A Warning to be Selective of Your Role Models: Part 1
Who are your gurus? Are they worthy of your trust?
We've all heard the wild list of names connected with the infamous Epstein teen girl abuse ring, but a name I didn't expect to hear connected with that vile nastiness was Deepak Chopra. I never felt pulled to his teachings, but thousands of folks in New Age spaces bought his books, attended his lectures, and looked up to him. This knee-jerk response that a lot of us have when we either didn't like or didn't care about a recently exposed predator doesn't absolve us. We all have our place in the ugliness that this infection festers in, and we have to be diligent, discerning, and willing to do what is necessary to protect one another from predatory bullshit.
With all the wild stories in the news recently about cults, I feel like it's time for a general warning to our people. With so many unique groups teaching exorbitantly expensive classes, all operating with familiar terminology to metaphysical and occult communities, many are aiming to financially and sexually exploit members. Lots of cults use the same tactics with the same goals, to help the organization gain power and control over their own community. Fucking insane and gross, if you ask me!
I'm fascinated with stories about folks getting swept up in cults, which makes me very intentional with how I work within community. I know how important it is to keep strong and healthy boundaries, and to make sure we share space with morally strong people. This is a reminder to keep your eyes open, and to beware who you're learning from, and why. Don't ever forsake yourself, leave yourself behind, minimize your own needs, or elevate some mere human onto a pedestal.
If you're learning something new, ask where your teacher learned it from. If they list an organization, look into it. Especially if this organization tries to pass itself off as having some kind of authority to give credentials. See what your teachers speak up on in their free time. See what other people have to say, too. Gossip, rumors, social connections, and other context clues will often reveal much when you're looking for something that isn't going to be neatly explained on someone's website.
