Philosophers, poets, prophets, and metaphysicians throughout time have attempted to explain the nature, character, and causes of being and knowing, the existence of God, and that which is above or beyond the material world. Most people believe they are not just physical; they are also spiritual beings. Indeed, in my efforts to help people develop a will to live and reprioritize their lives, I found their spirituality is what is most important to them.
Who you are physically is determined by your genes, which theoretically goes all the way back to the origin of the human species. To consider who you are spiritually, if we use this same cause and effect logic, we would have to trace ourselves back to the origin of your spiritual nature and what is beyond or behind the physical. Most people think of this origin as God or a Supreme Being.
It’s hard for a finite mind to consider that there is an Original Cause that had no beginning. Where did this Creator come from? However you understand this infinite “Uncaused Cause”, you came from this Divine Creator.
Every major religion has attempted to explain the ultimate nature of reality and has advised people how to live. The ultimate purpose in life is to realize the Eternal Self within, to know of one’s union with this Supreme Being/God, and ways to live in harmony with all of creation. From a spiritual perspective, then, the question, “Who am I?” could be answered: one with God. We are God manifesting in human form.
Awakening is remembering our forgotten identity – realizing that we are more than our body, mind, and the physical. We are body, mind, and spirit. Some would say we are spiritual beings having a physical experience. I believe a more enlightened understanding is that we are spiritual beings having a spiritual experience. We are never separate from our Spiritual Source. We can never leave the heart of God. Enlightenment’s about your human ego transcending a finite sense of itself to an infinite sense of truth or reality.
I have learned that what most people are looking for is peace of mind. This comes when we are able to be ourself, without judgement, doing what gives us the greatest joy and meaning in our lives. From a spiritual perspective, you are most yourself what you realize you are one with your Source/God.
Enlightenment includes these deeper truths: You are perfectly safe and loved. The universe is 100% benevolent – complete harmony, order. There are no mistakes, accidents. You create your own reality with your thoughts and feelings – and take full responsibility for them. True enlightenment is “lightening up” and knowing that there is no where to go, nothing to do, and nobody you have to be except being who you are right now, fully present.
