Exploring the Spiritual Pull as We Age
As we grow older, the world around us shifts, and our perspective on life changes. For many, this transition brings a sense of fulfillment and contentment, but for a startling number, it introduces a feeling of emptiness. This internal void often leads to a strong pull towards spirituality. Why do we feel this way, and how can we embrace this journey?
Feeling Incomplete in a Fulfilling Life
Imagine working hard, persistently towards your goals of achieving personal and professional aspirations. You have built a beautiful life, but why do you still feel incomplete? It's a common experience to achieve our dreams, yet still feel a deep sense of emptiness. This feeling can be disconcerting and challenging, often leading to a search for meaning. The pull towards spirituality emerges as a way to fill this void.
Understanding the Urge for Spirituality
Your feelings of emptiness and the pull towards spirituality are natural and valid. Many of us often struggle with understanding how to address these feelings. One common misconception is that being spiritual means giving up a normal life or living an ascetic lifestyle. Movies, television, and other media have sometimes portrayed spiritual practices as requiring seclusion from the world. However, these perceptions can be misleading.
Being spiritual does not mean ignoring your responsibilities. Being married, having children, and fulfilling household duties can be incredibly fulfilling experiences. They do not have to be contradictory to spiritual practices. In fact, many spiritual traditions celebrate the sanctity of family life and community involvement.
Embracing Spiritual Practices
So, how can you start on this path? Here are some steps and resources to consider:
Explore Different Spiritual Practices
When Shanmugam asked, 'To whom must I follow for a spiritual path?', he pointed to the diversity and independence of choice in spiritual paths. You may choose to explore different spiritual practices without committing to one lifelong.
Popular Spiritual Practices
1. Inner Engineering by Isha Yoga: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev offers this course, which encourages introspection and creates a deeper connection within. It has gained much recognition and positive feedback. Consider checking reviews online and starting with a course like this to see if it resonates with you.
Key Considerations
2. Always remember not to blindly follow any instructor or tradition. Even enlightened beings, like most human beings, are fallible and can have moments of anger or error. However, they are deeply compassionate and do not wish ill-will upon anyone, even animals and creatures.
Embracing spirituality is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Keep an open mind and explore different practices to find what works for you. It's important to integrate these practices into your daily life without neglecting your responsibilities, including your family and other commitments. Right people and things will come into your life when you are truly seeking.
Focus on the Present Moment
In addition to exploring spiritual practices, consider shifting your focus to the present moment. Many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of being present and finding happiness in the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or the future. Many modern spiritual practitioners advocate for embracing the present moment to achieve a state of happiness and fulfillment.
While planning for the future is important, it should not come at the cost of living in the present. Strive to strike a balance between the two, ensuring that your present is comfortable and fulfilling. This approach can lead to a more satisfied and content future.
Money is often seen as a source of happiness, but it is only a tool and not a guarantee. Happiness is a state of mind, and it can be found in the present moment. Embrace this fact and work to create a blend of planning for the future while staying grounded in the present.
Conclusion
Evolving from a sense of emptiness and seeking spiritual fulfillment is a transformative journey. It’s important to stay unbiased and explore various spiritual practices without imposing preconceptions. By embracing the present moment and integrating spiritual practices into your life, you can find a sense of fulfillment and contentment. Keep seeking and keep learning, and you will find the path that resonates with you.