Life in the 21st century can be complicated and even our daily tasks are often filled with overly-complex issues and options. We are constantly bombarded with various television channels, eating regimes, parenting advice and smart phone apps.
Sadly, the spiritual and self-development industry has also fallen victim to this modern trend, and the path to inner well-being has become a confusing maze of complicated options and methodologies.
These days, the range of spiritual practices and philosophies is endless: healings, regressions, alignments, cleansings, exercises, diets, therapies, meditations, teachings, practices, tools, rituals, concepts and guidelines … each promising to be the key to spiritual enlightenment.
But has spirituality got to the point where too much choice is actually paralyzing?
The earliest forms of spirituality — Animism and Totemism — were simple. These are world views based on the “soul” of the Earth and all things on her, and the doctrines of both are uncomplicated; take care of everything and everyone for we are all part of the ONE great energy source.
However as belief systems evolved, an increasing number of constraints and conditions were placed on the faithful and sadly, over time, being faithful became less important than the jumble of how to be faithful.
The simple art of being spiritual has been replaced by a constant demand to do things spiritual.
Modern spiritual teachings are thankfully returning to the awareness of the “soul” (to that intangible essence of who we are) and to the interconnectedness of everything, but unfortunately the misconception still lingers that there is a “way” to become spiritually connected. Too many people are still under the under the assumption that they must adopt complicated rituals or habits in order to gain spiritual awareness.
But the truth is, as the Dalai Lama says, “Complicated philosophy, this and that, sometimes create more trouble and problems”.
Modern science is beginning to document the true power of the human mind — that all humans are psychic, for instance, and thoughts and intentions have a very real effect on the environment around us. What these clinical studies are beginning to show, is what early belief systems held to be true — that spiritual power lies “within” and comes as a result of an undeniable energetic connection between you and everything around you. Just as you are in the universe, the universe is in you.
So although modern society offers a plethora of options for the spiritually-minded, the truth is that you don’t need to try all of them — or any of them — to progress on your spiritual path, unless that is what resonates with you personally.
In this complicated world, it is vital to remember that there is no definitive methodology or ritual that will unlock your spiritual power. There is no need to search for the “right” method, or the “correct” teaching. Indeed, the answer to spiritual connection is much, much simpler than that.
At the end of the day you are already a powerful spiritual being, and the only thing you truly need to find spiritual freedom lies within you. Your essence; your life force; your soul.
This article first appeared at Kim’s blog.
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Kim Forrester is an award-winning author, educator and intuitive consultant with over 15 years’ experience as a professional intuitive and spiritual teacher. She combines cutting edge science with traditional spirituality to offer the latest understandings of psi, consciousness and holistic well being.