DreamWeaver Magazine

Rev. Melissa Leath

Being on a spiritual path does not ensure instant enlightenment.

“What?” you say.

Sorry, but our life experiences are a bit more intricate than that.  I like to think of life as being simple, but there are so many twists and turns --- challenges all the way, that to have instant anything, especially enlightenment could be undesirable.

Being a Spiritual/Personal Growth Counselor, I am asked quite often about it:  “Am I on the right path?” or “What is my Life Path?” and “How do I become enlightened?”

The answer is usually much simpler that people seem to think.  A person’s Life Path is simply to live their life the best they know how.  And in doing so, enlightenment comes.

However, making a decision to follow a spiritual path does ensure the greater likelihood of enlightenment.  What we need to remember is this: having the desire to live a spiritual life is the path to enlightenment.

As soon as the decision is made, then the challenges come!  It does not mean that we will always make the correct choice.  Many of us repeatedly make the wrong choices.  But the more we do, the easier it is to look at the choices and be aware of another way.

Some call this the way of righteousness, which merely means doing that which is right, unmistaken, well in body, mind and spirit.  But the creator gives us innumerable chances to right our thinking.  ‘Spiritual Growth’ is not the name of a weekend intensive that will award you a Certification in Enlightenment.  Rather, it is a Lifetime Intensive.

How Can We Follow the “Way of Righteousness”?

• One very intensive way to right one’s thinking is to really watch the thoughts that come into your head.  Are these thoughts someone else’s opinion?  Is it your opinion?  Look at the thought again in a way that offers no opinion or judgment.  See if it is only truth.  If it is truth, then let it stand on its own merit.  If not truth, then reject it.

In reality, you are in charge of your own thinking.  Many of us are not aware that 75-80% of our thinking is just a continuation of thoughts running in and out of our heads from other sources.

• As part of right thinking, pay attention to your conversations with friends, loved ones and acquaintances.  Are your words uplifting and loving or are they a banter of meaningless statements, bounced off the others words?  There is power in The Word.  Listen thoughtfully before choosing your answer.

Consider the old saying, “Better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”  But more than that, it’s always better to only speak from your heart instead of your head.

• When making decisions, take your time.  There is no rule in the universe that says decisions should be made in a split-second.  Be sure you have all the facts, even in small, insignificant issues.  Review your memory.  Remember how other similar situations played out from the past.  Weigh the issues, reflect on the outcome.

In his book, Start Now! A Book of Soul and Spiritual Exercises, Rudolph Steiner says, “Once we are convinced that a decision is correct, adhere to it with inner steadfastness.  This is right judgment because it was made independently of attraction or aversion.”

We all would like to live in a more spiritual manner.  Being conscious of our actions, thoughts and conversations can be very empowering.  It takes dedication and a strong will.  But we are strong-willed beings.  Otherwise, we would not be here now.

Life is our constant teacher, and will always hand us just what we need to become spiritually aware in life.  Any time we make poor decisions, or do something incorrectly, it only serves as an experience to learn from.  Then we have the opportunity to do it differently another time.  All experiences lead to better understanding.

The way we act on the experiences hones our spiritual growth.  This includes hardships we endure, difficult relationships, the loved ones that we lose, the financial challenges we face.  Using these tools for spiritual growth can give us greater clarity in our life path.  These are the things that polish our spirit. In the polishing, we receive enlightenment.

This life you are living right now – this is your spiritual growth.

 

Internationally known spiritual teacher and lecturer, Rev. Melissa Leath is the author of “The Go-Between: Bridging the Gap” and “Meditation, Plain and Simple Workbook,” available at Amazon.com.  Visit her websites: www.123SpiritualGrowth.com and www.MeditationMadeEasy.com.