Spirituality 101

So many blogs I follow mention something along the lines of, “I’ve begun [or I’m on] my spiritual journey”. When I read this, I think to myself… “Well, that’s interesting and what the heck are you talking about?” Not to sound offensive, but if you’re on some spiritual quest, what is the destination? Aha, but then there’s the old adage, “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”. Oh wow, really?! Please screw with me some more, instead of providing metaphors ad infinitum, thank you very much.

Often I wonder if people who consider themselves to be spiritual are just trying to escape the reality created by materialistic society. Can’t really blame them, the world as we know it is split into the haves and have-nots. Be it coincidence or not, the ones who choose to pursue a spiritual path are usually the have-nots. By this, I mean the ones who’ve been marginalized or ostracized by modern society, because they’re considered out-of-the-ordinary, too weak, too crazy, too freaky, you get the picture.

The haves are the ones who conform. The ones who decide to settle, to get a job, get married, have kids, a family, a normal-regular-good-old-fashioned lifestyle. Can’t really blame them either, ’cause what’s one gotta do around here? If you don’t know what to do with your life and you’re lacking critical thinking faculties, might as well follow the crowd. Everyone’s gotta make a living somehow, right?

I can’t really judge either side, they both have their merits and downfalls. It’s not like one lifestyle is better than another, they’re just different. People don’t like different, they want others to be the same as them. Maybe not exactly the same, but on a similarly aligned path.

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But I digress. Coming back, whoever decides to pursue a spiritual journey is clearly heading towards some objective. Otherwise, why would he or she decide to live in such a manner, in the first place? Anyways, the objective may differ, depending on what kind of belief system one’s in tune with. The Christians and Catholics’ purpose in life is obviously to serve and worship Jesus Christ, their almighty God. Fair Enough. Muslims have a similar vision, except that their God is Allah. Buddhists and non-religious spiritualists believe in Enlightenment, as their spiritual path. Then, of course, there are several other religions such as Hinduism, Shintoism, Judaism, Shamanism, Theosophy, Occultism, and what not.

Ah, perhaps there’s one group of very particular people who I haven’t mentioned. These are the atheists/agnostics of the world. The younger generations increasingly belong in this category. Their main way of living is hedonistic; their goals are the accumulation of material wealth, power, social status/connections, and obviously, the pursuit of happiness. In this way, there’s no room for God or the supernatural. “The Third Eye? LOL, what’s that?”, they may say to you. Everything has to conform to reason and the objective reality of the 5 senses.

I must confess that I belonged in this latter group for the vast majority of my life. Until one fateful night, I took the “red pill”. D’you know that scene in the Matrix, where Neo has to decide between taking the red or blue pill?

Well, I honestly think that what this movie scene is referencing to is psychedelics. Because after tripping out on hallucinogens, for the first time several years ago, my life has never quite been the same as before. Although it’s not the only possible reference, because some people may experience something similar by “taking a leap of faith”, “spiritual awakening through meditation”, or other possible methods… it’s what I feel is true for me.

Anyways, I find it funny and amusing how a lot of spiritual people end up quoting or referencing the Matrix. And I ended up doing the same just now, oh the irony.

Overall, I feel that there is something greater to life than just the ordinary and mundane routine of everyday existence. Some call it God, I call it Love. Love makes sense to me. I feel like no words would do justice to try to describe or explain what love is, even if many people have attempted to do so and have come close. But everyone understands love, ’cause love conquers all. So, that’s what I believe in. What d’you believe in?

Thank you for reading! Also, I want to give a big hug to all my followers so far, just reached 100 a few days ago. It’s very humbling and satisfying, so thank you again and cheers!

[Edit: Note to self and readers, writing while being drunk is probably not a good idea, even if it’s the weekend]