Do you really need to be in Tibet to experience a spiritual awakening? Does it have to come after some illness, Heaven forfend, or a trauma in your life? Who is the inner me, and how can I connect with her or him?
At times, we have to learn to let go of some strongly held beliefs and ideas that we were convinced were real and true. When was the last time you truly examined or explored your thoughts, opinions, and philosophy of life? Never? Perhaps you have been in a spiritual coma, and don’t even know it. Hey, I would love to make a pun about philosophy, but I Kant. Heh.
We are all on a lifelong journey, sweet friends. Trust me, it is not about the unbelievable moment of enlightenment you think you just had on a yoga mat. Yoga. Is that from Star Wars? Just kidding. Of course, that can happen. We can find energy and magical moments during our run, or just walking in the park and inhaling the crisp winter air. And no, running from responsibilities does not count as cardio.
Perhaps you do not even realize that you are on a spiritual path; but you are. We all have a craving for something utterly fulfilling. We thirst for a direction; we constantly seek answers. If you’re a deep thinker, or a sensitive soul who actually feels the suffering of others, chances are that you yearn for a connection with something greater than yourself.
You may not be in the midst of a crisis, but you just don’t feel motivated right now? You feel like Mercury just retrograded all over you. You kind of lost interest in things, and that mood of yours seems to be…well, let’s just say: It’s not high. The truth is that many of us are searching for something, but we don’t even know what. Perhaps you secretly envy those around you who seem to glide through life with complacent ignorance or unawareness of the suffering all around us.
By all means, please seek those who can ease some of your existential pain. What some label emotional breakthroughs may feel superficial to you. Continue seeking. You will know when the shoe fits. Heck, if life gives you lemons, sell them and buy shoes. Lol. There are a boatload of “feel good” psychologies and philosophies out there. Do not settle, please. You may find a role model or mentor right there in your community. Remember, that what a teacher is, is much more important than what he teaches.
We are so accustomed to thinking and saying things such as: “I am…I think…” What part of you is speaking? We tend to judge others (whether we admit it or not), instead of seeing ourselves in others. Most of us have never faced the anger, fear, disappointment, or even grief collected and conserved from our childhoods. Believe me when I say that it is crucial to come to terms with your past. You know what they say: Don’t cry over spilled milk; it could have been beer.
But seriously, some folks even use spiritual words and ideas to avoid dealing with past emotional wounds. Being honest with yourself – even about yourself – and taking responsibility are the hallmarks of a spiritually evolved person. Confronting emotions like anger or fear is never easy, but running away from them, or sedating yourself with distractions, will get you nowhere fast.
Work, making money, family, and your social life. Gee. That’s a lot on your plate. It may be time to slow down, sweet friends. Instead of shaming or blaming, practice becoming “curious” about others’ actions instead. See how less reactive you’ve become simply by not taking everything personally. Speaking of curiosity, ever wonder why you never see the headline: “Psychic Wins the Lottery?” Hmm….
Above all, honor your conscience, please. It will always drive you to correct your ways and make amends. A clear conscience makes a very soft pillow. And as always…I am right here.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.
