The Spiritual Path - a Razor's Edge

Balancing Between Enlightenment and Temptation

Hi dear friend.

The spiritual journey is like walking on a razors edge, yet it offers us the promise of finding inner peace, gaining wisdom, and reaching enlightenment.

But if you've taken even a few steps along this profound voyage, you know that it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The razor's edge can be an unstable path, especially when it comes to maintaining discipline and practice. Let me share a personal glimpse into this challenging aspect of my spiritual adventure.

I’m starting my day with the best of intentions. I always rise before dawn these day, not my choice, it just happens. With a heart full of devotion, I light an inscent and sit down to meditate, hoping to connect with the divinity within me. But as I close my eyes, my mind begins to resemble a turmoil filled marketplace.

Thoughts rush in, uninvited and relentless, about work, family, and the never-ending to-do list which steals my attention. I try to focus on my breath, but my thoughts stray like persistent mosquitoes on a summer evening.

This is where the razor's edge becomes particularly sharp. The discipline required to tame the mind and cultivate a consistent practice can feel like an uphill battle. It's a struggle to resist the urge to check our phones and social media notifications, as well as dealing with all the distractions in our day-to-day lives.

I frequently face the challenge of balancing discipline and practice. There are days when the meditation cushion seems miles away, and the yoga mat might as well be on another planet. In those moments, I've learned to accept and acknowledge that meditation sessions can vary. It's perfectly okay to have days when my mind feels restless or disrupted. It is of no use to be overly critical towards myself. I remind myself that meditation is a practice, and like any other skill, it has its ups and downs.

The solution lies in understanding that these fluctuations are entirely normal. Our minds are very complex, and outside factors can impact our meditation experience. Instead of being harsh on ourselves, it's of course a lot more beneficial to be kind, patient and in acceptance of where we are on our journey.

Most of the spiritual path is off the meditation cushion anyway. When I was deep into my studies with my teacher and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (the science of the mind), I could pick one practise and really be mindful of that one the entire day. For example Ahimsa (non-violence). Well, that’s easy, you might think. But it needs to include thoughts about yourself, as well.

Ahimsa is a principle of non-violence and compassion. It encourages us to avoid causing harm to others, whether it's through physical actions, words, or even thoughts. It extends to all living beings, including animals and the environment. Ahimsa is about promoting peace, kindness, and understanding in our interactions with the world around us, and within ourselves.

The most difficult one for me these days is non attachment. In India, there's a saying: ‘Don't be like a monkey with its hand stuck in a jar. The monkey won't let go of the shiny object inside and stays trapped.’ Non attachment, or 'Vairagya,' means learning to let go of things, desires and outcomes. It's about finding freedom and happiness by not being overly attached to the material world. It also means not being attached to the outcomes and fruits of our actions. And this one can be tricky for me.

But hey, I’m a work in progress and will always be a student in this uni-verse-city. I fall off the razors edge and bleed sometimes. I do believe in doing my best in the present moment though, knowing that the results are not entirely in my control. This way, I can find contentment in the process, knowing that the fruits of my actions are subject to many factors out of my hands.

So don't be disheartened by the difficulty of maintaining a spiritual discipline and practice. Invite the challenge as a part of your spiritual growth. As you balance this delicate equilibrium, remember that it's the journey itself that reveals the beauty and depth of your soul. Keep walking, one mindful step at a time, and you'll find that the path becomes smoother with each day.

Until next week. Be grateful and curious

Much love,

Kim