I was thinking about this whole idea of spiritual growth, religion and meaning as they relate to personal development. I decided to do some Googling and found an article from the BBC where folks like you and me describe 21st Century Spirituality. It was nothing more than a series of quotes from a diverse group of people. Very interesting!
There were so many pieces to this. The quotes were short, but they make a patchwork of incredible insight. One woman described her spirituality this way:
Instead of looking outwards, it becomes an opportunity to look inwards. I bring these abandoned parts from the shadows back into the light, until I know myself as this light. It is a journey of awakening. Spirituality is inseparable from life. It is a way of experiencing the truth of this moment with a clear mind and an open heart. Life is this truth manifest.
How interesting is that?!? Take a look at those themes, and consider how many of them are familiar to you on your search: “inwards,” “light,” “know[ing],” “journey,” “awakening,” “experiencing,” “moment,” “open,” “truth,” “manifest.”
That’s a lot of words, I know, but that’s the point. These were just a few short sentences, but in them were contained so many of the words we commonly associate with the journey of personal growth, personal development, and the spiritual journey.
The point is this: We’re out there on the road, trying to figure this whole thing out. Or, as some would have me say it, allowing this whole thing to get figured out. It’s easy to believe we’re alone. It’s easy to dwell on mistakes, experience anxiety, feel isolated…to give up. But what binds us all is this common lingo. There are certain words that act as beacons to other people walking this path. Challenge yourself to get into conversation with other people who use these words. Listen to E7 of The Nobody Guide to Life podcast, “Your Inner Intuitive,” where we interviewed an intuitive, and see where you can make room in your life for those gut feelings. Dare yourself to speak to someone new. To extend yourself. Build a bond. Join a community. Use the words. Take a chance!
Yes, personal and spiritual growth can be a very individual path. But there are others out there. This is a journey, after all, and it’s nice to have some company along the way. Let me know how you define the journey and how you reach out to others. That’s a good first step to building connections.