The mind: the child that needs healthy distraction; i.e. Learning, meditation processes, religious routines, daydreaming, and all the many ways we connect and quiet the mind through spiritual practice. The body: the teenager that just needs to be heard and nurtured. To deny what the body is asking for is to deny our humanity. It is not to say we must give in, but we must listen and find the root of its request or statement. Otherwise, a tantrum ensues.
Through our practice, we hope to merge all three in harmony, so they work together, doing the will of the Father (mother etc) or our spirit, true self, etc. As we go through this process, we start to realize we are no different than we were before awakening, we are just present with who we really are. Therefore, we have always been there; it is simply the acknowledgement of being there that has happened. Thus, the manner in which you "get there" does not matter. It takes you to the same place.
The truth is we are where we need to be no matter what our mind tries to convince us. Some are fulfilled by the constant search for truth. Until this search grows tiresome, it is ok. When it does become tiresome, it no longer serves them and it's time for a new understanding. No matter where someone is in their search or spiritual practice, if happy, content, they are "there". The road to "there" is always evolving. What gets one "there " today may take them away from "there" tomorrow, or in ten years. It is simply about being adaptable and fluid within the flow of life; observing the mind, listening to body, and being the spirit, not just experiencing mind OR body OR spirit. All three need their say. All three must find their balance.
These imbalances and the discomfort they may bring are flags to point us the way toward health, not a reminder that we are unhealthy. Each of us experience differently, manifesting different flags for our need. Why do we manifest these signals instead of others? What can we discover through these circumstances, circumstances we have created.
At times we need to take a step back and assess our life's story, from beginning to the present. Why did you choose this journey? Without applying the self-enquiry and getting to know the true self to our daily, modern lives, we may develop a sense of lack. We evaluate ourselves by comparing our experiences to those that live a monastic life in pursuit of the Self. If we do this, we hold ourselves accountable to a set of measurements that may not reflect our desire and path we have chosen to walk.
There are those that have chosen to experience the lessons of a monastic life for their progression and others who have chosen to walk in the mainstream world to seek their awakening. Does this mean that their enlightenment is not as authentic or as monumental as the monk, swami, or guru? Constantly we compare ourselves to others when seeking our guideposts. We get caught up in how another enlightened being lives out their realization. At every turn while doing this, we feel as though we are less than or in some instances incapable of achieving the same freedom as the revered sage.
To know yourself through self-enquiry and realization will lead you to a peace about your current path and your chosen life story. You may not desire to recluse from the hubbub of modern life to live out your self-realization.
You have discovered who you are... Now, what do you wish to do with this? This decision is autonomous to you. You are the decider of your fate. How you express and navigate through the limitless options of human existence is up to you.
When in balance, we move and act effortlessly no matter our environment and external influences. We find oneness. So why THESE experiences? You are unique. How do you find the truth in many different teachings? "The true of basis of religion is not belief but intuitive experience. Intuition is the soul's power of knowing God. To know what religion is one must first know God."
--Yogananda
We must use our intuitive ability to discern our path. This is where we come to know the Divine. We know what is true by how it feels and how our heart responds to its revelation.The truth is revealed wherever you stand. Whichever rock you turn over, whichever words you choose to hear, it is always there lingering, awaiting your understanding. All that is left to do is walk your path taking this understanding of your changeless, immortal self and applying it to the reflections that cross your consciousness.
You are aware of your surroundings. You are aware of your physical state, you are aware of your thoughts. If you can observe these, without judgment, you are being your awareness. What do the things you are aware of tell you about your path?If they tell you that there is no hope for your situation or that you are not strong enough to alter your path, this then is a judgment This judgment can be observed for it is just a thought. We then examine why this thought of judgment has occurred.
If we are in discontent, this is a sign of moving from one phase of awareness into another. This often shakes us. Life is a constant stream of coming to realization and in turn, that realization being tested to prove its validity.
Discomfort is merely an opportunity to reassess or reaffirm the truth we have found. This discomfort too is observed therefore is separate from who the real you could be.
Hold tight to the true you. It is your rock. It is the light of hope and your unending truth. Use this truth wherever you may walk, be it a busy city street, the halls of a monastery or ashram, or a deserted beach.
The teachings that vibe with you are your truth, tested by your walk, tried by your conviction.
With these truths, balance your mind, body, and spirit interchangeably. This will assist you on your path to fulfilling your journey and the lessons it will bring.
Whichever faith structure or culture from which you come, truth is yours to keep. The seeking eyes will find, the open ears will hear, and the steady delicate hand will touch all truth it wishes to hold.
There is no one singular way or formula for realizing the divine within; likewise there is no one way that is wrong unless it predicates itself upon you conforming to it rather than you applying it to your heart.
All will serve you for the time in which it needs to serve you for as many days as you wish to be open to it serving you.