Spirituality in the Modern World

Spirituality was once explored by those who sought ought a new way of life in hopes of discovering a "rebirth" or finding a new beginning. Searching souls who hoped to attain a certain level of self-realization embarked upon its intricately sacred journeys with sincere passion and an eager enthusiasm. Today spirituality has become popular and trendy. It is a subject of common interest that is now only glanced upon by people sitting around tables at coffee shops, and the like, all over the country. People will collect books on spirituality, read all that is available to read, learn all they can on the subject and then never apply, or even attempt to apply, these new concepts into their day-to-day living. They want to transform their lives and improve their relationships yet don't see the importance of incorporating this new found knowledge into their everyday living. Many of the concepts found in spirituality are so simple that many see them as petty and miniscule, not understanding that these "small" tools when applied can have a profound impact on one's life.

We, in the western world, place more emphasis on materialism and "things" than any other culture in the world. In my travels I have seen families, literally living in cardboard shacks, that are happy with what they don't have. Their vision hasn't been clouded by the "luxuries" of the modern world. Many of those people that we see as poor have the wealth of spiritual knowledge. In their humility they have found the courage to do what most of us are afraid of--true soul searching. While we hide behind our material riches so many of these others have not only discovered the birthright that we are all entitled to but are also fulfilling it. That birthright is the right of happiness.

It is disheartening to see interpersonal relationships that never have the chance to flourish, and sometimes even fail, because we are so "lost" in this world where material possessions matter more than love and serenity. The importance of looking into ourselves for answers becomes even more profound when we realize the delusion we are living in. It will be argued that in today's fast-paced and developed world there isn't time to sit and meditate upon the purpose of our lives or to ponder why we are here. Though there may be some truth to this it is also true that these practices can help guide us when making decisions in a world where we tend to make our responsibility to others a priority. It should not be mistaken as that we don't have a responsibility to others but our first priority should be our responsibility to ourselves.

The essence of true spirituality is in learning humility and surrounding ourselves with positive thought patterns, releasing the fear of change, and creating a world where we can live in unity with love and peace at the core of our very beings.