Hmmph. None of us does. Why do some of us take everything we hear from certain ‘gurus’ as the complete and utter truth?
The definition of ‘Guru’ in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is:
a : a teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern b : one who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponent c : a person with knowledge or expertise : expert
This seems reasonable, right? Just an expert. But for some reason this word ‘Guru’ takes on a much more powerful meaning for many of us.
Self proclaimed gurus send up a red flag for me immediately. If someone is telling you to walk over hot coals to find your ‘inner warrior’ I would suggest taking a few moments to think about it before jumping into the flames.
Did you hear about the James Arthur Ray incident where 3 people died in his sweat lodge? They trusted him, looked up to him, did what he said to do, and ended up dead. I think sometimes these ‘gurus’ have more power than they think they do. Read this more recent article and come up with your own impressions. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2011/04/10/20110410james-arthur-ray-sweat-lodge-profile.html
What I suggest is definitely to find mentors. It is important to have people in your circle who know more than you do in areas you want more knowledge so that you can always be learning and growing. But keep in mind they don’t know everything. Ask them questions. Respond to blogs and articles. Sometimes people in these ‘guru’ positions (whether self-proclaimed or otherwise) put themselves on a pedestal- keep them in check! This comes to mind as I recently read someone’s recommendation of herself and it was so overblown I was cracking up. After I stopped laughing I thought “Wow. Someone needs to give her a reality check.” We need this checks and balances system.
So then, how do you know what to believe and what not to? Find what resonates for you. What feels like truth for you in particular? Take those things and leave the rest. When you’re not certain, ask questions. We’re never done learning. Keep asking the questions. We always have room to grow.
When I write something that comes across as advice-y, it is just from my experience. I have only been on this planet for 39 years. Some plants have more experience than I do. That said, what I feel is important to share are tools and information that have worked for me and worked for others. But if something I write sounds like mumbo-jumbo to you, tell me and then give me a chance to respond. I’ll be honest, sometimes I get judgmental. So call me out! My goal is to use what I’ve learned in my short time here to help others live healthier and fuller lives. If I’m not doing that, set me straight!
So let’s start a dialog here. Ask questions. If you have something that you think will be useful to others, come and share as a guest blogger! Let’s make a party out of this! Check out older blog posts on www.mirzukfitness.com and tell me what you think. Share articles you’ve written or found interesting on the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MirZuk-Fitness-NYC/116651271704363
Seriously, don’t hold back!
Your 39 year old Fitness Coach and Life Enthusiast,
Miranda Zukowski