Making the decision to embark on a spiritual path is hopefully done with a healthy amount of deliberation and intuitive guidance . Having some sort of epiphany or personal breakthrough frequently accompanies this choice . However , with the overwhelming number of paths we have available to us today and the waning of ancestral wisdom in mainstream Western culture , the possibility exists that we may sally forth down a road which presents dis-empowering concepts and inaccuracies . In the spirit of advocating for personal power and responsibility , this article is distilled from comments and feedback from my readers as well as my own observations .
1 ) Spiritual growth is all airyfairy , rainbow-farting unicorns and the like . In other words , it ’ s all love / light and no darkness / pain . This couldn ’ t be further from the truth . To grow as whole beings , to blend the spiritual and the material and to embody all those lofty notions and concepts , we must acknowledge ALL that is within us . We exist as whole beings already , and that means we must face the dark parts , the parts where despair and heartbreak exert an iron-like hold .
Integrating this part of ourselves is some of the most difficult work we can do , but the rewards are vast .
2 ) One-size-fits-all . You must meditate , say such-and-such affirmation , burn that incense , create a vision board , etc ., ad infinitum to get the result you want . No . What works for that chill dude over there may or may not work for you . My suggestion would be to examine your intention . Clarify your goal . Customize your spiritual discipline for you and only you . Everything we want to create works off our intentions . If you develop your intentions to be highly specific and clear , the spiritual “ accessories ” you use will simply enhance your practice .
3 ) Spirituality isn ’ t practical . Nope again . The only way spirituality works is for it to be put to practical use . Use that shit everyday . How ?
A ) Monitor your thoughts and work on eliminating negative thought patterns . Achieving this alone can make you feel worlds better .
B ) As you make choices in your life , especially significant choices , pay attention to how you feel . We are creating karma with every choice we make . If you make a choice from a feeling of obligation , the consequences of that choice will be more obligation ! This discernment is critical when we ’ re trying to create something new in our lives .
C ) When you ’ re out in the world , remember that everyone you meet is struggling inside with something . Treat them like a human being , even when ( especially when !) they fail to treat you as such . Caveat : don ’ t be a doormat . Navigating your daily life by using this tip is very empowering .
4 ) Meditating is a must and it takes years to master . Not necessarily . The thing to remember here is to use the method of meditation that you need at this point in your life . This may require some testing of various types of meditation , of which there are many . For some of us , daily meditation isn ’ t a practice we use , simply because we don ’ t feel the need . For me personally , I meditate only when I ’ m working on manifesting something specific and I need extra guidance . Find what works for you .
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