Your 5 Magical Keys to Align To Spiritual Leadership

by Heather on August 17, 2011 · 31 comments

Today’s Guest Expert is Jennifer Longmore

Glass LotusThe term “spiritual leadership” may bring up certain energies in you depending upon how you define it. Some people feel that they are not a spiritual leader unless they have reached a certain level of fame, or self-sacrifice, or they are living life like the Dalai Lama. I believe that all of us have a spiritual leader inside waiting to come alive and be fully expressed in its own unique way. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “a leader is one who influences others.”

So, spiritual leadership is then impacting other’s from spirit, and as such, we have all divinely touched or inspired someone in our life (whether we are consciously aware of our impact or not). The key to living from a place of spiritual leadership is to do so actively and consciously. It means starting with being the inspired leader for ourselves and our own journey so that we can also play that role in someone else’s journey too.

Some of us will affect the masses with our message as spiritual leaders, while others may have a profound impact in less public ways. Either way is no more or less valuable than the other, they are simply an expression of how each of us are called to bring spirit through us.

You may be the connector. The person that feels passionate about connecting souls with each other because of a deep feeling that certain folks are meant to meet.

You may be the teacher. The person who everyone comes to for guidance about how to do something (and as such, they experience change).

You may be the wisdomkeeper. The person who everyone seeks out for insight and enlightenment, thus seeming to be at the right place at the right time (always)!

You may be the nurturer. The person who loves others until they are strong enough to see the love within themselves (so that they can, in turn, nurture others).

You may be the catalyst. The person who people are attracted to (whether they know it or not) when they need a catalyst to ignite change in their lives.

Do you see a theme here? All of these roles (and of course, there are many more), are the flame that lights another’s candle. What makes these roles more expansive, is when we become conscious of our impact, and own our role as spiritual leader by way of who we consistently attract.

Once you own who you are, then you can become more conscious about your spiritual leader and align to these energies. Here is some of what you need to accelerate this journey:

1.  HUGE vision – see yourself where you would like to be 5 years from now. Who are you impacting? Who have you become? What have you created? How does it feel to be in this vision?

2.  Powerful Intentions – allow yourself to become crystal clear about how you want to feel in your inner world, and what you wish to create for yourself and others in your outer world.

Then, begin a daily practice of intentionality. How is your day going to unfold? What are you going t o attract to yourself? How do you want to feel? How do you want others to feel in connection with you? What do you wish to create?

3. Clear Strategy – examine your HUGE vision, then break it down so that you begin with the first logical step that is going to get you there, and then the next, and the next. I find it helpful to create a 12month plan of what seems the most fitting to move me closer to my larger vision.

*Remember that it is always about the journey, not the destination!

4.  Positive Support – you can create a certain level of impact as a spiritual leader on your own. I can share with you that it is much more joyful, easy-breezy and impactful to have positive support, especially if you desire to make a greater impact. This may include social support, family support, collegial support, and mentorship. Take inventory about the level and quality of support you have right now, and ask yourself what additional support you need to move you to the next level.

5.  Inspired Action – what is one action that you can implement right away to move you that much closer to fully aligning to your spiritual leadership?

* * *

Jennifer Longmore

Jennifer LongmoreJennifer Longmore, North America’s Soul Purpose Expert, internationally acclaimed host of “Soul Purpose Central,” and best selling author, is the founder of the Soul Journeys School for Akashic Studies and creator of the popular Spiritual Leadership and Legacy Program and Highly Conscious Business Intensive. For over 15 years she has been helping people remember who they really are through over 20, 000 soul purpose sessions, including the who’s-who of actors, professional athletes, CEO’s of leading companies, and other influential luminaries.

To learn more about Jennifer, and to claim your free Soul Acceleration System, visit www.souljourneys.ca

Don’t miss a thing! Sign up to join Soul-filled Cafe here.

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    It’s Soul-filled Cafe Wednesday!  I am writing in from Atlanta.

    Jennifer — I am  excited to have you here. I LOVE this article and your guidance around “Spiritual Leadership.”  

    I know for myself, I began to embrace the thought of stepping into my own ‘spiritual leadership’ at the turn of this year.   I was actually doing some art collaging last December when the phrase “Owning my feminine spiritual leadership” came to me (dropped into my consciousness) .  So I’ve been working with it and seeing some of my own resistance (such as the “preconceived” notions of what that meant — you need to be ordained, where robes, etc.)   What I love about looking at this for myself, is that it has me ask more “noble” questions for myself such as — “How can I listen to spirit even more?”  “How can I be even more aligned with the work I am doing?”  “How can I grow through this issue or challenge in a way that makes me a better person?”  “How can I make more of a difference.”

    Jennifer — I love the categories you mention here (the connector, teacher, gatekeeper, etc.)  But I am having a challenge knowing which one is “the one” for me.  I can relate to each of them.  Any tips for getting clearer on that for oneself?   Which one do you mostly relate to?

    Sending you a virtual hug from Atlanta, GA  (visiting this Southern city for a few days.)

  • http://www.unclutter-organize-transform.com/ Sue Rasmussen

    Hi, Jennifer and Heather,

    I felt such peace reading your article, Jennifer! And I had the same question Heather brought up about the categories…how might we begin to explore our own?

    Thank you!

    Warmly,
    Sue

  • Anonymous

    Hi Sue,

    So great to connect with you here!  And…I love your question.  The categories that I listed here are just a few and I don’t know that we’re the totality of just 1 since we are such incredible, complex beings…:)  There will be one that stands out as your “default button” so to speak….the one that you naturally gravitate to.  Another way to look at it is through the eyes of others – what do people come to me most for (ie connections, wisdom, etc) AND which brings me the most joy and comes easiest to me?-) 

    I’d love to hear if this helps at all…it’s pretty juicy stuff!

    much love
    Jennifer

  • Anonymous

    Hey Heather,

    Atlanta?!  How fun!!! 

    I love your sharing and your questions.  It is quite a loaded topic for many b/c both ‘spiritual’ and ‘leadership’ have many meanings for many folks…:)

    I have more than one active role as well….typically teacher, connector, wisdomkeeper and I like how they compliment each other.  I imagine as I grow and evolve I will move into others areas or others will be more prominent.  At this point, to answer your question, I feel it’s less about which one to use and more about acknowledgement and recognizing that we all have the capacity to be spiritual leaders and will express that energy in different ways…:)  Hope that helps…:)

    HUGE hugs from Canada!
    Jennifer xxoo

  • Anonymous

    Hey everyone,

    I’m so excited to be here and can’t wait to hear your thoughts and juicy questions!

    Much love
    Jennifer xxoo

  • Kathryn

    Hi Jennifer (And Heather!)

    I enjoyed and was inspired by your article, Jennifer. And I love this Soul-filled Cafe!! What a wonderful way to have my morning tea!!!

    Was wondering if you ever experience wanting to opt out and have a soul-solo journey? I know the importance of Spiritual Leadership, am grateful to all my teachers and appreciate the blessing of being able to contribute to others. How do you return to your Life’s Direction when you’d rather stay in your cave? (if you do ever have this thought….)

    Love,
    Kathryn 

  • Anonymous

    Hey Kathryn,

    Great question (and I sense there is more going on behind the question…:)  It’s certainly important to focus on doing what we need to stay on course and refuel and it’s less about balance and more about harmony no matter where we are in life…:)  When we have a belief that it’s all or nothing, or I need to be separate, or I can’t be around people b/c they drain my energy or any host of other illusions that may be running for folks, that’s when we’re out of harmony.  So….my question to you (and anyone else this resonates with) is how can you be the contribution rather than the Source so that you can grow and evolve in communion?-)

    Hope that helps!
    Jennifer xxoo

  • Kathryn

    Thanks, Jennifer. Lovely and helpful!

  • Anonymous

    Hello Jennifer,
    Thanks for sharing such priceless insight. I certainly see me playing two roles yet one is stronger than the other. I love the practical steps you provided for accelerating this journey with ease and grace, thank you.

  • Anonymous

    Hey Catrice,

    So great to have you popping by!  I’m glad that this served and I know that you’re already out there as a spiritual leader in a BIG way…so excited to see what’s next!

    HUGE hugs
    jennifer

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Hello Kathryn,
    It is great to have you join is with your cup of tea. :)

    I have definitely had my share of “hibernate in my cave” days. Something I write and share about is knowing “what time it is” in your business or your life, because there are times when the cave is exactly what your soul is calling for. Especially if you have recently been thru any big catalytic type of change (good or uninvited)…examples are loss of a relationship, moving, job change… These transitions create a natural metamorphosis and change cycle, and the first stage of change is very much like being put into a cocoon. The best thing can be to refuel, take tiny steps and self-care.

    The important thing is not staying stuck. (if you are stuck then it is time to either heal or get into action, depending on whether the stuckness is from avoidance or clinging to the past)

    would love your and Jennifer’s thoughts…(and anyone reading this)

    xo

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Kathry — I just “saw” your photo!  And now I know the Kathryn I am talking with.
    It’s soooo great to see you here.   I love that you stopped in.

    You are the “Queen” of self-care wisdom. Actually would love for you to share, if you want, about your art and the “leading”  you do…  xxoo

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Hello Catrice — thanks for sharing your light here today.  Excited for your feature with us next week… 

    I am curious about which two roles you see yourself playing.  I also see mine as a combination (connector, teacher and catalyst…)

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    It is fun to be in a different location for a few days.  :)   And fun to be blogging with you from opposite ends of the East Coast…

    And — just want to thank you again for sharing your day with us here at
    the Cafe.  I have been so impressed with your ability to be both
    SPIRITUAL and GROUNDED.  Yin/Yang. Successful business woman and
    feminine. You are a wonderful role model for spiritual leadership.

    So I am sitting with your 5th tip, to use:   “Inspired Action – what is one action that you can
    implement right away to move you that much closer to fully aligning to
    your spiritual leadership?”  Will get back to you on that!  (Any intuitive insights you have for me… I am very open to hearing.)

    PS  Your comments are not linking to your photo or website — you may
    need to check the “post as” box that is at the bottom of the comment box
    and re-log in using “disqus”   (Want to make sure people “see” you
    today!)

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Helllo Sue!  And thanks for this great response, Jennifer.

    I realize that people come to me for what I’ve always called “inspiration” — something to help them move from a space they are in right now that doesnt’ feel very good — to a new place where they see something new for themselves, feel re-inspired and excited to take action in a direction that feels really right for them.  But as I look deeper I  sense it’s a combination of:  teacher & wisdomkeeper & catalyst. 

    And more recently I have been embracing the “connector” in me.  The Soul-filled CAFE has really brought that out for me.  I have loved bringing people together and seeing the effects that new relationships create.  Feels effortless. 

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Jennifer — will you share a bit about Akashic Records.  I only know a very superficial bit about it — and I know that it is central to the work you do.  Can you give us a quick 101 about that.  And what led you to the work you do…I always love hearing people’s “journeys”

    <3

  • Anonymous

    HI Jennifer,

    I believe that we are all trying to find out “soul purpose” in life…some are more aware of this purpose than others.  I am clueless although I’m a seeker and always trying to figure it out.  What are some techniques to discovering your purpose?  And, can you describe what “Akashic” is?  

    Thank you!
    Beth 

  • Anonymous

    I tend to fall between the teacher and the catalyst. I guess I see it this way my dominant one is catalyst, people are attracted and in the process discover they need guidance for the next steps.

  • http://www.unclutter-organize-transform.com/ Sue Rasmussen

    Hi, Jennifer,

    What a fun conversation to jump back into!

    And actually, the one I gravitate most towards is not actually on the list…I love to be the student or the explorer.

    My favorite vision is being like a pioneer…out exploring new territory or new ways of looking at things, finding ways to make what often seems complicated become much more simple, putting my ‘stamp’ on them, and then bringing all that exploration back to share (then I put on my teacher hat, which I also love).

    Does that make sense?

    And yes, this is totally a juicy topic, Jennifer!

    Warmly,
    Sue

  • Anonymous

    Hey Bethalevy,

    Great question!  I actually have tons of free goodies that you can access at http://www.souljourneys.ca, incl the 9 most powerful questions to accessing your purpose, and a free report on Akashic Records (it’s way too much info to post here)….I know these tools will give you an abundance of info to really support you in getting more clear on your purpose…:)

    Much love
    Jennifer

  • Anonymous

    Hi Jennifer, thanks for the kind words my friend. I’ve got some BIG things rolling up and will be sharing.  Keep being a light in the world my soul-sister!

  • Anonymous

    Aw, thanks so much Heather…it’s a real honour to be here and thanks so much for the feedback.  I’ve been hearing a lot about how grounded I am which is interesting because it wouldn’t necessarily be something that I identified (I guess b/c I’ve always been there without acknowledging it…:) 

    I’m going to have Holly help me with the techy piece…hopefully this will help with the links, etc.

    Chat soon!
    Jennifer xxoo

  • Anonymous

    Love it, Sue!  I’m an explorer too, and once I gather a certain amount of experience/wisdom, I step into teacher role (as the spiritual leader) and contribute what I’ve learned…:) xxoo

  • Anonymous

    You are definitely a connector, my dear (likely more than you know…:) xxoo

  • http://www.unclutter-organize-transform.com/ Sue Rasmussen

    Yes! That’s exactly how I feel, too!

    What’s also coming up for me is enjoying that we all have our gifts and roles to play here…and how authentic and powerful we are when we follow that guidance.

    Do you have tools or things for people to look for (like signs) when they’re ‘on path’ or ‘off path?’

    Warmly,
    Sue

  • Anonymous

    ooooh, another juicy question…I love it!

    In a nutshell, and from my own personal experience, I know I’m on my path when things are flowing, joyful and in harmony while when I’m slightly of course there is stuggle, confusion, lack of clarity, indecision, worry. 

    I don’t believe we ever go off our path….I do believe that we can go in circles, sit cross-legged, dig our heels in, trip into large pot holes, etc on our path (where it can feel like we’re off our path, but we’re actually just taking the least easy-breezy way…:) vs. walking it with our head held high, enJOYing the roses/scenery and taking in the richness of all of the treasures alon the path…:)

    Hope that helps!
    Jennifer xxoo

  • http://www.unclutter-organize-transform.com/ Sue Rasmussen

    Hi, Jennifer,

    Thank you so much for your wonderful response! I love the idea that we’re never ‘off path’…we’re just taking the least easy-breezy way!

    (I prefer the joyful, delightful, easy way as much as possible.)

    Such a fun day of enjoying your wisdom, Jennifer. Thank you again!

    Warmly,
    Sue

  • Anonymous

    Hey everyone,

    What a great tea party with such lovely souls….thank you for your presence, your comments, your questions and well, for just BE-ing you!  And thank you to the hostess-with-the-mostess, Ms. Heather for inviting me to join the awesome party that clearly goes on here week after week…:)

    Wishing you all a fab week!
    Jennifer xoo

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Thank you dear Jennifer. What a pleasure to host you and your soul-filled wisdom today.

    Such a treat and looking forward to more…

    Xo

  • Linda

    I’m tickled with this cafe-environment, fun meet & greet space! Thanks Heather for hosting and holding sacred space…and thank you Jennifer for sharing words that encourage, inspire and motivate.  I’ve been getting comfortable around a goal to create a succession plan for my business and in fact, was asked by a new member of my team “what will success look like for me one year from now?”  Love when spirit provides demonstrations of playfulness! 
    I am knowing that speaking my truth keeps me free…and daily spiritual practice keeps me centered; wondering if it’s time I light a bigger candle or continue to turn over the outcome to divine source?!  

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    And I’m tickled to *meet* you Linda!
    Hope to see you at out upcoming Cafes my dear. 
    http://soulfilledcafe.com

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