Journey Beyond Misery: Life, Risk, and the Liberation of Authenticity

A journey into the depths of spirituality

Sam Letterwood
Mindfully Speaking
4 min readDec 27, 2023

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Photo by Zane Lee on Unsplash

Have you ever felt like life is a series of waves, each carrying the potential for risk, fulfillment, and bliss?

It’s a notion that challenges our understanding of the world, but deep down, it resonates with that innate curiosity within us. Let me share some learnings — learnings that’s not just mine but one that echoes through the whispers of every soul seeking meaning beyond the mundane.

Drowning in the shallow waters of ego

In the vast ocean of life, most of us prefer the safety of the shore, fearing the unpredictable waves. But what if I told you that true fulfillment lies in embracing the waves, even if it means risking drowning in the process? Like learning to surf, spirituality demands that we relinquish our ego — the safety net that keeps us tethered to the shore of our comfort zone. The ego, however, doesn’t go down without a fight; it’s a slow, painful death that requires us to confront our deepest fears and vulnerabilities.

The desperate search for an escape route

Have you ever reached a point of utter helplessness, where life’s challenges feel like a relentless enemy?

It’s in these moments that many turn to spirituality, seeking an escape from the misery. The irony is that this very helplessness, often perceived as an adversary, is, in fact, a friend urging us to expand our understanding of life. It’s a call to open our minds and hearts, to recognize that life is far more expansive than our limited perceptions allow.

Preserving ego vs. embracing authenticity

Life challenges our preconceived notions, and our resistance to change can make it feel like an attack on our identity. The more rigidly we cling to our ego, the more vulnerable we become to the perceived threats of life. Yet, the essence of life lies in shedding this rigidity, in spreading our wings and flying authentically. The fear of being cut by others often leads us to clip our own wings, inhibiting our journey of self-realization.

Flying in authenticity — a glimpse of true nature

Have you ever doubted yourself at the first step, fearing rejection or failure?

To become a Buddha in your own right, you must consciously face the egoist death — a slow and painful process that requires infinite blows to the ego. But it’s in this vulnerability that the true self emerges, casting a light so bright that no external force, not even you, can impede your journey of self-realization. Give yourself a chance, have faith, and embrace the flexibility that leads to inner peace.

Life beyond the tiny minds — embracing the vastness

Have you ever felt like you know everything about life, only to be humbled by its vastness during challenging situations?

Our tiny minds often create self-imposed limitations, making life seem riskier than it truly is. The fear of death, in reality, stems from our lack of understanding about life itself. Instead of living like a rigid corpse, it’s time to spread our wings and explore the vastness of existence.

Uplifting ourselves and others: a symphony of liberation

Have you ever considered that life is not about saving ourselves but about liberating ourselves from self-imposed limitations?

The journey to self-realization is a symphony, and each note resonates with the shedding of ego, the embracing of authenticity, and the exploration of life’s vastness. As you read this, trust that something within you seeks a deeper understanding of life, a desire to merge with its pure essence.

In the grand fabric of existence, each thread is a unique journey, and yours is no exception. Life, with its waves of risk and bliss, beckons you to dive in, to experience the full spectrum of existence. It’s not about safeguarding a part of your ego but about letting go, about soaring in your authenticity. As you sail through the unpredictable waters of life, remember that true wisdom comes from the conscious death of the ego. Embrace the risk, spread your wings, and discover the boundless beauty that lies within and beyond.

Life’s fulfillment unfolds when we consciously shed our ego, embrace authenticity, and explore the vastness beyond our limited perceptions.

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Sam Letterwood
Mindfully Speaking

Science enthusiast, Knowledge seeker, Meditation and yoga practitioner, Life-long learner