Learning from Others: Why We Say "Thank You for Being My Teacher"

In the Turning Within practice, we use a salutation you may have heard: "Thank you for being my teacher." While this might seem like a simple phrase, its meaning runs deep. It acknowledges that our greatest lessons come not from textbooks or formal settings but from our everyday interactions with the people around us. These interactions could be as simple as a conversation with a friend, a disagreement with a colleague, or even a chance encounter with a stranger. 

The salutation points to a core understanding that practitioners have grown to understand. Each person we encounter is a mirror and reflects something within ourselves, and through this reflection, we are offered an opportunity for growth and self-awareness. This phrase becomes a sacred mantra for practitioners of shadow work and self-awareness. There are several reasons why you might hear a practitioner honor someone.

As shadow practitioners, we often hold space for others to process their experiences and emotions through group contemplation. In doing so, we are often gifted with clarity about our work and journey. Perhaps something someone says strikes a chord or reminds us of a similar experience we’ve had but not fully integrated. In these moments, "Thank you for being my teacher" is an acknowledgment that their work sparked a deeper understanding of ourselves. They unknowingly provided us with a mirror, allowing us to glimpse a part of our work that we may have overlooked or been misoriented to.

We all have limiting beliefs—constructs that shape our reality and hold us back. Many times, seeing these patterns in others is easier than in ourselves. When a practitioner witnesses someone else struggling with a limiting construct, they may suddenly recognize a similar pattern in their own life. In this case, "Thank you for being my teacher" is an admission that by watching someone else’s struggle, the practitioner has gained awareness of their own limitations. This phrase conveys respect and humility. It’s a way of saying, “In witnessing your challenge, I’ve been reminded of my own.”

One of the most challenging aspects of being a shadow practitioner is holding space when we are personally triggered by someone else’s behavior. Maybe a person’s defensiveness, anger, or sorrow brings up unresolved emotions within ourselves. When this happens, the practitioner has a choice. They can react or observe their reaction and learn from it. By saying, "Thank you for being my teacher," the practitioner acknowledges that this challenging moment allowed them to reflect on their triggers and own their responses. When we realize we are telling ourselves a story while in the story, the experience can teach us so much. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is immune to emotional reactions, and it’s up to each individual to work through them.

The phrase 'Thank you for being my teacher' is more than just a string of words. It embodies the spirit of humility, reflection, and growth at the heart of shadow work. It recognizes that every person we encounter has the potential to offer us a lesson, whether we are ready for it or not. By saying it, we open ourselves to the possibility of learning from the people around us, transforming every interaction into a moment of self-awareness and growth.

Who do you have that brings these three teachings to you? What if you saw these experiences as an opportunity to learn about yourself?