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and counselors throughout the world, all in an effort to discover our wholeness. Even though we have an army of guides and countless beings accompanying us on this journey, we
still encounter numerous challenges that can sabotage even the efforts of the most
valiant pilgrim.
This spiritual quest we seek is at the center of our very existence, and usually arouses a strong sense of commitment and dedication. Many of us set out on this journey with only an intention and vision of what life could be. Along this path we may confront situations that could leave even the most enthusiastic person disappointed and depressed. One of the biggest pitfalls I’ve encountered is a strong sense to “overdramatize” the journey. The drama is what often makes it a more difficult struggle than it has to be. This is not to undermine the challenges and obstacles each of us encounters, but there is a simplicity and joyfulness within the searching that
is often overlooked.
With our human spirit inspiring us onward, we can overcome any obstacle that keeps us from discovering the fullness of who we are. The following is a list of hurdles one might encounter on their path to enlightenment. If through awareness you are able to see the lessons such obstacles hold, then you may be able to find and accept a life filled with more joy and peace.
PLACING THE TEACHER ON A PEDESTAL
How many of you have done this? This scenario crosses all spiritual lines whether it involves a minister, priest, rabbi, teacher or other spiritual leaders. It’s our human tendency to associate an authority figure or a person we come to for guidance and direction as a person directly
connected to God.
We want desperately to believe our spiritual leaders lead lives of purity and integrity. And although certain individuals may be closer to sainthood than others, most of us, spiritual leaders included are human and still learning.
Therefore, exercise caution when dealing with any spiritual teacher who sets himself/herself up as an authority. Often the teacher themselves don’t even realize they have fallen prey to their own egos. God, or your own inner spiritual source, is the only true authority and it’s only from that heart space you will find truth.
THE SPIRITUAL EGO
As we begin to claim our power, certain miraculous experiences and abilities often present themselves. Incidents and synchronicity increase as we open up to the magic of the universe. We may develop intuitive abilities, as well as increased capability to manifest what we desire.
These occurrences are all part of connecting with our God self. However, the challenge is not to become enamored by our own spiritual potential. One way to prevent the ego from running amuck is to realize that it is not you, but the God within that does the work. Remember that we are channels for the outpouring of Spirit. By reminding yourself of this it can help keep the ego under control and allow you to enjoy your miraculous manifestations.
SUPERIORITY COMPLEX
For those of us on a Spiritual path, it doesn’t take long before we become painfully aware of the differences between us and those following a more conventional path. At this point you may feel isolated as if you “don’t belong.” To compensate, you may cultivate an attitude of superiority. By telling yourself that only you are on the correct road while others are misguided. This behavior is strictly ego driven and can become dangerous. If left unattended it will lead you away from the very spirit you seek.
A solution to this dilemma would be to recognize that you are different, not superior. Respect each individuals right to find his or her way. Eventually, feelings of isolation will lessen as you open your heart to humanity and embrace the uniqueness of each individual.
This was a big lesson for me. As I grew and expanded my personal consciousness I thought it was my job to save and rescue everyone around me. A teacher of mine once said, “who do you think you are?” What a dis-service you do to the others when you treat them “less-than” the God they really are. Everyone is more than capable of taking care of themselves, love them, support them, but let them learn their own lessons.
JUDGEMENTS
There is nothing wrong with teachings that focus strictly on the positive and good attributes of the universe. The danger occurs when the negative side is not acknowledged at all. This creates a backlog of negative emotion in the subconscious, which unless dealt with and released will certainly result in unpleasant consequences. There are many professional counselors and healers that focus primarily in the area of releasing negative energy.
I was amazed when I first encountered this work on my path. The “little” things that kept coming up, the events and people impacting my life were so deeply hidden after years of denial. When finally released, it felt as though a weight had been lifted off my body. I must say, the process itself was not very pleasant, but the reward of freedom is well worth it.
A key point to remember when faced with unpleasant thoughts and experiences is to release them. Our human tendency is to hold onto everything....dramatize the whole experience. It’s only when we enter into the vast realm of all our feelings, positive as well as negative that we
become fully alive.
WRAPPED UP IN CO-CREATING
As we become aware of our power to co- create, it’s natural to assume that we can use it to get exactly what we want. By utilizing the powers of visualization, belief, desire and other creative tools, we often begin to create what we picture in our mind. Eventually, this impresses us so much that we dramatize and intensify the experience. We begin to notice that some of the things we desire don’t manifest at all, or appear in a different way. Confused and disillusioned, we obsess over the reasons why the manifestation process works sometimes and not at other times.
When you start the spiritual journey your ego remains in control of your consciousness while your higher self plays a secondary role. Eventually, as you open-up and commit yourself to the development of your higher self, the ego assumes the secondary position. When the ego is in control we create out of desire, and manifesting wishes. As the spirit takes over, desires are not realized and you surrender to the universe’s divine plan.
THE WONDERFUL LIFE
A common myth often associated with the Spiritual journey is that your life will somehow become perfect. No more problems, Spirit will take care of everything, unfortunately, usually the opposite occurs. Lives fall apart; and you begin to see that the way you lived in the past doesn’t work anymore. Frustrated and desperate you may look for new ways of living, only to find them inadequate as well. This scenario usually occurs in the “between” time, right before you start to see the positive results of the choices you made in your life.
The important thing to remember is that YOU made the choice to profoundly alter your being. The spiritual quest is all about transformation and sometimes transformation can be difficult. The good news is that as you continue developing spiritually, the challenges appear less frequently and last for shorter periods of time.
These are only a few of the Spiritual challenges each of us may encounter on our journey to enlightenment. It is important to know that they exist and that no one can avoid them completely. But with awareness and understanding you can transform them from Spiritual pitfalls into Spiritual opportunities.