Patience and Community in the Spiritual Journey

In today’s fast-paced world, spiritual seekers can sometimes feel a sense of urgency to “arrive” at their destination of enlightenment or spiritual fulfillment. However, the truth is that the path to spiritual awakening is neither quick nor linear. It requires patience, community support, and a willingness to evolve beyond preconceived notions.

One of the most difficult yet rewarding aspects of personal growth is the need for patience.  When we begin to uncover new energies and insights, it’s natural to want to immediately understand and integrate them into our lives. However, new words and concepts often falteringly chase this newfound energy. They need time to solidify and become a part of our everyday understanding.

Imagine planting a seed. We wouldn’t expect it to become a towering tree overnight. Similarly, our spiritual and personal growth requires nurturing and time.  We need to be patient with ourselces as we explore these new dimensions of understanding. Trust that with time, our new insights will become our second nature..

While individual contemplation is essential, it is equally important to find like-minded individuals and communities for support. Spiritual journeys are enriched when shared. Having a community allows us to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and find comfort in knowing that others are walking similar paths.

Community doesn’t just offer emotional support; it also provides a space for accountability and growth. When we share our experiences and challenges, we not only help ourselves by expressing them but also contribute to the collective wisdom of the group. This mutual exchange fosters a deeper understanding and helps us assimilate new concepts more effectively.

Another critical element in spiritual growth is the willingness to evolve. Holding onto rigid beliefs can hinder our progress. Allow ourselves the freedom to question, explore, and even discard old beliefs that no longer serve us. This evolution is not a sign of weakness but of strength and adaptability.

Our concept of God, for instance, might change over time. One day, we may wake up with no concrete notion of God at all. This moment can feel incredibly isolating, as if we’ve lost a part of ourself. However, it is precisely at this point that the real spiritual adventure begins. Qe are now free to explore spirituality on our terms, unbound by preconceived notions.

Feeling momentarily alone after a significant shift in belief or understanding is a natural part of the spiritual journey. This sense of isolation is not a void but a space for new growth and insights. It marks the beginning of a new phase, where we can forge a deeper connection with our true self and the world around us.

Patience, community, and the willingness to evolve are key components of a fulfilling spiritual journey. By allowing ourselves the time to grow, seeking support from like-minded individuals, and being open to change, we pave the way for a richer, more profound spiritual experience. Remember, the path to enlightenment is a marathon, not a sprint. Our spiritual adventure is just beginning, and the possibilities are limitless.


Bruce

Presently, I am 67 years old, and I am learning how to live the life of a retired person. I am married to Sharon White, a retired hospice nurse, and writer. Whose Death Is It Anyway-A Hospice Nurse Remembers Sharon is a wonderful friend and life partner of nearly 30 years. We have three grandsons through two of Sharon's children. I am not a published writer or poet. My writings are part of my new life in retirement. I have recently created a blog, and I began filling it up with my writings on matters of recovery and spirituality. I saw that my blog contained enough material for a book, so that is now my new intention, to publish a book, if only so that my grandsons can get to know who their grandfather really was, once I am gone. The title for my first book will be: Penetrating The Conspiracy Of Silence, or, How I Lived Beyond My Expiration Date I have since written 7 more books, all of which are now posted on this site. I have no plans to publish any of them, as their material is not of general interest, and would not generate enough income to justify costs. I have taken a deep look at life, and written extensively about it from a unique and rarely communicated perspective. Some of my writing is from 2016 on to the present moment. Other writing covers the time prior to 1987 when I was a boy, then an addict and alcoholic, with my subsequent recovery experience, and search for "Truth". Others are about my more recent experiences around the subjects of death, dying, and transformation, and friends and family having the most challenging of life's experiences. There are also writings derived from my personal involvement with and insight into toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic capitalism, and all of their intersections with our leadere. These topics will not be a draw for all people, as such personal and/or cultural toxicities tends to get ignored, overlooked, or "normalized" by those with little time for insight, introspection, or interest in other people's points of view on these troubling issues. There also will be a couple of writings/musings about "GOD", but I try to limit that kind of verbal gymnastics, because it is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight. Yes, my books are non-fiction, and are not good reading for anybody seeking to escape and be entertained. Some of the writings are spiritual, philosophical and intellectual in nature, and some descend the depths into the darkest recesses of the human mind. I have included a full cross section of all of my thoughts and feelings. It is a classic "over-share", and I have no shame in doing so. A Master Teacher once spoke to me, and said "no teacher shall effect your salvation, you must work it out for yourself". "Follow new paths of consciousness by letting go of all of the mental concepts and controls of your past". This writing represents my personal work towards that ultimate end.