An Atheist’s Guide to Spiritual Leadership

Finding Meaning, Purpose, and Humor in a Godless Universe

The Story of My Name: Shamani

My name, Shamani, wasn’t exactly something I found in a baby name book or came up with after a soul-searching retreat in the mountains. It was, in fact, a gift—a suggestion from a friend who noticed that I had a knack for seeing the world in a unique way, one that I hadn’t quite figured out myself at the time. This friend, who believed in me before I fully believed in myself, supported me early in the journey of the Compassion Collective. He saw in me a commitment to unity and a vision for a kinder, more interconnected humanity. His belief was a guiding light that reminded me how our paths are often shaped by the unexpected—and that true allies show up when you least expect them (and sometimes when you desperately need them).

But the name "Shamani" came with an even bigger plot twist. During a rather unconventional spiritual experience (let’s just say there were some altered states involved), I had a vision where the Hindu god Shiva appeared to me. Yes, you read that right—Shiva. In this mystical encounter, he endorsed the name “Shamani,” confirming it as a reflection of my path and purpose. This experience felt like a cosmic nudge, or maybe a divine joke, considering I’m the last person you’d expect to be having visions of Hindu gods.

Why? Because I’m an atheist. At 17, I was that precocious teenager who confidently disproved the existence of God (in my own head, at least) and went around telling everyone about it. And yet, here I am, probably the first atheist to claim a spiritual leadership title endorsed by an ancient deity. For me, spirituality isn’t about worship or faith in a deity; it’s about finding meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness in the messy, beautiful chaos of human existence. It’s about seeing ourselves as threads in a larger cosmic tapestry where every pull affects the whole weave. This paradox—the tension between rational thought and spiritual exploration—might seem absurd to some, but to me, it makes perfect sense. After all, what’s life without a little contradiction?

My journey has been a dance with these contradictions, and I've learned to love every awkward step. Through a dedicated practice of consciousness development (yes, that’s just a fancy way of saying I’ve done a lot of inner work), I’ve come to see myself as a collection of parts, each with its own voice, personality, and sense of purpose. I’ve learned to hold space for all these parts, even the ones that don’t quite get along or seem completely contradictory. I’ve learned that embracing our multiplicity isn’t a sign of being fragmented; it’s a sign of being fully, unapologetically human.

And speaking of contradictions, let’s talk about capitalism. Specifically, neoliberal capitalism—a system I have no interest in competing within. My work isn’t about fitting into its profit-driven models or perpetuating its cycles of exploitation and inequality. Instead, I’m here to create something different—a space where compassion, mutual respect, and interconnectedness are the guiding principles. I’m committed to building systems and communities that prioritize collective well-being over individual gain, where success is measured not by wealth or power but by the depth of our connections and the strength of our shared humanity.

Let me be clear: I’m no saint. I’m not trying to be a guru or enlightened being, and I’m definitely not applying for sainthood. I’m human—just like everyone else—capable of all the awkwardness, flaws, and delightful contradictions that come with this messy thing called the human condition. I honor this humanity in my work because it’s our shared struggles, imperfections, and growth that truly connect us. My role as a spiritual guide isn’t to hover above these human experiences like some kind of untouchable entity but to dive right into the mess with you, knowing that it’s through our vulnerability and openness that we find real transformation.

Spiritual leadership, as I see it, isn’t a path that I design or control—it’s a path I walk, side by side with others. Leadership is not mine alone; it’s shared. We are all leaders on our spiritual journeys, each of us walking our own unique path, guiding ourselves and others along the way. My role is not to lead for you, but to help you recognize that you are already a leader in your own right. You don’t need permission to step into your spiritual leadership, because it’s something that belongs to you naturally.

So, more than anything, I want you to know this: my leadership is about helping you find your own path to spiritual leadership. Yes, you! I believe that each of us has the potential to be a leader, a guide, a source of wisdom and light in our own unique way. My work is to help you recognize that potential within yourself, to step into your own form of spiritual leadership, however that may look.

Consider this an invitation. Join me on this journey. Reflect on your own contradictions, find strength in your vulnerabilities, and embrace the fullness of who you are. Together, let’s create something new—something rooted in love, compassion, and unity—a world where every thread in the tapestry of life is acknowledged, where every voice is heard, and where we move forward, hand in hand, toward a brighter, more harmonious future.