We live in a time that is more than uncertain, it is urgent.  As spiritual seekers it is within our nature to seek a higher perspective, a greater meaning and a way that we can be of service.

In 1982, Alternatives  (then called Turning Points) started with a mission to provide a platform for spiritual teachers and a home to spiritual seekers.   In what now seems like a turning point in human consciousness,  where the outdated systems are being uncovered and destroyed, and we have to decide what to build in its place.  Could the foundation of a new world be spiritual?

For 44 years at Alternatives, our role has been to host world leaders in contemporary spirituality including  Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr Wayne Dyer, Caroline Myss, Julia Cameron, Satish Kumar, Elizabeth Gilbert, Marianne Williamson and Eckhart Tolle.

Alternatives core values are Love, Wisdom, Compassion, Service and Community.  These core values are the basis of how we run as a community and more importantly they are the characteristics of an authentic spiritual teacher.

This January we are offering a 3-part masterclass on everything we have learned about what it takes to be a successful spiritual teacher, leader, facilitator and speaker.

In times of crisis, the teachers are born.  You may have felt the calling yourself, an emergence of ideas, a clarity, a need, an urge to say more, do more, and to teach.

Session 1 — The Calling: Becoming the Teacher You Are Meant to Be

The journey from spiritual seeker to spiritual teacher.

• The calling to teach: How do we recognise an authentic calling, and what is the difference between wanting to teach and being called to serve?

• The teacher within: Discovering the wisdom of your own lived experience and recognising what is uniquely yours to share.

• The ego and the soul: Exploring the desire for recognition, the need for approval and the importance of humility in spiritual leadership.

• Walking your talk: Why authenticity begins with how we live, rather than what we know.

Session 2 — The Inner Work: Integrity, Authenticity and the Shadow

You cannot guide others further than you are willing to explore within yourself.

• The question of authenticity: What does it mean to be genuinely yourself, especially when others look to you for guidance?

• The shadow of the spiritual teacher: Exploring spiritual bypassing, projection, the need to be needed and the temptation to become an authority over others.

• Living your values: Developing an inner compass rooted in Love, Wisdom, Compassion, Service and Community.

• Humility, vulnerability and truth: Learning to say "I don't know", acknowledging our limitations and remaining a student of life.

Session 3 — The Art of Teaching: Presence, Transmission and Sacred Responsibility

The greatest teaching is not simply what we say, but what we embody.

• The power of presence: Understanding transmission and why the quality of our being can be more transformative than the words we speak.

• Finding your authentic voice: Learning to share your wisdom without imitation, performance or the pressure to be perfect.

• Teaching as service: Moving forward with clarity, courage and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The Alternatives Teacher Development Opportunity — 2027

At Alternatives, we have always believed in nurturing new voices and creating opportunities for emerging spiritual teachers.

As part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of authentic spiritual leaders, we will select one participant from this masterclass for a special opportunity to develop their teaching journey with Alternatives.

The selected participant will receive:

• An opportunity to lead a free online event on the Alternatives platform, introducing their work to our community.

• Promotion of their event through Alternatives' established communication channels, helping them connect with an audience of engaged spiritual seekers.

• An invitation to join the Alternatives faculty of teachers, becoming part of our community of spiritual educators and facilitators.

• One year of personal mentoring with Venetia David, offering guidance, encouragement and support as they develop their authentic voice and teaching practice.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates authenticity, integrity, a genuine commitment to service and a willingness to continue growing.

Because the future of spiritual teaching needs more than inspiring words. It needs teachers who embody their wisdom.

Your Course Leader

Venetia David

After ten years working in corporate marketing, Venetia discovered Alternatives following her own spiritual awakening, sparked by reading Conversations with God.

What began as a connection with the Alternatives volunteer community developed into a deeper involvement with the organisation, first as part of the event team, then as Head of Marketing and ultimately as Senior Director.

Venetia describes herself as the quintessential spiritual seeker.

Through her work with Alternatives, she has spent many years alongside some of the world's most respected spiritual teachers, gaining a unique perspective on the qualities that make a teacher truly authentic, inspiring and transformative.

Drawing on her experience of hosting teachers, creating sacred spaces and nurturing spiritual community, Venetia brings a practical, compassionate and deeply personal approach to this masterclass.

Course Format

This interactive six-hour masterclass will take place live online via Zoom over three Sunday sessions in January 2027.

Each two-hour session will include teaching, personal reflection, group discussion and opportunities for questions.

Reflective exercises will be offered between sessions to help you deepen your understanding and integrate what you discover into your own life and teaching practice.

Recordings will be available for participants who cannot attend live.

Whether you are already teaching, preparing to take your first steps, or simply feeling the quiet call to share your wisdom, this masterclass invites you to explore what it means to teach from the deepest truth of who you are.

Timings

This interactive 6-hour course will be held online via Zoom, with the replay made available for you.  There will be plenty of time for Q&A and assignments set between classes.   

Session 1 - 4pm - 6pm   Sunday 17th January

Session 2 - 4pm - 6pm   Sunday 24th January

Session 3 - 4pm - 6pm   Sunday 31st  January