As I look around, talk to other people and simply observe life, I am left with the opinion that we live in a time of immediate gratification.
You can let me know if you agree.
Whether it’s the time and effort we put into a new venture or project, our jobs, a diet or exercise program and yes, even our own spiritual unfoldment, there appears to be a growing desire for immediacy.
Many want, and on some level I think, expect to see the positive results of our efforts in a very short period of time. We want gratification now!
As it relates to our spiritual lives and all of the things we may put under that heading, here’s the problem with wanting or expecting immediate gratification.
Are you ready?
It doesn’t work!
Oh I know, many people don’t want to hear me say that.
Now please understand that I, for one, do believe that through God’s grace, reaching a state of enlightenment can happen instantly.
But I’m here to tell you that it would be rare.
In this writing I’m not addressing the rare case, I’m speaking about the rest of us.
For example, sometimes an individual will start the practice of meditating and within a short amount of time, a week or two, they will begin to feel frustrated because “nothing’s happening.”
Really?
Where and when did we ever get the idea that working towards something so worthwhile would be achieved so quickly?
Growth doesn’t always come right away.
When you plant seeds in your garden, you don’t dig up the plant to see how it’s doing!
Initially, none of the plant’s growth is observable from above the ground. We can’t see it, but the roots are preparing themselves to support the entire plant.
Similarly, when you place yourself on a spiritual path (whatever that path is for you), give your efforts and learning some time to mature, some time for the foundational roots to develop.
Many people hop from one spiritual practice to another without giving themselves ample time for growth to take hold and breakthrough.
In other words, they are digging up the plant because they couldn’t see what’s going on (and didn’t want to wait!) for the plant to break through the soil.
Instead, they start a new practice all over again with some newly purchased seeds.
So don’t give up. It’s a process.
Have some patience with yourself.
Think about it…
For however many years, we have developed a way of looking at the world, our beliefs, our perspectives and attitudes towards, well, everything.
Then, when it comes time to make a shift, to transform (which means to change from one state of mind into another), we shouldn’t expect our transformation to happen within a few short weeks.
More times than not, we first have to un-learn what we have learned… in order to make room for new, renewed learning and growth to take place.
Make sense?
Much of what I am suggesting boils down to applying the “D” word into the journey along our spiritual path.
The “D” word is, well you guessed it: Discipline.
Think of any spiritual master, from any world tradition, ancient or modern-day and I believe when you look closely at their lives, at their journeys, you’ll find that they became disciplined in their spiritual work.
For some of us, discipline comes naturally; for others, it takes focus and effort.
Whichever group you may fall into, or somewhere in between, this I know to be true:
We all possess the raw materials inside of us to set our minds to anything we deem worthwhile.
Be present and alive in your spiritual practices, don’t get bogged down by your expectations.
Even those of you who have a been on a path of spiritual unfoldment for some time, who have made great strides in expanding their consciousness up to and including personally experiencing oneness with God, realize that growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line.
That even after periods of growth, there are plateaus where everything levels off for a time.
It is during these plateau periods when we have the opportunity to fully integrate into our daily lives what we have learned during the growth periods.
So I encourage you, no matter where you are personally in your spiritual journey, don’t fall into the trap of wanting immediate gratification.
Be patient with yourself.
Don’t be too quick to jump from this to that.
Reach inside and find the strength (which you have!) to be disciplined in your practice.
I always wish you the highest and best on your spiritual journey. Let me know if you need any guidance along the way.
Much Love to you my friends. Peace 🙂
Michael
