If you think about it, we're all drawn to people most like us. Call it in-group bias or being 'hard-wired' for like-minded people — the fact remains that we can connect best with those we think are similar to us. That's why, when a celebrity, superstar, or sports person comes forward with a challenge they've been facing, we begin seeing them in a different light. Their candor and the fact that they're also dealing with something you or someone you love have made them more human and relatable.

This also applies to religious leaders and spiritual teachers. In fact, it also works for any of your teachers — anyone you think has the capability to make an impact on you. When teachers come forward with their own challenges and how they deal with them, it has a transformational effect on students. Not only do the students gain a deeper understanding of 'who' their teacher is as a human, but they or someone they love might be in a similar situation. Instead of idealizing the teacher, the students can ask questions. How has the teacher been taking care of themselves? What are they going to do to get through whatever they are finding most challenging? Do they need any help? All of this is extremely important. More often than not, when we see our leaders and our teachers, they appear dominantly as fully self-sufficient. We might even believe they've arrived — they're not overtly moving toward healing and awareness like those of us that are. This is also partly because most teachers don't share their challenges to make themselves be the leader in faith, trust or understanding for their congregation, and how they deal with the part of life that is most difficult.

Robert Strock shares a few examples of how the teachers in his life have fared when it comes to sharing their personal challenges with their students. He explores how compartmentalization of challenges and who we share our difficulties with can be limiting. It stops teachers from being vulnerable with their students, which could forge stronger connections. It prevents students from seeing their teacher in a human way; there's a lost opportunity for learning and deeper gratitude here. This is because students can take the trust shared by their teacher to express their own biggest challenges, something that they need help with too.

De-idealize your teachers and bring them down from the pedestal you've likely unwittingly placed them on. Take a moment to ask them sincerely and humbly about their personal challenges and encourage them to share. This will bring you and your teacher closer and give you insight into how to apply what they're teaching to your life's challenging situations. This may be difficult for you, but it is very likely to be beneficial to you, the teacher and the congregation at large.

Read the transcription and listen to this episode on The Global Bridge Foundation website.