Integrity is the soil of your soul, and your forest will flourish upon the foundations you choose to nourish or neglect.

What does it mean to have integrity?

I’ve been reflecting on teacher consciousness these last few months, and I’m undecided about what it means to be an authentic teacher.

Teachers need students; coaches need clients; and a community is only as vibrant as the sum of its collective members and the space which breathes between them.

I've spent the last six weeks exploring the archetype of the teacher because I'm trying to understand what kind of teacher I am (and want to continue to become) - but I cannot see myself through your eyes.

The world is a web of perceptions and reflections - but I cannot see myself through the eyes of my students, clients or the members of this YouTube community.

What is true teaching and who is the true teacher?

I'm still wrestling with 'teacher consciousness', but I find great comfort in the following quote from Parker Palmer:

"Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher." - The Courage To Teach, p. 10.

The soul of the classroom - the essence of the therapy session - is profoundly affected by the character and consciousness of the facilitator, and l'm trying to discern the difference between great teaching and exceptional teaching.

I've been taking on increasingly complex responsibilities with teaching, coaching and course facilitation this year, and I've likewise started laying foundations for 2025 & 2026 - but where does integrity fit into my imagination for the future?

Ultimately, the costume will fade against the light of self-awareness; the stage will crumble under the weight of inauthenticity; and your conscience will measure the truthfulness of your journey.

When your work is finished and the applause falls silent, you will hear the echoes of your misplaced integrity, and only your heart will know if you built your career from courage or cowardice.

I’m going to be posting more here over the next weeks, and it’s already feeling good to connect with you in writing.

I likewise invite you to join me inside the Shadow Work Library course if you want to experience real depth together: 36 books, 9 intensive modules, and more information than I can possibly teach in a few videos or community posts on YouTube.

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Jordan 🌲