Mentoring
A mentor is a guide and teacher, a friend and facilitator. While mentors are not limited to humans beings (the land can often be a powerful teacher), for the purpose of this article, we’ll stick to people. Mentoring is a natural part of the generational cycle, where elders share their wisdom with those younger than them. In this way, both are fulfilling their needs, the young by learning the knowledge necessary to live their lives, and the elders by passing on what is essential for continuity. For indigenous peoples, the passing on of knowledge and wisdom, generation to generation, is indispensable for maintaining their way of life.
This ancient relationship of mentoring is an unfolding process. Whether it is in the form of passing on particular skills or in the form of personal growth, the emphasis is on allowing inner abilities and wisdom to come out. Instead of molding the participant to a particular shape, the mentor seeks to allow the inner nature of the participant to flourish more strongly. Thus it is naturally an empowering process as both participant and mentor grow more fully into themselves. It is a relationship of equals, in contrast to the conventional hierarchal teaching relationship where one person is considered superior and holds the power.
There will be a number of different mentors involved with ELP, each with a different area of focus and personality, so that participants and mentors may develop a relationship suited to their interests.
Click here to read an article on the importance of having a guide, by Tamarack Song