it is for you

Recently, I read a bit of a rant on Facebook from someone who seemingly is a leader in the “spiritual community.” Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t, I don’t follow them or know who they are. It had a lot of engagement. Essentially the sentiment was there are far too many people sharing spiritual points of view and guidance, whereas it “used to be” you had to put in years of effort/get certified to do the same.

They could be amazing for all I know, but it was definitely a “spiritual ego” moment. As you relinquish your ego and deepen your spiritual practice, you can develop a “spiritual ego.” If you have ever had an intense meditation, prayer session, transformative experience, a reading that touched you deeply that left you saying to yourself “I’m feeling pretty good about my spirit right now”, there it is. If you feel the need to stand on a pedestal to proselytize, there it is. It is connection, listening and love, not preaching that we are charged to do.

To borrow one of Ram Dass’s favorite words this is one of the “predicaments” we all face on our journey. The simple is: when on the spiritual journey there are no external barriers or paths that must be followed. It is found within and The Way is the The Way is The Way. You do not have to attend a certain church, you do not need to give anyone 10% of your income, you do not need to confess to anyone, you do not need anyone’s blessing. No matter where you are, no matter you have done, it is for you.

That said, the predicament lies with the fact teachers matter. Readings matter. Support systems matter. You could easily be led astray should you choose the wrong teacher. Not everyone is in it for the right reasons, could be to build a following, for material gain, for power. You also may not have access to a good teacher or community, but that is not a reason to avoid putting in the work. You simply work with what you have in the moment. After all it is all within you, not “out there.”

You do not need to give up your current life and move to the Himalayas, you need a willingness to be still, focus on your breath when things get challenging and extend love to all those around you. As complex as it is to be human, it is that simple. The great teachers are not perfect, they do not live in a state of perfection always and they never lose sight of the challenges of living in this world.

See yourself in Love, as I see you.