In my decades of spiritual exploration and
education, I’ve met many people traveling on the path who are in
various stages of awakening. Years and years of observation have shown
me that for some it is a fast track that covers much ground in one lifetime,
and for others a leisurely stroll that may encompass the span of a multitude
of incarnations. I don’t know exactly what distinguishes one person’s
pace from another, as we are all entwined yet unique aspects of the collective
human landscape, but I do feel that there are points along the way where
we make crucial choices that determine the length of our time in the
process of becoming spiritually integrated souls. Some of these choices
are unconscious, especially as we take those initial steps, but as we
progress, the choices become more consciously made, whether we wish to
own that fact or be in denial. I am a firm believer that fate and free
will are equal operatives in all of our lives; certain situations are
destined to happen—it’s what we do with them that will influence
the course our lives will take.
The beginning of an authentic re-alignment with Source seems to have
a universal quality to it; that essence of purity or innocence, or “beginner’s
mind” where we are wide open to possibility and not yet influenced
by the landmines of illusions that eventually present themselves, and
to which we must learn how to navigate our way around. Some can pinpoint
the exact moment or experience that triggered this drive to reach for
the Light and to blossom into wholeness, as though it were an internal “big
bang” that happened to cause them to transcend the mundane levels
of human awareness and seek something which at first is perceived to
be outside our narrowly focused bubble of existence. For others, it is
a desire to escape or transcend personal pain that is the catalyst to
extend toward what we describe as a “higher” place. In actuality
it is not a linear movement at all, it just feels that way: the Source
of all spiritual wisdom rests within, not above or outside of us. Regardless,
the yearning for an expansion of consciousness beyond our personal status
quo certainly comes from an intuitive sense that there is more to be
had than what exists in our present state.
That first stage is often a blissful one, and many try to hold on to
the experience as long as possible. This initial state of innocence can
make us vulnerable to all sorts of influences that can lead us astray
unknowingly. |
The small self—otherwise known as the
ego—conspires to keep us in this state of euphoria, which in itself
is neither bad nor good, but is ultimately a place to be stuck in or
attached to. There is a large portion of the spiritual/self improvement
industry that caters to this desire to feel good all the time, and thereby
be numbed by the narcotic of indulgences that cleverly fool us into thinking
we are enlightened—when in fact we are cultivating a pit of personal
quicksand if we solely engage in “Me! Me! Me!” activities.
Don’t get me wrong; it is essential to do the healing work on ourselves
to create a healthy level of self-esteem and wellness on all levels.
The trap in spiritual terms is if our focus becomes entirely self-directed
and neglects to recognize the impact we have on others in our desire
to become liberated from our past and present situations. Another problem
occurs when seekers chase after “peak experiences” and run
from guru to guru seeking “darshan rushes.” True spiritual
transformation occurs when you can have your feet on the ground at the
same time your head is in the clouds, otherwise you wander around like
a spaced-out “bliss ninny” who just can’t get their
act together on the physical plane.
Human souls are quite malleable and can be shaped by others with similar
perceptions or by delusional yet powerful leaders or teachers. Often,
many are well intentioned, but their knowledge is fragmented—and
as we all know, a little knowledge can be dangerous. Yet we are drawn
in because we feel they may hold keys that unlock doors. The problem
is that those doors may lead us into places that do not serve us in our
quest for genuine awakening, but are merely carnival rides that can be
fun at first, but the thrill either eventually wears off, or we exit
with our heads reeling and our guts wrenching.
Perhaps being dazzled by what I call “roadside distractions” is
determined by karmic influences, and it is likely we are drawn into them
for a reason and for the “dis-illusionment” lessons to be
learned. Some never see them for what they are and spend entire lifetimes
enthralled by the sideshows, the games of chance and the roller coaster
rides, investing themselves into believing the maya is real, and that
the games aren’t rigged.
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