The way to have a connection to a tzaddik is live according to his ways and instructions. As a child, Rebbe Nachman had the wisdom and intelligence of an old man. His first book, Sefer HaMiddos was written between the ages of seven to twelve and revealed one day after hearing a powerful story. At his wedding he disappeared before the chuppah and met his first chassid (disciple). He only revealed the greatness of his neshama (soul) to his wife and made her swear to secrecy. He hid his genius and his service to G-d and would act immature and ignorant in public.