Life and Spirituality

There are various levels to the truths of life. The word, “Life”, in itself has a deeper meaning. One, which is the basic truth and is understood by all. Second, the higher truth, to understand which an individual has to be highly intelligent. Intelligence is not inborn, it is a process of constant learning. Clarity and wisdom function as intelligence. The ability to grasp the deeper aspects of one’s existence eventually comes with time. Thus, it is said, “Teach them what they can understand.”

Every individual is continuously learning and comprehending. However, everybody might not have developed the milestones required to imbibe the deeper meanings of life, yet. For life is a journey, a constant evolution.

Year after year, life after life, we grow, learn and ultimately evolve into beings super intelligent and far more superior, spiritually, to all our younger companions. If we try to teach the young what is beyond their capacity to grasp, they might either get confused or may interpret the teachings in a wrong way. The latter is harmful. It can cost a person his own life as well as that of the other.

Each one of us comes with a purpose. A purpose to learn and to teach. To understand and to help others grow and interpret the lessons correctly.

“Take no pride in what you are today, because once upon a time you were exactly what they are today.”

Often, the word spirituality is mixed up with religion. A spiritual person need not be religious but a religious person may be highly spiritual or not.

To evolve spiritually, regular practice of meditation, self introspection, self awareness, the process of letting go, release of negative emotional garbage, practice of forgiveness towards others and oneself is essential. Meditation does not mean sitting crossed legged with eyes closed for hours at length. Even maintaining two minutes of silence and focusing on the breath as and when possible during the course of the day calms the mind.

Self introspection at bedtime increases awareness regarding behavior patterns that occurred during the day. It will help understand the mistakes made and prevent recurrence. After which one may seek forgiveness from the person with whom he/she did not get along during the day and forgive those who misbehaved with him/her.

Patience, tolerance and acceptance of others, learning to accept others the way they are, are stepping stones on the path to a harmonious relationship as well as spiritual growth.

Of course, one has to accept that no individual person is perfect. We all make mistakes. It’s okay. “ Acceptance is the key that fits every  lock.”

The first stage in spiritual evolution is the feeling of contentment. The urge to thrive for materialistic pleasures slowly dissipates. Internally, one may feel emotionally detached from one and all. Ironically, you would also feel oneness with all of Nature.

The realization that I am a soul, a spiritual being within a physical body sets in. That is to say that, I am energy with consciousness.

Spirituality is the practice of humbleness and loving kindness within and without.