Our intrinsic nature as spiritual beings transcends our worldly experiences, which often manifest as suffering impacting either our body, mind, or both. Physical conditions predominantly affect the body, whereas mental challenges such as anguish, anxiety, and frustration weigh heavily on the mind. Ideally, our spirit remains untouched by such tribulations. A susceptibility to this suffering suggests an overidentification with the material world.
The essence of spiritual evolution lies in discerning the difference between our physical selves and our spiritual essence. Our bodies are temporary vessels, not our true identity. Our roots and final destination are in the spiritual realm. Life in the material world is but a preparation stage for our eventual ascension or return, possibly to a higher or lower spiritual plane, or even to physical existence again.
Attaining true spiritual consciousness offers a certain "liberation" from the material world's sufferings. This state is analogous to a deep lake whose depths remain undisturbed, though its surface may ripple with the winds. This metaphor highlights the tranquility and stability achievable through spiritual growth.
A common societal behavior is the concealment of one's age, erroneously prioritizing the quantity of years lived over the quality of life experiences. However, the essence of life is not measured in years but in how each year is lived. It's our life's approach that shapes our elderly years. Physical age is a mere numerical construct, a simple calculation of the present date minus one's birthdate. In contrast, spiritual maturity is the true measure of growth and evolution.
Spiritual maturity brings clarity in discerning life's essentials, enhancing our ability to manage people and situations effectively. It fosters a light-hearted, jovial, and adventurous demeanor, akin to a child's innocence yet coupled with the wisdom of a journey well-traveled. This path isn't measured in physical distances but in the depth of wisdom accumulated through varied life experiences.
Photo by Ross Sokolovski on Unsplash