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Way-Showing
February 22, 2018
"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony."
Thomas Merton
There is a story about a Buddhist monk who, during meditation, began to levitate. When he exclaimed, "I have mastered levitation!" his teacher merely replied, "Very good. Now get back to meditating."
It's easy for spiritual seekers in contemporary Western society to get caught up in the quest for peak experiences. It may begin with the soul's ignition - that moment when we hear the one truth that resonates so strongly it sets us upon a path of discovery and our lives are forever changed.
I remember when it happened to me. How exciting it was to receive amazing insights during meditation, to marvel at the synchronicities and signs that would show up in everyday life, to feel how good it feels when intuition kicks into a higher gear.
And I was sooooo fortunate to have a wonderful teacher and mentor when I started my spiritual journey in the 1990s: my mother. Not only was she on a similar path to me, she was much farther along and generously paved the way. By the time I was ready to really explore, she was an ordained minister, certified clairvoyant medium and certified spiritual healer, well equipped to provide loving, practical guidance when I needed it. Because the spiritual path can get precarious at times....
It's easy for spiritual seekers in contemporary Western society to get caught up in the quest for peak experiences. It may begin with the soul's ignition - that moment when we hear the one truth that resonates so strongly it sets us upon a path of discovery and our lives are forever changed.
I remember when it happened to me. How exciting it was to receive amazing insights during meditation, to marvel at the synchronicities and signs that would show up in everyday life, to feel how good it feels when intuition kicks into a higher gear.
And I was sooooo fortunate to have a wonderful teacher and mentor when I started my spiritual journey in the 1990s: my mother. Not only was she on a similar path to me, she was much farther along and generously paved the way. By the time I was ready to really explore, she was an ordained minister, certified clairvoyant medium and certified spiritual healer, well equipped to provide loving, practical guidance when I needed it. Because the spiritual path can get precarious at times....
The precarious path
One way that this occurs: we attend an event or take a class in a metaphysical topic, and all this cool stuff happens. We want more. So we take more classes, we apply the tools and techniques, we share with friends and family members. Perhaps we get an inkling that it can become a bigger part of our lives - maybe we can use the healing modality (or essential oils, oracle cards, crystals, astrology, mediumship, whatever) to help others. We may even come to believe that it is part of our purpose.
What we don't realize is that our souls have another purpose: our Higher Souls want to grow and heal and evolve spiritually. When we learn and apply and share this gift, we will experience opportunity after opportunity to let go of our limiting beliefs, to enhance our self-esteem, to forgive our parents or first loves or terrible bosses, to clarify our intentions and test our affirmations.
Let me give an example: meditation. As we explore and practice the various forms, we learn first-hand the myriad benefits. We may feel blissful during meditation and afterwards, we even notice that we are more creative, better able to focus, and less affected by external stressors. Yet even with a daily meditation practice, we still say unkind things, get angry at other drivers, judge neighbors, lose our tempers, overindulge in guilty pleasures, steal ideas, feel superior to people, look the other way, wake up in a bad mood, have anxiety attacks - I could go on and on.
What we don't realize is that our souls have another purpose: our Higher Souls want to grow and heal and evolve spiritually. When we learn and apply and share this gift, we will experience opportunity after opportunity to let go of our limiting beliefs, to enhance our self-esteem, to forgive our parents or first loves or terrible bosses, to clarify our intentions and test our affirmations.
Let me give an example: meditation. As we explore and practice the various forms, we learn first-hand the myriad benefits. We may feel blissful during meditation and afterwards, we even notice that we are more creative, better able to focus, and less affected by external stressors. Yet even with a daily meditation practice, we still say unkind things, get angry at other drivers, judge neighbors, lose our tempers, overindulge in guilty pleasures, steal ideas, feel superior to people, look the other way, wake up in a bad mood, have anxiety attacks - I could go on and on.
It gets worse
At times it may even seem like life gets a lot worse. As one of my spiritual teachers said, "Meditating regularly is like being fertilized. Throw the fertilizer on the ground and whatever is in the ground - either good or bad seeds - will grow. Everything, whether vice or virtue, is magnified." Master Choa Kok Sui, Achieving Oneness with the Higher Soul.
And why would our souls want - or allow - us to experience amplification of our vices as well as our virtues? Because as we experience these unpleasant situations, we will eventually be motivated enough to do the inner work. Face our fears. Let go of resistance. Resolve issues. Heal pain. Make things right. Rise to the challenge. Reach our highest potential.
For millennia, people on the spiritual path lived in monasteries, where they received extensive training and where their elders could oversee their progress and provide counsel. But modern Westerners don't have that luxury, especially if their interests lie in metaphysical studies.
This is why it is so important to build a strong support system, and to engage with trained spiritual mentors - people who have walked the path ahead of you and have weathered their own lessons and crises. You simply cannot get this support with an occasional workshop, psychic reading, or energy healing session.
And why would our souls want - or allow - us to experience amplification of our vices as well as our virtues? Because as we experience these unpleasant situations, we will eventually be motivated enough to do the inner work. Face our fears. Let go of resistance. Resolve issues. Heal pain. Make things right. Rise to the challenge. Reach our highest potential.
For millennia, people on the spiritual path lived in monasteries, where they received extensive training and where their elders could oversee their progress and provide counsel. But modern Westerners don't have that luxury, especially if their interests lie in metaphysical studies.
This is why it is so important to build a strong support system, and to engage with trained spiritual mentors - people who have walked the path ahead of you and have weathered their own lessons and crises. You simply cannot get this support with an occasional workshop, psychic reading, or energy healing session.
Support system
For your support system, I recommend that you consider the following.
A teacher. Perhaps the teacher who initially inspired you fills this role - one who has gone before you, who leads by example, and who shows the way. Your teacher may be a person currently in the flesh, or it may be a historical spiritual leader. Oftentimes, your initial teacher evolves into the role of mentor as you grow and become ready for higher teachings.
Sound teachings. A body of knowledge that stands the test of time, that applies to a variety of circumstances, that is both inspirational and practical, and that encompasses the material as well as the spiritual. These may be the "truths" by which you come to live your life, and you follow them because they work and you experience for yourself their benefits.
A supportive community. This includes friends, colleagues, and mentors. You may find a ready-made community within a single organization; however, you may need to organize a support team of your own that can meet your changing needs as you grow. Your role within the community and your relationships with other members will also grow and change as you serve and participate within the community.
Your inner compass
Ideally, it takes all three of these things. And that's where an organization such as Inner Compass comes into play. We may fill each of these roles. A teacher for those who are new to metaphysical subjects. Sound teachings - a few of our own creation, and many more to recommend from proven sources. And most important, a supportive community that brings together people of like minds among whom you can build relationships that will support you along your journey.
We hope you'll engage with our mentorship programs, and participate in several of our community events. As we often say, we hope that among our many offerings you'll find some that you feel were created just for you.