is worth considering whether the counsel of so many spiritual traditions, to seek a guide to aid one on the path, isn't wise counsel after all, despite the cultural taboo against it.
    If the thought of working with a spiritual guide feels right to you, and if the material contained in this website resonates with you, I would be happy to have a conversation with you about the possibility of entering into such a relationship and what such a relationship would entail.  Simply fill out the contact form below and I will be in touch.