Simplifying Spirituality

It Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming

Every once in a while, I’ll get a comment or an email from someone who is very distraught, because they think they’re doing something wrong on their spiritual path or their life is a mess, and they think it’s because they haven’t don’t something right spiritually.  The desperation and despair comes across so clearly, I often need to take a deep breath before I can answer them, hoping I can help them calm down and help to alleviate the stress they feel.

A lot of books, programs, “gurus,” and spiritual writers aggravate the situation when they suggest that there’s only one right way to proceed on the spiritual path, or they set expectations of what will or should happen along the way.  There’s also a lot of misinformation, not to mention expectations and just the vocabulary associated with spirituality can be intimidating and misleading!  Dark nights of the soul, shadow work, breakthroughs, divine guidance, channeling, mediumship, dark vs. light forces, twin flames, Akashic Records, Angel readings, dimensions, astral projection, psychic gifts, … I’m not saying there’s not a place for all of these things, but I will say that some of them do not apply to everyone, and I think there’s a need to get back to basics, tune into what works best for you, and simplify things. 

Sometimes the spiritual path can lead to stressful things, especially when you’re met with resistance, lack of support, or even persecution from ignorant people.  It’s uncomfortable to question things sometimes, especially if those things include ideas that no longer resonate or make sense to you, or the people around you are discouraging.  I’ve certainly had to deal with those things through my journey, and I still do from time to time, but I’m pretty confident in my path and when I’m not, I do some soul searching and adjust as needed. 

Whereas there are many ways to go about growing spiritually, there are a few things to consider while on the path:

1.     There is no right or wrong way to do things

2.     There is no one way that works for everyone

3.     While change and evolution can feel uncomfortable at times, it should not be devastating; if it is, something needs to change

4.     Growing spiritually does not guarantee that your life will be easy and wonderful all the time

5.     The most important person on this journey is YOU; other people are optional

Anyone who tells you that everyone has to follow a particular procedure or experience certain things is mistaken. Spirituality is very individualistic.  Not only do different things work for different people, but everyone’s experience is unique to them, and if you decide you want to find a spiritual path that leads to growth and expansion, the most important thing to consider is you and how you respond to whatever you’re doing.  Depending on your situation and on your background, needs, personality, etc., there might be times of uncertainty, frustration, and discomfort, but there should also be times of joy, hope, love, and peace!  Growing spiritually should make your life better, not worse.  There may be some iffy moments as you grow and discover, but you should not be miserable for any length of time.  Overall, it should be a positive experience.

I asked the Archangels to expand on this idea of spiritual paths and growth, and their response follows.

Question:  A lot of people are curious and want to explore spirituality for various reasons, but some are frustrated, afraid, disappointed, desperate, and lost in terms of how to proceed.  Can you please address these concerns and offer some guidance?

Answer:

Without a doubt, there will be positive as well as negative responses experienced on any spiritual path.  Many of the negative points are often due to misinformation, misrepresentation, confusion, and unrealistic expectations regarding spiritual growth, or simply because change can be challenging and uncomfortable, and we will address these things, as well as offer some suggestions on how best to proceed.

Our channel is correct with regard to the five points she listed above.  The most important point interwoven throughout that list is that everyone is different, and no two people will experience the same thing as they explore the spiritual path.  This idea that there is a precise, best way of doing things is very common in religious circles, where people are told exactly what they can and can’t do if they want to succeed and be accepted by their god and be rewarded for their efforts, rather than being punished.  In truth, and we say this with respect for those who require that kind of structure, this does not apply to spiritual growth outside of religion, and it does not have to apply to religion, either. 

The rewards to be found in spiritual growth are internal, rather than external.  You are all already loved unconditionally, and you are all already immortal through your souls, and there is neither reward nor punishment for the choices you make while living on Earth.  You come to Earth to learn, grow, and experience a physical life.  Your soul chooses lessons it hopes to master during each life which will lead to spiritual growth and a closer relationship to the Creator and a more complete understanding of the Universe, and although there is no guarantee or punishment if these goals are not met, there is always spiritual growth attained. 

So, why is pursuing a spiritual path important, if there is a plan already in place?  When you decide to try to grow spiritually, it opens up more doors for growth and understanding.  It leads to a discovery of inner power most do not realize they possess.  It can open up doors to resources most do not realize are at their disposal.  And perhaps most importantly, if you open your heart and mind, it leads to self-discovery and the understanding that you are not alone, and that you have that unconditional love we mentioned before.  There are many “perks” that may or may not come to you in addition to these things, but the self-discovery that you are far more than you realized, the connection to something greater, and the acceptance and Love are the most valuable gifts available to you.

Having said that, the path does not guarantee an easier life or a solution to all of your troubles.  It will not guarantee you riches, power, influence, or smooth sailing for the rest of your life.  Life will continue to challenge you, and you will have to overcome hardships at times, but when you know that you are not alone and that you have the unconditional Love from powerful beings who wish to help you, and when you discover your inner power and learn to use your many gifts, you are far more prepared and self-contained to address whatever obstacles present themselves.

You all have spiritual gifts, because you all carry your soul within your human body.  You all have psychic abilities, and you all receive divine guidance.  These are some of the “perks” we mentioned, and they can be wonderful, but they should not be the focus on your spiritual path.  The idea should not be about what you can gain from being spiritual, but rather what you can discover, and there is much to discover about yourself.  You are so much more than you realize. 

People have a tendency to get caught up in concepts, labels, and vocabulary.  When it comes to spirituality, these things can become hindrances as much or more as they can be helpful.  There is nothing wrong with studying about spiritual things, as long as you keep in mind that not everything applies to everyone, and some things will not apply to you.  Your Guides know what you need, how to help you learn, and what information is helpful to you.  There is no one who has all the answers in terms of how the Universe works or how you can access resources you might need. 

For example, we have been working with our channel for several years now.  We were always meant to become part of her life, and we know what knowledge benefits her the most, as well as what would not be particularly helpful to her at this time.  The vastness of universal knowledge is something you cannot even imagine as human beings, and none of you have the time or the capacity to know or experience it all while you are on Earth during a single lifetime.  Your Guides know what you need most, some of which was decided upon by your soul before you incarnated, and they also know how best to present that information to you.  All of you have high Guides assigned to you, and there are many more, including us, who are happy to help you also, but there is not set procedure to help everyone in the same way. 

It has been the way in the past on Earth to seek and design “one size fits all” solutions and procedures for everyone, but this rarely works, and certainly it does not work in terms of spiritual growth.  You all have different needs and backgrounds, different gifts, strengths, and weaknesses, and we know how best to help you based on these things.  Many times, what you think you need or want differs from your reality.  Our channel comes into contact with people often who want to channel the Archangels and other high Guides, just like she does, but this is not the best option for everyone.  It is the best option for her, but it does not suit everyone.  Even among those who do practice channeling, there are more ways than we can say of accomplishing and experiencing such a thing.  Different information is given to different people in different ways based on the needs of the individual and how they wish to use the information.  The same can be said for those who act as mediums, for those who astral travel, for those who receive insight into the future, and every other type of psychic gifts available.  Not every gift is suitable for every person for several reasons, so to want to experience spirituality, including psychic gifts, like someone else does not make good sense.  If you are able, trust your Guides to know how best to approach you and help you.  This is what we have stated to our channel, and as curious as she is to broaden her spiritual knowledge and experiences, she has accepted the idea that she can and should trust us to know when to introduce new things to her.

Being spiritual does not mean you must or should act in certain, pre-described ways.  The most basic definition of spiritual development we can offer is to say that becoming more spiritual involves developing a closer relationship with your soul and the universe.  The ways to do this are infinite, and the best course of action varies from person to person.  What we will further say is that growing spiritually, while uncomfortable from time to time as you challenge past beliefs and grow and change, should not be devastating or miserable.  If it is, you should find a different path.  There is nothing wrong with you, and we will add that your soul absolutely wants a closer relationship with you as do high Guides, Angels, and your spiritual team, so there is absolutely no chance of rejection for any reason.  You do not have to prove yourself or change or try to be someone or do something you do not want to be or do.  All you have to do is ask your soul and Guides to be a bigger, more present part of your life, and they can take it from there. 

Studying, taking classes, finding a teacher, following a program, etc. are all optional.  None of these things are prerequisites or necessary, unless you find them helpful, which is fine, but not required.  You are already loved and valued, and you already have a spiritual team, including your soul, who wants to help you.  You do not have to convince them of your worthiness.  Try to discard preconceived ideas of what should happen and what it should look like.  Not everyone experiences the same things, regardless of what you may read or hear.  Everyone’s spiritual path and experience is unique.  Never mind the definitions, descriptions, and labels out there.  Every path is different.  There is nothing that applies to everyone.

Go back to basics.  Bring more joy, hope, love, and peace into your life, and call on your Guides and your soul for help.  Pay attention and open your heart and mind to the experience.  Spiritual growth should be a much more positive, rather than negative experience, although there may be some discomfort from time to time as you get to know yourself better.  Pay attention and watch for the guidance that is sent to you so often that you may have overlooked.  Keep in mind that, as you grow and evolve, you should feel better, not worse.  Above all, know that you are loved and accepted already, and there is nothing wrong with you if your experience differs from others you know.  Seek to know yourself better, rather than to be like someone else, for you are indeed wonderful and special in your own rite.

Final Thoughts

There are no rules when it comes to spirituality, which is part of its beauty.  Crystals, incense, Tarot cards, etc. are all optional.  Find what works best for you and know that once you find a path, it doesn’t mean it will never change direction.  As we evolve, so does our purpose, as well as our needs, and our Guides, the Angels, and our spiritual team already know how best to address those things, and they always have our best interests at heart. 

Be patient with yourself, and don’t try to be like someone else.  I love channeling, but I don’t channel like other channels.  I channel in my own way, and it works well for me.  I used to be sad that I couldn’t see the Angels, only hear them, but I’ve learned that the way I do things is best for me.  The Angels knew how to approach me, and they continue to teach me in the ways I best understand.  Channeling and the spiritual path I’m on work well for me, because this path was designed especially for me.  All I had to do was open my heart and mind to it, and my Guides did the rest.  They’ll do the same for you, too, if you invite them into your life.

If you would like to join our group for Friday night meditation with the Archangels, all you have to do is call out to the Angels  and offer your loving energy in the name of this month’s intention, Truth, from wherever you are, at whatever time you’re available.  They’ll do the rest.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Blessings, all.