THE LIGHT SHINES.

The first steps towards your personal journey of enlightenment start with the desire to do so. By making a conscious decision to ‘walk in the light,’ as I call the spiritual journey, you have put your feet on the path and begun your quest to find the ‘truth.’ Remember that the ‘truth’ you are seeking is YOUR truth - it is not necessarily the same truth that others seek. Your pilgrimage must reflect your own needs and lead you to your own version of Nirvana.

There is no easy way to begin the journey and no shortcuts either. For some people the journey will take only a few years, others many, many years and in some cases it may not be completed in this lifetime. Rest assured, we will be assisted on this journey and events will unravel in the allotted time frame whether we hurry the trip or dawdle along the way.

Meditation was an issue where I found it hard initially to let myself go and forget the 101 things which were buzzing around in my mind. It took me a long time to be able to sit back or lay back and to clear my mind of all thoughts and ideas.

There is the perception for some that walking a spiritual path will solve all life’s problems. Spirituality does not remove painful experiences and negative aspects from our lives. People must still face that which they fear. Life is painful at times and spiritually we are meant to face the pain that life presents. Many of us think that because we have embraced our spirituality and are endeavouring to live a spiritual existence that our lives will become trouble free or pain free. This is not the case at all. No spiritual teaching or tradition has ever said that following their paths will guarantee a pain free existence. Part of our spiritual growth is to grow past and through our painful experiences, each of which is a spiritual lesson for us to learn. It is the process of dealing with and moving on from these experiences which will help us to move ever forward on our spiritual path. They are like rocks and boulders which must be removed from the path before we can again step boldly and confidently into the unknown.

Another quote I love which comes from an unknown origin sums up my thoughts on spirituality, here it is. “Religion is for those who are trying to stay out of hell. Spirituality is for those who have already been there.”

Taking a spiritual path is hardly ever an easy decision. It is very hard explain to people that you are not happy with conventional beliefs and teachings and that what you are experiencing is the real ‘truth’ for you. Quite often if you are married or in a relationship it means alienating yourself from the beliefs of your partner and children who can be quite scathing about your endeavours. Still, religious persecution is not a new phenomena is it?

As you investigate the various elements of spirit you may find that the idea of studying appeals to you.

True friends will understand that you need to take this path for your own good and whilst some may not share your enthusiasm or beliefs they will allow you to be yourself and accept that it is part of the reason they consider you their friend. Those who matter will stick around, even if they don’t fully understand. Those who don’t matter will fade away and be replaced by new friends who will help you to advance yourself and grow. Above all, you must find your own place.