Creating a Foundation for Spiritual Success: Steps to Take Before Embarking on Your Journey
Have you ever found yourself lost in the endless sea of information when it comes to spirituality and personal growth? It’s a journey that many of us embark on, seeking guidance and knowledge on topics such as meditation, mindfulness, and chakras. But have you ever been disappointed by the results of your search and wondered why you’re still stuck where you started?
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of new age trends and spiritual fads. But how do we know what information to trust and what to dismiss as fluff? As someone who has traveled down this road before, I understand the frustration that can come with sorting through all the noise.
It’s important to be cautious about the information we find online and from random sources as it could potentially be overwhelming and cause harm. If you’re unsure where to start or how to begin your spiritual journey, it’s essential to get some basic facts straight. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Grasping the Concept of Spirituality and Its Essential Elements
The term “spirituality” is often surrounded by misconceptions, with many people mistakenly assuming that it’s the same thing as religion. It’s important to note that while spirituality may be at the root of many beliefs and practices, it’s primarily an inward journey, while religion involves seeking answers through external means. Put simply, spirituality is about looking within oneself for guidance, while religion looks to a higher power for answers. Other fallacy about this convoluted word is that it is only for older individuals who are searching for answers towards the end of their lives or its for wealthy people or for yogis. Some people believe that it can ruin their lives or that they will be brainwashed into becoming a monk by a cult. However, these are just excuses for people who are not interested in exploring this realm. There is a famous quote
Ignorance is not bliss. It is the source of all suffering.” — Lama Surya Das
To truly understand what spirituality is and to avoid all the clutter surrounding it, it is best to speak to someone who has a clear understanding of it. They can help dispel these misconceptions and provide insight into what it really entails. The internet can be too general and not tailored to your specific needs or path. Speaking with someone who either knows you personally and has been on this journey or has acquired wisdom and knowledge on the subject can be beneficial. Just as you would seek expert advice when entering school, college, or choosing a career, having an expert’s guidance and understanding of what you’re getting into can make all the difference.
2. A clear intent is of utmost importance.
To start on the path of spirituality, it’s crucial to first grasp the fundamental concepts. However, before diving in, it’s important to ask yourself why you’re interested in pursuing it. Just like making any significant life decision, such as starting a business or getting married, understanding your motives is key. Pursuing spirituality can bring about transformational changes, which is why it’s important to approach it with the necessary gravity. Taking the time to ask yourself the right questions and reflect on your reasons for wanting to explore this dimension will help ensure that you’re making an informed and intentional decision.
There are numerous reasons why someone might feel drawn to the process. For some, life’s challenges may have led them in that direction, while others may be seeking inner peace amid personal or professional struggles. A few individuals, life can feel stagnant and unfulfilling, leading them to desire exploration and growth for the betterment of humanity. It’s also possible that someone’s curiosity has been piqued after hearing about it from friends or seeing it online. Additionally, inspiration from a life partner or mentor can be a motivating factor. There are others who aspire for ultimate liberation, enlightenment, spiritual powers, and so on. Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial that your intentions are clear. Your intent will set the tone for your spiritual journey, and without a clear sense of direction, you may encounter obstacles along the way. However, once you’ve established a clear understanding of why you’re pursuing spirituality, the path forward will naturally reveal itself.
In the realm of spirituality, there’s a well-known saying that states that if your intent is clear, your guru will come seeking you out. When this happens, you’ve already overcome a significant hurdle.
However, many people are drawn to Inner work for different reasons. I’ve spoken to numerous individuals who have approached it with certain expectations based on the experiences of others. They may have a desire to emulate the longing they see in others, but I believe that this longing should be one’s own and not borrowed from others. Having expectations based on others’ developments can lead to disappointment because each person’s journey is unique. Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself whether your desire to pursue spirituality is your own or whether it’s influenced by others.
3. Determining Which Spiritual Process to Follow Before Starting Your Quest
Once you have taken the first two steps of determining what and why your next step should be, which Path of transformation is the best fit for you. In my experience, individuals with a clear intent often find themselves on the path that is meant for them. However, the ease of the exploration can vary depending on an one owns karmic experiences. For some, it may be necessary to try out and test different spiritual practices before fully committing to one. I have encountered many people who have explored various tanscendent processes and teachers before ultimately settling into a path that resonates with them. It’s like test-driving a car before deciding which one is the right fit for you and will guide you on your life-long journey. It’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality. The right path for you is the one that feels most authentic and meaningful to you.
The spiritual path is simply the journey of living our lives. Everyone is on a spiritual path; most people just don’t know it.” — Marianne Williamson
There is an abundance of information available on Higher consciousness, which can be overwhelming and confusing. However, it’s important to consider your own needs and interests when selecting a sacred path. It’s essential to establish a strong foundation and build up from there to ensure balanced growth, similar to how one progresses through school. Jumping straight into advanced practices without establishing fundamentals can hinder progress, while dabbling in spirituality without fully committing can lead to a random and disjointed journey. To ensure a smooth and meaningful journey, it is advisable to join a reputable organization or institute that can provide structured guidance and support. Just like in a relationship, spiritual growth requires nurturing, and finding the right institution, coach, guru or master can provide a solid grounds for success. Research and explore different options to find the one that resonates with you the most before making a commitment.
The path of Mysticism can lead to either a blissful outcome or an unpleasant one for many individuals. Recently, while browsing spirituality-related content on YouTube, I came across several individuals who appeared to be in a perpetual state of euphoria. Their videos showcased an array of colorful energies and decorative chakras, and some even identified themselves as members of “tribes with vibes,” presenting a reality that seemed straight out of a Disney movie. While these may be alluring experiences, it’s crucial to understand that the end result or goal post can vary for everyone, and raising one’s expectations may lead to disappointment. In my experience, the goal post keeps shifting for everyone, and taking the necessary steps mentioned above can provide clarity on one’s journey.
Embarking on a spiritual path can be a beautiful experience that inspires, transforms, and shapes our perception while igniting our creative juices. The possibilities are endless, but it’s important to remember that the passage may be challenging at first, and some may even give up or fall off the bandwagon. However, the saying “no pain, no gain” rings true for many endeavors, including Divine growth.
In my role as a SoulDad, I strive to assist families in their pursuit of spiritual and personal development. To achieve this goal, I share my own experiences and encourage others to do the same by leaving comments or creating their own blogs to document their journey.
Additionally, here’s a list of my past blogs that may help you help your child grow and evolve in these changing but still delightful times
Don’t Let Your Past Destroy Your Future
Your Failures are Your Biggest Lessons and Qualifications
At 44, I Realised I’ve Been in Lockdown All My Life…
If you enjoyed the blogs, do like, share, or subscribe to SoulDads for more.
Disclosure: “We may earn a commission for purchases made through the links in this post. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support our blog. We only promote products or services that we believe will add value to our readers.”
